Johnnies on a “Rampage”, go to Round 3. UUN #14-24
To see back issues go here: https://www.unofficialundergroundnews.com/
(Production Note: Sorry for this being so late; it was a short week due to travel and a full schedule, not to mention a lot of material to fuss with.)
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Dear Believers (Both Old & New) —
What can I say? We weren’t at the game. We were out of state last weekend, enjoying grandchildren in Sierra Madre, California. During the game my daughter and son-in-law took us and the grands for a tour of Mission San Gabriel and the old town. However, due to the generosity of Vic Murphy ’92, we were filled in by text after every significant play and, of course, any scoring.
Far away from the action, we were nonetheless elated (and relieved) to learn of the Johnnies’ 24-13 victory. Vic was communicating from the cozy confines of his basement in St. Paul in front of four monitors on which he was watching all the significant Round 2 games.
Vic Murphy’s D-III Play-Off Command Center
Vic wasn’t the only one sending good news. Larry Haeg ‘63/’67 rushed out a video (narrated by Mark Lewandowski) of “The Play,” sent to him via Joe Wenner ’63/’67 who got it from assistant coach Brandon Novak ’00. Unfortunately it is not in a format I can extend to you, but here are the Mini-Movie highlights and “The Play” is in there toward the end of the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03P4ea0Mlls
Larry continued, and acting as the UUN’s Enrollment and Game Attendance Czar, added this tidbit regarding UW-La Crosse’s enrollment for our readers’ general interest and possible edification:
Undergrad Enrollment: UW-La Crosse: 9,617; Northwestern (Evanston): 8,846; Harvard: 7,240; Princeton: 5,727; U$T: 6,099; CSB-SJU: 3044.
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St. John’s turns to shapeshifting to overcome Wisconsin-La Crosse in Division III football playoffs
The Johnnies, handed a stern challenge for their opener thanks to an expanded bracket, fooled 3,317 spectators and one entire defense with trick play “Rampage.”
By Patrick Reusse
The Minnesota Star Tribune, November 30, 2024
(If for some reason you are unable to read this article because of a paywall, let me know and I’ll send it to you via email.)
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St. John's running back #30 Corey Bohmert escapes the Wisconsin-La Crosse defense en route to the end zone 69 yards away. (Photo by Josh Johnston).
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Game Recap and Box Score —
Up-To-Date Play-Off Bracket:
2024 Division III football playoff bracket
Saint John's press conference following its 24-13 win
2024 NCAA Division III Football Playoffs - Second Round - Saint John's
Full Game Highlights
#3 St. John's vs. #18 UW-La Crosse Highlights | D3 Football Second Round 2024
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View From The Field —
By Ron Tomczik ’65, Medicine Lake, MN
Brother Pat and I arrived about 10 am at our tailgate site “welcomed” by 7 degree F. (NOTE: The 1963 playoff game at the Bloomington Met Stadium was as cold, if not colder.) Driving to SJU, in order to acclimate, we had only worn T-shirts. But opening the car doors, we immediately had to put on our second of many clothing layers and head for our classmates large enclosed tailgate tent. Opening the tent door, we were engulfed with warm air and wonderful food aromas. Our fearless leader and grill master, Dave "Veek" Verkuilen, and his tent crew had arrived about 8:30 am to set up the enclosed tent (which had been purchased by 20 of us), start the inside propane heaters and outside grill. Veek was already grilling wild rice sausages and bratwurst purchased from Little Falls’ Thielen Meat Market. Inside were about 15 fans enjoying delicious food and libations while prognosticating the score---all thought we would win—but the predictions ranged from by 4 points to 4 touchdowns. A major fear was the lack of a running game in our last games.
During the first quarter, we immediately noticed a positive—we had a running game!—sparked by sophomore Corey Bohmert and enhanced by junior Will Blakey. Almost immediately, our fears disappeared—we really felt confident of a victory. Despite that a first half tremendous catch by junior Dylan Wheeler on the UWL 11-yard line was signaled good by the ref standing next to our receiver, a second ref 30-40 feet away over-ruled the catch. Minnesota Star Tribune writer Pat Reusse called it “a blown call as revealed by tv replay” by serious ref error. The answer I received from another on-site referee: ”Referees make mistakes.”
Play of the game:
Per Coach Josh Bungum…..super smiling while discussing his brainchild…the play was designed to be used in a special moment. While planned to be used just to get a first down, he knew that Bohmert is one of the fastest guys on the Team—“but was surprised as anyone that it resulted in a TD.”
Per DL Zach Frank re playing with bare arms—no shirt sleeves ”arm clothing is too restrictive.” I touched his large biceps—they were warm.
Per Transfer Charlie King…”loves playing both offense and defense, loves playing football, but the best part of being at SJU—his classmates and teachers.”
Per O-Lineman Tommy Hessburg….first game back from injury---"ankle is sore but want to play.”
Per Players: La Crosse running back [Gabe Lynch] …”best we have seen all season. La Crosse OL very good but Bethel has better linebackers.”
Sideline heater: the large approx..3’ x 5’ and 6’ long heater produces a lot of BTUs. There were also several smaller line heaters.
Great News:
Per an excited Dad, ”Caden Wheeler is healing well. Because he only played in a few games this year, he was given a medical waiver. He is a Junior and as a result has two years of eligibility left and really WANTS to play next year!” — Ron
GO JOHNNIES!
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About Going To The Game —
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, and on-site sales are credit card only. Tickets may also be purchased online at gojohnnies.com/tickets .
Live Video Broadcast on ESPN+ Only
All Division III playoff football games will be video broadcast only on ESPN+ in 2024. – Get ESPN+
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Cast your ballot for the Gagliardi Trophy now! —
Voting for the 2024 Gagliardi Trophy is open.
The ballot will be found in the link below. Each computer or device may cast one ballot. If you have already voted, you will see the thank you screen, again below.
Of the eighteen semi-finalists, our own Aaron Syverson is listed for the second straight year. Be sure to cast your ballot for Aaron right away, and then tell others to do so as well. Fan support through d3football.com is just one of the selection criteria that goes into the selection of the Gagliardi Trophy.
Senior quarterback #6 Aaron Syverson. Syverson is the 17th Johnnie to be named a semifinalist or finalist for the Gagliardi Trophy and the eighth SJU quarterback. (Photo by Josh Johnston.)
The Gagliardi Trophy, given annually since 1993, is awarded to the most outstanding NCAA Division III football player and recognizes excellence in athletics, academics, and community service. The award is named after John Gagliardi, Saint John's legendary Hall of Fame head football coach who passed away at the age of 91 in 2018. John retired in 2012 with 489 career victories, the most in college football history.
Nominations were submitted by colleges across the country, and the semifinalists were selected by the J-Club Board of Directors. The Gagliardi Trophy national-selection committee is comprised of 18 Division III coaches (three from each NCAA Region), six Division III administrators (one from each region), 12 regional notable voters (two from each region) and six national voters with Division III backgrounds. No J-Club members vote as part of the national-selection committee.
D3football.com will reveal the finalists on a live streaming broadcast at 4 p.m. ET, Thursday, Dec. 19.
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River Hawk’s Career Decision —
"Has your son decided what he wants to be after he graduates from Susquehanna?,” a friend asked the father of a River Hawk lineman.
"He wants to be a garbage man," the father replied.
"That's an unusual ambition to have for a college graduate."
"Not really. He thinks that garbage men only work on Tuesdays."
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About Susquehanna University —
Susquehanna University is a private liberal arts college in the small central Pennsylvania town of Selinsgrove, located in the middle of the Susquehanna River Valley about 45 miles north of Harrisburg. Its name is derived from the original Susquehannock native settlers of the region and, of course, for the river.
Founded in 1858 as a missionary institute, it became a four-year liberal arts college in 1895 and took the name it still holds. It is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Susquehanna is classified among "Baccalaureate Colleges: Arts & Sciences Focus,” though it also has a business school, master’s degrees in education, and joint-degree programs in engineering and for a Master of Business Administration. It also offers the only bachelor’s degree in luxury brand marketing and management in the U.S. The campus spans 325 acres. There are more than 50 buildings on campus, primarily in the style of Georgian architecture.
Susquehanna enrolls more than 2,200 undergraduate students from 33 states and 23 countries, and maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of 13 to 1. Most students are required to live on campus all four years and as of 2012, all students participate in a cross-cultural study away or service-learning experience known as the GO Program. Susquehanna University consists of four schools: School of the Arts, School of Humanities, School of Natural and Social Sciences, and the Sigmund Weis School of Business.The institution offers more than 100 majors, minors and programs, and allows students to design their own major, complete a double degree, or start undeclared.
Susquehanna competes in 23 varsity sports in Division III of the NCAA. All sports compete as part of the Landmark Conference with other Northeastern colleges. In October 2015, Susquehanna University's board of trustees elected to replace the prior "Crusaders" nickname and mascot. On April 2, 2016, the University announced River Hawks as the new nickname. “Benny the Hawk” was introduced in 2016 as the new mascot. The school colors are orange and maroon, to me resembling the wrapper of the old Clove chewing gum.
The football field at Susquehanna University is named Amos Alonzo Stagg Field in honor of both Stagg Sr. and Jr. The elder Stagg, in his late 80s then, co-coached with his son for several years at Susquehanna. (More about A. A. Stagg, Sr. later.)
About River Hawks Football —
We really don't know too much about these Eastern D-III college football teams, and specifically Susquehanna. But these guys seem to be the real deal, beginning with their 10-1, 6-0 conference record. And their only loss this year was by a whisker-thin 40-38 to #2 Cortland, last year's Stagg Bowl champion. What little we know is that they score a lot of points, that they are pretty balanced between the run and the pass with perhaps an emphasis on the run, and that their All-Conference and Offensive Player of the Year senior quarterback, #14 Josh Ehrlich, can and will run, meaning we should leave someone in the middle of the line so that he can't readily escape the pocket. All the quarterbacks who have run well against us have gone up the middle unscathed as our guys close in on the sides.
The River Hawks are coached by Tom Perkovich who is in this tenth year as head; he has a 61-20 record. His squad numbers 111 and has as many kids from Maryland and New Jersey as they do Pennsylvanians. Their O-Line doesn't seem to be ominously large, maybe a bit smaller than La Crosse, but apparently very effective in assisting the RH's successful running plays and protecting the passer. The D-Line seems just a bit smaller than their offensive counterparts.
Quarterback Ehrlich's principle targets seem to be All-Conference junior #5 wide receivers Kyle Howes and All-Conference grad student #23 Chris Bookter. All-Conference senior tight end # 84 Rowen Hershey is the other headlining offensive threat. But that's not all—three more offensive players are All-Conference, including freshman running back/P/K returner #28 Rahshan La Mons (who was also named Rookie of the Year), and two offensive linemen: grad student #63 Hunter Shimbo and senior #55 Mark McFadden. Starting to see a common thread here? As we did with La Crosse and the WIAC, we're getting the creme de la creme of the Landmark Conference.
And it doesn't it let up defensively, either. They have five All-Conference players on that side of the ball too: these include linebackers sophomore #52 Jesse Ruisch, senior #4 Drew Robinson, and Defensive Player of the Year senior #8 Garrett Carter. Sophomore D-Lineman #93 Brian Layton, junior cornerback # 21 Le'trey Bond, and senior defensive back #2 Andrew Wells round out the top players. To posthumously quote John Gagliardi, "Geez, I don't know if we should even bother to suit up against these guys."
Bottom Line: Thanks to Ryan Klinkner '04, SJU's Athletic Stat Czar, we know that Susquehanna is 7th in D-III in rushing, while we are 134 (although we sure improved on that last week); however we are 2nd in passing while they are 36th. Furthermore our passing defense is rated higher and our rushing defense is 12th and theirs is 60th. So, I'm thinking we match up well and, without being over-confident, we should go into this game with the idea of putting it to the River Hawks. Last week's game was not exactly a shoot-out, but in the second half both teams were moving the ball pretty well. If something like that happens tomorrow in both halfs, it could be a high scoring game, but one where we should win by more than we did last week. GO JOHNNIES!
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Amos Alonzo Stagg —
Mr. Stagg has always been important to me ever since I found out that my dad played under him for one season, his senior year and Stagg's first at College of the Pacific in Stockton, California. Amos Alonzo came to COP (now University of the Pacific) at age 70, having been "retired" at the University of Chicago, after 40 years of great success, for being too old (and several years of fewer wins). He coached in Stockton, also to pretty good success (until he didn't), for fourteen more years until he was "retired" again, for the same reason. At that point he went back east for five years to co-coach with his son, A.A.S, Jr., at Susquehanna. To get an idea of just how important Stagg was to football, go to this link and scroll down to "Innovation." Unbelievable what one man did to and for the sport we all love.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amos_Alonzo_Stagg
Dad remembered him as a kind, quiet-spoken man who nevertheless was very strict on conduct: there was to be no smoking, drinking, swearing or unsportsmanlike conduct on and off the field. Somewhere downstairs in my basement files, I have a sheet of his rules — probably similar to Gag's "Rules of "Nos" — only Dad said it was more like a football-oriented Boy Scout Rule: Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverend. Stagg demanded full attention when he was speaking/coaching and spent a lot of time being sure his players knew what and when they were supposed to do during every play. He said that Mrs. Stagg—Stella—was also a no-nonsense person and sat in the stands silently at each practice taking notes for her husband. I can't recall if Dad said there were any assistants other than his wife, who really was a co-coach in a way.
The D-III National Championship game game, played in this season in Houston, Texas, before moving back to Salem, Virginia for a couple of years, is named the Stagg Bowl after him. The athletic stadium at Springfield College is named Stagg Field. The football field at Susquehanna University is named Amos Alonzo Stagg Field in honor of both Stagg Sr. and Jr. He died at the age of 102, six years after retiring from kicking coach from the local junior college in Stockton.
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Two Susquehanna Coaches Get a Post-Season Travel Gig —
Two burly assistant football coaches for the River Hawks were delighted to learn they were going to be part of the security team for a VIP from Susquehanna University visiting an African country, as they hadn't travelled much.
When they were leaving, their wives both said they had always wanted a pair of crocodile shoes, but they were too expensive to buy. Could they get them each a pair as they would be easier to get in Africa?
The coaches promised to bring back two pairs, so the first evening in Africa they asked the hotel porter if there were any crocs nearby. He said there was a river full of them just behind the hotel.
So they stole out to the river, one stripped off and the other armed himself with a large branch. The naked one jumped into the water and when a crocodile chased him to the bank he jumped out and his partner stunned the croc.
When there was a pile of crocs on the bank after half an hour, the swimmer said, “Look here, I'm tired and soaking wet. I'll go in one last time, and if this crocodile isn’t wearing shoes, I've had enough!”
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Fr. Wilfred Dies at 95 —
Fr. Wilfred Theisen, OSB, died peacefully in the Abbey this past Tuesday after a relatively short period of failing health. It's difficult to describe what he has meant to St. John's Abbey, University, Students, Alumni, and Athletic Teams of all sports since the 1940s when he first arrived on campus as a Prep student, but especially football. If he were a building on campus, it would be registered as a historical monument.
I encourage all to read Wilfred's obituary at this link: https://saintjohnsabbey.org/father-wilfred-theisen-osb
However, Johnnie Football Coach Gary Fasching '81 gave the eulogy at the end of the Funeral Mass this morning (Friday). It was a terrific tribute and Gary summarized beautifully some of the attributes of Wilfred that made him so special to his confreres in the Abbey, fellow faculty members, students and Johnnie athletes. His friendships with alumni spanned generations. He was the Number One Johnnie sports fan. You can hear for yourself the eulogy when you hit the link and then move forward to the 1 hour, 3 minute mark: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xqkqmj66dxI
If you don't have the time, Gary identified three main things about Wilfred that made him stand out: a passion for St. John's and his beloved Johnnies; his kindness extended to everyone everywhere; and his ability to engage anyone in conversation on just about any subject, be it sports, science, current events, Church matters and the like.
Fr. Wilfred Theisen (foreground) is shown enjoying a Johnnie football game at his favorite spot in the stands. Sitting with him is his friend Ev Weber '68. This photo was taken by Chris Scholl four years ago, when Wilfred was only 91.
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St. Thomas football signs 21 recruits, including eight from Minnesota —
St. Thomas, coming off a most discouraging 6-6 season, announced its fourth football recruiting class of 21 athletes of its Division I era on Wednesday. In addition to signing eight players from Minnesota, the Tommies also signed players from Arizona, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri and Wisconsin.
Among the Minnesotans is Fairmont running back Elijah Johnson, who rushed for 1,641 yards and 26 touchdowns, both in the Top 10 in the state this season.
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Glenn Takes a Needed Vacation —
After a more-than-frustrating, most difficult season, U$T football coach Glenn Caruso took his wife Rachael on a Mediterranean cruise since they both needed a restful get-away. Interestingly enough, Glenn opted for the trip on an Italian cruise liner.
Some Italian journalists heard that a well-known American football coach of Italian descent had signed up for the cruise on an Italian ship and asked if it was his Italian background that influenced his decision.
“Not necessarily because of my old family background,” replied Glenn. “No, there are three other things I like more about being on an Italian cruise ship.”
"Yes?" said the journalists.
"First, their cuisine is unsurpassed."
"Oh yes!" agreed everyone within earshot.
"Second, their service is superb!"
"Indeed!" said the gathering crowd, all smiles. "And the third?" urged the closest newspaperman.
"Well," Glenn said, "in time of emergency, there is none of this nonsense about women and children first!"
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Johnnie Radio Network —
Saturday’s game can be heard live on WBHR-660 AM across central Minnesota, and KDIZ-1570 AM in the Twin Cities. Mark Lewandowski, Bryan Backes ’87, and Mike Carr ’77 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 26th season SJU football can be heard worldwide over the internet (660wbhr.com).
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Listening via the Internet: https://www.wbhr660.com/wbhr-st-johns-sports
Viewing via live streaming: Susquehanna vs. Saint John's (MN) (Third Round) 12/7/24 - Stream the Game Live - Watch ESPN
(Subscription required from ESPN+, steaming begins at 11 am)
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2024 Football Schedule —
(Games now and through the playoffs begin at 12:00 pm)
Sep. 7 Carthage (WI) Collegeville W 49-0
Sep. 14 Wartburg (IA) Collegeville W 35-13
Sep. 21 Bye —
Sep. 28 Bethel Arden Hills W 45-20
Oct. 5 Augsburg Collegeville W 45-20
Oct. 12 Concordia Moorhead W 38-31
Oct. 19 Carleton Northfield W 48-7
Oct. 26 Gustavus Collegeville W 34-0
Nov. 2 St. Scholastica Duluth W 70-0
Nov. 9 St. Olaf Collegeville W 55-6
Nov. 16 MIAC Week Collegeville W 41-33
Nov. 23 NCAA 1st Rd Bye
Nov. 30. LaCrosse 2nd Rd Collegeville W 24-13
Dec. 7 Susquehanna Collegeville
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NCAA Div.-III Playoffs, Second Round, Nov. 30 —
The following ranking numbers are the teams’ NPI ranking, not their d3football poll standing.
#33 UW-La Crosse at #1 St. John’s — (If you believe the NPI then SJU should dispatch the Eagles with ease, but this is the WIAC we’re talking about…they are big, physical, and have loads of talent honed on tough contests against top-notch conference foes. Turnovers and penalties will be crucial for both teams. We’ll have to out-physical them to win by protecting our quarterback better and plugging up their running game…oh, and by minimizing WR Jack Studer.) Well, we sure minimized Studer—5 catches for 44 yards versus his average of 103 yards— and kept their fine runner Gabe Lynch to 63 net yards, below his average of 90. So it was a satisfying victory over a very tough opponent, 24-13.
#13 UW-Platteville at #12 Wartburg — (The NPI shows these two as about as equal as you can be. The Warthogs are undoubtedly tough but they’re playing the cream of the WIAC, so it’s going to be the Pioneers in a close one.) No, Sir! It was the Warthogs prevailing barely over the Pioneers by 19-14, thanks to six UWP fumbles, some of them lost.
#8 Lake Forest at #28 Bethel — (Sure don’t know why the Royals get to host its #8 NPI opponent, but that’s the way it is. By power ranking, Lake Forest should get the win, but I’m not betting against Bethel…they’ve got too much going for them.) The Royals really spanked Lake Forest 48-21
#25 Whitworth at #5 North Central — (It was nice that Whitworth got to the second round, but that’s as far as they’re going. NCC doesn’t mess around.) NCC romped over Whitworth big time 42-17.
#35 Mary Hardin-Baylor at #2 Hardin-Simmons — (In this third battle between these hyphenated Texas teams this year, Hardin-Simmons will take UMHB yet another time.) Uh-uh...hard to believe after two earlier convincing losses, but the third time's the charm with UMHB edging past H-S 17-13.
#36 John Carroll at #6 Mount Union — (Here’s another NPI mismatch that really isn’t. The first time they played, the Mount barely won at home 37-31, so look for more fireworks and a hoped-for upset by JCU.) NPI was right this time — Mt. Union humiliated John Carrol 42-7, after barely getting past them during the season.
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NCAA Div.-III Playoffs, Third Round, Dec. 7 —
(NOTE: Here is the link to the entire Div. III NPI ranking through Nov. 16, 2024: https://stats.ncaa.org/season_divisions/18386/selection_rankings/current_rankings … and here is the link to the NCAA Div. III playoff bracket: 2024 Division III football playoff bracket . See the bracket for all the games; I’m just highlighting the ones that I’m interested in this round.)
#16 Susquehanna at #1 St. John’s — (UWL had an NPI of #33 and gave us all we could handle, so imagine how tough this game with the #16-ranked River Hawks might be. Still, I'm most hopeful that our Jays will find a way to win, just as they've done the past three close games. SJU and 2+ TDs over Susque if we can keep their QB in line.)
#28 Bethel at #12 Wartburg — (As I've said all along, I'm not betting against Bethel, despite the disparity of NPI rankings; having said that, the Warthogs are mighty tough at home...SJU should know. So this should be a close game...and if the Royals win again Saturday and we do too, it'll be the third time we play this year, which sort of sucks.)
#35 Mary Hardin-Baylor at #18 Linfield— (It's a surprise that UMHB has gotten this far, given their so-so season and two earlier losses to #2 Hardin-Simmons. Do they have enough left to take down Linfield? It wouldn't shock me if they did.)
#9 Hope at #5 North Central — (Although fairly closely-ranked, I can't see NCC losing to Hope; just the opposite, in fact—look for them to win running/passing away.)
#10 Springfield at #4 Cortland — (Cortland should pummel Springfield and that sets up a quarterfinal contest between last year's Stagg Bowl foes. Something to see, all right.)
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Battle Between The Sexes (Sometimes It’s Not A Battle) —
Grandma and Grandpa were visiting their kids overnight.
When Grandpa found a bottle of Viagra in his son's medicine cabinet, he asked about using one of the pills. The son said, "I don't think you should take one, Dad; they're very strong and very expensive."
"How much?" asked Grandpa.
"$10 a pill," answered the son.
"I don't care," said Grandpa, "I'd still like to try one, and before we leave in the morning, I'll put the money under the pillow."
Later the next morning, the son found $110 under the pillow. He called Grandpa and said, "I told you each pill was $10, not $110."
"I know," said Grandpa. "The hundred is from Grandma."
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St. Paul native Marselio Mendez, aka ‘Pops,’ emerges as a go-to receiver for St. John’s —
Article by Patrick Reusse, The Minnesota Star Tribune.
St. Paul native Marselio Mendez, aka ‘Pops,’ emerges as a go-to receiver for St. John’s
St. John's senior #1 receiver Marselio Mendez, middle, surrounded by friends and family known as Team Mendez. (Photo by Tina Mendez).
(If for some reason you are unable to read this article because of a paywall, let me know and I’ll send it to you via email.)
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From Our Readers —
From Jim Conn ’64, Ruskin, FL —
The low fan turnout at the game spoke volumes about the cold and students absent from campus for T-Day. Delighted that neither of us had to brave the cold yesterday but it is chilly this AM in Ruskin, FL at 48F. I watched the WIN on ESPN+ while listening to the WBHR 660 - a real nail biter once again! The ESPN+ broadcast was about 6 seconds behind WBHR - absolutely perfect as an ongoing replay knowing exactly how the play was going to develop visually!
Hope you had a nice Thanksgiving in La-La land and stored up plenty of creative energy to produce next UUN edition. GO JOHNNIES! — Jim
P.S. - Here’s a little something from Garrison Keillor’s column today: The Congressman went to church on Sunday and took a seat in a pew next to a hefty woman and, when they stood for the opening hymn, he noticed that her dress was caught in her crack so he reached over and pulled it out. She glared at him so he figured she wanted it back in and when he did, she slapped him hard and said, “I wouldn’t vote for you if you were St. Peter himself.” He said, “Ma’am, if I were St. Peter, you wouldn’t be in my district.”
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From Tom Bauer ’61/’65, Madison, WI —
What great fun it is to be able to watch the game on my TV! And the Johnnies just scored a TD. Bob, thanks again for all you do for CSB/SJU.
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From Harry Burns ’74/’78, St. Cloud, MN —
(Editor’s Preface: I asked Harry if he could fill me in on some of his observations about the chippiness of the Eagles before and during the game I read about on the d3football website.)
What I saw: UWL was really chippy and got away with a lot of crap. This inept group of officials enabled it by either not seeing it or ignoring it, e.g., late hits well out of bounds, much holding, etc. And calling that catch at the UWL 11 incomplete was awful and could easily have been a game-changer.
What I heard: UWL players were lipping off before the game even started, also some spitting on our guys. Usually I'm just happy to see SJU win. Last Saturday I was really happy to see UWL lose. Losers. — Harry
(Editor’s Further Comment: After watching the highlights reel a couple of times, I could see several instances where a penalty should have been called on La Crosse for pushing, holding or late hits. One example is, after UWL scored on their running TD, one of our guys was standing at the back to the end zone waiting for the Eagle celebration to end so he could make his way back to our side when a LAX player just shoved him to the ground. No flag.)
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From Doug Imholte ’87, Edina, MN —
Wick, Sorry you couldn't make it on Saturday, (I know you were out of town), but we want to let you know that your presence behind us was definitely missed. It's just not the same without you there. I think you would have been as frustrated at the officiating as we were. It's not just that they missed some calls that would have gone SJU's way, they were just inept.
Overall, it was a very well played game by two top level teams more befitting a quarterfinal contest. Both teams came to play, but no doubt SJU's best was just a bit better. We took care of the ball offensively, ran enough to keep UWL off balance and made some big plays. Our defense stepped up and overall I thought controlled the tempo. Great game by the Johnnies. Hope to see you on Saturday. — Doug
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From C.J. Lyngen ’92, Rogers, MN —
Hi Bob, Last Saturday in Collegeville was awesome - the Big Win made it even better, particularly sharing it with family and friends. The crowd was loud! I will see you on Saturday. Go Johnnies! — C.J.
Warmed by Johnnie-Bennie closeness and a great game, these fans (l to r, first row) are Ryan Heining ‘91, and Aaron Smith ’92, with a whole bunch of Lyngens behind them (l to r): Leah ‘23, Trish ‘92/ SOT ‘99, Lucy ‘24/ SOT ‘26 & C.J. ‘92.
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From Dan McDermott '84, Plymouth, MN —
I won't be able to attend Saturday, but will be listening in from Arizona, so...
DIVERT THE RIVER HAWKS! ...or something like that... — Dan
P.S. And if you have any Advent or Christmas-themed content, your heading can be:
But wait, there's myrrh!
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From Paul Hamann '63, Edina, MN —
Hi Bob, Thank goodness we made it past the second round and a good opponent to boot. Those early exits 2 and 3 years ago still hurt. Here's something to consider for the UUN
Special Moments in Life
I took my suit to the cleaners, they wanted to charge me $40, so I gave it to the charity shop next door. They cleaned and pressed it and put it in the window. I bought it back for $15.
My wife and I decided to never go to bed angry. We've been awake since Tuesday.
My wife said, "That's the 4th time you've gone back for dessert! Doesn't it embarrass you?" I said, "No, I keep telling them it's for you."
She said she missed me. Normally that would be good, but she's reloading.
My wife and I started role-playing in the bedroom. Her favorite is The Sexy Librarian where I have to sit quietly while she reads a book.
Being old is when you don't care where your spouse goes, just as long as you don't have to go too.
I now know how it will all end for me. One of my kids will unplug my life support to charge their phone.
At a wedding reception, someone yelled, "All married people please stand next to the one person that has made your life worth living." The bartender was almost crushed to death.
I met my wife at a singles night. I was surprised because I thought she was home with the kids.
I want someone I can share my entire life with who will leave me alone most of the time.
Yesterday I bought a world map, gave my wife a dart, and said, "Throw this and wherever it lands, I will take you on vacation." We're spending 3 weeks behind the fridge.
Go Johnnies — Paul
P.S. - I also was at that frigid Emporia game. Drove from grad school in Grand Forks with two others in a VW Beatle. One was a football fan from Pennsylvania, the other had grown up in Mexico, gone to college in Ohio but had never seen an American Football game. —Paul
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Ben Bartch Watch —
From Bob Neis ’65, Phoenix, AZ —
Starting at a left Guard for 49ers tonight.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ben_Bartch
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From Jeanne Lowe, St. Paul, MN —
I was watching the football game from Buffalo on Sunday night and saw Bartch got to start for the 49ers. This is a picture (#78, LG) when they introduced the starting lineup. Good for him. Long way from SJU to 49ers but the weather can be cold anywhere. Jeanne
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From Ev Weber ’68, St. Cloud, MN —
He had a very good game last night. Didn’t really see him miss any blocks! Ev
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From Pete Hill ’76, Fernandina Beach, FL —
You’ve probably heard from others by now that Ben played in the last game. I’d given up looking for him as he was inexplicably listed a inactive for many weeks. My brother,who watched the game, said he played well and got some shout outs. Hope all is well there. Go Johnnies! Pete
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The Very Important Tommie —
A St. Thomas grad in his mid-30s was in the Delta VIP lounge last week while en route to Seattle. While in the lounge, he noticed Bill Gates sitting on a sofa alone enjoying a cognac.
He was meeting a very important client who was also flying to Seattle with him but she was running a bit late. Being a forward, sure-of-himself type of Tom, he approached Mr. Gates and introduced myself. He explained to him that he was conducting some very important business and how much he would appreciate it if Gates could throw a quick,"Hello Chris," at the Tommie when he was with my client.
Gates agreed. Ten minutes later while conversing with his client, the Tommie felt a tap on his shoulder. It was Bill Gates. He turned around and looked up at him. Gates said, "Hi Chris, what's happening?"
To which our Tommie replied, "Eff off, Gates. Can’t you see I'm in a meeting.”
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Wicker’s Health Rant —
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The Final Word —
Hangover
Marty wakes up at home with a huge hangover. He forces himself to open his eyes, and the first thing he sees is a couple of aspirins and a glass of water on the night stand. He sits down and sees his clothing in front of him, all clean and pressed.
Marty looks around the room and sees that it is in perfect order, spotless, clean. So is the rest of the house. He takes the aspirins and notices a note on the table "Honey, breakfast is on the stove, I left early to go shopping. Love you."
So he goes to the kitchen and sure enough there is a hot breakfast and the morning newspaper. His son is also at the table, eating. Marty asks, "Son, what happened last night?"
His son says, "Well, you came home after 3 A.M., drunk and delirious. Broke some furniture, puked in the hallway, and gave yourself a black eye when you stumbled into the door."
Confused, Marty asks, "So, why is everything in order and so clean, and breakfast is on the table waiting for me?"
His son replies, "Oh that! Mom dragged you to the bedroom, and when she tried to take your pants off, you said, "Lady, leave me alone, I'm married!"
A self-induced hangover - $100.00
Broken furniture - $200.00
Breakfast - $10.00
Saying the right thing - Priceless
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After last week's horrid temps, this Saturday in the low 40s and mostly clear skies will feel like Paradise Regained. So that means we better have twice as many in the stands cheering on the Johnnies as braved the elements last time. It would be best, however, if all readers practiced our cheer so we can sing it out loudly for real:
Dam [Up] The River Hawks !
(Or Something Like That.)
[The "Up" is optional.]
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Submitted by R.L. Wicker ’60/’64
2035 Eleanor Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55116
theowick@aol.com; home: 651-699-4697
Website: Unofficial Underground News
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