Although my father and I share the unique experience of playing football for John Gagliardi, I don’t remember knowing about Saint John’s as a youngster. My family didn’t live in close proximity to Collegeville, so I never got the chance to visit Saint John’s as a child. As I got older, my family relocated to Sartell, MN. As time went on, I began my own football career and began reading about the Johnnies in the Saint Cloud Times. I became fascinated with the program, and my dad and I started going to games together.
I’ve met some wonderful people whose passion for Johnnie football surprisingly exceeds mine.
Despite the admiration I had for the program, I actually didn’t make my decision to attend Saint John’s until late spring of my senior year of high school after a long visit with the coaching staff. As I look back, it’s a choice I’m very glad to have made. My freshman year, I struggled with the reality that with 200 guys on the roster, I might never see the field. Things were looking up for me the following year when I was able to travel with the team, and I witnessed a tough loss to Mount Union in the Stagg Bowl. I made my mark on the field during my junior and senior years as a defensive lineman. My dreams of a national championship were cut short both years, but the memories and friendships made will last me forever.
I’ve spent the past five autumns taking in as many Johnnie games as I have been able to. When not able to be there in person, I am tuned in on the radio. I’ve met some wonderful people in the process whose passion for Johnnie football surprisingly exceeds mine. What happens on the field is only a part of the Saturday experience for us.
By day, I am a chemist in the pharmaceutical industry. If I’m not at work or a Saint John’s game, you’ll find me on a lake or river. My wife, Stephanie, and I live in Crystal, MN with our dog, Floyd.
Ryan Bielat
SJU ‘03
duffman@johnniefootball.com
