Slammin’ the door on the Auggies (UUN #7-22)
Dear Relieved Red Followers —
What a difference a week makes. In a masterful win over what turned out to be an outmatched, outgunned, out-hustled and significantly out-scored Augsburg team — the Johnnies won 45 to zip — the only category the Auggies topped was their seven penalties to our nine.
In the cracker box venue that is Edor Nelson Field, the Johnnies had almost as many fans as did the chastened Augsburg Homecoming crowd. Together both schools’ fans filled the place to a hundred over official capacity (circa 1,450 total). Thanks to the expected crowd of Auggie alums, it looks like they didn’t run out of food for a change. But the Augsburg AD did limit the number of tickets that could be sold to Johnny fans. I guess I don’t blame him/her; it was their Homecoming, after all.
To shut out what heretofore had been a high scoring Augsburg offense had to be one of the season’s highlights for a defense that has taken its lumps in the previous three games. Coach Gary Fasching ’81 preached intensely about not letting up after getting ahead as we’ve had the tendency to do…and this time the crew came through big time, even when wholesale substitutions were made in the third and especially fourth quarters. At halftime, the coach told his team, “We've been in this position before. We've been up big, then let the other team back into the game. Let's go out there and finish it.” Sophomore linebacker Cooper Yaggie had a super day with four solo tackles and a recovered fumble; we sat behind his mother and sister who drove all the way from far-west Breckenridge, MN to cheer him on. Some other defensive standouts were: sophomore linebacker Hayden Sanders with seven tackles; and seniors D-lineman Amari Curtis, D-lineman Metoriah Faoliu and linebacker Erik Bjork, each with six tackles. The defense also ran up five sacks to none by the Auggies.
Senior Linebacker #49 Erik Bjork and senior D-Lineman #91 Michael Wozniak met at the Auggie quarterback for a nice sack. They made the fellow cough up the ball (seen in the upper center part of the photo) but it was recovered by Augsburg.
Of St. John’s 45 points, perhaps six of the most exciting came from a 58-yard scamper for the TD by normally-stay-in-the-pocket junior quarterback Aaron Syverson. It certainly wasn’t a designed play, but Aaron saw an opening and just took off, outrunning a stunned Auggie secondary. We sure didn’t know he was that fast and neither did our opponents. Later in the game, the first of three reserve quarterbacks to play, a freshman named Zander Dittbenner, galloped for eight yards after picking up a balky centering pass on his first play. On his second play he did it again on purpose for another big gain. Zander also connected on two of four passes, leading his team to a field goal before being replaced by the next hopeful.
Look at him go! Junior quarterback Aaron Syverson led SJU with 78 rushing yards, including this 58-yard run for a touchdown on the final play of the first quarter (image courtesy of Sean Donohue).
Zander et al’s appearances answered one major question fans have had: who will back up Aaron? But another arose at the same time, since word has leaked out of Collegeville that junior Nick Peterson (Benilde-St. Margaret) and sophomore Kristoff Kowalkowski (Totino-Grace and a transfer from U$T) were supposedly the number one and two back-ups…where were they? Maybe they will see playing time this coming week in Northfield.
Along with notable QB performances, SJU had a wonderful balance of 259 yards rushing and 226 yards passing in their offensive attack. Senior Henry Trost, back in top form after a slight injury, scored two more TDs. At that rate he could possibly challenge SJU’s all-time total touchdown record. And speaking of records, senior Alex Larson, who caught TD pass #12, is edging ever higher in the record book for most receiving touchdowns by a tight end in SJU history. We’ve got four more regular season games before, we hope, we enter the postseason Div. III play-offs. So there are more opportunities for these talented young men. Although junior receiver Jimmy Buck snagged seven catches for 94 yards, he was just six yards short of recording four games in a row of 100-yard receiving games. Now he can start a new string.
Junior WR #11 Jimmy Buck sloughed off an interference penalty by holding onto the ball. SJU declined the penalty for a large gain.
Finally, kudos to sophomore kicker Conor Murphy who was six for six for PATs, one for one for a field goal, and boomed eight kick-offs for an average of 53+ yards. What a relief to have stability in that position. Junior Spencer Ell was also steady and effective for his three punts.
Here is the link to the recap and box score:
And here is the link to the video highlights:
Junior running back Troy Feddema gave SJU a 28-0 lead with this 28-yard touchdown run Oct. 8 at Augsburg (image courtesy of Rafael Alvarez).
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Romantic Ole —
A junior linebacker on the St. Olaf team was talking to some of his teammates recently. “I was on a date this past summer with this really great lady.
“Well, it wasn't really a date-date, more like we ate dinner and saw a movie together.
“Then the plane landed.”
* * * *
About St. Olaf —
St. Olaf College is a private liberal arts college located in Northfield, Minnesota, less than an hour’s drive south of the Twin Cities. It was founded in 1874 by a group of Norwegian-American pastors and farmers. The college is named after the King and Patron Saint of Norway, Olaf II, and is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
The college has around 3,000 undergraduate students and about 250 faculty. The campus lies on the west side of the city; Northfield is also the home of its neighbor and friendly rival Carleton College. These two institutions, plus the surrounding fertile agricultural areas and a small, but strong industrial base, all help Northfield to be a prosperous little gem of a city and a special place to visit.
St. Olaf has a strong reputation for scholarship and its music program, especially its choirs. Between 1995 and 2020, 154 St. Olaf graduates were named Fulbright Scholars and 35 received Goldwater Scholarships for students who plan a career in engineering, science and mathematics. Of the nation's baccalaureate colleges, St. Olaf ranks 12th in the number of graduates who have gone on to earn doctorate degrees.
Known as “The Hill,” St. Olaf College's picturesque 300-acre campus is home to 17 academic and administrative buildings, 29 student residences and 10 athletic facilities. St. Olaf is a residential college; 96% of St. Olaf students reside in one of the 11 residence halls and 18 academic and special interest group houses. Adjacent to campus are 325 acres of restored wetlands, woodlands, and native tall grass prairie owned and maintained by St. Olaf, and a utility-grade wind turbine that supplies up to one-third of the college's electrical needs.
Two buildings on the campus are listed on the National Register of Historic Places: Old Main and Steensland Library. In 2011, Travel+Leisure magazine named St. Olaf one of the most beautiful college campuses in the United States.
What About Saturday? —
St. Olaf’s football team is not without some admirable talent and going into this game with SJU they sport a 3-2 record. One thing we have in common is that both schools have won their game against Augsburg this season, the Oles victorious in a fairly high scoring contest 41-36. Earlier they clobbered Martin Luther 55-27, while narrowly getting by Macalester 38-32. Their two losses were to then #14 Central (IA) 44-14 in their first non-conference game, and last week to their in-town arch-rivals, Carleton, 26-7.
So what’s this all mean for us? We should not take them lightly and we should treat this game and their team with respect, but actually it’s pretty much a foregone conclusion that St. John’s will defeat them and may even do it handily…Is another shutout in the offing? I should hope so and with the chip-on-the-shoulder attitude the defense has been developing, it’s pretty certain that will be their goal for the week. Whether our guys can keep the Oles from scoring remains to be seen. For St. Olaf’s part, they have some good, talented athletes and Coach Killian will have his team fired up, hoping that the Jays will be over-confident from a big win over Augsburg and come in flat. This stuff happens.
In preparing for this issue I came across the video of the SJU-St. Olaf game four years ago at Klein Field at Manitou. It was quite scary for the first half as the #4-ranked, 6-0 Johnnies faced the fired-up 5-1 Oles. Got to hear that unique St. Olaf Um! Yah! Yah! fight song* a few times too many as the half time score was 20-17 SJU. The Oles were at times superb on defense at the start, a real scrappy bunch, and pulled out of their playbook some trick plays. Ultimately we subdued them big time with Jackson Erdmann having a field day, both passing and, surprisingly, running. You might like to just move the timer along and see different parts of the game: https://www.stolaf.edu/multimedia/play/?e=2777
More than half the team comes from rural and urban Minnesota and quite a few from Wisconsin, yet there are lots of players from all over, mainly the Deep South, Colorado and points West. Gee, even one comes from Norway; he’s a fifth year student named Truls Hansen (WR #81) from Bergen, but I haven’t seen his name mentioned in the highlights much. People to watch, on offense to start: Yet another sophomore quarterback #19 Theo Doran (of Holy Angels in Richfield, MN); running backs sophomore #1 Christian Graske, and senior #9 Jordan Embry; and featured wide receiver #2 Payton Schott. Defensively, they seem to rely on their linebacking crew a great deal (this might indicate their D-line isn’t stopping runs very effectively). Three names we’ll no doubt hear a great deal are junior #0 Ben Hestorff, junior #47 Cohl Husbands, and sophomore #26 Tate Sauerwein (Sour Wine?). A junior defensive back making some noise is #8 Deonta Thomas.
As the UUN’s homer-in-chief I’m picking our Johnnies to win 42-0. Why? The Jays need to stay on point for the rest of the season, and another shutout along with a strong offensive display will be a most appropriate step in the right direction. The guys need to more than just win — they need to make a statement: to themselves, the MIAC, d3football, and their loyal fans.
* Regarding that fight song: St. Olaf is the only American college or university whose fight song is sung in 3/4, or waltz, time. Listen to it here: https://wp.stolaf.edu/about/history/umyahyah/
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A Word About School Songs —
While we’re on the subject, there are two types of school songs: the fight song or "rouser" for sports events and pep rallies; and then there's the mellower "alma mater" or anthem especially for alumni events. SJU, like most schools, has both songs. And, like St. Olaf, St. John’s and St. Ben’s also has a renowned choral program.
Cretin-Derham Hall (CDH), a merged Catholic high school in St. Paul, Minnesota, has always had a spirited rouser, but never an anthem--until now. Mike Murphy '61, a '57 Cretin grad, has composed the melody and lyrics for a CDH Alumni Anthem. Unable to find the resources to bring his work to life at his high school alma mater and not being a musician himself, Mike took his raw material to his friends Axel Theimer and Brian Campbell in SJU's music department. They helped him put the finishing touches on it, then had a mixed SJU-CSB choral group record it. CDH liked what it heard and presented it to a most appreciative audience at its annual alumni banquet last month. Here's the link to CDH's new anthem; pay attention to the entire package: lyrics, music and gorgeous singing. Eat your hearts out, St. Olaf!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pbl7PtBmUcJib_WyBYlX_VUGrSzniwC6/view
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More Scenes From Stearns County —
Nancy Kessler, a senior at SCSU, was waiting tables at the St. Cloud Country Club when an elegantly dressed member, Beverly Windschitl, spilled Manhattan clam chowder all over her white linen skirt. She began furiously dabbing at it with a napkin.
Having plenty of experience with getting out food stains, Nancy helpfully asked, "Can I bring you some club soda?"
"Young lady," Beverly barked, "I'll be the judge of when I've had enough to drink. Bring me another martini!"
* * * *
AROUND THE MIAC —
Last Week’s Results —
6th Week, Saturday, October 8
Macalester at Concordia — After two tough, close losses to top teams the Cobbers are ready to explode and they’ll do it against Mac 48-17. Actually, Concordia’s win was a little less decisive, but nevertheless a big win, 36-7.
Hamline at Bethel — Ooooh, nasty. Royals 56-Pipers 12. Actually, Bethel took it a little easy winning only 49-14…but you get the idea.
St. Scholastica at Gustavus — The Gusties will show no mercy, so let’s say 66-9. Actually, Gustavus outdid themselves on the “no mercy” column, chewing up the hapless Saints 77-7.
St. Olaf at Carleton — This will be the top game in the MIAC this Saturday, and I think Carleton will emerge victorious 34-21. Actually, the Knights handcuffed the Oles 26-7 for the dubious Goat Trophy.
St. John’s at Augsburg — The Auggies are improved and, thanks to the way the Johnnies have been letting teams off the hook in the second half, they could make it closer than it need be, with SJU holding on 46-27. Actually, the Jays pleasantly surprised everyone defensively but the Auggies, winning 45-0.
Other Games of Interest:
Davidson (NC) at St. Thomas — The Tommies host what should be their toughest game of the season but, by being home, add a TD at least to the final score with U$T winning 28-21. If this game doesn’t bring out a crowd, they just don’t care in TommieLand. Actually, the Toms played a very strong, hugely important game to beat a perhaps over-confident Davidson 27-16…played before 6,400 fans (which for them is a pretty good turn out).
National Games of the Week: We got three games of import in the Western Region:
With identical 3-1 records #9 UW-La Crosse goes to UW-Stout for a huge game for both schools; although unranked, Stout has received votes in the poll and could be a sleeper in the contest with the higher-ranked Eagles. Still, one would think UWLC should prevail 32-21. Actually, La Crosse had their way with Stout, winning 42-21.
#16 UW-Oshkosh faces #17 UW-River Falls. They too both sport 3-1 records, but after seeing River Falls play, I have to pick them to edge out a win by 41-32. Actually, defenses kept both teams close with UWRF eking out a last minute victory 27-24 over Oshkosh.
#7 Linfield (3-0) travels to unranked Whitworth (3-1) for the biggest conference game for both teams this season. I think it may be tougher for Linfield than they think, but they’ll still win 26-17. Actually, Linfield skipped over Whitworth 35-17 and now has pretty clear sailing into the postseason.
* * * *
Quote of the Week —
There are more things in heaven and earth than are dreamt of in your philosophy. — William Shakespeare
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Battle Between The Sexes, First Date Section —
A boy is about to go on his first date, and is nervous about what to talk about. He asks his father for advice. The father replies: "My son, there are three subjects that always work. These are food, family, and philosophy."
The boy picks up his date and they go to a soda fountain. Ice cream sodas in front of them, they stare at each other for a long time, as the boy's nervousness builds. He remembers his father's advice, and chooses the first topic. He asks the girl: "Do you like potato pancakes?" She says "No," and the silence returns.
After a few more uncomfortable minutes, the boy thinks of his father's suggestion and turns to the second item on the list. He asks, "Do you have a brother?" Again, the girl says "No" and there is silence once again.
The boy then plays his last card. He thinks of his father's advice and asks the girl the following question: "If you had a brother, would he like potato pancakes?"
* * * *
Games This Week—
7th Week, Saturday, October 15
Augsburg at Macalester — The Auggies will be on the rampage after getting skunked last week, so look for an Augsburg win of 34-17.
St. Scholastica at Carleton — The poor old Saints can’t catch a break on the schedule as the Knights roll to 6-0 record by something like 52-9.
Concordia at Bethel — Expect the Royals to plaster the Cobbers, 39-22.
Gustavus at Hamline — I hope it’s not the Pipers’ homecoming because it will be spoiled big time by the Gusties, 50-15.
St. John’s at St. Olaf — The Oles are running into a ripsaw named St. John’s, with a possible 42-0 score.
Other Game of Interest:
Drake (IA) at St. Thomas — See if Glenn can keep his squad up from a huge letdown after their monumental game last week. The Drake Bulldogs aren’t terrible; although 0-6 they’ve been close in three or four of those games. So, a trap game for U$T? Naah…Tommies should cruise 36-14.
* * * *
The Injured Tommie —
A Tommie linebacker goes to the hospital. The doctor asks, "Where does it hurt?"
The Tommie points to his shoulder and says, "It hurts right here, OUCH!"
"Interesting. Does it hurt anywhere else?"
"Yeah!" He points to his leg and says, "OW! It hurts here too."
"I see. Does it hurt in any other places?"
"Sure does." He points to his chest "YEOW! It hurts here too!"
The doctor asks, "By any chance are you a Tommie linebacker?"
"Yes! How on earth did you know?"
"Because you have a broken finger."
(Courtesy of Conrad Macina, Landing, NJ)
* * * *
D3Football Top 25 —
Another week of near status quo. Looking at #1 through #13 everyone’s the same except for St. John’s who jumped a point to #5, exchanging places with Trinity who is now #6.
UW-River Falls moved up to #14 from #17 after its 3-point victory over former #16 UW-Oshkosh who now resides at #19. I think that’s pretty darn strict. It still ticks me off last week that Gustavus doesn’t have any votes after almost upsetting Bethel, yet Bethel moved up one after its tight escape. These d3football poll types definitely have their favorites. The WIAC has four teams inside the Top 20 with UW-Stout receiving votes, cementing its reputation as the toughest conference in the land.
https://www.d3football.com/top25/2022/week6
* * * *
SJU 2022 Football Schedule
(All games are played on Saturdays, beginning at 1 pm)
Date Opponent Location
Sep. 3 UW-Whitewater Collegeville W—24-10
Sep. 10 UW-River Falls Collegeville W—37-34
Sep. 17 Bye —
Sep. 24 Bethel Arden Hills L—28-24
Oct. 1 Concordia (HC) Collegeville W—35-28
Oct. 8 Augsburg Minneapolis W—45-0
Oct. 15 St. Olaf * Northfield, MN
Oct. 23 Gustavus * (FW) Collegeville
Oct. 29 St. Scholastica * Duluth, MN
Nov. 5 Carleton * Collegeville
Nov. 12 MIAC Champ. Wk. Collegeville
HC = Homecoming
FW = Family Weekend
* = Northwoods Division
* * * *
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 24th 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://www.stolaf.edu/multimedia/play/?e=3961
(Note: There is no charge watching live from St. Olaf)
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MIAC Standings —
(As of October 8)
Division MIAC Overall
Northwoods Division
Carleton 1-0 3-0 5-0
Gustavus 1-0 2-1 3-2
St. John’s 0-0 2-1 4-1
St. Olaf 0-1 2-1 3-2
St. Scholastica 0-1 1-2 2-3
Skyline Division
Bethel 1-0 3-0 4-1
Concordia 1-0 1-2 3-2
Augsburg 0-0 1-2 3-2
Hamline 0-1 0-3 2-3
Macalester 0-1 0-3 2-3
* * * *
(Compliments of John Danielson '60/'64, Lakewood, CO)
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Gathering Before The Ole Game —
Come one, come all to the Johnny-owned Reunion Restaurant in downtown Northfield before the St. Olaf game this Saturday for our pregame party. Doors open at 11 am.
If you haven’t yet been to Reunion, you’re missing a splendid venue, from its industrial chic design inside an 1870s building to artful, way above-average food offerings. The place classes up the whole town. The owner — Greg Heymans ’84 — should be on hand to welcome fellow Johnnies and Bennies alums, parents, fans.
https://reunioneatdrinkgather.com/
Reunion, 501 Division St S, Northfield, MN 55057
Map to Reunion and of Northfield:
* * * *
Today’s Deep Thought by Jack Handey —
Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way when you criticize them, you are a mile away from them and you have their shoes.
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Thinking Ahead to Duluth —
Although the St. Scholastica game on Saturday, October 29, promises to offer little in terms of a gridiron challenge (unlike the week before against Gustavus at home), it does provide two things: a welcome opportunity for reserves to get a lot of playing time (much to the delight of parents, not to mention those players involved); and a fine chance for a “road trip” for fans wanting to enjoy an iconic Minnesota city while supporting our team.
Most likely a trip to Duluth means a pregame party and, for many such as myself, a sleep-over at an area motel.
NOTE: The game is played at Public Schools Stadium, 4405 W 4th St
Duluth, MN 55807. Phone: 218-628-4878; map is included in the link below:
https://csssaints.com/facilities/public-schools-stadium/6
A recommendation for the pregame party:
Players Sports Bar (very close to the field and has good reviews; opens at 11 am); 4024 Grand Ave, Duluth, MN 55807-2735
For after the Game:
There are several brew pubs in that general area, most notably Bent Paddle and Ursa Minor that are very close; there are others downtown and farther east. Here’s the site for the ten best breweries in Duluth:
https://www.yelp.com/search?cflt=breweries&find_loc=Duluth%2C+MN
More genteel dining:
Tavern on the Hill
1102 Woodland Avenue, Duluth, MN 55803
Black Woods Grill & Bar
2525 London Rd Duluth, MN 55812
Map identifying locations of the above restaurants:
https://www.tavernduluth.com/contact
Or all kinds of places on Canal Park
Other dining/drinking
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g43018-Duluth_Minnesota.html
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There are many options, a lot expensive, but here are two nearby motels listed on the above map:
Super 8 by Wyndham Duluth (a bit less expensive)
Comfort Inn West (a bit more pricy)
* * * *
Heavenly Wishes —
Two University of St. Thomas graduates died at the same time and met Saint Peter at the Pearly Gates. St. Peter said, "I'd like to get you guys in now, but our computer's down. You'll have to go back to Earth for about a week, but you can't go back as humans. What'll it be?"
The first Tommie says, "I've always wanted to be an eagle, soaring above the Rocky mountains."
"So be it," says St. Peter, and off flies the first U$T man.
The second Tommie mulls this over for a moment and asks, "Will any of this week 'count', St. Peter?"
"No, I told you the computer's down. There's no way we can keep track of what you're doing. The week's a freebie."
"In that case," says the second Tom, "I've always wanted to be a stud."
"So be it," says St. Peter, and the second Tommie disappears.
A week goes by, the computer is fixed, and the Lord tells St. Peter to recall the two St. Thomas alums. "Will you have any trouble locating them?" He asks.
"The first one should be easy," says St. Peter. "He's somewhere over the Rockies, flying with the eagles. But the second one could prove to be more difficult."
"Why?" asked the Lord.
St. Peter answered, "He's on a snow tire, somewhere in North Dakota."
* * * *
A View from the Field —
(By Ron Tomczik ’65, Medicine Lake, MN)
Finish the Game:
Oh, what a difference “completing the deal” makes with a team, coaches and fans! Strolling on the field after the Augsburg game I spoke with several players, a coach and some fans. Amongst the game comments:
”Our Defensive goal today was to produce a shutout”—and that was accomplished—45-0.
*While Augsburg does not matchup to Whitewater or Bethel, they do have some skilled players.”
From some fans —"In the 4th quarter, we finally got to see some 2nd and 3rd team players/reserves for the first time this year.”
From a coach — “Our first complete game — on offense and defense—and most important, getting the W (win).”
Another game goal—“Develop the rushing game,” resulting in the best rushing yardage of the season.
From a Lineman — “We have two SJU team mentors/role models/leaders— Michael Wozniak - D-Line and Cam Murphy - O-Line.”
Another very good kicking game—kickoffs, punting and field goal. — Ron
* * * *
Battle Between The Sexes, Communications Division —
A husband and wife were at a party chatting with some friends when the subject of marriage counseling came up.
“Oh, we’ll never need that. My wife and I have a great relationship,” the husband explained.
“She was a communications major in college and I majored in theater arts.”
He continued, “She communicates well and I act like I’m listening.”
* * * *
Birthday Mini-Road Trip —
There is a paucity of general photos this issue — no tailgates or alum crowds to capture — so I’ll share some scenes of Chris’ birthday present to me, a two-day trip down the Mississippi to Winona to visit the Minnesota Marine Museum, which is a lesser-known cultural treasure to be found there. We left Monday morning in pristine Fall weather and reached Red Wing about 11 am, hiked to the top of Barn Bluff, walked around, enjoyed the vistas, took pictures, walked back down and drove over (and up, thank God) to the neighboring Sorin’s Bluff where we enjoyed a late lunch and more vistas.
Looking Northwest, about 30-story building high over Red Wing on Barn Bluff.
Barn Bluff, looking southeast.
Passing along Lake Pepin via Lake City, Wabasha, Reeds Landing, et al, we arrived in Winona about 3 p.m. We checked in, rested an hour in our motel room under the town’s rock pinnacle landmark, Sugar Loaf, and then explored the town a bit. First stop was the Basilica of St. Stanislaus Kostka (or St. Stan’s as everyone calls it), reflecting the heavily Polish history of that city. From there we whipped through town and then headed up to Garvin Heights, which overlooks Lake Winona, the city, the river and the wide valley. We dined at Signatures, the finest place in Winona located in a gorgeous valley just west of town at The Bridges Golf Course.
Sugar Loaf, pride of Winona.
View from Garvin Heights (equivalent of a 50-story building), Laker Winona in foreground, then Winona, then the river and Wisconsin bluffs
Views of St.Stan's.
The next day we hit Bloedow’s Bakery, listed as one of the top ten places to get donuts in America. We opted for their maple long johns, cinnamon rolls, a couple cookies and some rye bread to take home. Next stop was at the Watkin’s historic offices/plant (established in 1868) museum/store to pick up some spices, seasonings and other baking items. We drove a few blocks to the iconic Merchants Bank, designed by the Minneapolis firm of Purcell, Feick and Elmslie in the early 1900s. The firm was a leader in “The Prairie School of Architecture” style and architects Purcell and Elmslie were close associates of Louis Sullivan (all three were contemporaries of Frank Lloyd Wright).
Two views of Merchants Bank.
Then it was off to the Marine Museum, which offers a superb collection of European Impressionists and Hudson School paintings, marine art, folk art sculptures and traveling exhibits that loosely connect with the theme of water and sailing vessels. Notable artists with works featured at the Museum include Paul Cézanne, Paul Gauguin, and Vincent Van Gogh. The museum opened with great assistance from the founders of Fastenal, which is headquartered in Winona. Indeed, one of the galleries was donated to the museum by our own Steve ‘61 and Barbara Slaggie, who have been so generous to St. John’s Abbey and especially in the construction of the Abbey Guest House. (See Steve’s story here): https://apnews.com/article/0c81ce470dd84f1caf130196287009fa
Face-to-face with the Jean Marie, a push boat up against Levee Park...and I always thought they were tugboats.
Island City Brewery has got to be my all-time favorite brewpub; here I am, enjoying a sandwich and a blood orange IPA out on their patio when what do I see but a train creeping along right behind me with a string of hopper car heading for a nearby grain terminal. Levee Park is in the background. Come down for the beer; stay for the trains. God is good!
After a couple hours in the museum we headed back downtown to visit Levee Park and headed next door to a fine brew pub named Island City Brewing. Leaving the city we headed across the Mississippi River to take Wisconsin 35 back up north. We made three stops, one ascending way up to Buena Vista Park high above Alma, WI to get another look at the river valley and the Alma Lock and Dam. At Nelson, WI we stopped, along with about a hundred other travelers, at Nelson’s Creamery (Johnnie-owned by the Pete Greenheck ’85 family) for a cone. Deciding not to fight the crowds further up the Wisconsin side, we headed back across to Wabasha and then home. All in all, a wonderful, most memorable birthday gift.
View from way up in Buena Park, Alma, WI.
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Wicker’s Health Rant —
Could Physical Activity Be the Solution to . . . (Almost) Everything?
When it comes to the biggest problems in modern Western society, things like obesity, anxiety, depression, and of course, COVID-19, surely rank near the top of the list. Every year, the United States spends $200 billion on mental health services, another $200 billion on conditions related to obesity, and has thus far spent trillions on the pandemic.
Beyond the staggering economic cost, these issues have added an untold amount of suffering to individual lives, diminishing their quality and shortening their length. While these maladies are different — some biological and some environmental; some mental and some physical — they could all be prevented, managed, and/or treated with the very same thing: physical activity. (Read more below:)
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Pre-Med Majors’ Department, Diagnostics Division —
A man goes into the doctor.
He says, "Doc, you gotta check my leg. Something's wrong. Just put your ear up to my thigh, you'll hear it!"
The doctor cautiously placed his ear to the man's thigh, only to hear, "Gimme 20 bucks. I really need 20 bucks."
"I've never seen or heard anything like this before. How long has this been going on?" The doctor asked.
"That's nothing Doc. Put your ear to my knee."
The doctor put his ear to the man's knee and heard it say, "Man, I really need 10 dollars. Just lend me 10 bucks!!"
"Sir, I really don't know what to tell you. I've never seen anything like this." The doctor was dumbfounded.
"Wait Doc, that's not all. There's more, just put your ear up to my ankle," the man urged him.
The doctor did as the man said and was blown away to hear his ankle plead, "Please, I just need 5 dollars. Lend me 5 bucks, please, if you will."
"I have no idea what to tell you. There's nothing about it in my books," he said, as he frantically searched all his medical reference books.
"I can make a well educated guess though," he continued. "Based on life and all my previous experience, I can tell you that your leg seems to be broke in three places."
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From Our Readers —
From Sister Lois Wedl, OSB ’53, St. Benedict’s Monastery —
The Ladies …The three oldest sisters living at St. Benedict’s Monastery in St. Joseph, MN, celebrate (left) Sister Ingrid Anderson’s 92nd birthday. Sister Lois Wedl is 91 and Sister Marie Reisinger is 90. (Editor’s Note: They’re looking good and they’re looking happy!)
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From Conrad Macina, Landing, NJ —
Well, the Cobbers game was more of a struggle than you’d envisioned and the weather didn’t exactly cooperate, but the Johnnies came out on the right side of the scoreboard, and a Homecoming win is always nice
A Tommie went to the emergency room with severe burns on his right hand. As the doctor took down his medical history, he asked the Tommie, "Do you smoke?"
"Yeah, a pack and a half a day."
The doctor said, "You should consider quitting."
"No, it's OK," said the Tommie. "I smoke with my left hand."
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From Terry Fruth ’60, Minneapolis, MN —
Wick, thanks for the story on enrollment and other higher ed issues. SJU can do a lot of things well but cannot create 18-year-olds. Demographics is our destiny and downsizing is key.
There are many structural obstacles in the system that must be changed and the future goes to schools that are reactive and adaptive. Higher ed must reinvent itself and not do what some airlines did after deregulation — race to the bottom by offering more amenities and cutting prices. Downsize and streamline an archaic system. Consolidation of the two schools is the low-hanging fruit. Pick the fruit and pull the weeds. Sorry for the metaphors. — Terry
(Editor’s Comments: First, Terry is a former member of the Board of Regents, now called Board of Trustees, and has been studying this issue for many years. Second, U$T had well over a hundred more freshman students applying and being accepted than they had planned for. The rich get richer, but they also must be doing something right.)
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From Bill Carney ’66, Ft. Lauderdale, FL —
There is attitude and then there is positive attitude! "Life is not the way it's supposed to be - it's the way it is. The way you cope with it is what makes the difference."
After his plane was hit and he was forced to eject, the Navy fighter pilot finally regained consciousness.
He was in a hospital in a lot of pain. He found himself in the ICU with tubes/IV drips in both arms, a breathing mask, wires monitoring every function and a nurse hovering over him looking worried. It was obvious he was in a life-threatening situation.
The nurse gave him a serious look, straight into his eyes. Knowing he was not only a fighter pilot, but a Sailor, she spoke to him softly and slowly, enunciating each word: "You may not feel anything from the waist down."
Somehow he managed to mumble in reply, "Can I feel your breasts, then?"
And that, my friends, is a real positive attitude.
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From Mike McIntyre ’76, Northfield, IL —
Hi Rob, Having painful withdrawals from the UUN for some reason; the only issue received was the first one of the season! Am I still on your list?
Hope this finds you well and getting ready for today’s game against Augsburg. — Mac
(Editor’s Reply: I assured Mac that he wasn’t removed from the list by me. The list is in the hands of mailchimp.com and they must be pretty unforgiving with any problems with lists that come up. The first thing I told Mac was to check his SPAM folder; some email servers are touchier than others with content. Other reasons for someone falling off the UUN list would be filled mail boxes, or changing email addresses without letting me know or changing it oneself via the UUN website. Go here: https://www.unofficialundergroundnews.com Also, if you scroll down to the very bottom of any issue, you will find a place where you can update your email address or (shudder) unsubscribe, as people do all the time. I pray for them.)
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From Jeremiah Eisenschenk ‘01/‘05, Crosslake, MN —
Wick — Always great to wake up after an Auggie thumping. Here’s the photo of the new SJU neon sign in the bar of our new Crosslake home on Star Lake. Go Johnnies! — Jeremiah
Way to go, Jeremiah. Every home should have one!
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From John Chromy ’64, Washington, DC —
Wick---well, we finally saw the Johnnies play a complete game at Augsburg. Good for them. On a separate note, thanks for the additional tips on the value of apples. I currently eat 2 or 3 per week and will up that plus adding tea, cranberries and onions as per the article you sent,. Not quite sure how to prepare the cranberries because cranberry juice has too much sugar for me, but I will figure it out. Cheers — John
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From Drake Dierkhising ’59/’63, Sonoma, CA —
Who Built The Pyramids?
https://mail.aol.com/d/folders/4/messages/AEBe_iUjQYvaY0g5ggcgOM3tSq4 ( 5 min.)
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St. Olaf Finance —
A first-year St. Olaf student came running home in tears to her father a few weeks after school had started. "Dad, you gave me some terrible financial advice!" she cried.
"I did? What did I tell you?" said the dad.
"You told me to put my money in that big bank, and now that big bank is in trouble."
"What are you talking about? That's one of the largest banks in the state," he said. "Surely there must be some mistake."
"I don't think so," the young Ole sniffed. "They just returned one of my checks with a note saying, 'Insufficient Funds.’"
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THE FINAL WORD
Heavenly Wager —
(Compliments of Glenn Rother ’61/’65, Williamsburg, VA)
Stormy Daniels and Queen Elizabeth went to the Pearly Gates on the same day. They both met with an angel to find out if they would be admitted to Heaven.
The angel said: "Unfortunately, there's only one space available in Heaven today so I must decide which one of you will be admitted.”
The angel asked Stormy if there was some particular reason why she should go to Heaven. Stormy took off her top and said: "Look at these, they're the most perfect breasts God ever created and I'm sure it will please God to be able to see them every day, for eternity.”
The angel thanked Stormy, and asked Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, the same question.
The Queen walked over to a toilet, pulled the lever, and flushed it without saying a word.
The Angel immediately said: "Okay, your Majesty, you may go into Heaven.”
Stormy was outraged and shouted, "What was that all about? I showed you two of God's own perfect creations and you turned me down. She simply flushed a commode and she got admitted to Heaven! Would you explain that to me?”
“Sorry, Stormy," said the Angel, "but even in Heaven, a royal flush beats a pair, no matter how big they are.”
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Another issue done…Thank Goodness! But I think we should practice singing the Johnny Fight Song down there in Um! Yah! Yah!-Land and finish it with a huge…
GO JOHNNIES ! !
Make Lefse Out Of Da Oles (or something like that)
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P.S. For those that want to subscribe or resubscribe, please go to the website listed at bottom in red. Yes, thanks to my daughter Caitlin we have an in-progress website.
Sincerely submitted,
R.L. Wicker SJP ’60/SJU ’64,
You can call me Rob, you can call me Bob, you can call me Theo or Wick…and my personal pronouns are “he a Johnny” and “him a Johnny.”
St. Paul, MN; 651-699-4697
theowick@aol.com
https://www.unofficialundergroundnews.com
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