Next Step Up the Ladder, Round 2 (UUN #14-21)
Dear Red-Clad Hopeful —
Oh, crud. We had a fine, decisive victory over a pretty talented team from Lake Forest, winning 41-14. We got to see their fine, All-American* wide receiver-punt returner, A.J. Jackson, who was worth the price of admission. (* I’m premature but he’s lock to get it.) And we get to fight another day.
So what’s the problem? Our head coach, Gary Fasching ’81, (shown below) fully vaccinated since last spring, tested positive for COVID-19 and needs to sit out until he clears COVID-19 protocols. Jerry Haugen ’76, a 46-year assistant football coach and head baseball coach since 1978, will serve as acting head coach up to and through this Saturday’s second-round game against #6-ranked Linfield University of McMinnville, OR.
Head coach Gary Fasching ’81 points the way to success.
And our talented kickoff and punt returner, and a hero in the Bethel game, wide receiver junior Nick VanErp, suffered a painful dislocated hip while attempting another ad hoc two-point conversion after a muffed centering pass and was gang-tackled by three Foresters for his trouble. Nick rode off the field on a cart to an ambulance. He’s out for the rest of the season, of course. His mother posted this message the other day: “Nick is doing better than we expected and SO much better than all the ways things could have turned out. Nick’s hip was dislocated but spontaneously relocated while Justin was stabilizing his leg. Gratefully there’s no fracture and his pain has been controlled by Tylenol. He has some swelling but as long as he doesn’t stand too long he keeps the pain down. We will follow up with the doctor next week to decide next steps but he is non-weight bearing for 6 weeks. We know SJU is a special place and SJU football a true blessing but yesterday reminded us again how beautiful it is to be in community with such wonderful people. Coaches, trainers, parents and players (past and current), even Life Safety, checked in to ask what they could do, offered help and ideas. When the world looks like a place where it’s hard to find the good…we look at the Johnnie football family and are so very thankful.”
Before we head into our next contest with Linfield, let’s talk a bit about Lake Forest. The Foresters had some impressive credentials with a splendid, high producing offense and a notably stingy defense, albeit against some questionable competition; Lake Forest has a strength of schedule at #160 versus SJU that is ranked #1. They were a well-balanced, well-coached team with several very skilled players and one “superstar,” junior wide receiver-punt/kickoff returner A.J. Jackson. As it turned out, A.J. is the real thing and worth the effort to come out and see him perform. He caught seven passes (none for too long) but for two touchdowns, Lake Forest’s only offensive scores. He returned two punts for a total of 41 yards, but one was for 31 yards. He also returned six kickoffs for 158 yards, with the longest being a scary 48 yards.
But after A.J. there wasn’t much for the Foresters to cheer about. They had 100 yards passing allowing five sacks, their heretofore powerful running game limited to 116 yards. And their punting? Holy Moly, What-A-Mess! Penalties — seven for 72 yards — also thwarted them or gave us life at critical times. Yet Lake Forest stayed into the game until the end, which is when they scored a second TD in the closing minutes against the second string defense. It was a long bus ride home for those guys.
And speaking of defense, it was no accident that the high-scoring Lake Forest offensive machine was particularly low-scoring on Saturday. Our defense was on fire, particularly junior defensive tackle Michael Wozniak, who turned in his finest individual day as a Johnnie recording six tackles – including 4.5 for a loss, 2.5 sacks, a pass knock-down and was chasing the Forester quarterback all over the place. After the game one awestruck Lake Forest player asked him, “Where were you made?”, while another told Michael that “I have a man crush on you.” And SJU Accounting prof Boz Bostrom ’95 tweeted, “I’m going to find out what Woz had for breakfast and then I’m going to eat that every day for the rest of my life.”
Michael noted that he’s played the same way all season but in the MIAC the opponents have run different schemes against him. For instance I heard that Bethel ran their plays away from him all day, and some other teams double-teamed him. Didn’t matter in the long run though since Michael was named to the All-MIAC team (see news about all the Johnnies selected farther below).
#25 Senior Devin Vouk is shown turning on the after-burners during his 50-yard run for our opening touchdown against Lake Forest. The extra point was blocked, but that was one of the few good things for the Forsters for the rest of the afternoon.
Offensively senior transfer running back Devin Vouk had a career day as well, churning up 143 yards from his 17 carries, and two touchdowns that featured a 50-yard scamper and a 16-yard catch/run. Devin was given the yeoman’s work since his backfield partner, Henry Trost, only carried four times before being rested to give his bruised knee some time to heal. Henry should be back in full form this week. We had five penalties again, for 40 yards…we just have to keep working on that; against better teams that could be a killer. Senior quarterback Chris Backes had another strong game, with not a lot of passes thrown but effective when they were: he finished 10 of 18 passing for 120 yards and four touchdowns before giving way to sophomore Cooper Downs in the second half. Senior wide receiver Ravi Alston made a sensational catch at the edge of the end zone for our second touchdown — see photo below.
Continually showing why he’s an All-American and just named the MIAC’s most valuable player, Ravi Alston somehow got his toe down inside the line for a touchdown against good coverage by a Lake Forest defender. How did he do it?
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Here’s the game recap and box score:
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Linfield Player Outwits A Thief —
One night Ted Jones, a junior safety on the Lindfield football team, was walking back to campus from a night out with friends in downtown McMinnville. All of a sudden a thief jumped on him. Jones and the thief began to wrestle. They rolled about on the ground and Jones put up a tremendous fight. However, the heavier thief managed to get the better of him and pinned him to the ground.
The thief then went through Jone’s pockets and searched him. All the thief could find on the wiry little Wildcat was 25 cents.
The thief was so surprised at this that he asked Jones why he had bothered to fight so hard for 25 cents.
Our Wildcat replied, “I thought you were after the hundred dollars I’ve got in my shoe!”
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All About Linfield —
Both the town of McMinnville and the college were founded by the town’s first settler, William T. Newby, an early migrant on the Oregon Trail. He named the town after his hometown of McMinnville, Tennessee. The Oregon version of McMinnville is located about 40 miles south of Portland and 55 miles east of the Pacific Ocean. It is in the heart of the Oregon winemaking country.
In 1858, Linfield University was founded as Baptist College of McMinnville, and the school is still loosely affiliated with the Baptist Church. Later renamed McMinnville College and then Linfield College, in 2020 the Board of Trustees renamed the school Linfield University. Linfield is an independent, comprehensive institution of higher education for undergraduate and graduate studies in 56 unique majors with an emphasis on nursing and business students. The University enrolls roughly 2,300 students from 24 states with nearly 95% of students utilizing financial aid. The university employs more than 150 full-time professors. Linfield University is located on nearly 200 acres with over 60 facilities.
The Linfield University athletic program is part of the Northwest Conference (NWC), NCAA Division III rostering varsity sports, along with intercollegiate sports and activities. They are known as the Wildcats. The Linfield Wildcats football team has the longest streak of consecutive winning seasons across all levels of college football. As of 2021, the team has had 65 consecutive winning seasons. Linfield has won four national college football titles (NCAA Div. III: 2004, NAIA Division II: 1982, 1984, 1986) and have played in a total of seven college football national championship games (NAIA runner-up in 1961, 1965, 1992). In addition, the school has won three national titles in baseball (NCAA Division III: 2013, NAIA Division II: 1966, 1971). The Linfield Softball team won two NCAA Division III Softball Championships in 2007 & 2011, and were runner-up in 2010 & 2012.
This season the Wildcats are 10-0 and averaging 51.9 points and 503.4 yards per game. Linfield has been held under 40 points just once in 10 games and has scored 50 or more points seven times. They skipped through their conference like a hot knife through room temperature butter. Here is a look at their schedule…most of the time they scored in the 50s against their overwhelmed competition, and very few scored more than one touchdown against them — the full gridiron package: https://golinfieldwildcats.com/sports/football/schedule/2021
Just how good that competition is remains to be seen. Whereas SJU is ranked #1 in strength of schedule, Linfield is ranked #58. However, strength of schedule isn’t the whole story. The Wildcats are just plumb good. They have a large squad of 146 with 108 coming from Oregon and Washington; they also have 15 from California and 12 from Hawaii. Their coach is Joseph Smith (just named the NWC Coach of the Year for the 11th time in his 15 years at the helm after leading the Wildcats to a perfect 10-0 record, including a 7-0 record in NWC play) and he is fortunate enough to have not one, but two extremely talented sons playing on his team. The older lad is senior quarterback #12 Wyatt Smith, an Applied Physics major and a Gagliardi Trophy candidate. He’s a two-time NWC Player of the Year and a NWC Scholar Athlete…in other words, no slouch, no dumb jock.
One of Wyatt’s primary targets in his potent offensive passing attack is his younger brother, junior wide receiver #6 Colton Smith. Both the Smiths are home-grown McMinnville boys. Other wide receivers to be reckoned with are #9 Joel Valadez, NWC Freshman of the Year, and #4 junior Devon Murray; all three receivers are equal trouble, each scoring at least eight TDs this past season. Junior RB #5 Connor McNabb (5’11, 194 lbs.) is the featured back. On defense, senior defensive end #44 Travis Swanson was just named the NWC’s Defensive Player of the Year. In addition to him, the Wildcats had six other players named to the NWC’s First-Team Defense.
Geez…almost seems like we should just forfeit the game and save us all the trouble of playing. The panel of d3football experts are picking the Wildcats in a 4-2 split decision. You can read that here: https://www.d3football.com/notables/2021/11/quick-hits-playoffs-week13
What’s one to think? Wyatt Smith is the real deal and I’m sure he’ll score some TDs on us. But, in addition to us playing a higher class of opponents strength-wise, we’ve faced and won this season, albeit narrowly, two of the finest other quarterbacks in D-III: Jaran Roste of Bethel, and Gavin Zimbelman of Aurora. They also are Gagliardi Trophy semifinalists.
Can that Ol’ Johnnie Magic bring us through yet again? Do we have yet another miracle finish/deus ex machina in us? To use the old cliche, that’s why they play the game. For it to be so we have to play all-out from start to finish, cut out those damn penalties, and have our Defense carry us through. We need a huge game from those guys. It will be a close contest, even the d3football guys say that. Even with a great defensive effort, I’m thinking they’ll score between 24 and 28 points. We have to score more, so my guess that St. John’s will win again, 34 to 28.
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The Right Answer —
During a Math exam at Linfield a freshman quietly asked a football teammate, "How far are you from the correct answer?"
The other frosh Wildcat whispered, "About two seats away."
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After Long Road Back, SJU’s Wozniak Making the Most of 2021 Season —
“Now playing at a defensive tackle spot, he has recorded 26 tackles, including 13.5 for a loss, and an MIAC-best 9.5 sacks. Those efforts earned him a spot on the All-MIAC first-team defense.”
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From Michael Wozniak’s aunt, Colleen Lilly ’81: I was talking to Michael at the end of the game and these two little brothers came up to talk to him. The little guy in the red jacket was 30 seconds into a conversation with Michael and all of a sudden he lunged at his huge thigh and hugged it! Cutest moment ever! All they wanted was a hug from Michael!
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Overheard at the Reef —
First table mate: I have a three-season bed.
Second table mate What is a three-season bed?
First table mate:: One without a spring.
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A Thanksgiving Day Message From Fr. Don —
Psalm 92: "It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to make music to your name, O most high."
Psalm 25: "To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul."
Psalm 145: "I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name for ever and ever. I will bless you day after day.... The Lord is great and highly to be praised; his greatness cannot be measured."
Those not familiar with the Psalms still hear or sing such Psalm verses, at least at Mass. They usually are like the opening verses quoted here: words of praise to God, exclamations about God's greatness, and thanksgiving. Usually nothing about Bill's cancer, that mass shooting or war in the Middle East. Some might say: "nothing practical." Many must think: "Why bother, God doesn't need praises, they’re just a waste of good time and energy." But we need them!
Most of us have gone through a phase in our younger life when we were repeatedly asked after receiving a gift: "Now what do you say?” Learning the answer was meant to teach us gratitude. Similarly, thanksgiving for our existence, for this universe, for our life, for friends, for the life, death and resurrection of Jesus -- thanksgiving for all this most frequently must be learned.
Left to ourselves we take everything, life, parents’ love and care, friends, benefactors, mentors, for granted. Some reflection should tell us that they are anything but to be presumed. All is a gift, a gift from the Creator. Gratitude is only the appropriate response.
Psalm 30: “And so my soul sings Psalms to you unceasingly. O Lord, my God, I will thank you forever.”
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And here’s a lovely Thanksgiving hymn, “May God Grant Us Joy Heart,” by the Collegeville Composers, Liturgical Press, Collegeville, MN:
http://offers.giveusthisday.org/thanksgiving_2021?utm_campaign=GUTD%20-%202021%20-%20Email%20Blasts&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=186813834&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_v5iZuyO3D6_0l4hFTDdLk5raJI07UVV8m43ysm7gz2OtUKpC97hhrqYdFuttKUH6SUBmCwArMuWMw45E_ovHXrdxkBg&utm_content=184878856&utm_source=hs_email
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Unfortunately this issue couldn’t make it to your inboxes until Friday; Thanksgiving Day was pretty busy with family, friends and cooking and eating…it began with Chris Scholl and me attending Mass at St. Cecilia’s at 9 am. It was fairly well attended. I was pleased to see some fellow Johnnies and a Bennie in the pews: John ‘58 and Cathy '60 Maas; Gerry Sande ’52/’56 and wife Lorraine; Paul Cleary ‘81 and his wife Julie Michels; Jeanne Lowe, a season ticker holder for SJU football and sister of two Johnnies, the late George Lowe '55 and Dick Lowe ’64; and longtime fan of and contributor to the UUN, Marilee Giere.
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SJU 2021 Football Schedule
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 W 56-0
Oct. 23 Gustavus St. Peter, MN W 37-7
Oct. 30 St. Scholastica Collegeville W 81-0
Nov. 6 Carleton Northfield, MN W 38-10
Nov. 13 Bethel Arden Hills, MN W 29-28
Nov. 20 Lake Forest* Collegeville W 41-14
Nov. 27 Linfield** Collegeville
* First NCAA D-III Playoff Game
** Second Playoff Game
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NCAA D-III Playoffs —
13th Week, Saturday, November 27
Tournament Second Round
Lake Forest (IL) at St. John’s — If all goes as it should, SJU should handle the Foresters 42-17. Actually, it was a pretty darn close pick: 41-14.
Bethel at Central (IA) — Central is to the newly-named American Rivers Conference as St. John’s is to the MIAC, this year at least. The outcome is dependent upon whether Jaran Roste is able to play [well]. If not it should be Central 36 to 21; if he can, it will be Bethel 36-21. Actually, it wasn’t close at all, despite Roste’s career high heroics; Central took off in the second half of a close game and won 61-35. Shocking…especially as we look at our two very close games with Bethel. #8 Central leads the country in most offensive categories. It will be interesting to see how they fare against the likes of North Central, if they get that far. Central hosts #6 Wheaton this weekend. Wheaton beat Aurora 66-31, another “Whoa!” moment considering our very close game with Aurora as well.
Other Game of Interest:
We have this advisory note from Larry Haeg ’63/’67: D1 powerhouse Presbyterian College (2-8, enrollment 1,172, Clinton, SC) comes to O’Shaughnessy for 1 pm tilt with UST this Saturday. Just wanted to alert you if you see long lines at ticket windows on Cretin Avenue. Actually, the up and down Tommies were very, very up this final game — they throttled winless Presbyterian (2-9, 0-8 PFL) by a convincing score of 54-15. Attended by 3,245 — not bad for U$T.
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NCAA Division III Bracket —
The Number 5 (St. John’s), 6 (Wheaton), 7 (Linfield), and 8 (Central) d3football-ranked teams all play each other this Saturday. Anyone can win but those d3 fellows narrowly pick Linfield over SJU and more decidedly but still in a close game Wheaton over Central.
Not that the 1 through 4-ranked teams have cakewalks, but their contests are easier than ours, so they should all win fairly easily but not by runaway scores.
Rank
School (No. 1 votes)
W-L
Points
Prev.
1
North Central (Ill.) (18)
10-0
616
1
2
10-0
597
2
3
10-0
580
3
4
10-0
548
4
5
10-0
499
5
6
9-1
497
6
7
9-0
476
7
8
10-0
412
9
https://www.ncaa.com/brackets/football/d3/2021
https://www.d3football.com/scoreboard/2021/ncaa-playoffs?date=2021-11-20
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Working Out in the Bubble, Thanksgiving Day —
Photo by Brandon Novak ’01, Co-Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Backs
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From Conrad Macina, Landing , NJ —
Congrats on the “no heart attacks” victory over Lake Forest! Did you know that if you rearrange the digits in 41-14 you get the square root of 2? Does that mean the Johnnies will beat Linfield 32-17? Okay, so much for made-up numerology.
The Dutiful Wildcat Son —
On Mothers’ Day a Linfield lineman told his mother, “You stay in bed. I’ll take care of everything.” As she was looking forward to breakfast in bed, the smell of bacon wafted up from the kitchen. But after a good long wait with no sign of food she went downstairs to investigate. She found her son sitting at the table feasting on bacon and eggs. He said, "As a Mother's Day surprise I cooked my own breakfast!"
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Clueless in McMinnville —
On her birthday, the same lineman’s girlfriend told him she wanted “something with a lot of diamonds.” So he bought her a deck of cards.
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Here is some diet news just in time for the holidays —
(A) The Japanese eat very little fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than the British or Americans.
(B) On the other hand, the French eat a lot of fat and also suffer fewer heart attacks than the British or Americans
(C) The Japanese drink very little red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than the British or Americans.
(D) The Italians drink large amounts of red wine and also suffer fewer heart attacks than the British or Americans.
(E) Conclusion: Eat & drink what you like. It's speaking English that kills you.
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The View From The Field - Lake Forest Game —
By Ron Tomczik ’65
Many of our players/coaches thought that Nick VanErp's injury was serious because when he got hurt, he screamed with pain that the players heard. Per some--hip injuries are more painful than knee injuries. With the stadium/fans eerily quiet, I was touched by how so many of our players went out on the field to touch/wish him well as he was being carted off the field. (Ed’s Note: And he was given a standing ovation by many of the fans as he rode by on the cart.]
And that reminded me of the fear that many players’ moms have felt and told me about over the years. Many moms live game day with the fear of injury to their sons. While dads are more "hardened" to the rough playing that football is, dads appear often to be more concerned with the play of their sons--or do they just keep their true feelings/fears "closer to the vest"?
But one year at Concordia, I was sitting next to a player's mom who told me that she even had more stress than a regular player's mom. Her son was a field goal kicker. He always had to be ready to get on the field, but of course he didn't always know when. Her heart started to beat very fast whenever she would see son run onto the field. Over his career he had been a hero, winning some last second games with his talent, while other times things did not go well--and she could feel the team/fan disappointment and after the game listen to the laments of her son.
Because, during the Playoffs, the NCAA does not allow any fans on the field at game end, and some players had to go to the press conference etc., I spent some time with Lake Forest fans/parents. One set of parents saw their son injured in the 3rd or 4th quarter. While he was already wearing a knee brace from an earlier injury, his Dad knew that because he was a senior this would now be the end of his football career. Ironically, his mom is a physician--in her mind she was mentally ready for this latest injury --but was not eager to talk about it.
Regarding the actual game, I spoke with a retired 60+ year Lake Forrest coach--a man that just seemed to be full of wisdom/knowledge and a gentleman. He said that Lake Forest knew coming in they were facing a very tough program with a history of football success, that this year's SJU team was no exception, that our team was just full of talent. He said that he thought the turning point in the game was early in the first quarter when Lake Forest received a roughing the punter penalty and SJU got the ball back and a first down. Lake Forest had stopped our drive and appeared they would now get the ball back.
We discussed the many positives of D3 sports--full of true student athletes. Years ago, he had called John Gagliardi, especially to discuss John's no-tackling-in-practice policy. He had a great deal of respect for John. The retired coach appeared to have been a mentor for many players, and I would have liked to talk with him much longer, but he was called to a waiting van that would take his group to the St. Cloud airport where a friend would fly them back to Lake Forest in a private plane. He was very happy that he did not have to endure an 8/9-hour bus ride!
NOTE: Per our radio team, they heard another Lake Forest coach, in the booth next to them, scream that the Ref made an error on the roughing the kicker call. Our announcers discussed the call with their on-the-field cohorts, and all agreed that it was a correct call. Of course, Mark Lewandowski agreed! Go Johnnies and Happy Thanksgiving! — Ron
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More Scenes Form Stearns County —
A few minutes before the church services started at the 10 am Sunday Mass at Sts. Peter & Paul in Elrosa, the parish congregation was sitting in their pews and chatting quietly among friends. Suddenly, in a flash of light, Satan appeared in front of the congregation!
Everyone started screaming and running for the exits, trampling each other in a frantic effort to get away from the evil incarnate.
Soon the church was empty except for Bertrand Eisenmeier, an elderly retired farmer who sat calmly in his pew without moving, seemingly oblivious to the fact that God's ultimate enemy was in his presence. So Satan walked up to the man and said, “Do you know who I am?”
Bertie replied, “Ya, sure do.”
“Aren't you afraid of me?” Satan asked.
“Nope, sure ain’t,” said the old farmer.
“Don't you realize I can kill you with one word?” asked Satan.
“Don't doubt it for a minute,” returned the old man, in an even tone.
“Did you know that I can cause you profound, horrifying AGONY for all eternity?” persisted Satan.
“Ya,” was the calm reply.
“And you are still not afraid?” asked Satan.
“Nope,” said the old guy.
More than a little perturbed, Satan asked, “Why aren't you afraid of me?
Bertie calmly replied, “Been married to your sister for 57 years.”
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The Uncasual Fan —
November 20, 2021 (vs Lake Forest)
The first round of the playoffs is always interesting. You never really know what to expect. That is especially true when playing someone who has not been in the playoffs before or has limited playoff experience.
That was the case this past Saturday when the Red and White played host to Lake Forest. Neither team really knew what to expect. It was kind of a mismatch. The Johnnies came out fast and punched Lake Forest in the mouth and it was kind of downhill for the visitors from there on in. Except for a 10-minute period in the 2nd quarter it was all SJU. It also did not help Lake Forest that most of the big/crucial penalties called all went our way.
So here is my quick review of the game:
The Good: - The 1st, 3rd and 4th Quarters
The Bad: - We kept kicking off and punting to the best return guy in the nation in the 1st half. What was that all about?
The Ugly: - Lake Forest’s punting. Man, that was brutal.
Here are my three stars of the game although everyone looked pretty good:
1. Devin Vouk – 143 Yards rushing and 3 Touchdowns. Not a bad day’s work
2. The Offensive Line – talk about taking care of business
3. Michael Wozniak and the defensive line - too big, too strong, too fast for the Lake Forest to handle
I am looking forward to the upcoming contest vs Linfield. We are going to have to bring our” A” game (for the entire game). See you Saturday at the tailgate lot. I will be in the heavy warm Red jacket — The UnCasual Fan
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UUN Holiday Poetry Corner —
Ode to Thanksgiving Dinner
I ate too much Turkey, I ate too much corn,
I ate too much stuffing and pie.
And I’m so stuffed up with muffins
That I’m probably going to die.
I piled up my plate and I ate and I ate,
Yet I wish I had known when to stop,
For I’m so crammed with sauces and yams, gravies and jams
That my buttons are starting to pop!
I’m full of tomatoes and au gratin potatoes;
My stomach is swollen and sore.
But there’s still some dessert…so I guess it won’t hurt
If I eat just a little bit more.
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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: Assume you will will be charged to watch this game.)
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KSTP Reel — Lake Forest versus St. John’s, Highlights
1st Round Playoff Game
https://kstp.com/minnesota-sports/saint-johns-rolls-past-lake-forest-41-14/6307905/?cat=81
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Remember: The Game Starts at Noon —
Ticket Information
A ticket must be purchased by each patron to gain admittance to the game. Tickets are $8 for adults and $4 for ages 5-college (w/college ID). SJU season-ticket holders own the rights to the reserved seat/s, but must purchase a ticket to the game. SJU (game/season) or MIAC passes are invalid for NCAA games. Gates open at 10 a.m., two hours prior to kickoff. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.gojohnnies.com/tickets.
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Tailgate and After Game Fun —
Can’t believe this weather! Yet another — for late in a Minnesota November — reasonably mild Saturday up in Collegeville. It’s supposed to be partly-to-mostly cloudy but nearly 40º once again, with no precipitation anticipated. Maybe a bit breezier than last Saturday, however still not bad. So bundle up and support the Johnnies in a huge game against the top D-III team on the West Coast. It’ll be chilly to start so the denizens of the tailgate will be dressed warmly, but they’ll be there. Please join in the fun. There’s also the dining area in Sexton Commons for the faint of heart.
Last week’s impromptu gathering at Fisher’s for after-game chatter over a beer was quite delightful and civilized. We asked management if they might consider opening early for us this Saturday (at 3 pm) and they have gracefully agreed to do that. So, win or lose, we hope to see some Johnnie fans come over to Avon and join us. No need to stay for dinner; just enjoy some Red-clad camaraderie.
For those not familiar with Fisher’s Club, it’s located in Avon, the next exit pass St. John’s in I-94. Go through the town three blocks and turn left on 1st Street…go about a half mile: https://www.menupix.com/minnesota/restaurants/map/380022599/Fishers-Club-Avon-MN/
Gathered around a couple of tables in Fisher's bar area, a group of St. John's fans hoisted a tall one for the first victory on the playoffs. From left Doug Eli, Chris Scholl, Jeannie Kauffmann, Billy Kauffmann, Bob Wicker, Ron Youso, Peter Bormann, Lynn Youso Bormann, Jeannie DuBois Woodward, Thom Woodward and Marie Eli. At the next table enjoying Fisher's famous walleye dinner were Bob Verkuilen and his dear friend Joy.
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Battle Between the Sexes, “Not a Clue" Department —
A man comes home and sees a note on the refrigerator from his wife. She wrote, "This isn't working. I'm at my mother's."
The man opens the fridge, and the light turns on.
He calls his wife.
"Honey, what do you mean by your note on the fridge that says, 'This isn't working'?" he says. "The fridge is working fine!"
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Odds & Ends —
Jacob Schmitz's journey with help from ex-St. John's teammate Ben Bartch
KSTP sports director Joe Schmit featured Jacob Schmitz's courageous battle against Mokri syndrome, which was caused by an injury to his brain following heart surgery.
A 2019 high school graduate, Jacob was a star football player and wrestler at Dassel-Cokato, then moved on to play linebacker at St. John's. He underwent emergency heart surgery June 2020 after being airlifted to Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park following the discovery of an aortic dissection.
Jacob has physical limitations, but can communicate thanks to technology. His parents, other family members, friends, doctors, nurses, and a former teammate have all done a lot to improve Jacobs life. That former teammate is current Jacksonville Jaguars starting offensive lineman Ben Bartch.
https://kstp.com/minnesota-sports/cokato-native-jacob-schmitz-journey-ben-bartch-st-johns-football/6306143/?cat=7&fbclid=IwAR25hc9hK9c8WF7URyK6otm65rhqQ60zwLz5PxRrRbFFj9c7beXg28MrM8w
A regular at the Johnnies games, we saw Jacob cheering on his teammates in the MIAC Championship game win over Bethel and last week against Lake Forest. Pictured above is coach Damien Dumonceaux presenting Jacob with his 2021 Conference Championship T-Shirt. (Photo by Charlie Carr '03.)
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Johnnies Sweep MIAC Football Awards, 11 Named to All-MIAC First Team
Nineteen Saint John's University football student-athletes earned All-MIAC honors, including 11 on the first team, and the Johnnies swept all three major conference awards when the 2021 honors were announced on Tuesday, Nov. 23.
Senior wide receiver Ravi Alston was named the Jim Christopherson MIAC Most Valuable Player, senior defensive lineman Seth Morem shared the MIAC's Mike Stam Award with Gustavus Adolphus' Zach Jakes as the conference's most outstanding lineman, and head coach Gary Fasching '81 was named the MIAC John Gagliardi Coach of the Year for the fourth consecutive season, and fifth time in his nine-year tenure. Go to the link below for the rest of the article identifying the All-MIAC players:
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“Make Your Mark” by Peg Marrin ‘67 and illustrated by Sarah Rice SJP ‘09
Peg Marrin wrote: Make Your Mark was published on October 29th. The illustrator is my gifted niece, Sarah Rice, a Prep graduate. Make Your Mark addresses the theme of literacy in what's called a Read-Aloud.The research is solid on the value of Read Alouds in literacy development. Through a relatable character named Little Chick, children discover that parents can be invaluable teachers. The intended age group is 4 to 7, but older children who are already reading will also find the story engaging. The text is above the instructional level of the children, but the concepts are not.
If you are considering purchasing the book, please support the CSB/SJU Bookstore. Make Your Mark should be on the shelves now well as available online. You can also purchase it on Amazon or Barnes and Noble for $9.99. Please consider ordering copies for all the elementary teachers or parents of emergent readers in your life. Please forward the information to anyone else who might be interested. — Peg
Contact Us: Email the CSB/SJU Bookstore
Or call direct: 1-800-420-4509; CSB: 320-363-5510; SJU: 320-363-2495…or go to Amazon at the link below (but I always want to give SJU the business when I can):
https://www.amazon.com/Make-Your-Mark-Peg-Marrin/dp/1398430145/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=make+your+mark+by+peg+marrin&qid=1636665058&sr=8-1#
(From Chris Scholl to Peg Marrin about her book: I just received and read your tender book about Little Chick. The illustrations are beautiful and so well matched to the text. I think you told me this is the first book Sarah has illustrated, and if so, I believe she will be requested to do many more.
Peg, there is so much I love about your story. Of course, the topic of learning to read is so important to you and unfolding the story of Little Chick's discovery of letters and how they connect to make his mark is very clever. This is a book I believe children will love and adults won't tire of reading to them. I look forward to sharing it with Rob's and my own grandchildren.)
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THE PLAYER’s TALE: Life Lessons from St. John’s University
By William McNamara ’73.
(Note: Tom McKasy ’60/‘64 sat next to Bill McNamara at the Bethel game and began a conversation, whereby Mr. McNamara went out to his car at halftime and brought Tom his book, published in the second edition in 2008. Ton read it when he got home and loaned it to me; Chris read it to me as we drove up and back to and from the Lake Forest game. It’s an east-to-read, very candid group of memories about various Collegeville subjects organized into short chapters. You can get it here:)
https://bookstore.csbsju.edu/sjub/shop_product_detail.asp?catalog_id=1487&catalog_name=Qy5TLkIuL1MuSi5VLiBBVVRIT1JT&pf_id=52193&product_name=UGxheWVycyBUYWxlIExpZmUgTGVzc29ucyBGcm9tIFN0IEpvaG5zIFVuaXZlcnNpdHkgQ29sbGVnZXZpbGxl&type=3&target=shop_product_list.asp
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Gagliardi Trophy semifinalists announced
Twelve seniors and three juniors make up the semifinalists for the 2021 Gagliardi Trophy, an award presented by Jostens and the J-Club of Saint John's University (Minn.) to the most outstanding football player in NCAA Division III. The semifinalist list also contains nominees from all six NCAA regions. Twelve quarterbacks head up the list, along with two wide receivers and one defensive back/punter/returner. Eleven of the fifteen participated in the first round of the Division III playoffs.
https://www.d3football.com/notables/2021/11/gagliardi-semifinalists-announced
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And the Sweaters Still Fit…
Before he retired, Tom Farnham ’72 was introduced to a new business associate of the company. The fellow said, “Hmmm, Tom Farnham…did you used to play tennis for St. John’s by any chance?” Tom acknowledged he did. The man identified himself as Craig Senn, graduate of Gustavus in 1973, a former member of the Gustie tennis team and a first cousin to our own Fred Senn ’64. It had been about 50 years since they last competed...or seen each other. A few days later Craig brought his old GAC tennis sweater to show him. Tom was sure he still had his someplace too. He found it at the bottom of a drawer at home and the two former competitors put on their respective sweaters to pose for this photo. Amazingly, both sweaters still fit.
Craig Senn (Gustavus '73) and Tom Farnham ( St. John’s '72).
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Five More Signs You Weigh Too Much —
Here are a few more additions to last week’s 10 signs you know you weigh too much:
5. You stand on a scale and a card comes out that says, "One at a time!"
4. When you get your shoes shined you have to take the guy's word for it!
3. Somebody asks you, "Was that you I saw at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade?" and you answer, "Yeah...I was the one wearing ROPES!"
2. You cross a busy intersection against the light...a car starts honking its horn at you and you tell the driver, "Go AROUND me!" And he responds, " I can't, I'll run out of GAS!"
1. You're standing at another Street corner and a Cop comes by and says, "OK, Break it up! BREAK IT UP!"
(Compliments of Denny Bracco ’75)
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Gagliardi Legacy Fund —
As our grass-roots fund raising effort to bolster the endowment of the Gagliardi Legacy Fund begins to wind down, we urge all those non-football alumni who nevertheless enjoy St. John’s football and support the team and coaches who haven’t yet contributed to please assist us now. Everything helps and will go exclusively for the benefit of the team and its many expenses. To run a first class football operation with dwindling student income is a real need…help keep us at the forefront of Div-III football in the coming seasons. — Bernie Weber SJP ’63/SJU ’67
(Please Note: You’ll help by sending 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. Or 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. https://securelb.imodules.com/s/1433/gid3/form.aspx?sid=1433&gid=3&pgid=397&cid=1052 )
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Special Hair Cut in Sauk Centre —
When old Will Dingelmann slid into the barber chair, the barber asked him how he wanted his hair cut.
"Make it short," the customer replied, "vit a bare patch above my left ear, but longer on da right side so dat it covers my right ear. I also want my left sideburn above my left ear and da right sideburn below my right ear."
The barber looked puzzled and said, "I don't think I can do that."
Will replied, "I don't know vhy not--dat's the vay you cut it da last time I vas here!"
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From Our Readers —
From Chris Chalmers ’88, Albert Lea, MN —
Please add me to the email list - Chris Chalmers '88. My father Rich Chalmers '63 was captain of first undefeated SJU FB team in 1962 and coached with John for first National Championship in 1963. I played QB in late 80's and my son Sam ('21) has been creating the highlight videos and hype videos the last couple of years. Thanks — Chris
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From John Forsythe ’74/’75, St. Cloud, MN when not in some warmer clime —
Rob—Nice win vs Lake Forest though the Carleton game came to mind in the 2nd quarter….Hard to gauge Linfield, as usual, as not a lot of comparables out West.
I remember the last time we played them— in 2003 I believe out there on our way to the National Championship? And of course there’s a related story. Sorry to bombard you with these personal sagas these past couple weeks.
Maureen, her dad and I flew out there for the game as Maureen’s brother Bill Sullivan`74 lives in Salem and it was the perfect excuse for a family/friends gathering around an SJU playoff game— an oft-repeated bonus for Johnnie fans over the years. While driving from Salem to McMinnville for the game we drove by a small road sign that read `Brigittine Monastery Thataway >> ‘. I was aware that I had a cousin I’d never met about my age from Zanesville OH (less than 2 hours from Mt. Union and the cradle of Forsythe civilization) who had joined that obscure Catholic Swedish order in West Virginia as a young man. And that the order had packed up and relocated to Oregon in the 1980s. But we MN Forsythes have had virtually no contact with our Ohio relatives this past century (long story), so looking up cousin Francis was not even a passing thought for me that weekend. Until we drove by that sign in the middle of nowhere. I drove back from Salem the next day and asked the elderly monk at the front gate (Brigittines are cloistered contemplative communities) if a Fr. Francis Forsythe was a member of their community and he replied that Francis had just been elected their abbot six months earlier.
I would guess that St John’s main source of income is education along with donations/endowments. The Brigittine’s cash “calf” is making and selling chocolates and fudge.
My chance visit with Fr Francis was the talk of my Forsythe clan when I returned to Minnesota. And the chocolates were terrific. Perfect for the holidays: fudge@brigittine.org
Johnnies by 10.
PS—Related to last week’s saga I looked up where Deliverance was filmed. Most of it was shot on the Chatooga River which forms the far northeastern border of GA with SC and is less than 2 hrs from Athens. Small wonder I could hear banjos! — John
(Editor’s Further Explanation: John and his wife Maureen were founder-proprietors of the beloved Bo Diddley’s in St. Joe and St. Cloud for about forty years before selling to retire two or three years ago. While the Forsythes drifted south the new owner opened an additional Bo Diddley’s in Eden Prairie. [ https://www.bodiddleysdeli.com/locations ]
Last week I had a couple long e-notes from John describing his legendary fiasco trying to get to the 1976 National Championship Stage Bowl at Phenix City, AL and being dropped off by mistake at an obscure airstrip in the evening a long state away. I’ll run that story next issue, but his reference to the film Deliverance should give you a little idea of his discomfort back them.)
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From Terry Fruth ’60, Minneapolis, MN —
Bob, I am 82 and I deeply resemble that joke [Last issue’s “Final Word” about the ’61 grads going to Hooter’s over the years].
Two Johnny roommates from class of ‘60 are discussing the location of their annual dinner—with wives of course. Terry says he and the wife went to a terrific restaurant but he is having trouble remembering the name so he asks his old pal, “What is that flower with the long stem with thorns?” Pal answers “rose.” Terry calls wife, “Rose, what is the name of the place where we had dinner last week?”
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From Mike Murphy ’61, St. Paul, MN —
Bob -- Your description of the Bethel game and how you captured our collective feelings as it played out was almost good to read as the Johnnies comeback was to watch. Masterful.
But a recurring problem for me: For some odd reason I can't access your links to the game photos and videos referred to in your text. How can I enjoy those? Is there another way I can access them?
(Editor’s Note: I told Mike I have no idea other than to open the UUN on a larger screen laptop or desktop computer the way God intended. People using their Smart Phones are not getting the full impact of the glory of the UUN.)
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From Conrad Macina, UUN Humorologist, Landing, NJ —
A few random thoughts:
First of all, congratulations to Johnnie Nation on a stunning victory over Bethel! I’m hopeful that the Lake Forest game won’t cause another run on nitroglycerine pills.
With the football team comprising more than 7% of Lake Forest’s student body, it’s amazing that anyone’s left for handball.
Please tell Suzie Gooding that while it may be true that every piece of chocolate eaten shortens your life by two minutes, the secret is to eat larger pieces of chocolate. — Conrad
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A Linfield linebacker in his letter jacket goes into a store and tells the clerk he wants to buy the TV in the corner. The clerk says, “We don’t sell to Linfield football players.”
The linebacker goes home, changes into a Wildcat sweatshirt and jeans, returns to the store and asks for the TV again. Again, the clerk says he doesn't sell to Linfield football players.
Frustrated, the linebacker changes into a St. John's sweatshirt. He returns to the store and asks a different clerk to buy the TV. To his astonishment, this clerk also says that they don't sell to Wildcat football players.
The linebacker asks the clerk, "How in the world do you know I am a Linfield football player?"
The clerk replies, "That's not a TV, it's a microwave!"
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From Mike Fiala SJU ’69, Crystal, MN, sent to the UUN plus six classmates —
So when was the last time the Johnnies, the Gophers, and the Vikings won on the same weekend – before the past one? Pretty much only the Johnnies carrying their weight! Gotta know which games/teams I'm following. — Mike
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From Rich Schmelzer ’69, Madison, WI —
I agree. good quality video & team. SJU/ cardinal & blue,
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From Francis T. Condon ’69 —
Who are Gophers and Vikings? And who cares? GO JOHNNIES!!
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From Carmen Fernholz SJP ’61/SJU ’65, Madison, MN —
I did almost have a cardiac arrest during the Bethel game but then was able to recuperate this past Saturday. Keep the UUN coming. And Happy Thanksgiving. — Carmen
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From Joe Pohle ’20, Minneapolis, MN —
Hey Bob, I thought I'd reach out and introduce myself. My name is Joe Pohle and I'm a 2020 Johnnie grad. I was forwarded on some of your newsletters from my uncle Joe DesJardins, and thought you might want some of my recent SJU photography to include in your newsletter if you see fitting. I've attached some of them below!
I am also about to release my second drop of SJU prints that anyone can buy off my website (https://www.joepohle.com/prints). This year I'm really trying to advertise this to the alumni, so I'm sure you can tell by now that this is a bit of a shameless plug if you wanted to include where you can buy these photos in your newsletter, but totally understand if not! Still feel free to use the images, as I would rather have them be spread around in a positive way. Go Johnnies! Best — Joe
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From Henry Gallagher ’61, Washington, DC —
Rob, It was a relief to watch/listen to the streaming of the recent Bethel MIAC Championship game where there was little if any interruption to the broadcast of events on the field. For example, no mention that viewers do their Christmas shopping at Frattalone’s Ace Hardware on North Lexington, nor any talk of patronizing other vendors in the Arden Hills area.
The SJU play-by-play commercials with occasional and annoying interruptions by action on the field I fear might lead someday to the following:
…and Ravi Alston has it at the Royal’s 20 with a one-hand grab and…have you thought about buying your next car at Ernie’s Auto out Avon way?…he jukes a defender at the 14, but wait, wait, he’s, oh no!…for all you garden needs you can’t beat the low prices at Holhausen’s on Highway 4 south of Melrose…and the Johnnies line up to kick it… during that last commercial break we should tell you that Ravi fumbled the ball at the 5 but an alert Henry Trost picked it and ran it in for the score. Now back to our play-by-play commercials...
This UUN reader (after a 30-year-legal career representing small business clients) recognizes that advertising revenue keeps small media companies afloat. My only complaint is that the airing of the ad spots might be more sensibly placed* so as not to distract from the matter at hand—a fan’s enjoyment of a football game. — Hank
*Or call that guy at Bethel and find out about his funding sources
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Oh, That Little Johnny Has Grown Up —
During a good manners and etiquette class being held for high-schoolers, the teacher said to her students:
“If you were courting a well educated young girl from a prominent family, and during a dinner for two you needed to go to the restroom, what would you say to her?”
Mike raised his hand and replied: “Wait a minute, I need to take a pee.”
The teacher said: “That would be very rude and improper on your part.”
Charlie replied: “I’m sorry — I need to go to the toilet, I’ll be back in a minute.”
The teacher says: “That’s much better, but to mention the word ”toilet” during a meal is unpleasant.”
Then Johnny chimed in: “My dear, please excuse me for a moment. I have to go shake hands with a personal friend, whom I hope to be able to introduce to you after dinner.
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The Incredible Golf Ball —
Two Golfers were approaching the first tee. The first guy goes into his golf bag to get a ball and says to his friend,"Hey, why don't you try this ball."
He draws a green golf ball out of his bag. "You can't lose it."
His friend replies, "What do you mean you can't lose it?!!"
The first man replies, "I'm serious, you can't lose it. If you hit it into the woods, it makes a beeping sound, if you hit it into the water it produces bubbles, and if you hit it on the fairway, smoke comes up in order for you to find it."
Obviously, his friend doesn't believe him, but he shows him all the possibilities until he is convinced.
The friend says,"Wow! That's incredible! Where did you get that ball?”
The man replies, "I found it."
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THE FINAL WORD —
Sales Training
A new sales assistant was hired at a large department store. On his first day, the sales manager took him around to show him the ropes. They were passing by the gardening section, when they heard a customer asking for grass seed. The sales manager stepped in.
Sales manager: “Excuse me, but will you be needing a hose to water your lawn?”
Customer: “I guess so. I’ll take one.”
Sales manager: “And how about some fertilizer and weed-killer?”
Customer: “Um, okay.’
Sales manager: “Here’s a couple of bags. You’ll also need a lawn mower to cut the grass when it starts growing too long.”
Customer: “I’ll take one of those too.”
After the customer left, the sales manager turned to the assistant. “You see?” he said, “that’s the way to make a good sale. Always sell more than what the customer originally came in for.”
Impressed, the assistant headed off for the pharmaceutical section, where he was to work. Soon, a man strolled in.
Man: “I’d like to buy a pack of Tampax, please.”
Sales assistant: “Sure, and would you like to buy a lawn mower too?”
Man: “Why would I want to do that?”
Sales assistant: “Well, your weekend’s shot to hell anyway, so you might as well mow the lawn.”
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Goodbye for now…Our team will need all our voices yelling in unison, even if you don’t make it up to the game:
GO JOHNNIES ! !
(Delouse the Wildcats…or something like that.)
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Submitted just before Round Two of the NCAA D-III playoffs. Sorry it's so late.
R.L. Wicker SJP ’60/SJU ’64, St. Paul, MN
651-699-4697
theowick@aol.com
https://www.unofficialundergroundnews.com
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