Often being lucky is better than being good (UUN #16-19)
Dear Proud-As-Can-Be Johnnies —
On one hand, Lady Luck pooped right on the Thunders' heads, but on the other hand, the #8 Johnnies did something nobody has done to Wheaton all year, and that's score on them multiple times. That against a team that allowed an average of fewer than 7 points a game. We couldn't run on them (a minus 12 yards), but we threw for over 400 yards against the Number One Defense in Division III. Yes, in a sense we were lucky with how the game suddenly ended but, in a larger sense, we earned our close-shave victory by playing our hearts out. Here are some of the reasons why:
- We got off to a fast start this time. (21-7 at the half.)
- We kept our penalties in check. (Only two...bad ones running into the kicker twice, but still just two.)
- Our O-Line was pretty solid against the best D-Line we've faced all year.
- Erdmann hit a number of receivers, often with the long ball when we couldn't run.
- And we constrained the potent Wheaton running game in the first half.
But it was a game of two halves, and the #3 Thunder came thundering back, clearly the superior team in the second half. But we scored again late in the game via an Erdmann bomb after a fumble by Wheaton, and that was the diff. Oh, yeah, and the infamous spike and two missed PAT attempts. (More on that below from our readers.)
Senior offensive lineman, Josh Juaire, yells triumphantly for all of us at the completion of this tense, closely-matched game.
* * * *
So Here We Go Again —
All this means we get to do it again this Saturday, only at the hated, frigid, far-away Whitewater venue against the dispised UW-Whitewater Warhawks. We left a lot on the field in Wheaton, Illinois, including some injuries to key players, knocking one standout, senior linebacker James Inman, out for the season. That's not good since Whitewater is just as large, mean, and surly as Wheaton. They also have one of the top defenses in Div. III and their offense equally divides their plays between cramming it down their opponents' throats by the rush and successfully passing their way down the field. It will be another epic challenge, but we have Jackson Erdmann and they don't. Although the computer analysis picks the Hawks by a few points, you never know...everyone picked Mary Hardin-Baylor to triumph easily over Whitewater...and look at what happened.
* * * *
Warhawk Follows Directions —
Four members of the UW-Whitewater football team were driving back to school after spending the day shopping and eating in Milwaukee, about an hour’s drive away.
While traveling along the Interstate, one of the Hawks rolled down his window and threw out an empty fast-food sack and soft-drink cup. His seatmate shouted, “Dude! What are you doing?”
And the Warhawk replied, “It’s okay...I just saw a sign that said ‘Fine For Littering.’”
* * * *
Johnnie Football Coming to Wisconsin! —
(From Adam Herbst ’99, Alumni Relations)
Congratulations to the Johnnies on their dramatic win over Wheaton College on Saturday in the national quarterfinal round of the NCAA Division III football playoffs! The next stop for the Johnnies is a big national semifinal showdown against the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater on Saturday, December 14th at 2 p.m. in Whitewater. Saturday's game will be broadcast to a national audience on ESPN3.
Tickets can be purchased in advance starting this Tuesday, December 10 at 12 p.m. online at tickets.uww.edu. Tickets can also be purchased starting two hours prior to kickoff at the Perkins Stadium ticket window. Cost of tickets is $13 for adults and $8 for senior citizens, students and children ages 3-12.
For those planning to make the trip our host hotel is the AC Hotel Madison Downtown by Marriot (One North Webster Street, Madison, Wisconsin 53703
All Johnnie fans are invited to a pregame social on Saturday, December 14th from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Second Salem Brewing Company, 111 W. Whitewater Street. The game kicks off at 2 p.m. at Perkins Stadium on the campus of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, and Second Salem Brewing Company is about five minutes from the stadium.
We look forward to seeing you there…Go Johnnies!
* * * *
St. John's vs. Whitewater
Listening To/Watching The Game:
Radio Network:
The Bear 660 AM WBHR (Saul Rapids)
KDIZ-1570 AM (Twin Cities)
KOWZ-1170 AM (Waseca)
Listening via the Internet:
https://portal.stretchinternet.com/csbsju/
(Coverage begins at 12:00 mm)
Watch Live:
https://www.espn.com/watch/
(Game begins at 2 pm — the game is also broadcast on ESPN3, for those who can get it. )
Keep apprised on NCAA Semifinal Action:
https:www.d3football.com/videolink/bracket-blitz-2019
* * * *
Watching Whitewater With Johnnies —
Alumni-owned Fulton Taproom (414 6th Avenue No., Minneapolis MN 55401)
Alumni-owned Great River Bowl & Partners Pub (208 2nd St. So., Sartell, MN 56377)
Union 32 Craft House (2864 Highway 55, Eagan, MN 55121)
* * * *
Some Quick Info On The Teams —
(Sourced from the UWW football website)
Saturday's game can be watched live on ESPN3 via the WatchESPN app on mobile devices and online at espn.com/watch.
The Warhawks, ranked seventh by D3football.com and 10th by the American Football Coaches Association possessed the ball for nearly 43 minutes and pitched a second-half shutout while scoring 16 unanswered points last Saturday in a 26-7 victory at No. 2 Mary Hardin-Baylor (Texas) in the national quarterfinals. UW-Whitewater amassed 358 yards of offense, including 239 on the ground, and held the Crusaders to 140 yards, including minus-3 yards rushing on 18 attempts.
St. John's, which is ranked No. 8 by both the AFCA and D3football.com, scored the go-ahead touchdown with 6:07 to play and held on for a 34-33 victory at Wheaton (Ill.) in last Saturday's quarterfinal round. Wheaton had a chance to tie the game after scoring a touchdown with nine seconds left, but was penalized 15 yards following the score and missed the extra point. Jackson Erdmann passed for 407 yards and five touchdowns and Ravi Alston and Blake Patrick each caught two touchdowns to lead SJU offensively. Ryan LaCasse paced the defense with nine tackles. The Johnnies punched their ticket to the program's 10th appearance in the Division III semifinals and first since 2003.
UP NEXT
The winner of Saturday's game advances to Stagg Bowl XLVII, the 2019 national championship game, to face the winner of Saturday's North Central (Ill.) at Muhlenberg (Pa.) game. The game will take place on Friday, Dec. 19, at 7 p.m. Central Time at Woodforest Bank Stadium in Shenandoah, Texas, and will air on ESPNU.
* * * *
All About UW-Whitewater —
The University of Wisconsin–Whitewater (UW–Whitewater) is a public university in Whitewater, Wisconsin. It is part of the University of Wisconsin system. Student enrollment is more than 12,000, including 11,000+ undergraduates. The university offers 47 undergraduate majors and 13 graduate programs, with over 1,000 courses available to students. Approximately 1,400 faculty and staff are employed by the university, and the student body consists of individuals from about 40 states and 30 countries. If there was Division II football in Wisconsin, UWW surely would belong in it.
The school was dedicated on April 21, 1868, as Whitewater Normal School and graduated its first class of teachers in June 1870. In 1927, the school received authority to grant baccalaureate degrees in education and the name was changed to Whitewater Teachers College. With the addition of liberal arts programs in 1951, it became Wisconsin State College–Whitewater and was later designated a Wisconsin State University in 1964. In 1971, after the merger of the former University of Wisconsin and the former Wisconsin State Universities, the school became part of the University of Wisconsin system and has had the name of the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater since then.[ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Wisconsin_System ]
The University of Wisconsin–Whitewater encompasses 400 acres in southeastern Wisconsin. The iconic landmark of the university's campus, Old Main, was destroyed by fire on February 7, 1970. The school's oldest building, it was the only one that had been part of the original campus. The east wing of Old Main, now called Hyer Hall, is all that remains of the building. It houses many of the university's administrative offices, in addition to classrooms and lecture halls. After the fire that destroyed Old Main the building's carillon bell was removed and installed in front of the Alumni Center. Now an electronic carillon bell rings regularly throughout the day.
UW–Whitewater is a member of NCAA Division III for athletics. It is a member of the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC). The university's athletics teams are nicknamed the Warhawks and are represented by the colors purple and white. Their Mascot is named Willie Warhawk.
In the 2013–2014 academic year, the Warhawks made collegiate sports history by winning the men's football, basketball, and baseball championships. UW-Whitewater is the first school in NCAA history in any division to experience such a three-sport sweep in the same academic year.
One of UW-Whitewater's programs for students with disabilities, Cornerstones for Success, provides athletes with disabilities the opportunity to share their experiences in sports and everyday life with students from across the Midwest. UW-Whitewater also has wheelchair basketball programs for men and women; both teams have won national championships.
Whitewater Football
Take a look at the Warhawk' schedule below. They haven't really blown out too many opponents; however, they play in the most competitive Division III football conference and handled everyone fairly handily, except Oshkosh, to whom they lost by a touchdown. Of specific note to St. John's is their narrow win over Concordia in an early preseason game, which the Warhawks won by 20-10. The Cobbers, who live by the run, got nothing! I'd expect that we won't do too much better on the ground. It's gotta be Air Erdmann or bust.
Wisconsin-Whitewater Warhawks Schedule 2019 https://www.espn.com/college-football/team/schedule/_/id/2745/uw-whitewater-warhawks
Who to watch:
Mary Hardin-Baylor, the 2018 Stagg Bowl champions. were eliminated in the quarterfinals by a Warhawks squad that executed its game plan to near perfection. UW-Whitewater rushed for 221 yards, Max Meylor was an efficient 10-for-12 passing, and the UMHB Crusaders were only able to run 46 offensive snaps, in 17:15 of possession time. The Warhawks ran the ball 53 times and controlled 42:45 of the clock. Garrett Purdy and Tommy Matoska keyed the defensive effort, which held UMHB to just 140 total yards, minus-3 on the ground, and forced two turnovers.
Whitewater (12-1) converted seven of 13 on third down and added two more conversions on fourth down to keep the clock moving. Jarrod Ware tallied 14 carries for 110 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Warhawks offense. Meylor threw for 119 yards and added one rushing touchdown. Junior wide receiver Ryan Wisniewski caught five passes for 72 yards.
In addition to the aforementioned Warhawks, seven members of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater football team were named to the 2019 D3football.com All-West Region Team based on their performances during the regular season. They are: junior defensive lineman Mackenzie Balanganayi (who garnered West Region Defensive Player of the Year accolades); junior defensive back Mark McGrath; junior offensive lineman Quinn Meinertz; and junior running back Alex Peete. Senior defensive lineman Jordan Brand and - junior linebacker Kaleb Kaminski picked up second-team honors, and junior offensive lineman Kyle Gannon was selected to the second team.
It would be nice to visit this stadium in warmer early fall weather sometime. Right now it's like playing in Siberia.
* * * *
Always Pay Your Rent —
The landlord of a low-cost apartment building in Whitewater located close to the campus knocked on the door of one of his renters, a senior linebacker on the UW-Whitewater team.
The landlord told the Warhawk when he answered, "I want you to pay your rent right now. You’re late every month and I’m running a business; I can’t afford tenants who won’t pay on time."
The UWW student countered, "Let's discuss this. In a few years people will look up at this humble apartment and say, 'Alex Jones, the great NFL linebacker, used to live here.'"
The landlord replied, "If you don't pay your rent by tonight, they'll be able to say it tomorrow."
* * * *
All About The Victory At Wheaton —
No. 8 SJU Moves on to NCAA Semifinals With 34-33 Win
WHEATON, Ill. - No. 8 Saint John's football advanced to the NCAA Division III semifinals with a thrilling 34-33 win over No. 3 Wheaton (Ill.) on Saturday, Dec. 7.
The Johnnies (12-1 overall) travel to face No. 7 Wisconsin-Whitewater (12-1 overall) next Saturday, Dec. 14. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:04 p.m. and the game will be broadcast live on ESPN3.
The semifinal appearance will be the Johnnies' 12th in program history (10th at the Division III level) and first since 2003. (Read more:)
* * * *
NCAA Round 3 Postgame Press Conference —
St. John’s University head football coach Gary Fasching along with Jackson Erdmann, and Danny Petruszewski:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77kqvEP9D0A&feature=youtu.be (6:01 min.)
Wheaton College (very emotional) head football coach Mike Swider along with Luke Anthony, Phillip Nichols, and Ryan Schwartz:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ruZVhPMErU (9:37 min.)
* * * *
Video Highlights, St. John’s vs Wheaton:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhMWbe6FFGU (4:00 min)
* * * *
'Madness at the end': Johnnies win as Wheaton misses tying PAT — twice
Orrin Schwarz, Special to the St. Cloud Times
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
Down by 7, Wheaton scored a touchdown with 9 seconds left
A celebratory spike of the football drew a flag that pushed the extra-point try back 15 yards
Wheaton's kicker missed the extra point, but penalties gave him a second chance to tie the game.
He also missed the second kick.
WHEATON, Illinois — Helpless on the St. John’s sideline, quarterback Jackson Erdmann could only watch and wait.
First, he watched as Wheaton College methodically drove down the field and finally scored a touchdown to pull within a point of the Johnnies in Saturday’s NCAA Division III football quarterfinal. Then he waited through a timeout and a long delay as a pair of penalties was debated by the referees on the extra-point kick.
Then, finally, Erdmann and his teammates celebrated when Wheaton’s second 35-yard extra point kick also missed, going wide right. (Read more:)
https://www.sctimes.com/story/sports/football/johnnie-football/2019/12/07/johnnies-win-wheaton-misses-tying-pat-twice/4368053002/
* * * *
Quote of the Week —
“All week we were talking about the only reason they’re the No. 1 team on defense is because they haven’t played us yet. We had that mindset going in. We’re a confident offense. The defense has got our backs. So that was in the game plan. We came out and executed.” — Jackson Erdmann
* * * *
‘Proud to be a Johnnie’: St. John’s QB Jackson Erdmann has set a high standard
(Major article in the St. Paul Pioneer Press)
Jackson Erdmann didn’t want to visit St. John’s.
The Rosemount High School senior was set on walking on to a major Division I university, and the Johnnies weren’t really on his radar. But his dad made him make the trip to Collegeville, just to see the place and meet the coaches.
“I just thought it’d be a good fit for him,” said Jackson’s father, Jeff.
Father knows best. (Read more:)
https://www.twincities.com/2019/12/06/proud-to-be-a-johnnie-st-johns-qb-jackson-erdmann-has-set-high-standard/
Jackson Erdmann has succeeded against Wheaton College where other teams have failed. The result is a trip to the NCAA Division III semifinals and a show-down with long-time nemesis, UW-Whitewater.
* *
From Ron Tomczik ’65, Medicine Lake, MN, in response to the above article:
Great article. And I REALLY like Jackson’s last comment -- "I really like being a Johnnie." The comments from the 1950s'-2018 Alumni really make me feel proud!
On the flight home from Wheaton, I sat next to a senior Bennie and a high school junior female (whose brother had played football at SJU) who loves St Ben's/St. John's--but she wants bio-engineering--so may have to attend a different college! The Bennie senior, even though she already has an excellent job with the Ernst Accounting firm, does NOT want to graduate--she loves St. Ben's so much! Reminds me of my Bennie granddaughter, Alison Hall ’18, who also was reluctant...almost sad to graduate even though she too had already been hired by a good company. There were a total of three Bennie students, plus the high school junior in their group on our plane. Amazing Bennie support system!
Go Johnnies! The loudest Saturday cheers from the large crowd: S-J-U, S-J-U, S-J-U!! REALLY loud from the time when the players came on the field 10 minutes before kickoff. And then some fan started singing the Johnnie Fight Song--and it just spread across our entire visitor bleachers/standees--and soon all were singing! — Ron
* * * *
Battle Between The Sexes Christmas Season Quickie —
Wife to husband: "This Christmas let's give each other sensible gifts like ties and fur coats."
* * * *
Chrismas is coming to Saint John's. The first obvious sign is the Christmas tree in the Great Hall. (Photo by Fr. Eric Hollas in his blog that will be linked down a bit further.)
* * * *
More Scenes From Stearns County —
The newly-hired church secretary at St. Mary’s in Melrose answered the phone. The caller said, "Is da head hog at da trough dere?"
The secretary says, "Please Sir, do not refer to our pastor as the ‘head hog at the trough.’ That is very insulting."
"Oh, I'm very sorry. I meant nothing by dat. It's just a local phrase we use in dis part of da county; I’m a friend of Father Marv’s...say, are you new to da parish, by any chance? Anyway, da real reason I called was to donate $50,000 to da Endowment Fund."
The secretary says, "Oh! Hold on. I see the 'Big Oinker' coming through the door right now."
* * * *
The UnCasual Fan —
Review of the 34-33 Win over Wheaton on Saturday, December 7, 2019
How incredibly blessed we are (luck is for pagans) as Johnnie fans and supporters to have been able to watch as many good football games as we have this fall:
- A 33-21 victory over a very good Gustavus team
- A 19-0 shut out of Bethel
- A wonderful 38-20 victory over UST at Allianz Field
- A 51-47 thriller against Aurora
- And this past week’s 34-33 squeaker over Wheaton
Seldom, if ever, do we get to witness that many good, fun, competitive games in one year and we still have the opportunity for 1 or 2 more. I am almost ready to think that this may be our year. (Ed’s Quick Interjection: Even our heart-breaking 19-18 loss to Concordia was an exciting game right down to the last play.)
It is somewhat ironic that for a team that struggled most of the year to make extra points that our beloved Johnnies win in the last 10 seconds of a playoff game because the other team missed their 2nd extra point of the game – go figure.
We beat a very, very good football team. Like us, they are capable of playing with any Division III team in the country. Wheaton had a very talented defensive line and a very balanced offense but our guys were up to the task.
Basically, what it comes down to after it is all said and done, is that the coaches and team found a way to win. We had momentum in the first half and Wheaton had most of the momentum in the second half. We made just enough plays in the second half to give us a 1-point victory.
Some really interesting things happened over the course of the game and yet we still managed to pull out a victory:
We had a minus 12 yards rushing for the game – I have to believe that that is unheard of for any Johnnie game on record (Ed’s Note: Didn’t UST do that to us at Target Field two years ago?)
- I am not sure I saw an SJU running back on the field in the second half
- We got called for roughing the kicker – twice
- We started out throwing short passes
- We were out-gained 455 net yards to 395 net yards
- Time of possession (overrated) was 23:35 for SJU and 36:25 for Wheaton
- Wheaton had almost twice as many 3rd down conversions as we did (11 vs 6) and they also converted 2 fourth-down attempts (we had zero)
- We had 53 offensive plays and they had 82
Sometimes things just have to go your way in order for your team to win. So here is my simple analysis of the Wheaton game:
The good:
- A great start right from the opening kickoff
- The defense – SJU recovered 2 big fumbles when we really needed some stops
- 400+ yards passing again and 5 touchdown passes ( Wheaton entered the game as the leader in defense for all colleges at 187 yds per game)
- A consistent extra point game
Needs some work:
- Wheaton definitely had the advantage on kickoffs with most of theirs going into the end zone and most of ours barely getting to the 15 and/or being returned out passed the 30-yard line
- Hoping we have a little more of a running game this week, especially if the weather does not cooperate.
On a positive note:
- The crowd at The Fulton Brewery was wound up and ready to go. Thanks to all that were there supporting our guys
The Johnnies travel to the Whitewater area this Saturday to face UW-Whitewater. Check out other parts of Mr. Wicker’s newsletter to find out more about our opponents
Like last week - I am confident our Johnnies will make a good showing and put up a strong effort and that is all we can really ask of them. We are in the semi-finals – one of the Top Four teams in the country - with as good of chance as anyone to make it to the Championship game.
How much fun has this journey been !!!!! --- Go Johnnies !!!!!!
* * * *
Battle Between The Sexes, The “I’m Leaving You” Division —
A woman, cranky because her husband was late coming home again, decided to leave a note, saying, "I've had enough and have left you...don't bother coming after me." Then she hid under the bed to see his reaction.
After a short while, the husband comes home and she could hear him in the kitchen before he comes into the bedroom. She could see him walk towards the dresser and pick up the note.
After a few minutes he wrote something on it before picking up the phone and calling someone..."She's finally gone...yeah, I know, about bloody time. I'm coming to see you; put on that sexy French nightie. I love you...can't wait to see you...we'll do all the naughty things you like." He hung up, grabbed his keys and left.
She heard the car drive off as she came out from under the bed. Seething with rage and with tears in her eyes she grabbed the note to see what he wrote..."I can see your feet. We're outta bread: be back in five minutes."
(Compliments of Tommy Cebulla ’58)
* * * *
School of Theology, Efficacy of Prayer Department —
What an interesting turn of events in Pahrump, Nevada
Diamond D's brothel began construction on an expansion of their building to increase their ever-growing business.
In response, the local Baptist Church started a campaign to block the business from expanding -- with morning, afternoon, and evening prayer sessions at their church.
Work on Diamond D's progressed right up until the week before the grand re-opening when lightning struck the whorehouse and burned it to the ground!
After the brothel burned to the ground by the lightning strike, the church folks were rather smug in their outlook, bragging about "the power of prayer."
But late last week 'Big Jugs' Jill Diamond, the owner/madam, sued the church, the preacher and the entire congregation on the grounds that the church "was ultimately responsible for the demise of her building and her business -- either through direct or indirect divine actions or means."
In its reply to the court, the church vehemently and vociferously denied any and all responsibility or any connection to the building's demise.
The crusty old judge read through the plaintiff's complaint and the defendant's reply, and at the opening hearing he commented, "I don't know how the heck I'm going to decide this case, but it appears from the paperwork, that we now have a whorehouse owner who staunchly believes in the power of prayer.... and an entire church congregation that thinks it's all bullcrap."
(Courtesy of Joe Spano SJP ’52/SJU ’56, via Jerry Streeter SJP ’52.)
* * * *
From Our Readers —
From Bill Kauffmann '87, Plymouth, MN —
Select the link below to view a video of the second missed extra point attempt by Wheaton College and the reaction of Johnnie fans at the Fulton Brewery viewing party. A couple of notes: First, Wayne Hergott '57 (John's first QB in 1953) was listening to Mark [Lewandowski] and Bryan [Backes '87] on the Johnnie radio broadcast on The Bear 660 AM. The broadcast was a few seconds ahead of the streaming video. It was a delightful foreshadowing of what was to come. Note number two: The "good looking" guy at the end of the video is Todd Fultz '91, one of the greatest Johnnie receivers of all time, giving the thumbs up. Todd was a record-setting receiver catching passes from more than five starting QB's over his career. Enjoy! — Billy https://youtu.be/LuIKp3kHGMc
Also at the Fulton view party were two outstanding players from two and three seasons ago, left, speedy wide receiver Evan Clark '17 and slashing running back Adam Essler '18. Unfortunately, we don't have the name of their tablemate sitting at the rear.
* *
From Jim Conn ’64, who flew down to Wheaton with his wife Anita in their private plane from their home in Alexandria, MN —
Thinking of you and your absence at the Thunder game yesterday. We literally had a "foot-stompin’” good time in the tiny bleacher section set aside for visitors (probably only 1/3rd the size of the visitor bleachers at Clemens Field). The "Chicago Rat Section" was filled to overflowing prior to game time. At full capacity with no seating room left for many Johnnie late arrivals who ended up standing on the sidelines, we were all scrunched in cozy, warm and delirious with excitement and anticipation about the game. As you know, the "slo-starts" we have been experiencing in prior games was a non-issue and certainly saved our bacon when we went flat during the third quarter.
S-J-U! S-J-U! S-J-U! — The raucous, fully-engaged Johnnie fans, many from Chicagoland, noisily supported the Jays throughout the entire game.
The "Thunderous" reaction curiously did not emanate at all from the Thunder fans across the field but rather from the boisterous, always raucous, and possibly rabid at times, Johnnie fans. We were all collectively on our feet, rising to every showdown occasion (and there were many during the course of the game) by stomping with both feet until the aluminum bleachers actually vibrated enough to send peals of thunder across the field in support of our Johnnie players on the field - and a not-too-veiled threat to the Thunder contingent during much of the game. Even in the third quarter, our bleacher section did not go silent when the Johnnies hit a cold spell.
I'm opining now - but I predict that many of the Johnnie players if asked, would acknowledge that the outcome of the game might have been different had the "Chicago Rat Section" not shown up in full force. By contrast, I estimate that there were twice as many Thunder supporters on the opposite side of the field but their enthusiasm for the proceedings on the field could be described as lukewarm - at best. Here are the kickoff photos of the respective bleacher sections. In my opinion, I think a reasonable estimate is that we Johnnie fans were about 35% of the total crowd. Not shown in the photo were a bunch (maybe 100) Johnnies standing by the sidelines due to SRO in the visitor bleachers.— Jim
The St. John's "Visitor's" side was packed. Not seen were the 100 or more Red fans strung out along the sidelines.
By contrast, the Wheaton "Home" side crowd looked pretty anemic given the importance of this game. Of the 1,508 listed attendance, at least 30% were Johnnies
* *
From John Chromy ’64, Washington, DC —
Bob---once again, I am glad that on the east coast. I am out of range of any TV transmission of the Johnnies games---otherwise my cardio system would have detonated by now----34 to 33 over Wheaton. My pacemaker would have blown a gasket!!! Congrats to all the Johnnies and their fans. — John
(Editor’s Reminder: John, not that I want you to suffer a heart malfunction of any kind brought on by our recent close football games, but these contests are viewable over the internet (or on ESPN3 this Saturday and ESPNU on the following Friday night). However, before you do that for what we hope will be the next two games, please take some Valium before watching.)
* *
From Fr. Wilfred Theisen, OSB, SJP ’47/SJU ’52, St. John’s Monastery —
Bob, Did you happen to see the post-game interview with[ the Wheaton] coach and players? Moving. He said, “You can’t go through what we went through the last 12 months together and say, ‘Forget it. Life goes on.’ The pain is too big. You can’t forget it. We all deserve Hell, but Jesus saves us, and we will rest in heaven with him. “
We had -12 yards rushing! — Wilfred
(Editor’s Note: Wheaton’s coach, Mike Swider, resigned this week after 34 years involved with Wheaton football as both a player and a coach. He says he made up his mind before the season began but kept it to himself so as not to take away any attention from the players. This is no doubt true, but seeing his devastation in the post-game interview, it wouldn't be surprising to learn that this loss shattered his spirit so thoroughly that he simply couldn't continue in this game any longer.)
* *
From Tommy Cebulla ’58, Andover, MN —
Rob: As usual, another GREAT job with the UUN. But what are you gonna do when:
a) Football season is over?
b) You run out of really good jokes?
c) When/If you get too old to do the UUN?
or, God forbid, d) When the SHTF?
God Bless You. — Tommy
(Editor’s Reply: Re (a), I’m going to read the newspaper and books, watch some TV, go to movies and plays, and drink a little Fireball in front of our fireplace, things I don’t have much time for during football season. Re (b), thanks to you, Conrad, and many others, I never seem to run out of jokes; however, whether they are good or not seems to be a matter of conjecture among some readers. Re (c), I’m already too old to do this. And re (d) if the SHTF, I’m going to do the Benedictine thing with great awareness: Keep death daily before my eyes.)
* *
From Conrad Macina, Resident Humorologist, Landing, NJ —
Good golly! One point — ONE POINT!! But at least it was in the right direction. Congrats to the Johnnies and on to the semis!! — Conrad
Two Whitewater football players fell down a hole. One said, "It's dark in here isn't it?" The other replied, "I don't know; I can't see."
A UWW professor says to his class, “Oxygen was discovered in 1773.” One of his students is a football player and remarks, “Thank God I was born after 1773 or I’d have suffocated!”
Go Johnnies! Rip the feathers out of the Warhawks!!
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From Tony “Addy” Bombich ’64, Clinton, MS —
Hi Bob/Rob, I was glued to my laptop today watching St. John's impressive win over Wheaton. I became confident that the Johnnies would endure the relentless attack from Wheaton in the second half. The large contingent of Johnnie's fans also provided massive support. The Johnnies’ scores largely came quickly while the Wheaton drives were long, wearing down our defense. But there was enough gas in the tank to keep the game controlled. In the end, the method of the win was for me a deja vu moment. As in the MS State win over Ole Miss, I recounted last week that came when a mindless penalty pushed the extra point try from the 18-yard line and a missed kick wide, the Wheaton penalty on their TD did the same. And even a second attempt at the extra point failed. Could it be some help came from Above, a gust of wind maybe? Well, I will be here again next Saturday at my laptop watching the Johnnies reverse recent history with a big win against UW-Whitewater and a trip to the Big One! Best regards. — Addy
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From Pete Hill ’76, Naperville, IL, next door to Wheaton, IL —
Here’s a shot of defensive coordinator Jerry Haugen ’76 (left) and me taken the night before the SJU-Wheaton game.
Classmates Jerry and Pete.
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From Kent Howe ’56, Wayzata, MN —
Thanks, Rob. I went through your whole epistle [last issue] and was glad I did so I could listen to the Youtube presentation by Fr. Lew Grobe. His dad [John Grobe'72] was at St. Bart's [Ed’s Note: St. Bartholomew’s Parish, Wayzata] for several years as the financial person. I got to know him pretty well. I'll bet he is pretty proud of his son.
Each year at this time the "boys" in my family get together to make Italian sausage based on my mother-in-law’s old family recipe that the family brought over from Sicily. Fortunately, the day we picked was last Saturday, (one of the boys didn't make it cause he was attending classes at Gustavus.) As usual, we had a great time but it was even better this year because of the great Johnny victory. With me was my son Paul (‘87), and my grandson Connor (‘17). Even though we seldom have the "girls" helping, we know one of my granddaughters would have been cheering with us. But Mara ’20, who graduates this year from St. Ben’s, was attending the annual year-end soccer banquet. Somehow I hope we can have the same excitement this coming weekend. We better continue to say our prayers — Kent
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From Glenn Rother SJP ’61/SJU ’65, Williamsburg, VA —
Hello Bob. Great job on the UUN as always -- thanks. Here is a joke for UUNconsideration. — Glenn
Battle Between the Sexes, Final Request Department —
Joe passed away. His will provided $30,000 for an elaborate funeral.
As the last guests departed the affair, his wife, Helen, turned to her oldest friend. "Well, I'm sure Joe would be pleased," she said.
"I'm sure you're right," replied Jody, who lowered her voice and leaned in close. "How much did this REALLY cost?"
"All of it," said Helen. "Thirty thousand."
"No!" Jody exclaimed. "I mean, it was very nice, but $30,000?"
Helen answered. "The funeral was $6,500. I donated $500 to the church. The wake, food and drinks were another $500. The rest went for the memorial stone."
Jody computed quickly. "$22,500 for a memorial stone? My God, how big is it?!"
"Two and a half carats."
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From Harry Acker, Honorary Class of 1964, Virginia Beach, VA —
Hi Bawb, Watched the whole game today. Very exciting, especially the last few minutes! Making the Final 4 is quite an achievement! Good luck on Saturday. Go Johnnies! — Harry
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From Nellie Klein ’60, St. Cloud, MN —
Rob, That Wheaton/Johnnie game was possibly the toughest game I have ever watched. I was so proud of the Johnnies! Total team effort. Must admit it was probably the first Johnnie game I ever used so many naughty words. Totally loved the final Outcome!
Now onto Whitewater.....the beast in all Wisconsin Division 3 football. Never gets any easier for our boys. I have such faith in Jackson Erdmann and his players that I now assume they will win. I only hope we are able to get ESPN 3 on our Spectrum cable! Don’t know if that channel equates to our ESPNU Let me know if you know...Looking forward to another challenging game for our Johnnies. What an amazing year we have had! Being a Bennie I can only assume “they will let their light shine.” — Nellie
P.S. - Do you know this prof at St. John’s and his amazing story on KARE 11? I did not. My daughter Jenny Genereau ‘93 brought it and this newscast video to my attention. Amazing! — Nell
Freshmen inspiration at St. John's University
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From Wayne Hergott ’57, Edina, MN —
What a game. The football gods were on our side Saturday. I have great compassion for the Wheaton kid who spiked the ball. Some comments about him on the d3football web site are quite crude, calling him a moron, self-centered, wanting attention, etc.; I think some of the people commenting are easily overlooking some of the dumb things they've done in life. Unfortunately, he will be forever remembered as the guy who spiked the ball, not the guy who scored a significant touchdown.
About 150 of us watched the game at the Fulton brewery. It was an enthusiastic crowd. Unfortunately, the facility is not as accommodating as Jax. Fulton would not open the door until Noon, the same time the game started, no audio accommodated the picture streamed, and we sat on backless chairs or stools at tables or picnic benches that were not comfortable for 84-year-olds. I'm hoping we can resurrect Jax for Saturday to accommodate us who are not going to Whitewater. I'm hoping for a victory at Whitewater and a trip to the Stagg Bowl on the 20th but, win or lose Saturday, we've had a GREAT year. — Wayne
Meet the "spiker," senior center Jake Hibben,
all 6', 280 lbs. of him. People will remember
him for his momentary lack of self-discipline,
but what of the kicker who missed two PAT
attempts? And the corners and safeties who
allowed some bombs thrown over and by them?
Dramatic Replay of Closing Minutes —
(Courtesy of John Sipe SJP’61/SJU’65 and Chris Scholl)
https://mobile.twitter.com/cjzero/status/1203420564699959296
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From Colleen Lilly ’81 to Wayne Hergott with a copy to the UUN —
Wayne, Who are these people on the first team, with the photo caption: John Gagliardi (center) during his first season at SJU in 1953.?
Wayne’s reply: Left to right, they are Bill Braun, Jeb Vachuska, Gag, John Schwob, Casey Villandre and Bob Forester, all '54 grads. They were the seniors on Gag's first team. Vachuska was the captain. Schwob and Forester have died but the other three came to the reunion of Gag's first team which we had in 2016.
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From Paul Hamann ’63, Edina, MN —
FYI - The view from Macalester — Paul
Following MIAC removal, St. Thomas pursues D-I future – The Mac Weekly
https://themacweekly.com/77243/sports/following-miac-removal-st-thomas-pursues-d-i-future/
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From Mike “Wally” Goth ’89, Brooklyn Park, MN —
Wicker - Wow! What a game! Liked the win, but a sad way to lose for the Thunder. My wife, Leanne WC ‘89, is a Wheatie as is my older son, James WC ‘17 and his fiance, Kelsey WC ‘17. We hosted what I am quite certain was the only co-mingled SJU-Wheaton Watch Party in the nation. Leanne was introduced to me the summer after we graduated from college by her high school classmate Sue (Tomczik) HallCSB ‘89. All in attendance completed a 15-item game day prediction contest. It was won by Jon Blomquist SJU ‘17 who is engaged to Alison Hall CSB ‘17, the daughter of Sue CSB ‘89 and Pat Hall SJU ‘89, and the granddaughter of Ron Tomczik SJU ’65 and the late Richie Hall SJU ’63. We engaged in theological musings/chants such as, "We have Jesus, yes we do! We have Jesus, how about you?" See attached photos. There were a few Tommie sympathizers in attendance. Not only can you NOT spike the punch at Wheaton, you can NOT spike the ball! Thought you'd like the drink tubs and receptacle. Keep up the good work! Thanks for all you do! Best, Wally
(Editor’s Frank Admission: I am a friend of wally-goth through marriage, the nuptials many years ago of Sue Tomczik and Patrick Hall. Apparently, he was part of the package so I'm stuck with him.)
Joe Blomquist '17 proudly presents his "Breastplate of Righteousness" Award for correcting determining the most game-day predictions in the SJU vs. Wheaton quarter-final game.
The hosts for this most unusual SJU-Wheaton game party are Leanne WC '89 and Wally Goth SJU '89.
The older particpants, including Sue and Pat Hall on the sofa with Wally. They are all classmates from 1989. Note the large Johnnies flag hanging at the rear.
The younger part of the crowd, featuring Alison Hall '17 and her winning (in more ways than one) fiance, Joe Blomquist '17, both proudly clad in Johnnie Red. We assume that Alison and Joe are sitting next to James Goth WC '17 and his fiancee, Kelsey, also WC '17.
Beverages were available in appropriately-identified containers.
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From an Anonymous Observer across the Seas —
What a game, what a finish. Has to rank among the most bizarre endings in football at any level. Near game-tying touchdown, in the closing seconds, obscure penalty, missed PAT, do-over, another missed PAT.
I watched both press conferences and was it just me or was their coach insufferable? Reminded me of the Bethel players, in-your-face Christian, full of God and full of dirty tactics. I doubt Jesus cared who won this game. And knowing the Wheaton players have heaven to look forward to -- pre-ordained apparently -- while the rest of us are sweating out the afterlife. I nearly lost my breakfast had I not been laughing so hard. Jesus wept indeed.
I can't recall if you were at the game, but jealous if you were. Hope you're on to Whitewater, I'll be there in spirit. Merry Christmas...hope we continue this thread for another week at least.
(Editor’s Additional Comments: I spoke with an alum who visited with several SJU players after our close-shave victory at Wheaton. He quoted them as saying that Wheaton was the best, toughest — and most dirty — team they faced all year. The Thunder was very well-coached in hiding their holding in the line very often, and they were constantly doing those “unChristian” things like hitting after the whistle and trash-talking up a storm. Shades of those halcyon days of Chris Meidt at Bethel.)
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From the Football Whisperer —
Whitewater soundly beat Mary Hardin-Baylor. The time of possession differential was unbelievable. Whitewater had the ball 42:45 minutes and Mary Hardin-Baylor 17:15. Wheaton had the ball 33:24 and SJU had the ball 26:36.
I believe SJU will need the ball a minimum of 25 minutes to win. This will mean a more effective run game and a mixture of medium and long-range passes. Under 20 minutes of SJU possession time will just put too much pressure on our defense. Weather forecast: High 31, 50% chance of snow. Go Johnnies!
In the meantime, just in: St. Cloud is dropping its Div. II football program. UM-Crookston is also dropping football.
Two thoughts: First, are there any possible transfers for SJU from this development? And second, will Saint Thomas fill this Northern Sun Conference Div. II spot in 2021?
(Editor’s Comment: It's a great, very sensible option that just fell into their laps. I hope U$T jumps on it. Of course, it doesn't have the institutional "sex appeal" and prestige of D-I football, but it would save millions and millions each year in scholarships and travel, they could quickly become a dominant team, and it wouldn’t be too much of a change since U$T and coach Glenn Caruso have been running a de facto Div. II program for the past ten years in terms of demands on student/athletes’ time, commitment, treatment of players, and fudging on scholarship/financial aid for valued athletes vis-a-vis Div. III and MIAC requirements. Now they can do it all legally and ethically.)
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From Jim Weiss ’64, Lexington, SC —
The 150 greatest coaches in college football's 150-year history
A blue-ribbon panel of 150 experts selects the best coaches in the sport's history. Read Now
* * * *
A Monk’s Chronicle: 9 December MMXIX — Are We the Less Fortunate?
By Father Eric Hollas, OSB
Our school's namesake, St. John the Baptist, as seen in a stained glass window in the Great Hall.
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More Scenes From Stearns County —
After Al and Doris Borgerding sold their farm outside Rockville they had the time and the money to buy something Al always desired — a new fishing boat. And so they did. Got it from a dealer down in Clearwater.
Although this long-married couple enjoyed their new fishing boat together, it was Al who was always behind the wheel operating the boat. As time went along, he became concerned about what might happen in an emergency given his advanced age.
So one day out on Pearl Lake earlier this fall he said to his wife, "Honey, take da wheel... Pretend dat I am havin’ a heart attack. You must get da boat safely to shore and dock it."
So Doris drove the boat to shore and safely docked it.
Later that evening, Doris walked into the living room where her husband was watching a show. She sat down next to him, switched off the TV, and said, "Honey, go into da kitchen. Pretend I've had a heart attack and you have to take care of yourself for a few days. Set da table, cook dinner and wash da dishes."
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The Last Word —
A guy comes home completely drunk one night. He lurches through the door and is met by his scowling wife, who is most definitely not happy.
“Where the heck have you been all night?” she demands.
“At this fantastic new bar,” he says. “The Golden Saloon. Everything there is golden. It’s got huge golden doors, a golden floor, the works – hell, even the urinal’s gold!”
The wife still doesn’t believe his story, and the next day checks the phone book, finding a place across town called the Golden Saloon. She calls up the place to check her husband’s story.
“Is this the Golden Saloon?” she asks when the bartender answers the phone.
“Yes, it is,” bartender answers.
“Do you have huge golden doors?”
“Sure do.”
“Do you have golden floors?”
“Most certainly do.”
“What about golden urinals?”
There’s a long pause, then the woman hears the bartender yelling, “Hey, Duke, I think I got a lead on the guy that peed in your saxophone last night!”
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That's it for issue #16-19. Let's all go to bed dreaming about what we're going to do to Whitewater this Saturday, yelling out in our sleep:
G O J O H N N I E S !! Pluck the Warhawks
(Or something like that.)
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Sincerely yours,
R.L. Wicker, SJP '60.SJU '64, St. Paul, MN
theowick@aol.com; 651-699-4697
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