Time to Tackle da Oles (UUN #8-21)
Dear Johnnie Believers —
A friend at the Midway Y asked me Monday morning if I knew of any team that has gone 99-0 in the past two games. I laughed since I knew he was referring to our 49-0 win at Concordia and our 50-0 victory over Augsburg at last Saturday’s Homecoming game.
Both wins were especially impressive because of the shut-outs against fairly good passing teams — in fact, Augsburg was at the top in passing, receptions, and passing touchdowns in the MIAC and fifth nationally in Div. III, the fact that they hadn’t played anyone too good notwithstanding. At the beginning of the season, and after the Aurora and Bethel games, some of us wondered just how good the revamped defense and particularly the new, untested secondary would be. The proof is now in the pudding and it’s a dandy “zippo” pie, to mix edible similes.
Can the boys keep the string running against St. Olaf this Saturday? Come up and see. The forecast is for sunny skies and a more fall-like 59º. That’ll be great if it’s not too breezy. The tailgate might be a bit chilly to start.
About the Augsburg game…although the score sounds amazing, we didn’t always play so well. Penalties and miscues abounded. We seem to be getting worse with the infractions lately and it must be driving the coaches batty. It’s one thing to be sloppy and lack concentration against lower-end competition and quite another to prepare for the important games that are forthcoming. There was some criticism about SJU going for an onside kick (and converting it) early in the 2nd Quarter when we were already ahead 21-0, and still more when we made a two-point conversion, but that was after Augsburg jumped offside three times in a row. Neither one of those bothered me. If it had been in the 3rd or worse, the 4th Quarter, and our lead was in the 30s, 40s or more, then yes, that would be most Glenn-like.
Senior running back #5 Henry Trost rushed for four, first-half touchdowns in the win over Augsburg.
In the Bethel game #5 Hank Trost banged up his shoulder and ribs and didn’t play against Concordia. But this past Saturday was a different story — the trainers bound, supported, bandaged and trussed him up and sent him in. Henry responded with a marvelous display: four touchdowns in the first half on 11 carries for 107 yards and a two-point conversion. Those four TDs were one shy of tying a single-game record. Too bad it wasn’t a closer game where Henry could have added to his totals (and set records) in the second half, but — once again — Gary took his foot off the accelerator against an over-matched competitor, very unlike another former MIAC coach. I think the panel that picks the d3football.com Top 25 realizes that — they bumped SJU up a spot to #5 despite the fact that we didn’t push the score up to 60 or 70 as we could have easily done. Or 97, as that former unnamed coach did to our next competitor.
Our Johnnie defense continued to rock, turning in its second-straight shutout and is now allowing opponents an average of just 13 points-per-game. SJU forced five Augsburg turnovers Saturday, including three interceptions. I think that it was our defensive showing for two consecutive weeks as much as anything that led to our jump in the Top 25.
The defense recorded two sacks and stopped the Auggies on fourth down three times. Senior linebacker #43 Kyle Kornovich finished with seven tackles and two sacks…and more than that. See the story (below) about Kyle being named to the d3football Team of the Week.
Go here for further details and box score of the Augsburg game:
https://gojohnnies.com/news/2021/10/9/football-trost-returns-to-lead-sju-to-big-homecoming-win.aspx
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Two MIAC defenders named to D3football’s Team of the Week —
Two defensive players from the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) have been selected to D3football.com's Team of the Week for Week 6 of the 2021 season. St. Olaf defensive tackle Jordan Bartholomew and Saint John's linebacker Kyle Kornovich were recognized among the top performers in NCAA Division III this past week.
Senior linebacker #43 Kyle Kornovich had a standout game against Augsburg, so impressive that he was named to d3football’s Team of Week. Here is shown snarfing up his first SJU interception.
Kyle Kornovich (Sr./Rogers, Minn.) totaled seven tackles (four solo), including two for a loss, two sacks, and his first collegiate interception in the Johnnies' 50-0 win against Augsburg. He also recorded a pass breakup and a quarterback hurry in the game. Kornovich was part of an SJU defense that posted its second consecutive shutout, held the Auggies to a success rate of 27.3 percent on third down, and limited Augsburg's top-10 air attack to 128 passing yards.
St. Olaf defensive tackle #99 Jordan Bartholomew had five tackles, three tackles for a loss, two sacks, a fumble recovery, and a hurry in St. Olaf's 23-14 win against Carleton. Eight MIAC football players have now earned D3football.com Team of the Week honors this season.
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Which of These Teams Are More Lutheran, Anyway? —
It seems, in the MIAC, that the state was primarily divvied up between the Lutherans and the Catholics. Sure there were the token Methodists (Hamline), Presbyterians (Macalester), Baptists (Bethel), and Congregationalists (Carleton), but the real MIAC action initially revolved around the Lutheran schools — Augsburg, Concordia, Gustavus Adolphus, and St. Olaf — and the Catholic ones, those with a “Saint” in front of them: Benedict, Catherine, John’s, Mary’s, Scholastica, and Thomas. There used to be a Teresa too.
For the “Saint” schools, other than St. John’s and St. Ben’s that originally were formed to serve the educational and spiritual needs of a heavily German immigrant community in Central Minnesota, they took on all Catholic comers, with maybe Saints Thomas and Catherine in St. Paul having a bit heavier Irish accent, while Mary’s and Teresa had their share of Polish from Winona and environs. St. Scholastica began as a women’s college and catered to all the small town immigrants’ daughters of the Iron Range, Northern Wisconsin as well as Duluth itself…lots of accents there.
But what about all our Lutheran colleges? How do they differ? The reason I’m asking is because, not counting Martin Luther College which is not in our league (literally and figuratively), and Bethel, we’ve played or will play all four of these Lutheran schools right in a row, beginning with Concordia, then Augsburg, now St. Olaf and next week Gustavus. As far as I can tell, all of them except Gustavus were founded to serve the needs of Norwegian immigrants; Gustavus was the exception — they served the Swedes. Seems unfair to the Swedes just to have one college.
Nowadays most of these colleges will take anyone they can, no matter their religious preference, (e.g., St. John’s is 40% non-Catholic and the majority of those are Lutheran). And each are developing specialities: Augsburg is greatly involved with inner-city collegiate opportunities and has a quite diverse student body, while Concordia, a bit more overtly religious than their sister colleges, serves some of the agricultural interests of their sons and daughters of the prairies…they also are known for their languages curricula. St. Olaf has a reputation for turning out a high percentage of graduates going on to advanced degrees and is known for choral music. Gustavus used to be known as “golf and tennis” school, sort of suburban gentility with a party flavor, and with its world renowned Nobel Conference lecture program. At various times over the years Augsburg, Concordia and Gustavus have all boasted strong football programs, but for whatever reason in recent years they have faded, some worse than others. I can’t remember St. Olaf ever being particularly strong.
One thing they all have in common is that they are affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, which can be described as being more liberal, more ecumenical than some other parts of American Lutheranism. Another thing they have in common is that, this year anyway, we’re kicking their butts.
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All About St. Olaf —
On paper St. Olaf College is not as potent as Augsburg. For instance, the score of their game was Auggies 56 - St. Olaf 28. So besides demonstrating a leaky Ole defense, it also suggests that the result of the game Saturday could possibly be another shutout for our Jays. You know our boys will be going for it. However, St. Olaf still has a winning record of 2-1 in the MIAC, 3-2 overall, so they’re not Hamline, Macalester or (shudder) St. Scholastica.
I have to admit being surprised that the Oles handled Carleton last week to take the Goat Trophy — I was hoping the Knights had more oomph this year — so we can’t take St. Olaf too lightly, even if the prospect of an Ole win is negligible. They have more experience than Augsburg, with the majority of their squad being seniors and juniors. And they have pride — nobody likes to get the crap pounded out of them. So look for a feisty Ole team to start before the Johnnie steamroller takes effect. We just don’t want an embarrassing showing, which generally is manifested by thoughtless mistakes and stupid penalties. Our goal should be to play error-free ball, commit few if any penalties, show good sportsmanship, and keep our heads in the game if things come too easy. And no friggin’ injuries— on either side!
Additionally, in viewing The Reel highlights from the last few games, I’ve seen fleeting scenes of our players before the game, including Augsburg last week. I see our players’ intensity, their focus, their single-mindedness. I sure don’t want that to dissipate before an assumed easier contest…they need to bring that to each game now and maintain it until they’re seated for the reserves.
St. Olaf’s top offensive standouts are senior quarterback #0 Lars Prestemon; senior wide receiver #3 Gabe Alada; and junior running back #9 Jordan Embry; we’ll hear their names a lot. Defensively they have a few guys who make noise, at least against lesser teams; a couple of them are senior D-lineman #1 Jordan Bartholomew and especially senior linebacker #27 Brandon Foster.
So what do I think? Writing as an inveterate homer, but still a rational fan, I see something like SJU 52-0. Although they may score against us, the goal should be to hold them out for Johnnie Pride. If they get a TD or two against the bench, that’s not the end of the world. I wouldn’t like to see them score against the first team, however. I’m sure that another good, loud crowd might impress/spook the Oles when they normally play before a few hundred; it is Family Weekend which ordinarily could swell our crowd, but it’s St. Olaf we’re playing, and it won’t be in the unseasonably warm 70s for the “soft” fans, so I look for between 6,000 and 7,000 attendees, nothing like the nearly 10,000 red-clad adherents cheering on the team last week at Homecoming. The happy circumstance of this game is that, if we handle “bidness” correctly, many, many young players will get an opportunity to see a bit of action in front of their proud families.
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Did Ya Hear About. . . ?
Did you hear about the St. Olaf football player who stared at a cup of orange juice for an hour because it said “concentrate.”
Or, when thieves broke into Klein Field/Manitou Stadium during practice and stole the St. Olaf football team’s TV, some of the team chased after them shouting, "Wait! You forgot the remote!!"
Or about the four Ole offensive linemen who went to the dentist to get a Bluetooth.
Or when the Ole football team heard "Drinks are on the house," they got a ladder.
Or that it takes the St. Olaf football team three hours to watch 60 Minutes.
(Contributed by Conrad Macina, Landing, NJ)
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SJU 2021 Football Schedule
(All games are played on Saturdays, beginning at 1 pm)
Date Opponent Location
Sep. 4 Aurora Collegeville W 39-33
Sep. 11 Bye
Sep. 18 Martin Luther Collegeville W 55-7
Sep. 25 Bethel Collegeville W 31-25
Oct. 2 Concordia Moorhead, MN W 49-0
Oct. 9 Augsburg Collegeville W 50-0
Oct. 16 St. Olaf* Collegeville (Family Weekend)
Oct. 23 Gustavus* St. Peter, MN
Oct. 30 St. Scholastica* Collegeville
Nov. 6 Carleton* Northfield, MN
Nov. 13 MIAC Championship Week TBD
(* With St. John’s, these teams are also part of the MIAC’s new Northwoods Division.)
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MIAC Standings
MIAC All
Northwoods Division
St. John’s 3-0 5-0
Carleton 2-1 4-1
Gustavus 2-1 4-1
St. Olaf 2-1 3-2
St. Scholastica 0-3 0-3
Skyline Division
Augsburg 2-1 2-3
Bethel 2-1 4-1
Concordia 1-2 2-3
Hamline 1-2 3-2
Macalester 0-3 1-4
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Last Week’s Results —
6th Week, Saturday, October 9
Carleton at St. Olaf — Usually a close, hard-fought contest for The Goat Trophy for intra-city supremacy, this year I see a revitalized Carleton continue on its winning ways 38-14 over the Oles. Actually St. Olaf jumped on the Knights early and took the trophy despite my prediction, 23-14.
Gustavus at St. Scholastica — Ouch! The Saints will feel the wrath of the Gusties ticked off at their unseemly, five-turnover loss at Bethel. Gustavus 53-3. Actually the Gusties showed no mercy with its 72-7 rampage.
Bethel at Hamline — Double ouch! It’s games like this that make me feel so sorry for Hamline. Royals 52-10. Actually the Royals 49-7.
Concordia at Macalester — Carleton handled Mac easily so you can only imagine what an embarrassed Concordia will do to the Scots. Cobbers 48-19. Actually it turned out closer than I thought possible: Concordia 34-27. The Cobbers are starting to spiral downward.
Augsburg at St. John’s — All of a sudden the Auggies are a huge threat offensively. Assuming we can tame their passing game, the Johnnies should entertain their Homecoming crowd 48-24. Actually, I really thought that Augsburg would make more of a game of it, never considering an SJU 50-zip shutout.
Other Games of Interest:
Valparaiso at St. Thomas — Who knows which Tommie team will show up? I’m not predicting scores for them anymore but U$T should win a close one, just like they should have but didn’t last week. Actually U$T did emerge a close victor 20-13. Last week Caruso publicly chewed their behinds for losing a game they should have won at San Diego; this week he publicly chewed their butts for winning an ugly, too-close one. Must be fun to be coached by a screamer. I wonder how many of his players are thinking: “Geez, I could have gone to St. John’s.”
After three weeks of winning by identical 70 points, I’m pretty curious to see how Aurora will do against another patsy, Eureka College. Actually Aurora had a bye this past week so we’ll have to wait until Saturday to see how they fare against Eureka.
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D3Football Top 25 —
Week 6 has brought us a few changes. Most notably for SJU fans, we’ve moved up one place to #5, switching places with #6 Wheaton. The top four remain the same, including seemingly invincible #1 North Central who continues to reap destruction in its league. The biggest changes were within the WIAC after now #11 UW-LaCrosse upset formerly #9, now #18 UW-Oshkosh. That’s a big deal. #16 Bethel hung in the same spot.
So, three teams dropped out of the Top 25 (nobody of consequence to us); the WIAC still has three teams in the Big List (Whitewater is #3) and two more in receiving votes, Stout and River Falls; and Aurora and Gustavus received votes, more than the WIAC guys as a matter of fact.
https://www.d3football.com/top25/2021/week6
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AROUND THE MIAC —
7th Week, Saturday, Oct. 16
Bethel at Concordia — Poor Concordia has fallen on such hard times; the Royals 38-13, but maybe worse.
Macalester at Augsburg — The Auggies have something to prove, to themselves at least. Augsburg will prevail mightily against Mac to the tune of 44 to 10.
Hamline at Gustavus — Gusties 60-14 …IF they happen to show mercy.
Carleton at St. Scholastica — Carleton gets back on track with a gimme, 48-16.
St. Olaf at St. John’s — Watch for a fast take-off and maybe a gentle landing, 52-0. (40-0 in the first half.)
Other Games of Interest:
UST flies to Stetson University, DeLand, FL (located roughly halfway between Orlando and Daytona Beach, Florida.) Expect the Tommies to beef up their game.
I said this before: After three weeks of winning by identical 70 points, I’m pretty curious to see how Aurora will do against another patsy, Eureka College.
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English Majors’ Corner —
What do you say to comfort a friend who’s struggling with grammar?
There, their, they’re.
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Johnnie Radio Network —
Saturday’s game can be heard live on WBHR-660 AM across central Minnesota, KDIZ-1570 AM in the Twin Cities and KOWZ-1170 AM in Waseca, which covers most of southern Minnesota and into western Wisconsin. Mark Lewandowski, Bryan Backes, Mike Carr and Charlie Carr will call all the action, beginning with Johnnies Magazine at 11 a.m. and the pre-game show at 11:30 a.m. The game will also be broadcast on the SJU football website via Stretch Internet. This is the 23rd season SJU football can be heard worldwide over the internet.
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Listening via the Internet: https://portal.stretchinternet.com/csbsju/
Viewing via live streaming: https://portal.stretchinternet.com/csbsju/
Note: There is a $10 charge to watch the St. John’s-St. Olaf live broadcast.
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Nine Signs That You're Broke —
- At communion you go back for seconds.
- You think of a lottery ticket as an investment.
- You're formulating a plan to rob the food bank.
- Long distance companies don't call you to switch.
- You give blood everyday…just for the orange juice.
- McDonald's is the supplier of all your kitchen condiments.
- American Express calls and says: "Leave home without it!"
- Your idea of a 7-course meal is taking a deep breath outside a restaurant.
- You've rolled so many pennies, you've formed a psychic bond with Abe Lincoln.
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The Reel 2021 - Game #5, Augsburg Highlights —
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMnSM-lSLbI (2:04 min.)
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Johnnie Question of the Week, Season 3, Episode 5 —
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAIa0jX9PYo (7:13 min.)
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More Scenes From Stearns County —
Linus Hoppenmueller from rural Holdingford was the first one in his family to go to college. On his first day at Saint Cloud State he was very excited to be on the campus.
After strolling around and looking over several buildings, he thought he should see the library, but wasn't sure where it was. He happened to see a distinguished looking man smoking a pipe and wearing a beret so, figuring he was a professor, Linus walked up to him and said, " Excuse me, can you tell me where da library is, den?"
The professor looked at him and said "Young man, don't you know you never end a sentence using a superfluous adverb like ‘then?’”
Linus responded, “Oh, tanks. So where is da library den, a**hole?”
(Contributed by Rick Ahles ’64)
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Homecoming Tailgate, Augsburg Game —
Left to right, some of the CSB/SJU Class of 1983 Homecoming gather by John Young’s “Johnnied out” trailer: Dusty Wagner, Steve Cummings, Mary Lee (Johnson) Martin, Mary (Halloran) Bartek, John Bartek, Mike Wolfe, John Young, Mike Spanier, Kevin Berg, and Brad Riebel. (Photo by Dusty.)
In a somewhat historic gathering, we have most of the original SJU tailgaters posing at last week’s affair. It’s been nearly 20 years since these regulars jumpstarted small college football’s most colorful and successful tailgate that began by showcasing Benedictine hospitality (and a few beers) both home and away. From left, Max Stein ’04, Scott Edstrom ’77, Harry Burns ’74/’78, Dave Verkuilen, Mike Fahey ’75, Ron Tomczik ’65, and Aimee Wagner, whose husband Mike ’83 was missing from this photo op, as was Larry Schultz ‘76.
Some Benedictine hospitality en long et en large, greeting visitors and enjoying the pregame moment together, from left Brad “Bryce” Johannes ’90, Sarah Hemmesch ’99, and Dick “The Trickster” Wilke. (Photo by Dusty.)
Despite all the tents, there really are people who come to tailgate…with real tailgates.
(Photo by Dusty.)
Looking for more of their classmates at Homecoming were Liz (Benda) ‘64 and Rich Anderson ’65, with their son Eric who enjoyed basking in his parents’ CSB-SJU glory days.
Legendary St. John’s monk, Father Don Talafous, parks his golf cart down at the tailgate and enjoys seeing so many former students, friends and admirers from years past. Here (center) Tom Nichol ‘91 and Jim Sexton ’81 pay their respects.
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Battle Between The Sexes —
An angry wife calls her husband who is late for dinner and yells to the phone, “Where the hell are you?”
The husband replies, “Darling, you remember that jewelry shop where you saw the diamond necklace and totally fell in love with it, and I didn’t have money that time, and I said, ‘Baby, it’ll be yours one day’?”
The wife, with a smile and blushing, replies sweetly, “Yes, I remember that, my love!”
Her man says, “Well, I’m in the pub just next to that shop.”
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Remember Our ‘Earthy’ Suzie Gooding? Well, She’s Back… —
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From Our Readers —
From Paul Hamann ’63, Edina, MN —
Hi Bob, Was UUN 7-21 the longest ever? A good read to the end.
Agree with other comments about Concordia as a class act. I became friends with several Cobber grads while chasing my first graduate degree at UND. No, the other one...University of North Dakota. I heard "Uff da" for the first time. Another comment from a still good friend, who calls me the Pope. He said the theology profs at Concordia said the best Catholics are St. John's Catholics.
I'm always delighted to see comparisons with other colleges/universities that reveal SJU is still graduating successful, contributing members of society. An achievement that should please all alumni.
John Chromy's comments about New Prague's Queen of Peace hospital brought back memories. I did outreach for our practice while Sr Jean Junemann was the administrator. Her abilities were recognized by a national hospital publication {name escapes me} and I believe she was featured with a cover picture and story. Best regards. — Paul
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From Dave Roy ’83, Excelsior, MN —
Thanks for another great read this week. It's wonderful to see the team come together.
One question regarding the Gag Fund. Why are my only options to send a check (who does that any more?) or call with a credit card? Why isn't there an online portal that tracks the progress where I can easily go make a contribution? It is 2021 after all. I promise, if an online portal appears for it, I will make a contribution. Go Johnnies! Regards, Dave
(Editor’s Response: I’ve found that it’s too late in this project for the stretched-thin I-A staff to set up a special online portal for the very few who would use it; however, if contributors to the Gagliardi Legacy Fund don’t want to call in with a credit card, which seems pretty easy to me, then they can go to this link for Giving at St. John’s and put Gagliardi Legacy Fund in the “additional comments” area. Use Pay Pal or credit card. Easy Peasy…Belly up to the bar, Dave, and all you others still procrastinating.
https://securelb.imodules.com/s/1433/gid3/form.aspx?sid=1433&gid=3&pgid=397&cid=1052 )
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From Denny Bracco ’75, Oak Park, IL —
Wick...great UUN as usual. I was really touched when you added the call to take time out..."to enjoy a bit of Heaven on earth..." by including the Lux Aeterna piece in this week's UUN. I've always loved it, as we sang it in our Parish choir during my years there.
So to encourage you to add a feature of this nature in future UUN's, try this very haunting but beautiful piece, sung by none other than the St. Olaf Choir (they may not be great at Football but they CAN sing!). The piece is entitled "Even when He is silent..." which they perform so beautifully.
The lyrics are taken from this : "The text was found in a concentration camp after World War II." A prisoner in the Camp had written it on one of the walls before meeting his/her God. Can you imagine the agony, yet strong faith and hope of this person as he/she wrote these words?
I believe in the sun, even when it's not shining.
I believe in love, even when I feel it not.
I believe in God, even when He is silent.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYwYMngq4II
On a lighter note, you might want to include a little more levity of a different kind...say, from the Book of Limericks. The chapter titles are precious...but you would have to use discretion to choose your weekly prize to share! As we all know,
The limerick form is complex,
Its contents deal mainly with sex.
It burgeons with virgins
And masculine urgin's,
And a wealth of erotic effects.
So how about sharing this one?
There was a young man from Kildare,
Who was having his girl on the stair;
On the forty-fourth stroke,
The banister broke
And he finished her off in mid-air!
Many thanks for the help with locating photography shots that I can compile to send to local HS Coaches and prospective recruits here in the Chicago area, so as to give them a flavor for St. John's football and the campus culture. I'll get working on some collages (not "colleges") to send, and perhaps other Alums can get involved and send similar notes to the High Schools in their community.
If we can keep getting a number of Vista Murrieta (CA) graduates, from that far-away pipeline, imagine what we can get from more local High Schools. I think Alums are the best representatives of SJU, no offense to the Admissions Dept. or the SJU Recruiting Staff.
Just my 2 cents! Hope we kick some a** tomorrow vs. Auggie. Peace —Denny B
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From Mike “Dusty” Wagner ’83, Eden Prairie, MN —
Regan Smith, SJU Class of ’91, passed away on September 19th with Christian Burial having taken place on Thursday, October 7th at Pax Christi Catholic Church in Eden Prairie, MN. Regan was a member of the Johnnie Basketball team and was the second member of his family to have played for SJU coach Jim Smith. In the early 80's his brother Bryan also played for Coach Smith. Regan was famous for his infectious smile and always having something positive to share. Pax Christi was filled with Johnnies, Bennies, students of St. Hubert school in Chanhassen and also students from Eden Prairie HS where Regan's son Miles is the starting point guard. Regan is survived by his brothers Jeff, Bryan and sister Maureen as well as wife Libby, CSB '94 and children Anna, Miles, Delaney and Leah. Please keep Regan, his wife Libby and their children in your prayers.
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From Father Mike Byron ’81, Pastor, Pax Christi Catholic Community —
Hi Rob ~ I did preside for Regan. It was easily the largest funeral that I've had since coming to Pax, at least 500 people in attendance. His brother Jeff offered a very excellent eulogy, except for one thing. He neglected entirely to note Regan's Johnnieness--a point which I noted in my homily. If you are interested, the live stream of the funeral is up on our parish web site. Just look for the video archive: https://www.paxchristi.com/funeralarchive
From 16-24 min. for Jeff’s; From 37-44 min. for Fr. Mike’s
(Farther down in the archive I noticed the funeral video for a classmate and friend, Tom Allenburg ’64. Our classmate Fr. Joe Gillespie OP ’64 gave the homily found starting at 34 min and going to 43:30. Tom’s son and daughter also gave nice tributes to their father shortly after the start of Mass.)
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From Frank Ziegler ’62, Lino Lakes, MN —
Wick. Good to see you today among the homecoming throng. Things we all probably noticed today: Penalties in today’s game: Auggies had 11 for 77 yards, mostly offsides. SJU 9 for 105 YARDS. I make that better than 10 yards average on each. Not yet ready for prime time? On the positive side, thinking back to the Aurora game the receivers much better at catching and keeping the ball, and the tackling much surer. Of course Augsburg isn’t Aurora either. Cheers. — Ziggy
PS - Re watching videos of past SJU glories, I did a lot of trips to Eastern Europe, Asia and Africa in the 2000s and always carried the '03 Johnny game disks with me. After dark I was alone most evenings and, between writing reports or trying to find something understandable on local TV, would sometimes pass idle time re-watching the games. My favorite is to go back to the '03 Bethel game and watch Blake Elliott rip the intercepted ball out of their star defensive back's arms for a gain, and the horizontal catch he made on the east sideline. Great moments in so many SJU games but those two are burned in my mind because they were critical on the march to the Stagg Bowl. — fz
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From John Chromy ’64, Washington, DC —
Bob---I noted in the St. Cloud Times report on the Augsburg game, that the Johnnies registered win #75 for Coach Gary against only 14 losses (with only 5 of the losses being to MIAC teams). 75 & 14 is not too shabby. In fact it is pretty impressive.
As I recall ten years back when John's retirement was announced and St. John's was interviewing potential coaches, a number of us UUN devotees were pretty upset that the Benedictines did not loosen the purse strings and do more to recruit away from Eden Prairie High School a certain "big name" coach. We moaned that the hiring of Gary was a typical Benedictine attempt to "get by on the cheap.”
Well, don't we have egg on our face now---does anyone believe our Eden Prairie coach would now have a better record than 75-14??!! As always, be in good cheer. — John
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From Tony Biebl ‘71, Brule, WI —
Hi, Bob, Nice seeing you, albeit briefly, in the tailgate lot for the Bethel game. I’d be remiss not to mention how pleased I am at the return of Johnnie football, and as important, the UUN. I marvel at the plethora of info you compile weekly, your incredible detail on the who, what’s new and where-from of alumnae you run into, and of course, the humor. Keep it up!
And, as the source of everything Johnnie football-related, a quick ask regarding the upcoming game at Gustavus. My sister still lives in my hometown of New Ulm, so Kathy and I will be driving south from NW WI the weekend of Oct. 23 to visit her and take in the game and pregame festivities. She is recovering from recent hip surgery, not very mobile, so the option of her attending the game with us depends on the logistics of parking/walking distances on the Gustavus campus. I’m sure you’ve been there many times - what’s your educated guess as to parking proximity to the stadium, ability to drop her nearby vs. walk from parking, crowd size, etc.? Any insights would be appreciated. Look forward to seeing you there. Best personal regards. — Tony
(Editor’s Note: I mentioned to Tony that Gustavus’ Lloyd Hollingsworth Field is probably the most accessible stadium in the MIAC, with free parking adjacent in a field across the street from the stadium, a barrier-free entry and grassy spaces to watch the game when the visitor’s bleachers are filled. Visitors can bring folding chairs and blankets if they’d prefer. The last few times I was there fans over 65 years of age got in free. I might add that it is one of the nicest stadiums/fields I’ve experienced. We should expect a good crowd, at least on the SJU side; if oft-injured Michael Veldman would be playing it would be packed on the Gustie side too.)
(Editor’s Further Important Note: I should take the time here to mention that the Mankato CSB-SJU Alumni Group is hosting a pregame celebration before the Gustavus game on Oct. 23 at Minnesota Wing King, 43539 French Hill Road, Saint Peter, MN 56082 (across the Minnesota River on Broadway about 3/4 mile or so. They are opening early for us and will have a Johnnie-Bennie pregame lunch special. Here is the sign-up link so the proprietor can get a head count:
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From Patrick Tomczik, Northfield, MN —
Hi Bob, Great job as usual on the UUN. I have decided I will ask Abbot John that you should receive the Pax Christi Award for your efforts on the UUN. The next time I get up to a game and the tailgating episode prior, I will have a petition form getting signatures. (Maybe the good Abbot will ask for contributions?) In the mean time, I am sad to tell you, I will not be at the St. Olaf game this Saturday. As you know, I drive the instrument truck for the Ole band and orchestra, and the band will be starting their Fall tour on Friday. So my St. Olaf jacket, with me in it, which I wear proudly at Johnnie tailgating events and games, and at the La after, will be en route to Illinois. And if you can believe it, one of the concerts will be in Aurora! Please let the folks up at the game Saturday know, especially my brother Ron, that I will be back here in Northfield for the big game with Carleton. Sorry to miss you all. Go Johnnies! (Sorry, Ole fans, but hope you understand!!) Take Great Care — Patrick
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From Paul Carlson SJP ’60, Minnetonka, MN —
Bob, This is an interesting article by Patrick Reusse. I know you don't have a subscription to the Star Tribune but you would like reading it if you can find a paper copy somewhere. I tried copying it so I could send the article to you but have not been able to copy it.
"St. Thomas football stays competitive, but you can’t say the same about the league it left behind.” http://strib.mn/2Xe4Dyg
Had breakfast this past Monday at The Hilltop in Edina. Still a fine restaurant though I think it had a different name when we ate lunch there.
(Editor’s Note: Paul is correct. The Hilltop, definitely a “fine restaurant”, was formerly known as the Eden Avenue Grill. It is owned by Brett Johnson ’08, whose wife is Samatha (Schadow) Johnson ’09. All I can say to Patrick Reusse is in 2019: SJU 38-U$T 20, and the year before that: SJU 40-U$T 20. And if we played them this year it would be more of the same! )
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Battle Between The Sexes, Domestic Life Division —
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Odds & Ends —
CSB softball complex named NFCA D3 Field of the Year —
The CSB Softball Complex was named the Division III winner of the 2021 Netting Professionals/NFCA Field of the Year award, the National Fastpitch Coaches Association announced. This award recognizes top fields and stadiums in the nation for their flawless grounds maintenance and exceptional playing surfaces.
Other winners include Division I Missouri's Mizzou Softball Stadium; Division II Washburn University's Gahnstrom Field; Calumet College's Whiting Sports Complex from the NAIA; Jones College's Community Bank Park at Gwen Magee Field for NJCAA and the Marauder Softball Stadium from Antelope Valley College for the Cal JCs. (Source: Vic Murphy ’92)
https://gobennies.com/news/2021/10/8/womens-softball-csb-softball-complex-named-nfca-field-of-the-year.aspx?fbclid=IwAR3EnYzx1cLVjqco1e5N2MYgCTinciy0v8mHmoeYWMzWCxzdH67Kn9Mvy0c
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Jacksonville Jaguars’ Ben Bartch '20 no longer drinks smoothies —
Ben recently met with local media and talked about the things he’s done to prepare for the upcoming season. Heading into the draft, he went viral because of the smoothies he used to drink to gain weight during his college days. He said he’s ditched them since he no longer needs the calories and now drinks plenty of water and eats a lot of good healthy whole foods. (Source: Pete Hill ’76)
https://blackandteal.com/2021/08/27/jacksonville-jaguars-ben-bartch-2021/
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St. John's University's new pedestrian bridge connects campus to Flynntown —
Construction on a large pedestrian bridge connecting St. John's University's main campus to the Flynntown area of Collegeville was completed last weekend. In June, a $13.5 million project began to demolish an aging apartment complex [Earth Homes] at the site and build the new pedestrian bridge. A new townhome complex, St. Elizabeth Seton Village, will house about 100 students along the shore of Stumpf Lake (aka The Watab).
The Flynntown Bridge spans more than 264 feet and is made of steel and 60 yards of reinforced concrete. “The bridge provides unique and more efficient access to Flynntown,” says Mike Connolly, vice president for student development at Saint John’s University, in a recent statement. “The bridge, new townhome-style living, and open green space will significantly enhance the residential student experience.”
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Entire CSB Soccer Defense Named MIAC ‘Player’ of the Week —
The College of Saint Benedict soccer team picked up a big MIAC win Saturday when it defeated St. Olaf 2-0, and as has been the case much of the season, the Bennies' defense played a key role in the team's third conference win of the year.
The 2-0 win marked CSB's seventh shutout in 11 games played so far in 2021, and fourth shutout in the last five MIAC games. For their work keeping another conference opponent off the scoreboard and helping the Bennies move up in the MIAC standings, Saint Benedict's defense is this week's CSB Athletes of the Week.
(Late Update: The Bennies were down 2-1 at halftime against Bethel on the road in Arden Hills Tuesday, but a pair of second-half goals fixed that problem. Roxy Veldman scored early in the second half and Alli Voss scored late to lift the Bennies to a 3-2 win over the Royals. The win vaulted Saint Benedict up to third in the MIAC standings with four games left in the regular season. CSB is now 6-3-3 overall and 4-1-2 in the league.)
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Makes SJU-U$T Games All The More Awesome. —
No. 3 UW-Whitewater drew the ninth-largest recorded crowd in NCAA Division III football history, and they saw the Warhawks take it to UW-Platteville as the home team moved to 5-0 with a 65-21 victory. A crowd of 15,406 fans was recorded, the first game with 11,000 or more fans since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Three of the top 10 games in Division III football attendance are UW-Whitewater home games. Six are Johnnie-Tommie games and the other is the 2019 Cortaca Jug game, played at MetLife Stadium, a game for which 45,161 tickets were sold.
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Best Day Ever -
Random Thoughts of Joy and Appreciation
By Jeff Norman ‘78
Well, it's Sunday night, and as I grudgingly take off my red Saint John's sweatshirt for the first time since I put it on Saturday morning, I’m remembering some great memories from a great day. Saturday I was inducted into the St. John’s University sports Hall Of Honor, it was homecoming and it was my birthday. The day started at the pregame tailgate party with family and friends. It was another great turn out for another great day of tailgating and Johnnie Football. I was there as usual with my buddies, Max, Harry, Scott, Ron, Gary, Hillary, Colleen, Bob, Chris, John, Dave, Dusty, Aimee, and many others. After some fellowship, we made our way to the pregame HOH event on the field, in front of the stands. As all the inductees were introduced, one by one, I felt great joy and appreciation to be among this great group of people and athletes. I talked to my fellow inductees and friends Joe Mucha and Vic Moore and met several other great inductees. As it ended, my friend Scott Becker stopped by to congratulate me and handed me a what I thought was a birthday card, we spoke for a bit and went to our separate seats to watch the game. Good game for homecoming-alumni conversation I guess, but a bit boring, winning 50-0. After the game we headed to the banquet and induction ceremony in Rat Hall, where I lived “in the basement” part of my freshman year. It was there that I opened up Scott's envelope. As I wrote him later, it was one of the nicest things that happened to me all day, it was a wonderful note of congratulations, support, friendship and our time together as teammates; we played both football and baseball together.
Lots of years of friendship here — Jeff’s best buds share in his big night: From left, Kevin Palmer ’78; Joe Minarovic ’78; Jeff Norman '78; Bob Spilane; and Jeff Tuma.
At the banquet, attended by 276 honorees, family, friends and avid Johnnies, it was so fun to be joined at the table with my wife Denise, son Casey, brother and sister Jay and Julie, and best friends: Joe Minarovic, classmate & roommate all the way from LA; Bob Spilane, friend for 56 years who batted 2-3 v. Jack Morris (yes, that Jack Morris) to win our high school a game in the State Tourney; Jeff Tuma, friend for 61 years and next door neighbor growing up; and Chris Scholl and Bob Wicker, the best. By the way, Denise is a CSB graduate and we've been married for 28 years and we have five college degrees between us—I have one. She's a PhD-Therapist, impressive.
The ceremony started and after twelve inductees I was brought up on stage and asked some questions by the MC, Mark Lewandowski - the “Voice of the Johnnies.” He asked me a few questions about my playing time and memories of my football and baseball career. I talked about my football career and our national championship game, and also how much fun I had playing baseball at Saint John's.
However, I didn’t have the time to mention how much I miss my mom and dad not being there; they passed away four years ago and would've loved this event and been so proud. I was the first one in our family to go to college and they were thrilled I was able to go. They loved watching me play football and baseball at SJU. At the time I was told I was going to be inducted into the Hall of Honor I immediately wanted to call them and tell them; they were my biggest supporters and teammates. How important was Johnnie football to them? After my dad passed away I had the unfortunate task of sorting his personal effects. Going through his wallet, for the first time in my life, I found an article from the Saint Paul Pioneer Press dated November 20, 1976. The article said, Jeff Norman holds the (St. John's) school record for most points scored in a game. He scored 34 in a win over Augustana, IL (which was one of the rare games he wasn’t able to watch me play.) So, 40 years after graduation, my dad was still proud of my time at Saint John's!
I also didn’t have time to say why we won the 1976 National Football Championship…There were five main factors:
We had the greatest coach in the history of college football, John Gagliardi.
We ran the most complex and sophisticated option offense in the history of the game, the quadruple option, invented by John.
We had the best defense in the nation. We practiced against that defense a couple of times during the year and I watched them on the field and on film every week. I always consider them the best defense we ever played against. The defense included great lineman Tom Kost, Joe Wentzel, Ernie England, linebackers Mark Flynn, Mark Griffin and d-backs Greg Wilkenson and Joe Luby.
We had a great backfield: Scott Edstrom, Jim Roeder, Brad Eustis, and Tim Schmitz, our all American.
Last, we had a great offensive line. Of course they’re mentioned last, they’re offensive lineman…and offensive lineman don't care if they’re last, they don't need press, and these guys were no exception; they just wanted to do two things — play well and win. They were great teammates and so much fun to play with. This includes our wide receivers; because we only passed about ten times per game, they were like lineman, just spit our wider…
So those are the reasons why we won the national championship! We had great players at every position! And sorry, I’m leaving out many other great players
And then to top the day off, after I was done speaking and answering questions a friend of mine yelled out from our table, “Happy Birthday, Jeff!” And Mark asked, “Is it your birthday today, Jeff?” I said, “Yes, what a way to celebrate, right!” He said, “Well everybody… should we sing Jeff ‘Happy birthday?’” and they did. So a day that was filled with so many Johnny memories, well wishes and fellowship, a great day and humbling honor, ends up with happy birthday song to me by 276 of my best friends. Best Day Ever!
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Divine Intervention —
This is supposedly from an eyewitness account from New York City, on a cold day in December many years ago: A little boy, about 10-years-old, was standing before a shoe store on the sidewalk, barefooted, peering through the window, and shivering with cold.
A lady approached the young boy and said, “My, but you're in such deep thought staring in that window!”
“I was asking God to give me a pair of shoes,” was the boy's reply.
The lady took him by the hand, went into the store, and asked the clerk to get half a dozen pairs of socks for the boy. She then asked if he could give her a basin of water and a towel. He quickly brought them to her.
She took the little fellow to the back part of the store and, removing her gloves, knelt down, washed his little feet, and dried them with the towel.
By this time, the clerk had returned with the socks. Placing a pair upon the boy's feet, she purchased him a pair of shoes.
She tied up the remaining pairs of socks and gave them to him. She patted him on the head and said, “No doubt, you will be more comfortable now.”
As she turned to go, the astonished kid caught her by the hand, and looking up into her face, with tears in his eyes, asked her. “Are you God's wife?”
(Contributed by Drake Dierkhising SJP ’59/SJU ’63)
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Post-Homecoming Game, On The Tundra —
Celebrating another Johnnie win, not to mention just still being alive, these old timers and their wives, brighten the Tundra with their smiles. Left, Judi and John ‘62 Fritz, and Bernie ’62 and Mary (Neidzielski) ’64 Kukar.
A couple old Cretin H.S. alums who kept up friendship at SJU enjoy a moment on the Tundra. Left, Frank “Ziggy” Ziegler ’62, his wife Kathleen, and Bill Kling ’64. Ziggy told us that he ran into another couple form Cretinites (as opposed to Cretins) at the game: Bob Christensen ’62 and Wayne Belisle ’62. He also saw their close friends John ’58/’62 and Julie Ditzler who were with the whole Ford clan originally from Moorhead MN. They were John ’63/‘67, Mike ’56/‘60, Sue, Pat, Judy and Billy. John was part of the ’65 Championship football team feted at the Hall of Honor celebration. Mike, John’s older brother, has worked with John Ditzler for years for the betterment of various non-profits including SJP. Frank said they also encountered Maggie ’23 and Marta Ditzler ’18, sisters and grandchildren of John and Julie. Marta is a CSB junior and Maggie graduated a few years ago and will marry Bayert Salverda ’16, a Johnny, whom Frank knows as "Bear", next year in Anchorage where the girls' family resides.
Two old pals of mine and their spouses are some of the few Class of 1964 members spotted throughout the day. From left, Mary Molzahn and Jim Casserly ’64, and Leslie and Jim ’64 Senden. Elsewhere we saw Jane Murray Marrin ’64, and John ’60/‘64 and Olivia McCormick.
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More Scenes From Stearns County —
Williard Opatz, a 75-year old retiree from the Melrose milk plant, was fishing in his boat at Black Oak Lake a few miles south of town the other day. Suddenly he heard a voice say, “Pick me up.”
Willard looked around and couldn't see anyone. He thought he was dreaming when he heard the voice say again, “Pick me up.”
He looked in the water and there, floating on the top, was a frog. Willard said, “You talkin’ ta me?”
The frog said, “Yes, I'm talking to you. Pick me up, then kiss me, and I'll turn into the most beautiful woman you have ever seen. I'll make sure that all your friends are jealous because I will be your bride!”
Willard looked at the frog for a short time, reached over, picked it up carefully, and placed it in his front pocket.
The frog said, “What, are you crazy? Didn't you hear what I said? I said kiss me and I will be your beautiful bride.”
Willard opened his pocket, looked at the frog and said, 'Nah, at my age I'd rather have a talkin’ frog.
(Contributed by Peg Marrin ’65)
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Wicker’s Health Rant —
9 Reasons You May Be Gaining Weight Unintentionally
Weight gain can be extremely frustrating, especially when you don’t know what’s causing it. While diet typically plays the largest role in weight gain, other factors — such as stress and lack of sleep — may contribute as well. Here are 9 causes of unintentional weight gain:
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/unintentional-weight-gain?slot_pos=article_1&utm_source=Sailthru%20Email&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=generalhealth&utm_content=2021-10-08&apid=36902715&rvid=880a3538013b0d965447b2c96ef14ed25d13c67cc9dfaa2bc78a7443782cf34a#1.-You-eat-too-many-highly-processed-foods
(Editor’s Note: The link to the above article leads to several others on this subject by scrolling down.)
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Painter of the Cherished Monks —
(Editor’s Foreword: Chris and I stayed over in St. Joe after the Hall of Honor Banquet. The next morning, after a suitable breakfast at Kay’s Kitchen in town, we attended the Community Mass at the Abbey Church. We were sitting across the main aisle from Michael ’67/’71 and Kim Dady, who stayed overnight at the Guest House. After Mass and an excellent postlude by Fr. Bob Koopman ’68 who really lturned the newly-enhanced organ loose, we visited with the Dadys in the Baptistry for a bit. We mentioned that we were going to the Library and Learning Center to see Kim’s portraits of Brother Dietrich Reinhart ’71 and Father Hilary Thimmesh ‘50. They said they’d join us. Kim, who enjoyed a friendship with each man, captured the spirit of these two fine monks, beloved professors, accomplished academics and past presidents of St. John’s. Below are photos of her work.)
Brother Dietrich Reinhart, OSB
Father Hilary Thimmesh, OSB
Michael and Kim Monahan Dady
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Final Word
St. Peter At The Pearly Gates—
St. Peter was welcoming the newly deceased to heaven.
The first applicant of the day explains that his last day was not a good one. “I came home early and found my wife lying naked in bed. She claimed she had just got out of the shower. Well, her hair was dry and I checked the shower and it was completely dry too.
I knew she was into some hanky-panky and I began to look for her lover. I went onto the balcony of our 9th-floor apartment and found the guy clinging to the rail by his fingertips. I was so angry that I began bashing his fingers with a flower pot.
He let go and fell, but his fall was broken by some awnings and bushes. On seeing he was still alive I found super human strength to drag our antique cedar chest to the balcony and throw it over.
It hit the man and killed him. At this point the stress got to me and I suffered a massive heart attack and died.”
Saint Peter thanked him for his story and sent him on to the waiting room.
The second applicant said that his last day was his worst.
"I was on the roof of an apartment building working on the AC equipment and I stumbled over my tools and toppled off the building. I managed to grab onto the balcony rail of a 9th-floor apartment but some idiot came rushing out on the balcony and bashed my hands with a flower pot. I fell but hit some awnings and bushes and survived, but as I looked up I saw a huge chest falling toward me. I tried to crawl out of the way but failed and was hit and killed by the chest.”
Saint Peter couldn't help but chuckle as he directs the man to the waiting room.
Saint Peter is still chuckling when his third customer of the day enters. He apologizes and says "I doubt that your last day was as interesting as the two fellows that arrived here just before you.”
“I don't know," replies the man. "Picture this; I'm naked, hiding in this cedar chest.....
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OK, Guys and Gals, it’s finally — FINALLY! — time to say adios.
GO JOHNNIES ! !
(Make Lefse Outta dem Oles…or something like dat.)
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Submitted while hoping for another shut-out.
R.L. Wicker SJP ’60/SJU ’64, St. Paul, MN
651-699-4697
theowick@aol.com
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