The UUN proclaims: How SWEET it is! (UUN #9-19)
Dear Exultant Readers —
My-Oh-My! What a day…it was just —pause here for a sec— SWELL!
However it sure didn’t start out that way. The Tommies scored two very quick TDs, seemingly so easy that most of the Red-clad followers were beginning to think it might be a very l-o-n-g day. But our boys settled down, got into a rhythm, and just took it to the Toms. Save for a couple long TD runs by U$T All-Star running back Josh Parks (who really is as good as they say), our Defense stopped everything, getting more dominant as the game wore on and as the Tommies began to sense the bitter reality of impending loss. I had a vision of Fr. Wilfred Theisen watching the game up in the monastery raising an SJU pennant over his head with younger Fathers Lew Grobe and Nick Kleespie holding up his arms, a la Moses being helped by Aaron and Hur in the Israelites' epic Biblical battle against the Purple Amalekites. Ours was an Old Testament-like thrashing of the Tommies.
Jackson Erdmann (No. 2) had all day to throw most of the time, thanks to his Offensive Line.
Foremost there was was our Offensive Line. Words barely are adequate enough to praise what they accomplished, allowing so much time and protection for Jackson Erdmann to tear the opponents’ secondary to pieces, hitting nine different receivers for a total of 451 yards for three passing TDs, with Kai Barber rushing for two more TDs on the ground, giving the Johnnies a total of 558 yards of offensive might against a St. Thomas team that was ranked second in all of Div. III for total defense, allowing an average of only 171 yards per game, and third in Div. III against the pass. So effective were the starting Offensive Line that on Tuesday the entire group was named to the d3football.com National Team of the Week.
Receiving national attention after being named to d3football.com's "Offensive Team of the Week" are tackles Ben Bartch and Josh Juaire, guards Karl Rude and Dan Greenheck, and center Nick Neumann that make up the starting offensive line. Neumann is a junior; the rest are seniors. Junior Jarod Fike also contributed last Saturday.
As it stands now, the fabled and fun SJU-U$T rivalry will end next year at Collegeville concluding a traditon that began in 1901 unless things play out differently and St. Thomas is able to continue in Div. III in another conference. "We’d like to play forever," said St. John's Athletic Director Bob Alpers '82. "We love playing this game. They enjoy it, we love the rivalry. What the future holds we can’t speculate until the NCAA makes its decision."
At any rate, this game was great...for the Johnnies at the end anyway. The weather was sublime, the venue terrific, the fans from both schools really excited, happy and vocal — and well-behaved. I have to give credit to the students from both our schools for being on their best behavior: I saw no bad-mouthing, no really horrible T-shirts or signs, no obscene chanting, no drunken behavior. I saw one amusing Johnnie T-shirt that read in part, "Help stamp out Tommunism" that I liked a lot. Maybe I need to change some of my oft-expressed opinions about Tommie students. Even my fitness class/neighbor-to-UST guy said on Monday it was very subdued all day, not just after they lost, nothing like what he's experienced over the past ten years. I asked a woman security person as we left the stadium if there was any trouble. She replied "hardly anything," then added that it sure helped that no alcohol was allowed in the stadium. Outside I asked a burly security guard if he had seen any trouble. "Just a little," he replied. I asked if those folks were wearing purple or red and he said "A little of both." Most encouraging considering past history at these games.
Much joy in Allianz Field after SJU's first touchdown after spotting the Tommies to a 14-0 lead. Here junior running back Kenneth Udoibok (No. 28) celebrates his pass recption and score with junior tight end Tyler Johnson (No. 88) and the cheering red throng.
Johnnie Spirit was evident everywhere. On Friday night there was a "fire-up" celebration called Red Reign at the Graduate Hotel adjacent to the University of Minnesota main campus; it was organized by St. John's and attended by a couple handfuls of Collegeville folks, including Bob Alpers who gave an inspiring talk and an appearance by the Rats. I didn't take notes but did visit with two Johnnies up from Naperville, IL, Pete Hill '76 and Tom Casey '80 and his wife, visiting with Mike Erpenback and his wife of the Twin CIties. And, of course, we were very pleased to see that Charlie Cammock and his son were up from Atlanta. At the mixed purple and red gathering on the broad lawn in front of the stadium before the game I ran into Rupert Bierne of Richmond, VA who said his son, who didn't attend St. John's, nevertheless was flying in for the game from North Carolina because he likes the rivalry so much. I also saw Huy Tran (aka Wingman) and his son Noah who have adopted the Johnnies. At our home we hosted some bicoastal fans, Clark Stanton from San Rafael, CA and Conrad Macina from Landing, NJ. On the day of the game there were a number of pre-game celebrations going on all over the Cities. Similar get-togethers occurred after the victory. I should mention that sitting with us at the stadium was Fr. Bob Hazel, a semi-retired priest, who just before the kick-off turned to us near him and said he had a prediction for the game: that St. Thomas would score 20 or fewer points and St. John's would score 30 or more. Is he psychic...or just a good guesser?
The Rats made a raucous appearance at the Red Reign party, posing here with two fans.
Gary Tomczik '67 from Santa Barbara, CA visits with Fr. Don Talafous
at the Red Reign affair the evening before the game. W'd like to begin a
contest for the best caption for this photo. Entries most welcome.
Wow! Look at the Johnnie spirit in action. This tailgate was held in the Park Liquors store parking lot about a half mile south of Allianz Field the morning before the game. This party, attended by between 400 and 500 avid Johnnies and Bennies, was just one of several such affairs going on. Park Liquors is owned by Chad Radenbaugh ' and the party was hosted by Dusty Wagner '83, John Gans ' and Pete Greenheck '85, all regulars at the SJU tailgates in Collegeville.
The Johnnie Nation was really pumped for this game. All food and drink
was gratis to one and all, and included this novel ice luge for special toasts.
Meanwhile John Sipe SJP '61/SJU '65 hosted his own pre-game brunch in the party room of his home in the Great Northern Lofts in downtown St. Paul, which is steps away from the Green Line Light Rail line that took us all to the door of the stadium. There were over 40 who attended this party.
Waiting on my computer when I arrived home Saturday night well after the game was this intriguing photo. The subject line was "Cheers to St. John's" and inside a message said "Thinking of you." It came from my nephew Michael Cronkhite '95, his wife Kerry, my niece Stacy Sheedy and her husband J.D. They were enjoying the Minnesota Education Association break with a five-day trip to Captiva Island, FL with their kids and their mother, my sister, Wendy, and her partner Bob Franklin. Their thoughtful salute to St. John's reminded me that I have not yet linked to my yearly homage to "Red Solo Cup". Please go here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKZqGJONH68
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Okay, enough euphoria. Let's move to the next stop on our inevitable march to Texas — our game Saturday against host St. Olaf College.
The fourth-ranked Johnnies (6-0, 5-0 MIAC) face St. Olaf (5-1, 3-1 MIAC) this Saturday, Oct. 26, in Northfield. There’s not much to say except that the weather’s supposed to be wonderful and Northfield is a charming town to visit. St. Olaf’s stadium is also pleasant enough. The outcome is pretty much preordained, so the biggest goals for us are (1) to keep everybody healthy and (2) play with conviction and class, knowing that this will be a semi-cupcake game, not to be confused with the real cupcakes of Augsburg, Hamline and Carleton. We’ll probably rest Jackson and the first string skill players early, and then keep it on the ground to eat up some time, unlike Coach Caruso when he directed the Toms to grind the Oles into dust 98-0 two seasons ago, precipitating the angry showtown with St. Thomas where the have-not presidents threatened "either you go or all of us go."
This year the poor Oles are facing the second wake-up call in two weeks after sailing through the first five games of the season with an impressive 5-0 record until meeting Bethel last week. St. Olaf beat Crown 45-14, Luther 33-20, Carleton 36-19, Augsburg 48-26 and Hamline 29-2 before getting crushed last Saturday 56-10. Welcome to reality, Oles! This Saturday they host the Johnnies, then St. Thomas, then travel to Concordia and finally to Gustavus for a decent but ultimately disappointing 5-5 season. I hope they continue to improve with their mostly former Tommie coaching staff in the years to come. I said this for the Carleton game and I’ll repeat it now — this is a fine game to which you can bring your kids, grandkids, neighbor kids and the Cub Scout troop. It’s fairly close to the Twin Cities, it’s not too expensive to get in, and they’ll get to see the powerful Johnnies in action close up. Be sure to take the kids on the field after the game and let them say hello to their favorite players. I’m always so proud of our team when I observe how politely and openly they meet, converse and pose for photos with the youngsters. The young ones (and their parents) will remember times like that and have good feelings about St. John’s when they are selecting a college eight to ten years later.
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Erratum:
From Mike Magnuson ‘90, Sunfish Lake, MN, Offensive Line Coach —
Bob, Just wanted to make sure you had the right facts. Against Bethel we only punted 5 times. Bethel punted 9. I like your letter and passion towards SJU Football. — Mike
(Editor’s Confession: I misread the box score last week and mistakenly reported that SJU had to punt 9 times and Bethel only 5. I thanked Mike for setting me (and us) straight. Damn, I hate it when that happens.)
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Parental Direction —
Son: Dad, my teacher says I need to get an encyclopedia.
Father: Nonsense. You can walk to school just like I did.
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Readers' Thoughts on the Game —
From Conrad Macina, now a full-fledged Johnnie fan and supplier of a great deal of UUN humor, Landing, NJ —
This was my first Johnnie-Tommie game. It was also my first Johnnie game, my first MIAC game and my first D3 game (I’m not a complete football neophyte — I’ve been to D1, D2 and pro games). I am very grateful to my hosts, Rob and Chris, and to all the wonderful people I met who greeted me warmly and welcomed me into the Johnnie family.
And that leads to my first impression of the game — the Johnnies supporters are so involved, so passionate and so knowledgeable that watching the game with them was a pleasure. And there was none of the rancor that you see at other sports rivalries like Yankees-Red Sox or Michigan-Ohio State. There really is something to “Minnesota Nice.”
My second impression of the game, compared with the D1 and pro games — is that it’s a huge pleasure to have “pure” football, where the play flows naturally, interrupted only by timeouts, penalties and the occasional unfortunate injury. There are no breaks for TV commercials, and the decisions of the referees are final — there are no replays, and the philosophy (which I share) of “it all evens out in the end” results in a much smoother and more convincing game.
Third impression: If you go to a game in New York or Los Angeles and the game is out of reach, fans start leaving early to beat the traffic. Traffic in Minneapolis-St. Paul is nowhere near as bad as traffic in those places, so why did the Tommie fans start leaving well before the game was put away?
As for the game itself, there was a lot to be impressed with — the way the Johnnies didn’t give up when they were down 14-0 after the Tommies’ first two possessions. The way the front line gave Erdmann hours to find an open man and the way the defense managed to close up holes before Tommie ball carriers could run through them. Caruso’s frustrated look on the sidelines said it all, reminiscent of Casey Stengel’s famous quote when he managed the Mets: “Can’t anyone around here play this game?”
I'm not spilling any secrets when I point out that the Johnnies' kicking game has to improve. One successful extra point in four attempts is not an enviable record. The punting game is good, but it lacks the finesse of the Tommies' punter, who gave the Johnnies the ball inside their own six yard line three times. Luckily, the offense was strong enough to overcome the field position, but in Texas the Johnnies will be facing a team with much more advanced kicking skills.
One final thing: Since I’m (in?)famous for providing some of the “humor” in the UUN, I’ll leave you with this news item:
St. Paul police were called when a white powder was discovered at O’Shaughnessy Stadium. Members of the Tommies football team were interviewed; all denied having ever seen it before. After an intensive investigation, the substance was identified: it was the goal line.
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From Dan McDermott ’84, Plymouth, MN —
Bob – well, what a game! It was a great day and fun to be a part of the hoopla at Allianz Field. Regarding the last touchdown pass with 30 seconds left in the game, I’m not going to question that, just let your readers in on a tiny little piece of the story. Sitting behind me and my wife Sarah (CSB ’84) on Saturday were the parents of #90, Con Brady. He’s the backup kicker and is from Hawaii. The Johnnie/Tommie game was his first chance to dress with the traveling team so his parents flew from Hawaii to see the game and see him. His mom arrived in Minneapolis on Saturday morning and had to be back at work on Monday! His dad came in a day early and stopped in Colorado to watch Con’s sister, who runs cross-country for the Air Force Academy. All day they were hoping Con would get a chance to play…which didn’t happen even as we missed 4 of 5 extra points. So, with 30 seconds left and that final TD, guess who gets to come in and attempt the extra point?! AND…it’s good! Maybe he’s got a job now but there were lots of cheers (and tears) behind us for that one opportunity!
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From Ron Tomczik ’65, Medicine Lake, MN —
Yesterday, during the discussion about the SJ/ST football game, I forgot to tell you, that in my opinion, the refereeing was the best I have seen in a long time--a day and night difference from the Stout game.
(Editor’s Explanation: Ron called and wanted to be sure it was mentioned how the oh-so-noisy and excited St. Thomas fans began exiting before the middle of the fourth quarter and were almost completely, quietly gone at the end of the game. Great supporters of their team, huh? He also said that he’d heard from a couple people who listened to the game on WCCO-AM that the announcers were accusing St. John’s (and by inference their coach) of “running up the score” with that final touchdown pass with a half minute left in the game. What…A…Laugh! Where have these announcers been for the past five or six years that they’d even suggest such a thing, watching the Toms keep on smashing have-not opponents when they were already up by eight touchdowns? Our section of the stands thought that the final TD pass as an apt exclamation point to this game; I heard from one witness later that a couple plays previously he saw a Tommie defender clobber Erdmann in the chops well after the play was over, missed by the refs. He said that really angered Jackson enough that he grabbed the Tom’s jersey and shouted appropriate words right in his face. Then, instead of rushing a back for a harmless dive into the line, Jackson lofted a fade pass into the arms of our receiver streaking to the left corner of the end zone. It was just wonderful. I hope someone who knows if this is the actual reason for that play would write in and let us know. To me, that’s a play I will remember ten years from now, as I do Max Jackson’s fumble recovery for a 99-yard TD last year's win over the Tommies, and Blake Elliott's 50+-yard, up-the-middle TD run at the '03 National Championship game against Mount Union.)
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From Wayne Hergott ’57, Edina, MN —
Bob, Except for the first six minutes of the game and that Marge and I could not get to the Dubliner for the post-game party, Saturday was a GREAT day. It started with a wonderful pre-game party, moved to an exciting 54 minutes of exceptional Johnnie football, sitting with about 15,000 enthusiastic Johnnie fans and ended for us with a sumptuous German dinner.
Our team performed wonderfully. Erdmann had a superb day, so did his receivers and offensive line and the defense was spectacular. (However, Jeff Norman and I agreed that the Johnnies have always had great quarterbacks.) [Ed's Quick Interjection: Both of those guys were quarterbacks.)
Unfortunately, our kicking game is very vulnerable and could be our Achilles heel, not during the MIAC season but when we get into the playoffs. I'm fearful of that and don't know how it can be improved as I assume Gary is now using the best kickers we have. Let's hope I'm wrong.
As always I am grateful for the UUN and you who put many, many hours into it every week. We'll see you at St. Olaf. — Wayne
(Editor's Two-Cents: There's a lot involved with extra point and field goal kicking, and the problems we're having are not always the fault of the kicker. There's timing, centering accuracy and speed, place holding and, of course, blocking. But a former place kicker for the Jays told me that it's usually the klcker when all the other particulars are addressed.)
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From Harry Acker, Honorary Class of 1964, Virginia Beach, VA —
Hi Bob, Watched the game via streaming...Thanks for the info! Once the Johnnies got going, it was no contest. Hope you are well. All the best, Harry
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From Thom Farnham ’70, St. Paul, MN —
Bob, I couldn’t find you on Saturday at the game but it was a good time anyway. It seems to me that in an earlier issue(s) this year you noted that the poor kicking game might cost us and it almost did. Go Johnnies. — thf
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From Bill Marrin ’61/’65, Dallas, TX —
I found it both pleasing and interesting that this local media giant — Saint Paul Pioneer Press —would give more headline and story coverage to Div. III St. John’s than to Minnesota’s Div. I Gophers who also won on the same day. — Bill
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Top 10 least desirable fortune cookie messages —
1. We know where you live.
2. You will need good reading material in approximately 15 minutes.
3. Everyone's meal today is on you!
4. The "special sauce" came from the floor!
5. Guess what our special "drop" was in our Egg Drop Soup and win a free meal!
6. Your colon will self-destruct in five seconds.
7. A recent prison escapee that is sitting nearby wants to love you long time.
8. Your dog Sparky...he's no longer missing.
9. See the waiter about our new food poison life insurance policies.
10. MSG? NO!! Swine Flu ... maybe
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A triumphant team shares its joy with fellow Johnnies and Bennies in the SJU Student Section at the final whistle. In a stadium that sold out just under 20,000, nearly two-thirds of the packed house wore red. Alas, the poor Tommies cried all the way to the bank where, although losing this contest, they secretly rejoiced in soaking the rabid and loyal Johnnie fans yet another time at an over-priced venue.
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About the Johnnie-Tommie Game —
Game Reports and Box Score:
Erdmann Provides Edge as SJU Overcomes Early Deficit to Top UST, 38-20
By Frank Rajkowski, SJU Writer/Video Producer
ST. PAUL, Minn. - There are always a number of factors that go into determining a final score, especially in a clash of familiar rivals.
But the biggest factor in determining the outcome between Saint John's and St. Thomas Saturday afternoon was simply this:
One team had Jackson Erdmann (Rosemount, Minn.) and one team didn't.
The Johnnie senior quarterback threw for 456 yards and three touchdowns, leading his team back from a two-touchdown deficit in the first quarter to beat the Tommies 38-20 before a sold-out crowd of 19,508 at St. Paul's Allianz Field. (Read more:)
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Johnnies Keep the Faith, Pull Away From the Tommies —
By Dave DeLand, SJU Executive Director of Marketing & Communications
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Leadership isn’t a statistic. Confidence doesn’t show up on a drive chart. Trust is impossible to quantify.
But in a game filled with numbers, there was nothing more important than those intangibles Saturday when the resilient Saint John’s football team turned Allianz Field into its home away from home.
“It’s an experience element, it’s leadership and it’s a trust element in your teammates,” senior offensive tackle Ben Bartsch said after the Johnnies rallied from a rocky start and pulled away for a 38-20 victory over arch-rival St. Thomas. (Read More:)
https://gojohnnies.com/sports/2019/10/19/johnnies-keep-the-faith-pull-away-from-tommies.aspx?id=299
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Video Highlights:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcT889JiVKAn (3:56 min.)
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News Media Reports —
St. John's offensive line dominates in win over archrival
What led to Saturday's second-half domination was the manner in which the Johnnies offensive line destroyed the Tommies' pass rush.
By Patrick Reusse, Minneapolis StarTribune
http://www.startribune.com/st-john-s-offensive-line-dominates-in-win-over-archrival/563471562/
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Johnnies Beat Tommies 38-20 In Rivalry Game At Allianz Field - TV video report
https://minnesota.cbslocal.com/video/4192963-johnnies-beat-tommies-38-20-in-rivalry-game-at-allianz-field/ (3:16 min.)
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Johnnie Question of the Week S2 E8 —
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DA3WrOMWOcs (7:37 min.)
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2019 SJU Football Schedule
(All remaining games start at 1 pm.)
Date Opponent Location
September 7 UW-Stout Menomonie, WI W - 14-7
September 14 Bye —
September 21 Gustavus Collegeville W - 33-21
September 28 Carleton Northfield W - 56-10
October 5 Augsburg Collegeville W - 61-6
October 12 Bethel Collegeville W - 19-0
October 19 St. Thomas St. Paul W - 38-20
October 26 St. Olaf Northfield
November 2 Concordia Collegeville
November 9 Hamline St. Paul
November 16 Rose-Hulman Collegeville
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MIAC Standings, After Week 5 —
SCHOOLS MIAC ALL
Saint John’s 5-0 6-0
Bethel 3-1 5-1
St. Olaf 3-1 5-1
St. Thomas 3-1 4-2
Concordia 2-2 2-4
Gustavus 2-2 4-2
Carleton 2-3 4-3
Augsburg 0-5 1-6
Hamline 0-5 1-6
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Wick’s Picks for Week Six —
Results From Saturday, October 19
Hamline 21 - Gustavus 69 (My pick: Gusties 48-3...still win by 40 points)
Augsburg 19 - Carleton 42 (My pick: Knights 22-14; so I was off by 20 points!)
St. Olaf 10 - Bethel 56 (My pick: Royals 32-14...wow, Bethel was ticked)
St. John’s 38 - St. Thomas 20 (My pick: SJU 26-20. At least half of it was right)
Bottom Line: Four-for-four on the winners once again, but I'm too conservative on the scoring.
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Around the MIAC —
8th Saturday, October 26
Bethel at Concordia — This is probably the best, or least-lopsided, contest of the week. Earlier I thought this game might be for third place in the MIAC, now I expect the Royals to whomp on the Cobbers pretty well, 42-19.
Gustavus at Augsburg — Home field advantage won't mean diddly squat as the Gusties roll over the helpless Auggies 52-17.
St. Thomas at Carleton — I wonder if they will beat the 208 "fans" that showed up for the Tommies at Augsburg. A pity that the purple followers won't see their guys pound the Knights 54-14.
St. John’s vs St. Olaf — Assuming the Johnnies go down there to play and not screw around, I foresee another shutout, 48-0.
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d3Football Top 25 —
https://www.d3football.com/top25/2019/week7
Week 7 brought a few significant changes, foremost among them St. Thomas dropping from No. 11 to No. 18, but it was Berry that really got creamed in the poll, plummeting from No. 7 to No. 22... some of these rankers are really strict! Undefeated Berry had the misfortune of being upset by Birmingham-Southern 28-15 and their chances of a higher seed in the play-offs are considerably dimmed. Bethel, still loved by the poll setters, jumped up another space to No. 9. They are treated better than U$T, but maybe they are better...at least they didn't lose to a middling WIAC team. However what continues to irk me is that we have not replaced UW-Whitewater as No. 3. No team in the Top 25 has faced two other such highly-ranked teams, one week after the other, and won each game so decisively. I think the same Bethel lovers care for UW-Whitewater even more, who barely beat UW-Platteville but sent them down to No. 18 (now back up to No. 16). I think UW-W is overrated and UW-P is underrated. Other than two games where Whitewater won by 30 points, all their other games have been won by just 7 to 10 points, including a 20-10 win over Concordia, which was later defeated by UST 51-6. Where's the beef, Warhawks? If we play UW-W in the play-offs I want them up here!
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About The St. Olaf Game —
Listening To/Watching The Game:
Listening via Internet:
https://portal.stretchinternet.com/csbsju/
(Coverage begins at 11 am)
Live Streaming:
https://www.stolaf.edu/multimedia/play/?e=2777
(Streaming should begin approximately 10 minutes to 1 pm)
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Johnnie Football Pre-Game in Northfield —
(From Adam Herbst ’99 and the Alumni Relations Department)
Join us for a football pre-game as the Johnnies play St. Olaf College. The pre-game gathering is on Saturday, October 26, 2019 beginning at 10:30 a.m. in the upstairs bar/patio/lounge at Reunion (501 Division Street S., Northfield, Minn.). This event is sponsored by SJU alum Greg Heymans ’84, a partner in the newly renovated Reunion. Drink specials and menu options will be available. [ https://reunioneatdrinkgather.com ]
The football game kicks off at 1 p.m. at Klein Field on the St. Olaf campus. Reunion is about a mile and a half from the field.
Please reach out to Greg Heymans '84 with any questions. gregheymans@yahoo.com
(Editor’s Gushing Addendum: Down at the nifty, handsome Reunion for the Carleton game, Chris and I shared one of the best hamburgers we’ve ever had…ever. A further note: you can only get the hamburger and other main menu items downstairs, just bar food/snacks available upstairs where the Jays and Bees tend to gather around the bar when they first arrive.)
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Notes on the St. Olaf game:
- There is some limited tailgating near the entrance to the stadium but you have to get there early.
- If my memory’s correct, it doesn’t cost much to get in…I think seniors, students and children only pay $2. It’s not much more for adults, plus they hand out a free copy of the rosters.
- Either eat before you get to the game or eat as soon as you get to the stadium because they’ll run out of food and drink often before halftime. These two Northfield teams just don’t get it — that Johnnie fans come in much larger numbers than they’re used to serving. Same with Augsburg too.
- Finally, go to the following website to read about and then hear the St. Olaf Fight Song, the only such college song written in waltz time, since I think our defense may shut out the Oles and you wouldn’t get to hear it otherwise:
https://wp.stolaf.edu/about/history/umyahyah/
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The Uncasual Fan —
Review of the 38 – 20 victory over the Purple on Saturday October 19th, 2019
Could it have been any better? The answer is yes - and the only way it would have better was if it were played up in Collegeville.
Current coaches and players will always be playing in the shadow of a past legendary coach and National Championship teams but Coach Fasching and his staff have delivered some memorable games and Saturday at Allianz field against the guys from St. Paul will certainly go down as one of them.
Regardless of how much Coach Fasching and his staff out-coached the other team this one was about extraordinary young men doing extraordinary things.
Other than a great win that deserves its place in the history pages of SJU football some of the keys to success for the Johnnies were:
· 2 key fourth down stops by the defense deep in our own territory
· Exceptional blocking by the O-line allowing our QB time to pass
· 3 sophomore wide receivers stepping up and making catch after catch
· Kai Barber running in “beast mode” and doing what we all hoped he would do this season
· Jackson Erdmann passing for 456 yards and 3 TD’s
· And then just maintaining their composure after falling behind 14-0 early and coming back to take control and just beat a pretty decent team
Are there a few things we need to clean up – absolutely
· A couple of big plays negated by a line judge (on the UST side) who called 5 men in the backfield – especially on a major long pass completion. We ended up punting 3 plays later
· Some occasional sloppy tackling on the corners
· Giving up some big rushing plays on first down and 2 long TD runs
· Some 3rd and 10 completions for 1st downs
· Not letting “hooch” punts land and roll down to the 1. Hard to catch but both Bethel and UST hurt us on these.
Nothing that cannot be focused on this week
We also need to thank Coach Caruso for out-coaching himself and rotating his backs every other series. Seems to me I would have put the ball in #26 ‘s hands a lot more.
Another point where SJU out-coached UST was using 4 wide outs that kept UST from having 6 or 7 men in the box and blitzing on every down. Our front 5 O-Line then just shut down their D-Line after that.
And then the icing on the cake. With less than 1 minute to go, SJU has the ball on the Tommies 35 and it is 4th and 15 and with UST expecting SJU to play it safe and run the ball we toss a high fade to the end zone and the Tommies get called for holding. First and 10 SJU. And then to top it off with a 4th and 3 and 30 seconds remaining in the game and UST stacking the line of scrimmage expecting a run we toss another fade into the corner of the end zone for a TD and we actually make the kick and take the extra point. Two great unexpected calls. You could actually see the UST assistant coaches cringing at the thought of practice next week.
This was a great win for our Johnnies over the 1th-ranked team in the nation. We have come a long way since that first game against Stout.
Upcoming Schedule:
We now have to focus on just taking care of business 1 week at a time for the next 4 weeks and avoid any serious injuries. We face St. Olaf at St. Olaf next week. They got crushed 56-10 by Bethel Saturday. Then we have Concordia (at home) which has lost to both UST and the Gusties. We cannot look ahead to the playoffs or assume we can cruise in to the end of the regular season.
One Final Topic - Kicking
I am a big fan of all the young men on our team. Sometimes it is easy to forget that they are in their late teens and early 20s and not football machines. They make mistakes or have bad plays or even bad games. I truly feel bad for our kicker. I can not imagine what he must be thinking and how hard he is trying to fix it. I was proud to see his teammates supporting and encouraging him. On a positive note - our freshman kicker ( from Hawaii) drilled the last extra point straight through the uprights and to top it off his parents had traveled all the way from Hawaii to see him suit up for his first traveling game. Maybe a sign of good things to come.
(Editor’s Note: The Uncasual Fan was a member of the 1976 National Championship team.)
* * * *
Announcing the new Twin Cities Johnnie Weekly event —
Let’s talk Johnnie Football
Everyone is welcome. A group of us think it would be fun to meet once a week during the season to talk Johnnie football. We'll have a ‘Question of the Week’, just like the players do, but mostly it's just a chance to socialize and talk Johnnie football over a burger and a cold one.
One question that's getting a lot of good conversation in a small group of my classmates and others is:
Where should the next UST game be played — Collegeville or at USBANK?
We're planning our first get together next Wednesday night at Bunny's in St. Louis park. Details below.
TC Johnnie Weekly
Wednesday - October 30 - 5:30 Wednesday
Bunny's Bar & Grill
5916 Excelsior Blvd
St. Louis Park, MN
* * * *
Johnnies Hockey Blog —
Getting to know the new guys
http://www.sjujohnnieshockeyblog.com
* * * *
First Notice: Give SJU Day is Nov. 13, 2019.
How it works
• SJU’s goal is for 1,300 donors to stand up and give to the Saint John’s Student Fund on November 13
• 100% of your gift supports Student Fund Scholarships
• Every gift to the Student Fund—every size—will receive a $100 matching gift up to $130,000.
How to help on Give SJU Day
• Create a matching gift (some amount for every donor in your class) or personal plea video on GiveCampus
• Call, text, or email donors in your class to invite them to give or thank them for giving. Need help breaking the ice (or don’t feel like writing)? We’ve got templates.
• Wear your Give SJU Day shirt and post a selfie wearing it with hashtag #giveSJUday
• Show students some love on SJU’s Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram
Every gift to the Student Fund — every size — makes a difference
* * * *
Checking Out the La —
A blind man with his seeing eye dog walked into the La Playette. The sightless man picked up the dog and swung it around and around over his head.
The bartender ran up and asked, "Man, What on earth are you doing?"
The blind man replied, "Just looking around."
* * * *
An Ole Goes To Court —
In court, the judge asked the accused, a 1998 graduate of St. Olaf College, "Did you take Mr. Swenson's wallet?"
The accused Ole replied, "Yes, yes I did. I didn't want him to shoot himself."
Confused by the reply, the judge asks, "Why do you think he'd shoot himself with his wallet?"
"Because it was loaded, your honor."
* * * *
Battle Between the Sexes, Seniors Department —
An 80-year-old gentleman was being interviewed on his 60 years of marriage.
"Is there one big difference in your marriage today compared to when you were first married?" asked the interviewer.
"Well," said the man after pondering for moment, "it now takes me all night to do what I used to do all night."
* * * *
Louie Gottwald Receives Prep Award —
Pictured above is Louie Gottwalt SJP ’49/SJU ’54 and new SJP Head of School Jon McGee ’84. Louie received the Compass Award, given in recognition of his leadership and support which has provided direction and guidance for Saint John’s Prep. At the awards banquet two weeks ago also receiving awards were Yvonne Schilplin (Benedictine Spirit Award for long-term dedication to the mission of SJP), and Brian ’68 and Deb Thuringer (Cornerstone Award given in recognition of their strong culture of philanthropy and leadership within the Prep community).
* * * *
Battle Between the Sexes, Nerd Division —
An artist, a lawyer, and a computer scientist are discussing the merits of a mistress.
The artist tells of the passion, the thrill which comes with the risk of being discovered.
The lawyer warns of the difficulties. It can lead to guilt, divorce, bankruptcy. Not worth it. Too many problems.
The computer scientist says, “It’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me. My wife thinks I’m with my mistress. My mistress thinks I’m home with my wife, and I can spend all night on the computer!”
* * * *
School of Theology/Seminary Corner, Eternity Division —
What’s On The Other Side? —
A sick man turned to his doctor, as he was preparing to leave the examination room and said, "Doctor, I am afraid to die. Tell me what lies on the other side."
Very quietly, the doctor said, "I don't know."
"You don't know? You, a Christian man, do not know what is on the other side?"
The doctor was holding the handle of the door; on the other side of which came a sound of scratching and whining, and as he opened the door, a dog sprang into the room and leaped on him with an eager show of gladness.
Turning to the patient, the doctor said, "Did you notice my dog? He's never been in this room before. He didn't know what was inside. He knew nothing, except that his master was here, and when the door opened, he sprang in without fear. I know little of what is on the other side. I know my Master Jesus Christ is there, and that is enough."
* * * *
Celebration for Fr. Otto Weber, OSB —
The National Wrestling Coaches Association, Minnesota Chapter,
Names Fr. Otto Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient
The late Father Otto Weber, OSB organized summer sports camps for St. John’s University in Collegeville, Minn., for 27 Years. The St. John’s Wrestling Camp was the most popular in Minnesota for years. He also coached wrestling at St. John’s Prep for over 30 years. Father Otto led his team to MIAC team title in 1972. He was a 1957 MIAC champion himself.
All are invited to honor the memory of this great man, monk, wrestler
When: Sunday, November 24, 2019 1:30 P.M. – 3:30 P.M. (Program at 2:00 P.M.)
Where: Great Hall, 2850 Abbey Plaza, St. John’s University, Collegeville, MN 56321
Free will donation, make checks payable to NWHOF-MN Chapter
Please register by using the following link:
https://www.csbsju.edu/forms/GEUL2T80AX
(Editor’s Invitation: The UUN seeks memories of Fr. Otto from his wrestling teammates and classmates from his college days, from former Preps who were coached by Otto or otherwise “motivated” by him, and any monks with good stories or precious memories.)
* * * *
Parenting Expertise —
Because I am an awesome parent, I'm currently helping my kids search for their chocolate that I ate last night.
* * * *
Pre-Law Majors’ Department, Defense Law
Best Practices —
A junior partner in a law firm was sent to represent a long-term client. After days of trial, the case was won, the client acquitted and released.
Excited about his success, the attorney emailed the firm: "Justice prevailed."
The senior partner replied in haste, "Appeal immediately!"
* * * *
Wicker’s Health Rant —
Why dining out and fast food could cause higher cancer risks than home cooking
* * * *
Top Ten Old Folks’ Party Games —
(Continuing our tribute to aging Johnnies we contribute this to the cause.)
1. Sag, You're It!
2. Pin the Toupee on the Bald Guy
3. 20 Questions Shouted into your Good Ear
4. Kick the Bucket.
5. Red Rover, Red Rover, the Nurse Says Bend Over
6. Doc, Doc Goose
7. Simon Says Something Incoherent
8. Hide and Go Pee
9. Spin the Bottle of Mylanta
10. Musical Recliners
* * * *
From Our Readers —
From Paul Capecchi ’77, Inver Grove Heights, MN —
Thanks again Rob for another fun SJU update. I look forward every week to your notes. My biggest concern about the Tommie game is that I heard we lost our most experienced receiver senior Andrew VanErp (#7) to a season ending ACL injury during the Bethel game. Not only is he a great receiver, but his experience and leadership are huge. Now we need to depend on all young and relatively inexperienced receivers being able to step up in such a huge game.
GO JOHNNIES!! — Paul
* *
From Todd Mueller ’74, Arden Hills, MN —
An acquaintance who works at Allianz Field said stadium employees are very upset that their management agreed to the Johnnie Tommie game. The concern is potential damage to an already fragile turf field, especially since the Loons have a playoff game the next day. Hope the Tommies get the repair bill!
— Todd
* *
From Dave Durenberger SJP ’51/SJU ’55, St. Paul, MN and San Rafael, CA —
Hi Bob, Now I know why I’ve missed your work. — Dave
(Editor’s Comment: I recently saw Dave at the St. John’s Prep Appreciation Dinner where he told me that he was no longer receiving the UUN. He’s just one of many who have fallen off the list for no reason that I can fathom. I hate it when that happens, but I don’t know what to do about it. However, for those who are newly restored to the list, I can offer this site that my daughter Caitlin is helping me build, and in which you can find previous issues from this season:
https://www.unofficialundergroundnews.com/news
* *
And speaking of the Prep Appreciation Dinner, these four former Prep and college
alums/pals pose with their spousal units at that affair. From left, John Sipe ’61/’65
and Eileen Myles; Bill Marrin ’61/’65 and Peg Rice Marrin ’65; Tom Bauer ’61/’65
and Kris Bauer; and Bob Wicker ’60/’64 and Chris Scholl.)
* *
From Thom Farnham ’72, St. Paul, MN —
Bob, since this might be the last time the Johnnies and Tommies play each other in football I think it would be a nice touch at some point to have a special edition of your collection of the best Tommie jokes from past issues. I hope to see you on Saturday. thf
(Editor’s Reply: Actually we play them up in Collegeville next Fall unless the NCAA comes through for them immediately, which is doubtful. Still Thom’s suggestion is a good one and is duly noted.)
* *
From Raj Chaphalkar ’08, SJU Institutional Advancement —
Hi Bob, Retired Captain Jude Lahr ’53, former fighter pilot, is 88 and lives in Albuquerque and is unable to attend the Johnnie games anymore due to age and distance. He doesn’t have a computer so the Livestreaming and Twitter options (https://twitter.com/sjujohnnies) are out for him. So is the Underground Newsletter because he doesn’t have email.
But this is an important part of his tradition and he really appreciates knowing how the Johnnies perform. Jim Dwyer calls Jude during the home games to update him, but could another generous reader and loyal away-game fan call him during the away games? Just a short phone call is enough to let this loyal fan and donor know how the SJU team is doing. If so, let me know and SJU can provide his cell phone number privately. Thanks! — Raj
(Editor’s Query: Any takers? Please contact Raj at: rchaphalkar@csbsju.edu )
* *
From John Krueger ’70, Richmond, MN —
Rob, Thought you might enjoy reading this post from the St. Cloud Times. — John
St. Thomas' departure from MIAC might bother Johnnies more than Tommies
By Patrick Reusse, Tribune Content Agency, Oct. 17, 2019
* *
From Gary Kordosky ’64, Tucson, AZ —
Wow what a pleasant surprise early on a Thursday morning: UUN 8-19 was in my email. As always thanks for your "above the call of duty" devotion to SJU. — Gary
* *
From Bob Neis ’65, St. Louis Park, MN —
The Football Whisperer was in Northfield (Ole Country) earlier this week. He had a conversation with an old timer named Sven. After completing his lutefisk sandwich, Sven said, “Watch out for dem Oles, I feel an upset coming over dem Royals.” Or maybe it is just an upset stomach.
(Editor’s Observation: Obviously it was gas. Just thinking of lutefisk makes my stomach roil.)
* *
From Nellie Klein ’60, St. Cloud, MN —
Hi, good looking editor!! ❤️ (Ed’s Sudden Thought: Wonder if Nell’s angling for a free UUN subscription?) So looking forward to the game on Saturday!
Bennie Daughter Jenny ( Klein) ‘93 and Johnnie husband Steve Genereau ‘92 are hosting a tailgate party. I told her last spring she was going to host the Party!
Never doubt the excitement level in the room as we all watch. (I have been known to break the world record for naughty words during some of these tough games.) I love the game of football. Pretty awesome to note that there will be 2 Bennies, 4 Johnnies , 1 New Johnnie next year …and one 6th grader looking forward to attending St.John’s! Maybe (Bennie ‘18) Abby Genereau and (Johnnie ‘18 ) Dylan Standefer will come too! (Henry’s age —6th grade— prevents me from “ being myself” during the games I’m with him!)
GO JOHNNIES! This is ONE AWESOME FIGHTING JOHNNIE TEAM! — Nellie
* *
From Jeff Norman ’78, New Brighton, MN —
Please add Joe Luby ‘78 to the UUN mailing list. Joe was a great football player. He was a senior captain and one of the best defensive backs ever to play for St. John’s. He played on the 1976 National Championship Team where he led the team in interceptions and punt returns. Thanks — Jeff
* *
From Chuck Achter '69, Ames, IA —
Thanks so much for your weekly UUN. I look forward to reading it but for some reason I have not received the last two editions. Can you please add me back on to your list? Appreciate all you to do keep all of us informed of what is going on at SJU. I miss talking about SJU with our friend Joe Pilon [‘SJP ’62/SJU ’66]. — Chuck
(Editor’s Reply: Sorry about the email service; I just don’t know why some people have fallen off the MailChimp list, especially after being on successfully. But just to be sure, please check your spam folder…a few people have found their missing issues stuck in there.
Regarding our mutual friend Joe (our late Subscriptions Manager), I saw a fellow that from the back and side looked just like him at the Johnnie-Tommie game and, for a split second, thought, “He’s back…Joe couldn’t stay away from this game!”)
* *
(Reply from Chuck Achter re above:)
Thanks for the email and the tip on going to junk mail. I found both of your treasures. Enjoyed reading them. I especially enjoyed reading the piece by Jeff Norman ’78. He is a valued friend. I was fortunate to be one of the assistant coaches at Park Center when he played. He had been very active in keeping the Park Center teams of his era together and helping the current Park Center team. Also thanks for adding the comment about Joe. I really miss him!!! We enjoyed many meals together talking about SJU. God bless you. — ca
* *
From John Diffley ’64, Stewartville, MN —
Bob, Looking through the profiles of various athletes at SJU, l notice a preponderance of “Global Business Leadership” majors. Is this a substantive major or something akin to the “hospital recreation” major that so many of the Prairie View athletes were so assiduously pursuing back in ‘63? ...something to throw at the academic wall and hope it sticks. I’m not being sarcastic - just wondering. Thanks for the Undergrounds -you are almost in communion with the tabloids of the Paris Commune! — John
(Editor’s Response: I have no idea how to answer John’s query. Can someone from SJU answer what the “Global Business Leadership” major entails and how the majority of students utilize it after graduation.)
* * * *
Circus Act —
A man decides to join the circus. He shows up to demonstrate his skills to the impresario.
"I have the most unusual act," he announces. "I'm sure it will amaze you."
He climbs up to the high wire and jumps off! He flaps his arms wildly, and finally his fall slows and the man begins to fly. He soars upward, turns, and swoops back again. Finally, he stops in mid air and gently lowers himself to the ground.
The impresario says, "Is that all you've got? Bird impressions?"
* * * *
CSB dance team makes history at Johnnie-Tommie
game 2019 —
The College of Saint Benedict dance team has won multiple national titles, and traditionally finishes very well at regional and national competitions. But this past Saturday, the CSB dance team experienced a first for the program.
For the first time in program history, Saint Benedict's fall dance team was invited to compete at halftime of an opponent's home game. CSB performed its routine at halftime of the annual Johnnie-Tommie rivalry football game Saturday at Allianz Field in St. Paul – a game that was St. Thomas' home game. The Tommie dance team invited CSB to perform at halftime, and the team accepted and was able to make history.
As well as being the first time performing at an opponent's home game, this marked the first time CSB's fall dance team performed at halftime of a football game not at Clemens Stadium in Collegeville, and the 19,508 fans in attendance marked the biggest crowd the team has performed of in the history of its existence.
The Saint Benedict dance team has three halftime performances left on the fall schedule, including Saturday, Oct. 26, when it performs at halftime of the CSB soccer team's home game against St. Kate's. That game starts at 1 p.m. at the turf field across College Avenue. The dance team is also set to perform at the SJU football team's Nov. 2 home game against Concordia, and its regular-season final Nov. 16 against Rose-Hulman.
(Click here to watch the CSB Dance Team’s Halftime Performance:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4Tea7TYSLI )
* * * *
Allianz Field — Video Scenes from the Day —
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZnRozOCjHA
* * * *
Losing the St. John’s vs. St.Thomas Rivalry —
Editorial in the St.Cloud Times
http://www.startribune.com/losing-the-st-john-s-vs-st-thomas-rivalry/563657932/
* * * *
English Majors’ Corner, Building Vocabulary Department —
A fella once asked me what a hoedown was and I told him it's like a shindig but more like a hootenanny.
I could tell he was still confused because his face went all cattywampus.
* * * *
SJU’s Thom Woodward Wins Baseball
Poetry Slam —
Earlier this week Thom Woodward ’70 came down from Sartell, MN (St. Cloud area) to St. Paul to compete in a Baseball Poetry Slam’s “Original Poems” category. The contest, organized by some English faculty at the University of St. Thomas, was judged by a panel of former educators. Tom read two of his original baseball poems and took first place; they are published below. Second place, by the way, was taken by Chris Scholl, who read her original short poem describing a triple play begun by her that won a softball game 50 years ago. Other slam categories were “Best Reading of ‘Casey at the Bat,’” “Best Baseball Songs,” and “Best Reading of Someone Else’s Baseball Poems.”
Baseball is very important to Thom, who will enter his 15th season as an assistant baseball coach at SJU this next spring. He previously served as the Johnnies' junior-varsity coach and recruiting coordinator. A 1970 graduate of Saint John's, Thom is a retired employee in the university's office of Institutional Advancement (alumni relations).
“The Men in Bronze”
by Thom Woodward
The men in bronze are the heroes gone by,
our fondest memories forever etched like stars in the sky
never to fade or even to flicker a bit
because, oh, how they could pitch and how they could hit.
Only the best achieve the glamour and fame.
Theirs was the way you play the game.
They earned their statues for finesse and for hustle,
for character and grace as well as for muscle.
Like Gwynn, the Wizard of Oz and Ted Kluszewski,
Harmon Killebrew, Kirby Puckett, Roberto Clemente.
Play hard and tough like Cardinal Bob Gibson
or Hammerin’ Hank, and one day you might get one.
Satchell Paige, Josh Gibson and Cool Papa Bell:
each of their statues has a story to tell.
The statue of Mays calls out “Say, hey!”
And there’s Berra and Larsen who was perfect one day.
See a number of greats in the Yankee monument …or
The Teammates: Williams, Pesky, DiMaggio and Doerr.
They are noted for their arm, or their bat and their mitt;
examples are Warren Spahn and Michael Jack Schmidt.
There are statues to Tigers, Indians and ChiSox:
Kaline, Feller, Little Louie and Fox.
Then there’s that of Ron Santo and Stan the Man.
Nolan Ryan’s tips his cap to the game and the fan.
Disrespect for the game is all it that shows
when today’s young sluggers toss the bat, strike a pose
as the deep fly falls way short of the wall
or it’s the long, loud foul which means nothing at all.
Frozen, they stand there bashing old school
while they’re simply basking … statue of a fool.
* *
“There’s No Jogging in Baseball”
by Thom Woodward
You walk to first and get a "walk off" win.
Between the innings, run out and run in.
Sprint out of the box and to back up a base.
Lope after a fly to a convergent place.
A "home run trot" is an appropriate speed.
For those who jog? There is no need.
* * * *
CSB's autumn campus beauty captured by Security Officer Rick Gray
* * * *
Quick Thoughts: Staying on the Positive Side —
As you get older, you've got to stay positive For example, the other day I fell down the stairs. Instead of getting upset, I just thought, "Wow, that's the fastest I've moved in years."
* * * *
The Last Word —
A newlywed couple had been married for two weeks. The husband, although very much in love, couldn’t wait to go out on the town and party with his old buddies. So, he said to his new wife, “Honey, I’ll be back in a couple hours.”
“Where are you going, coochy cooh?” asked the wife.
“I’m going to the bar with my boys, pretty face. I’m going to have a beer.”
The wife said, “You want a beer, my love?” She opened the door to the refrigerator and showed him 25 different kinds of beer brands from 12 different countries. “Which one would you like, baby?”
The husband didn’t know what to do, and the only thing that he could think of saying was, “Yes, lolly pop, but at the bar, you know, they have frozen glasses.”
He didn’t get to finish the sentence, because the wife interrupted him by saying, “You want a frozen glass, puppy face?” She took a huge beer mug out of the freezer, so frozen that she was getting chills just holding it.
The husband, looking a bit pale, said, “Yes, tootsie roll, but at the bar they have those hors d’oeuvres that are really delicious. I won’t be long, I’ll be right back. I promise. OK?”
You want hors d’oeuvres, poochi pooh?” She opened the oven and took out 5 dishes of different hors d’oeuvres: chicken wings, pigs in blankets, mushroom caps, pork strips, etc.
“But my sweet honey, at the bar there’s swearing, dirty words and all that fun manly stuff.”
“You want dirty words? Drink your f***king beer in your g-d frozen mug and eat your damn snacks, because you are married now, and you aren’t going anywhere. Got it, you a-hole?”
* * * *
GO JOHNNIES! “Um! Yah! Yah!” the Oles! (Or something like that.)
* * * *
Happily submitted by your diligent if often off-base editor:
R. L. Wicker SJP ’60/SJU ’64
theowick@aol.com ; 651-699-4697
* * * *