And we're off to Moorhead...(UUN#6-21)
Dear Cardinal and Blue Faithful —
Well, another game and another win…so far so good. But like our first against Aurora, this past Saturday’s contest with then #13-ranked Bethel University was filled with suspense as two talented and powerful nationally-recognized teams had at it in front of 9,100 fans in lovely weather. Not much happened offensively…at least in the first half, which ended with SJU tenuously ahead 7-6. We did not look particularly good — mistakes, dropped balls, a lack of rhythm, the whole works…but still somehow we crept ahead. Having an accurate kicker helps…Bethel now knows how we felt the last couple years.
Things opened up considerably in the second half, and for a little while it looked like St. John’s would pull ahead comfortably, but the Royals, led by a most impressive Jaran Roste, answered our scoring with their own, and vice versa; it was like a pin-pong match down there. Finally, after Bethel’s 4th-quarter 58-yard TD bomb over our completely blown coverage, we settled down and played smart ball control, completing our mastery over the Royals for our seventh win in a row, and a 33-9 all-time win record. The final score was 31-25.
Gary Fasching ‘81and the coaching staff had to be pleased, as more and more questions about our youthful, mostly inexperienced team are being answered. Undoubtedly they were satisfied with the new offensive line, protecting quarterback Aaron Syverson and opening holes for running backs Henry Trost and Devin Vouk. Pre-season All-American Ravi Alston lived up to his billing with an outstanding game, saving our bacon a couple of times with some amazingly-athletic receptions. For his fine work Ravi was named MIAC Offensive Player of the Week, thanks to his 11 catches for 159 yards and a touchdown. The performance was his fourth career game of double-digit catches and his eighth of 100 yards or more (tied for fifth in program history).
#3 Ravi Alston does his magic, for a crucial first down to keep our final drive alive.
Equally impressively was our defense, limiting Bethel to 61 rushing yards. Assisting our efforts were two missed Royal PATs and one missed two-point try, and many easy dropped passes, even a few more than we had. The secondary is still a work in progress; our two biggest remaining conference foes — Concordia and Gustavus — are no doubt licking their chops as they look over our game films. However, as shaky as that part of our defense is, we’ve taken on two of the finer, experienced quarterbacks in Division III and emerged victorious. Let’s hope that mastery continues this Saturday and down in St. Peter on October 23.
Johnnies’ Offense Proves Resilient in Win Over Bethel
For a more complete summary of the game and box score, go to this link:
https://gojohnnies.com/news/2021/9/25/football-johnnies-offense-proves-resilient-in-win-over-bethel.aspx
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What About Concordia? —
The Cobbers are a good team, perhaps not as dominant as in past years but nevertheless capable of upsetting us if we don’t bring our “A” game. Do you remember our 19-18 loss to them in our otherwise wonderful 2019 season? Our kicking problems that day probably still give Gary nightmares.
Almost inexplicably, Concordia is 1-2 this year, losing a very close non-conference game to Valley City State 35-32, winning their second convincingly over tiny Presentation in another non-com game 55-14, and last week falling, in another closer-than-the-score-shows game in St. Peter despite knocking out Gustavus’ (overly-)seasoned quarterback star, seven-year man Michael Veldman, 36-21.
Senior Cobber quarterback and Fargo native #7 Tanner Dubois finished the game by going 24-for-40 for 275 yards and two TDs in the passing game. He also rushed for a team-high 73 yards on 12 carries. Dubois is now averaging 326.3 passing yards per game which is tops in the conference. He’s more than a one-man show, however; Dubois’ favorite target is senior #9 Zach Wolf who continued his touchdown steak this season. He caught a season-high six passes for 73 yards and one TD. And he’s got a solid line to work behind. Head coach Terry Horan is, in my opinion, one of the better H.C.s in the MIAC, and a class guy to boot; after Gary, Terry is my favorite coach in the conference. He will have his team ready for us for the Cobber Homecoming, especially their tenacious, usually skimpy defense.
As with both of our previous big games this season, I’m still not comfortable with our secondary, especially with a seasoned passer such as Dubois. Said former SJU All-American quarterback Jeff Norman ‘78 about the subject, “The only ones comfortable with our secondary right now are the opposing receivers.” He observed that it’s really a hard position to play, that success in those positions comes from innate ability and competitiveness, which players generally either have or don’t, although some position elements may be coachable, such as technique and strategy.
For this game I’m predicting a Johnnie win, basically because I believe we can score a little more easily on them than they on us, but it could be another nail-biter like the Bethel game. I’d hope for a two TD difference, but I might be overly-optimistic. We just have to take care of business, as they say in the CSB-SJU Entrepreneurial Center, and do our jobs. I hope a goodly number of fans will make the trip up to Fargo-Moorhead; it’s a nice place, especially when the weather’s nice and the wind’s not blowing — like it’s supposed to be this Saturday with a 75º temp and sunny skies after rain passes through. Our boys can use the support and it’s always great to see a lot of red (and/or blue) in an opponent’s stadium. The Fargo-Moorhead Alum Group is throwing a pregame celebration and let’s hope many of our readers will join them. Go to this link for time and location details: http://sjualum.csbsju.edu/s/1433/gid3/interior.aspx?sid=1433&pgid=5759&gid=3&cid=8945&ecid=8945&post_id=0
Or, if that link doesn’t work correctly go here: https://www.csbsju.edu/sjualum/events
I see one of the hosts will be Aaron Hill ‘05, co-founder and sales manager of Fargo Brewing Company, yet another Johnnie successfully involved with beers and spirits. A visit to his brew pub after the game will be a mandatory stop during our over-night sojourn in those fun twin towns.
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The Cobber Entrepreneurs —
Teammates on the Concordia College football team, Andy Hoggsworth and Stuart Mortensen, were walking along a street across the Red River into Fargo. Andy looked in one of the shop windows and saw a sign that caught his eye.
The sign read, "Suits $5 each, Shirts $2 each, trousers $2.50 per pair.” Andy said to his pal, “Stu, look at these prices! We could buy a whole lot of clothes and when we get back to campus we could make a fortune.”
They were about to go in when Andy suddenly stopped Stuart. “Wait a minute,” he said. “You’re wearing your Cobber ball cap…the guys in there will know we’re from Concordia and try to screw us on the price. You wait out here until I call you to help carry all the clothes back home.”
So Andy goes inside and said in a friendly, confident voice, "Hello sir. I'll take 50 suits at $5 each, 100 shirts at $2 each, and 50 pairs of trousers at $2.50 each. If you can wrap them up, I have an assistant that can help me carry them out.”
The owner of the shop said quietly, "You're from Concordia , aren't you?"
"Well yes," said a surprised Andy. "What gave it away?"
The owner replied, "This is a dry-cleaners."
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Thinking Persons’ Quickie —
A priest, a pastor, and a rabbit walk into a blood bank.
"I'm just a Type O," says the rabbit.
(Editor's Additional Comment: Badda Boom.)
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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
Oct. 9 Augsburg Collegeville (Homecoming)
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
Points MIAC All
Augsburg 3 1-0 1-2
Carleton 3 1-0 3-0
Gustavus 3 1-0 3-0
St. John’s 3 1-0 3-0
St. Olaf 3 1-0 2-1
Bethel 0 0-1 2-1
Concordia 0 0-1 1-2
Hamline 0 0-1 2-1
Macalester 0 0-1 1-2
St. Scholastica 0 0-1 0-1
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Last Week’s Results —
4th Week, Saturday, Sept. 25
Augsburg at St. Scholastica — The Saints up in Duluth are an unknown quantity in the MIAC but I bet the Auggies take them anyway, 24-14. Actually 54-14
Hamline at Carleton — After the Pipers showing against Morris, I’m thinking the Knights will clobber them 43-26. Actually 35-7
Macalester at St. Olaf — The Oles will thrash the Scots, but not as badly as did Trinity down in Texas. St. Olaf 38-9. Actually 40-27
Concordia at Gustavus — Other than our game, this is one to watch. I personally like the Cobbers as a team, but that said, I’d have to go with the Gusties by probably a similar score to their victory over formerly #15 Wartburg. Gustavus 28-17. Actually 36-21
#13 Bethel at #6 St. John’s — Even after taking off my “homer” glasses, I think the Jays will ultimately trounce the Royals by two TDs — 35-21. Actually 31-25 (Would have been 35-23 if we hadn’t had a dropped an easy pass in the end zone, taking a field goal instead, and Bethel wouldn’t have scored near the end of the game on a broken coverage bomb, but would have connected on two PAT kicks and a two point conversion, all of which failed.)
Other Games of Interest:
Butler University (IN) at University of St. Thomas — I’m thinking U$T will face more than they can handle once again in their first Pioneer League game. Butler 35-17. Watch the attendance at O’Shaughnessy; if it’s over 2,500 they’re giving tickets away to orphans…or making it mandatory for frosh to attend. Actually U$T 36-0…and attendance was 5,051. Wonder which orphanage they gifted tickets to?
North Central and Aurora each are into their respective conference schedules now and neither should lose another game until the playoffs. I expect that both will win their games by at least three or four TDs every time, with Aurora climbing back into the Top 25. NC 58 - Augustana 6; Aurora 70 - Rockford Univ. 20
With the exception of UW-Eau Claire playing a non-conference game, the WIAC is idle this weekend. Albion (MI) 23 - UW-Eau Claire 20
#2 Mary Hardin-Baylor plays #7 Hardin-Simmons. I’d love to see H-S upset MHBU, but I don’t think it will happen, but if it’s a close loss H-S shouldn’t fall too much or at all in the standings. Actually MHBU 34 - HSU 28
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AROUND THE MIAC —
5th Week, Saturday, Oct. 2
St. Olaf at Augsburg — This might be a closer game but I’m thinking the new Auggies might just take it 27-17.
St. Scholastica at Hamline — Lowly Hamline can have some fun at home against the even lowlier Saints. Pipers 42-16.
Gustavus at Bethel — This is a critical game in our Northwoods Division as well as for Bethel; if the Gusties take them you can bet we’ll be walking into a fire storm down in St. Peter on Oct. 23…but I think the Royals will narrowly survive at home 32-28 especially if Gustie quarterback Michael Veldman isn’t healthy enough to play.
Carleton at Macalester — Carleton has been feeling their oats recently so they should continue their winning ways against Mac. Knights 38-9.
St. John’s at Concordia — Playing the Cobbers is always a question mark; they are usually tough, feisty, punishing, but classy opponents giving us close games. However I see we’re improving every week so St. John’s 34-17, assuming the Cobs don’t injure our quarterback like they did at Gustavus.
Other Games of Interest:
St. Thomas at University of San Diego — If I underestimated U$T last week against Butler U. in their first Pioneer League game, it won’t happen again when the Toms play winless USD out in sunny California. I’m predicting the Tommies win by roughly the same score, 36-10.
#1 North Central plays at Carroll and the only suspense is whether they’ll score 50 or 60 points. Ditto unranked Aurora who plays at Wisconsin Lutheran and we wonder if they will win their third straight game reaching 70 points (Think they’re trying to prove that their 64-7 loss to North Central was a fluke). #3 Whitewater hosts Stout and #8 Oshkosh travels to Platteville…so expect no changes with those ranked guys.
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D3Football Top 25 —
Week 4 has the first dozen teams maintaining their previous week’s rankings. With Bethel’s narrow loss to #6 St. John’s they dropped three points to #16. If they should lose to Gustavus they could conceivably drop out of the Top 25, just like Wartburg did when the Gusties upset them. Gustavus is very close to climbing into the Top 25 anyway so a win Saturday could do it.
https://www.d3football.com/top25/2021/week4
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The Accident —
A man visits a pal from work and in the driveway he sees his friend’s car is all dented, covered with leaves, grass, branches, dirt and blood.
He asks his friend, “What’s happened to your car?”
“Well,” the friend responded, “I ran into my ex-wife’s divorce lawyer.”
“OK,” says the man, “that explains the blood… But what about the leaves, the grass, the branches and the dirt?”
“I had to chase him all through the park.”
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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://web.playsight.com/facility/concordia-moorhead-college/home
Note: There is a $9.99 charge to watch Concordia’s live broadcast, and we think the link above is how you can access the SJU-Concordia game.
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The Reel 2021 - Game #3, Bethel Highlights —
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wdo0eBP961w
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Scenes At The Bethel Game —
Three friends gathered at the Bethel tailgate in memory of the lost fourth of their number who used to walk out briskly to the chapel and back, no matter the weather, as their pregame ritual back more than a decade ago. From left is Annette Schroeder, mother of two-time All-American Kyle ’10; and tailgaters Donna Buttonhoff and Chris Scholl. Their deceased friend and fellow hiker is Noel Stanton, mother of defensive standout John ’10. Noel and her husband Clark flew out for every home game for five years (John had a medical red shirt for a year) from San Rafael, California and were fixtures in Collegeville on football Saturdays. Clark still comes out for a game every year even though John is currently living in Japan. “Once a Johnnie, Always a Johnnie” apparently extends to parents too.
The Class of 1964 held a spontaneous reunion amidst the pregame tailgate crowd as members of the class showed up near some free food and beer — go figure! Other than the two photobombing Rats at left, it is Chris Scholl, Bob Wicker, Mary Jane and John Hicks up from Fort Myers, Florida, Bob Malby, Lynn and Tom McKasy, Jim Senden and Jerry Sovell.
Some clerical ribbing of a Scriptural nature was embodied in the cryptic sign — “Amos 5:5” — held by some monks at the Bethel game. That reference is: “…but do not seek Bethel, and do not enter into Gilgal or cross over to Beersheba; for Gilgal shall surely go into exile, and Bethel shall come to nothing.” Shown with the sign are (in front, left) Fr. Tom Andert, OSB SJP ’65/SJU ’70 and visiting Dominican friar, Fr. Joe Gillespie, OP ’64. In back, from left are Fr. Alberic Culhane, OSB ’52; Phil Mulvaney ’62; and Fr. Wilfred Theisen, OSB SJP ’47/SJU ’52.
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The Uncasual Fan —
One game at a time, please
What another wonderful day at St. John’s. I was a little chilly to start out the day but by game time it looked like my choice of wearing shorts was a good one. Three beautiful football weekends in a row and it looks like a possible fourth and fifth in the forecast.
When the final clock expired, the good guys (in Red and White) had put up another win and still have me thinking and feeling optimistic about the possibilities of an opportunity to participate in some post season play this year. A lot of things must fall into place for that to happen and we need to avoid big mistakes at critical times, have a little bit of luck on our side and hopefully stay as healthy as possible.
Here is my quick assessment of the game.
The Good:
· The defense limited Bethel to 61 yards on the ground and forced them to be very one dimensional
· The offense kept responding every time Bethel tried to make a game of it in the 2nd half
· Ravi was back and looks like he can make a difference
· Jimmy Buck just keeps catching the ball
· Devin Vouk proved he can carry the load when needed
The bad:
· Crazy confusion lining up to punt
· Giving up a long touchdown pass towards the end of the game
The Ugly:
· Sorry – no other way to describe that dropped pass in the end zone
Now is my time to rant a little.
Football is a difficult game and it takes a lot of good athletes all performing as one to be successful on either offense or defense. This is much harder than it sounds. Even though I played offense I think the defense has a much tougher job. Why? – because they are having to react to a play that the offense has practiced tens if not hundreds of times. The offense knows where they are going, what they are supposed to be doing, etc…The defense plans the best that they can and then reacts to the situation as it unfolds. A lot harder than most people believe especially when the talent on both sides of the ball is equal.
A number of people seemed to believe our pass defense is our biggest exposure. I say we are learning and getting better. We have faced two really good, older, experienced quarterbacks who are as good as any we may see. We are still working to find the pieces to the puzzle because the defensive secondary is a tough position to play. Pass defenders have to worry about coming up to stop the run, play tight enough to cover a short pass and be ready to run with a receiver on a deep ball. Not an easy thing to do. We would like to stop every team, every time, on every play, and look dominating in doing that. That is just not possible with today’s offenses, especially if talented people are playing those positions. Maybe our thinking from a viewing perspective should be something like we need to hold them to 30 or fewer points and give our offense enough chances to score more than 30.
OK – enough said. On to Concordia, which is always a good test for us. It is so great to have SJU football back again — The Uncasual Fan
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He Hates This When This Happens —
“Your underwear is much too tight and very revealing,” he said to his wife.
She said, “Wear your own then.”
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What Shade of Blue? —
(By Thom Woodward ’70, Sartell, MN)
The throwback blue jerseys worn by the Saint John's University football team on September 18 drew oohs, aahs and yucks. Just what color was that, and where did it come from?
Commentators covering the game on radio referred to the powder blue, Carolina blue, Columbia blue and baby blue tops. Sky blue, another light shade of blue, probably also worked into conversations around Clemens Stadium. Word had it that the SJU gridders last wore blue in the 1950s before Coach John Gagliardi went to the familiar "fire engine" red and white uniforms.
The Johnnie Fight Song, dating to 1933, pleads for Saint John's athletes to "show the world what SJU can do" and to "make the victory greater for dear old alma mater and the Cardinal and Blue." I can't document it, but I have read that the school colors were described in an early 1900s University history to represent the blood of the martyrs and the color associated with the garments worn by Mary, mother of Christ who was assumed into heaven.
Saint John's colors? Cardinal (more maroon than bright red) and blue (i.e., heavenly sky blue).
(Editor’s Note: Athletic Director Bob Alpers ’82 suggests that this shade now be called “Johnnie Blue” while Head Coach Gary Fasching ’81 thought it might be nice to invite football alumni who wore the blue uniforms to a game for acknowledgement when our current team is wearing them…these fellows would be in their 80s and 90s now so SJU should better hurry up if they’re going to do that. One enthusiastic supporter of this idea would be Wayne Hergott ’57 who proudly wore the old cardinal ’n blue and loves the new throwback look.)
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Music Department Humor —
* * * *
St. Ben's Creates First Doctoral Program With
Graduate Nursing Program —
On September 22, the College of Saint Benedict, in partnership with Saint John's University, inaugurated its first doctoral program. Assistant Professor of Nursing Dr. Jennifer Peterson (CSB ’98), DNP, APRN, FNP-C, CNOR, is the chair of the new graduate nursing program.
Dr. Jennifer Peterson ’98, chair of the new graduate nursing program.
Dr. Peterson led a dozen new doctoral candidates (two others attended online) into the Guy and Barbara Schoenecker Nursing Education Suite in the Main Building, CSB, and went through orientation in regard to the nursing faculty, the campus and its facilities, and some of the online and support resources available to students to two different tracks:
Doctor of Nursing Practice – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) track, which prepares actively practicing RNs to become an Advanced Practice Nurse who cares for patients across their lifespan.
Doctor of Nursing Practice – Leadership track, which will empower individuals to rise to new levels of leadership.
“The nursing program at the College of Saint Benedict has been in place since 1973, and we’ve been very proud of the high-quality graduates that we’ve had for our undergraduate programs, and we’re very excited to be offering a graduate-level program,” Peterson said.
The history and quality of the nursing program at CSB and SJU has its roots in the history of the Sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict in St. Joseph, Minnesota. In 1882, Dr. A.C. Lamothe Ramsay asked the Sisters to consider establishing a hospital in the growing city of St. Cloud. That hospital eventually evolved into the modern-day St. Cloud Hospital, a sprawling campus along the Mississippi River.
“The Benedictine Sisters were part of that tradition at the St. Cloud Hospital. They were the foundation of how we started our undergraduate program here at the College (in 1973),” Peterson said. “Now, we get to offer the first doctoral-level program at the College of Saint Benedict and expand on that tradition.”
Meanwhile, the undergraduate program at CSB and SJU continues to flourish. College Factual, a national college and major ranking website, recently named the program the second-best in Minnesota, trailing only the Mayo Clinic School of Medicine in Rochester, Minnesota. In 2020, the yearly undergraduate nursing cohort was expanded to 72 students. The undergraduate program has also created a huge benefit for the doctoral candidates – a guaranteed clinical placement during the program.
For more information, go to this link:
https://www.csbsju.edu/news/graduate-nursing-story
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Warning Signs You Need a Different Lawyer —
- He tells you that his last good case was a Budweiser.
- When the prosecutors see who your lawyer is, they high-five each other.
- He picks the jury by playing "duck-duck-goose."
- He tells you that he has never told a lie.
- A big sign in his office says: "Don't ask me."
- A prison guard is shaving your head.
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'Once a Johnnie/Bennie, Always a Johnnie/Bennie' Department —
One part of the Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education rankings asked graduates if they had made the “right choice” — if they could start over again, would they still choose the college they selected? SJU was tied for No. 1 in Minnesota with a 8.6 ranking (out of 10). CSB was third with an 8.5 ranking. SJU and CSB ranked Nos. 1-2 among private colleges.
College rankings again place CSB, SJU among national leaders
Here’s a look at some of the other significant rankings involving CSB and SJU:
https://csbsju.edu/about/rankings-and-recognition
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Looking At ‘Courage’ —
(Each month some Sisters from St. Benedict’s Monastery write a brief meditation for the Albany, MN radio station. The following thoughts on the word “courage” was written by our own Sister Lois Wedl, OSB ’53 and will be heard in October, 2021.)
During a conference I attended many years ago, William Glasser, an American psychiatrist, wrote the word COURAGE on the chalk board and asked: “What root word do you see in COURAGE?”
Some educators attending the conference, responded with words in different languages: Coeur: heart in French; Corazon: heart in Spanish; Cor: heart in Latin.
Glasser responded with “Yes, the core of the word COURAGE is heart.”
He then drew an arrow with the prefix “en” written on it pointing to the word COURAGE and stated that when we “en-courage” we put heart into another.
He then reversed the arrow and wrote the prefix “dis” on it and shared that when we “dis-courage,” we take the heart out of another.
He went on to say that the main role of an educator is to put heart into our students. Imagine what would happen today if each of us would put heart into even one other person.
* * * *
No More Math —
A young kid found an old lamp. As always the lamp was rubbed and a genie appeared granting three wishes.
Genie: I will grant you three wishes!
Kid: I wish math didn't exist.
Genie: DONE! You have no more wishes!
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From Our Readers —
From Ron Tomczik ’65, Medicine Lake, MN —
Bob, brothers Gary ’67, Pat and I [Ed’s Note: Collectively called the Flying Tomcziks] did visit with some players after the game.
- I attempted to contact Offensive Line guys because I think they are really rising to the occasion with four new starters. I believe our offense starts with the OL. They do not receive the attention some other positions receive, and they gave another good performance against Bethel.
- Re Bethel's “sportsmanship”: A common theme about some (not all) Bethel players was --in a nice word--was their “chirpy" comments on the line of scrimmage (can't use the other comments). Again, not all Bethel players were offensive, but some went “overboard." Maybe because of frustration? Our guys were very complimentary about the junior Bethel quarterback Jaran Roste,—“a super player.”
- Our quarterback sophomore Aaron Syverson was asked about dropped passes. He was very polite in not criticizing any players and instead said our players help him when he makes a mistake — in my opinion, a very classy comment.
- A person who really impressed brothers Gary, Pat and me was senior Ravi Alston — in our minds the Player of the Game. When asked how he was able to catch two critical passes, he simply said, "That's my job.” Besides the obviously super catches, he comes across to us as just a fine young man who made us feel proud that he goes to SJU! As an example, when two young kids asked for his autograph, he knelt his 6"3" frame down to one knee, looked them in the eye and signed their programs! They gave back to him huge smiles knowing that this star answered their request. And he was on the front of the program! Finally, Ravi's Mom was on the field, and I thanked her for raising such a nice young man. You may have seen the story about his Dad dying at age 40. And finally, finally--Ravi told us that he was super happy being a Johnnie--in spite of our winters!
Brother Pat has seen many college football games in the MIAC, as well as other leagues and observed close up other players. Per Pat, there is just something very special about Johnnie football players. He really can't find the right words to describe them but for sure Johnnie football players are just not talented, ”but have that extra positive something" and Pat gave other examples of just nice touches he has seen from SJU players during his long attendance/observations at SJU games and after the games. Of course, it helps having nice attitudes and magnanimity when you’re part of a winning tradition.
In summary, maybe it's our tradition, our Benedictine heritage, our Coaches, (per Ravi--our Alumni are a special part), why our teams entertain us so well, make us proud on Fall Saturdays, but for sure, the Tomczik brothers appreciate what Johnnie sports provide us. Go Johnnies! — Ron
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From Bernie Weber SJP ’63/SJU ’67, Minnetonka, MN —
Regarding the Gagliardi Legacy Fund, we have a non-alum who donated to the Fund in that he wanted to make sure we are successful. We all know how hard this guy works. It brought tears to my eyes that he would help out. Although we can’t use his name, he donated $400. See you in Moorhead. — Bernie
(Editor’s Reminder: Those ready to donate to the fund now to help keep Johnnie football at the top of the MIAC can send a check to St. John’s University in care of St. John’s University, PO Box 7222, Collegeville, MN 56321. Be sure to note in the check memo that your tax-deductible contribution is for the Gagliardi Legacy Fund.
If you would prefer to make your contribution via a credit card, please call 320-492-0851. If you’d rather make a pledge up to five years, you can notify John Young at jyoung@csbsju.edu and request a pledge form be sent to you.)
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From Steve May, friend of St. John’s, St. Louis Park, MN —
Hope you are well. Good test [Bethel] this week.
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From Terry Fruth ’60, Minneapolis, MN —
Hi Wick. It is reassuring to see you back on the job. All must be well with the world—— notwithstanding. — Terry
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From Sue Johnson-Rodwell, wife of late Joe Rodwell SJP ’60, Mahtomedi, MN —
I so enjoy your newsletters. Thank you!!
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From Dick Virden ’63, Plymouth, MN —
Bob, I used to be on the distribution list for your great newsletter but got dropped somewhere along the way, probably when my phone was lost last year. Long story. But to cut to the chase, I’d be very grateful of you could again include me. Many thanks -- and go Johnnies! — Dick
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From Paul Schmidt, father of an anonymous Johnnie —
Mr. Wicker, Please add me to your email distribution list for the "SJU Unofficial Underground News". Ernie Stelzer ’59 who is on the SJU Board of Regents forwarded me a copy and I enjoyed it immensely. Currently have a junior at SJU. Thanks much — Paul
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From Jim Erickson SJP ’90/U$T ’94, St. Paul, MN —
UST 36, Butler 0. Letter from Butler U. President for running up score: pending.
(Editor’s Note: Jim is the son of my late, great Prep and college classmate, Tom Erickson SJP ’60/SJU ’64. Jim has his dad’s sense of humor, too.)
(Editor's Disclaimer: OK, this really didn't happen... but a guy can dream, can't he?)
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From Tony Sandeen ’94, Hong Kong, SAR —
Wick, Thanks for the latest edition. By coincidence, I purchased a baby blue Johnnie sweatshirt at the bookstore when I was in Collegeville a few weeks back. I didn't know there was history with this color until your newsletter informed me as such. Obviously, I like the color and hope this becomes our version of the Notre Dame green, saved for special occasions. And who cares what us alumni like anyway, the players were thrilled and that's what matters. I'm in day 2 of a 21 day quarantine, will be watching the game my Sunday AM during day 3….Cheers. —Tony
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From Jeremiah Eisenschenk, MD SJP ’01/SJU ’05, Pequot Lakes, MN —
Wick, I look forward to the UUN every week. I want to give you props for your continued mentions of metabolic health, obesity, and COVID in your 'Health Rant'. As the Chief of Hospital Specialties and director of Weight Management at Essentia Health in Brainerd I've had a front row seat to the tragic convergence of these two pandemics.
The chronic inflammation caused by diseases of diabetes and obesity set the stage for the profound inflammatory cascade ignited by COVID and its resultant end organ effects. Every patient we've admitted to the ICU, if not elderly or immunosuppressed, has had diabetes or obesity. While I'm hopeful we will see the light at the end of this current pandemic I fear that in a nation where 88% of adults meet one or more criteria for metabolic syndrome the kindling remains primed for more unnecessary suffering and disease.
Attention to real food, low carb diet lifestyle, optimization of sleep, meaningful activity, relationships, and investment in restoration and stress management are more important than ever.
More on my story and clinical practices here https://player.captivate.fm/episode/a7050572-ad8e-47c9-b9e9-b05ffb2f8809/ and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SyKoS2TV9Q
GO JOHNNIES! — Jeremiah
(Editor’s Note: I told Jeremiah that his note to the UUN helped the credibility of the “Health Rant” more than anything I could ever say. Listen to his wise words, folks. I’d love for him take over the “Rant” but after listening to his podcast in the first link and Zoom interview in the second, I don’t know how he finds the time to eat or sleep.
I emailed Jeremiah to see if he might be related to Gene Eisenschenk SJP ’61 that I knew in Prep School, or could it be that there were just a lot of Eisenschenks in Stearns County. Here is his response:
Bob - There are Eisenschenks in Stearns County! My dad, John ’81, grew up in Cold Spring. He was a 1977 ROCORi grad and played hoops at SJU with Franky W [Wachlarowicz] ’79, Pat McKenzie ’79 and other legends. He went onto play professionally in Australia before returning to marry my mom, Mary Moran ’82, and having me soon after. They've lived in Avon, behind Achman Lake since 1987 and have a grass-fed beef farm. My mom is a RN at St. Cloud hospital. I'm the oldest of four CSB/SJU grads (Sarah ’08 and a physician; Molly ’11 and a nurse; and Jonah ’15 and a physician). I do know Jon van der Hagen ’79. Great physician. Just retired. Please give me a ring if you are in the area. Should my schedule allow happy to have you over for a beer or meeting at my favorite Crosby dining establishment, Iron Range Eatery.)
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From Nellie Klein ’60, St. Cloud, MN —
Rob - Just had a phone call from Bob Kleinschmidt ’56, a retired banker who was told to call me figuring I could help him. He wanted to know who writes that UUN and someone told him I may be able to help… So, I’m requesting that you add his name to your long list of Johnnie faithful. Bob played basketball and I think baseball at St. Johns. He sits a few rows ahead of us at the stadium. Was a [St. Cloud] Cathedral High grad too. Prince of a guy! May have a nephew playing for St. Johns now…Played last year! — Nell
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From John Rosengren ’86, Minneapolis, MN —
Hello Fellow Johnnies and Bennies (and CSB/SJU supporters):
I’ll be signing copies of my novel A CLEAN HEART at the SJU bookstore before the football game on Saturday, October 9, from 10:30 to noon. Stop by to say hello if you’re in Collegeville for homecoming. I’d welcome the chance to see you.
A CLEAN HEART tells the story of Carter Kirchner, who struggles to stay sane and sober as a counselor on Six West, an adolescent drug treatment center run by a hard-drinking nun with an MBA. It is only loosely autobiographical (see article from the Saint John’s alumni magazine below for more).
Here’s what fellow Johnnie and author Patrick Hicks ‘92 said about it: "Both heart-breaking and heart-lifting, this is a narrative about coming clean that will haunt the imagination long after the last page has been read. Spellbinding, mesmerizing, and deeply human, this is fiction about the toxins and tonics that beat in all of our hearts.” (Thank you, Patrick!)
Can’t make it to Homecoming but would still like a signed copy, maybe as a Christmast gift? You can email me directly and I can send you a book from my attic inventory. Please pass this email along to anyone else (Johnnie, Bennie or otherwise) you think might be interested. Thanks! — John
(Editor’s Note: Here’s a link to an article Frank Rajkowski wrote in the recent ST. JOHN’S magazine about John and his newest book: https://issuu.com/csbsju/docs/sju_winterspring_2021_mag_web/70?fr=sYTM5ZjI2MjgxMzQ )
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Mentoring the Cobber —
While attending NDSU in Fargo Jim O’Hara was working in a scrap yard during summer vacation to earn money for his senior year. He had some experience repairing construction equipment, so the boss asked Jim to work with one of the new hires, a junior football player at Concordia College across the river in Moorhead.
One afternoon, Jim was taking apart a piling hammer that had some very large bolts holding it together. One of the nuts had corroded on to the bolt; to free it Jim started heating the nut with an oxy-acetylene torch. As he was doing this, his Cobber apprentice, Lance Carlson, came along. Lance asked him what he was doing. Jim patiently explained that if he heated the nut it would grow larger and release its grip on the bolt so he could then remove it.
"So things get larger when they get hot, do they?" Lance asked.
Suddenly, an idea flashed into Jim’s mind. "Yes," he said, That's why days are longer in summer and shorter in winter."
There was a long pause, then Lance’s face cleared. "You know, I always wondered about that," he said.
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Battle Between The Sexes, Bereavement Division —
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, Jodi. “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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St. John’s Wins Twin Cities Classic —
No. 20 Saint John's golf won its fourth consecutive tournament at the 21-team Twin Cities Classic on Monday, Sept. 27, at Wayzata (MN) C.C. (par 72).
The Johnnies started Monday's final round with a two-shot lead over Luther (Iowa) and fired an 11-over par 299 to claim first place (+24, 888) by 15 shots over the Norse (+39, 903). Monday's 299 was the best final-round score by seven shots over host Gustavus Adolphus, which finished fifth (+47, 911). Aside from SJU, the other 20 teams combined to average a 323 (+35) Monday. Wisconsin-Eau Claire claimed third (+45, 909) by one shot ahead of Carthage (Wis.).
The Johnnies aim to defend their 2021 (spring) conference title at the MIAC Championships this Saturday-Monday, Oct. 2-4, at Bunker Hills G.C. (par 72) in Coon Rapids (MN).
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Wicker’s Health Rant —
Are Hot Dogs Bad For You?
OK, what do you expect from a guy who brings organic veggies and grapes to a tailgate!?! I’ve caught a goodly ration of grief over the years, but I do it for two reasons: First is to set an example and slowly introduce a new kind of finger food to my friends, something more nutritious than the general fare. The second reason is to always have something I can eat myself.
I don’t want to single out only hot dogs — brats, bacon, lunch meats, and other processed and smoked meat and foods should be consumed carefully and seldom, even if made with organic meat. Over the years all the bad stuff in those products builds up, eventually causing negative things to happen to your body. Last issue we mentioned how being overweight/obese, diabetic, with high blood pressure, heart and respiratory disease, cancer, and so forth makes one’s chances of a serious COVID illness all the more likely, even when inoculated. The shots are not the magic bullet to health. Getting and staying healthy through an improved diet, exercise, sleep and smart supplementation must be our goal. It takes commitment and understanding that everything we eat either makes us sick or keeps us well.
I realize that mine is a losing battle, especially at a fun time like a tailgate, but seeing our nation’s downward health trajectory inspires me to at least share some of what I’ve come to know.
https://nutritiouslife.com/eat-empowered/are-all-hot-dogs-unhealthy/
https://foodrevolution.org/blog/are-hot-dogs-healthy/
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FINAL WORD —
A man approached the window of a movie theater with a chicken on his shoulder and asked for two tickets. “Who’s the other ticket for?” the ticket girl asked. “For my pet chicken.” He said, pointing to the bird.
“I’m sorry,” the girl tells him, “but we don’t allow animals in the theater.”
The man walked around the corner of the building, and stuffed the chicken into his pants. He returned to the ticket window and bought a ticket, entered the theater, and sat down.
The chicken started to get too hot, so the man, figuring it was okay because it was dark, unzipped his pants and let the chicken stick its head out.
The woman seated next to him looked down in horror. She nudged her friend Amanda and whispered, “Amanda! This man next to me just unzipped his pants!”
Amanda replied, “Oh, don’t worry about it. Just ignore him. If you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all.”
The woman whispered back, “I know, I know, but this one’s eating my popcorn!”
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Th-a-a-a-t’s all, folks. Now it’s time to ready ourselves for our trip to Moorhead and combat corny Concordia. So practice this up a bit so we're ready to yell out:
GO JOHNNIES ! !
(Detassel (1) the Cobbers…or something like that.)
(1). https://iowaagliteracy.wordpress.com/2015/07/27/why-do-they-do-that-detasseling-corn-2/
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Submitted on a virtual fresh slice of Johnnie Bread for maximum nutrition,
R.L. Wicker SJP ’60/SJU ’64, St. Paul, MN
651-699-4697
theowick@aol.com
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