Happy Thanksgiving. I’m not only trying to get this out on time, but I’m surprising myself by even getting out a UUN at all. It’s not that I am totally bummed by our upset loss to Coe College last Saturday, though I’m sure not happy about it. No, I’ve just got things to do.

About the game: Several people — including quite a few Tommies friends who just happened to notice the relative difference in outcomes between their game and ours — have said, “It’s hard to win when you turn over the ball SIX times!” C’est la frickin’ vie… However, it’s time to cheer on the hated Purple clan now; they are a very good team and should win the next two, maybe three games. Utilizing my vaunted (and patent pending) English Major’s Method of Determining Scores, I see UST completely humbling Coe in St. Paul this Saturday by a score of 41-17.

If I wasn’t hopping the AMTRAK to Chicago to see my youngest heir, Caitlin, today [Thanksgiving Day], I’d surely be there to witness the dismantling. What bothers me the most is we were so clearly the better team last week and now everyone will always wonder if SJU could beat UST again. In talking with players’ parents before the Coe game, the feeling amongst the Johnny team was, “Bring ‘em on. We shut them down for three quarters last time before they [UST] was able to tie in the fourth…we wanna do it again, this time for all four quarters.”

Were we looking past Coe to the Tommie rematch? Who knows…I doubt it, but six turnovers is six turnovers. Even at that, though, we were still in the game until the final 1:20 seconds before losing 34-27. Take away two, possibly three Coe TDs made from our mistakes and you have us winning 34-14.

This issue being rushédly prepared on Wednesday evening. I’ll put in as much as I comfortably can and then — zippo blasto — off into cyberspace. Some of you have suggested (and, in the case of Bill Draves ‘64, incessantly) that it would be nice if I continue with the Underground into the winter and even beyond. I make no promises, but at least you get this one. Maybe I should just send on the jokes and forget all the rest of the bytes in the future.

My best to all of you, and thanks for your interest, compliments, support and occasional participation in the UUN. Oh, and here’s my Thanksgiving blessing for all of my cherished readers:

May your stuffing be tasty
May your turkey be plump,
May your potatoes and gravy
Have never a lump.
May your yams be delicious
And your pies take the prize,
And may your Thanksgiving dinner
Stay off your thighs!
Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone!

P.S. GO JOHNNIES! G0 BLAZERS!

Bob Wicker SJP ‘60/SJU ‘64, St. Paul
theowick@aol.com/651-699-4697

* * * *

End of Season Articles —

(Not to be confused with SJU-Coe game articles, which are located farther down)

DeLand column: Live on the edge, die by the edge

by St. Cloud Times sports editor Dave DeLand

COLLEGEVILLE — After all the talk about the quarterback’s thumb and regional playoff seedings, about a potential second-round matchup with their biggest rival and home-field advantage, it all came down to this on Saturday for St. John’s:

A football team that spent its season living on the edge finally fell off it.

And the fact that the Johnnies might have been overdue for a little bad luck didn’t make Saturday’s stunning 34-27 NCAA Division III playoff loss to Coe at Clemens Stadium any easier to take.

“A day like this … well, I’ve never been pregnant, but it’s like giving birth. I want to say ‘Never again’,” Johnnies coach John Gagliardi said. “I really don’t need this pain.” (Read more)

* *

Rajkowski column: Gagliardi moving on after tough loss

by Frank Rajkowski, St. Cloud Times

COLLEGEVILLE — On the day after the day after, John Gagliardi was doing his best to move on Monday — even as the sting of the Johnnies’ 34-27 first-round playoff loss to Coe Saturday still lingered.

“It isn’t any easier today than it was years ago,” said Gagliardi, who Monday was named MIAC coach of the year for the 13th time after his team finished 10-1 overall and won its 27th conference title since he took over at the school in 1953.

“You never get used to it, no matter how many times you go through it. If you have a terrible headache, it doesn’t hurt any less because you had them in the past. Pain is pain. (Read more)

* *

Playoff upset takes edge off an unbeaten regular season for Johnnies

by Frank Rajkowski, St. Cloud Times

COLLEGEVILLE — The bitter taste of Saturday afternoon’s 34-27 first-round playoff loss to Coe (Iowa) was still too fresh for St. John’s junior quarterback Joe Boyle to look back at the 2009 season with anything other than mixed feelings Monday.

“It’s kind of tough,” Boyle said. “We went 10-0 in the regular season and we won the conference. Those are big accomplishments.

“But at the same time, at a program like St. John’s, first-round exits are not the norm. That’s not what we’re shooting for. We want to go deep into the postseason and we haven’t been able to do that for the past two years. So it’s frustrating.”

Especially Saturday’s loss, in which the Johnnies turned the ball over six times — including two the Kohawks returned for touchdowns. (Read more)

* * * *

More Scenes From Stearns County —

A very zealous, soul-winning young preacher recently came upon Arnold Nietfeld, an old-time Stearns County farmer working in his field outside Spring Hill. The preacher asked Arnold, “Are you laboring in the vineyard of the Lord, my good man?”

Not even looking at the preacher and continuing his work, Arnold replied, “Naw, dese are soybeans.”

“You don’t understand … Are you a Christian?”

With the same lack of interest Arnold said, “Nope. The name’s Nietfeld. You must be lookin’ for Jim Christian. He lives ’bout a mile south of here.”

The determined preacher tried again, asking the farmer, “Are you lost?”

“Naw! I’ve lived here all my life.”

“Are you prepared for the resurrection?”

This caught Arnold’s attention. He looked up and asked, “When’s it gonna be?”

“It could be today, tomorrow, or the next day!”

Taking a handkerchief from his back pocket and wiping his brow, Arnold remarked, “Well, don’t mention it to my wife. She don’t get out much and she’ll wanna go all tree days.”

* * * *

From Matt Lindstrom ‘92, St. John’s U. professor of Poltical Science

We still have some opening spots for the upcoming McCarthy Center event in Minneapolis. I especially hope more CSB alums RSVP. As of now, we only have seven CSB alums who have RSVP’d.

You’re invited to the 4nd Annual “Polidazzle: Students and Alums in Politics and Policy”, sponsored by the McCarthy Center for Public Policy and Civic Engagement at the College of St. Benedict and St. John’s University on Thursday, December 3, 2009
5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. The News Room, 990 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis

Polidazzle is a networking event for CSB/SJU students, alums, staff and faculty interested in public policy and civic life. This reception offers an excellent opportunity for current students to meet alumnae/i who are active in civic and political life as professionals or volunteers. Feel free to invite other alums you know. This is a two hour open house reception with complimentary drinks and abundant hors d’oeuvres and takes place along the Holidazzle parade route.

Please RSVP to Stacy Penk, Coordinator of the McCarthy Center for Public Policy and Civic Engagement at CSB/SJU. RSVP to Email: spenk@csbsju.edu Phone: (320) 363-3266

* * * *

From Mike Ricci ‘62, Little Canada, MN —

One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people. He said, “My son, the battle is between two wolves inside us all.

“One is Evil – It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego…

“The other is Good – It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.”

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: “Which wolf wins?”

The old Cherokee simply replied, “The one you feed.”

* * * *

There is this Johnny grad who is married to a Bennie. He is always telling her that housekeeping would be a snap if only she would organize her time better.

Recently he had a chance to put his theory into practice while his wife was away. One of his old classmates popped in one evening to see how he was faring as the ‘house husband’. The Johnny crowed, “I made a cake, frosted it, washed the kitchen windows, cleaned all the cupboards, scrubbed the kitchen floor, walls and ceiling and even had a bath.”

His classmate was about to concede that perhaps he was a better manager than his wife when our Johnny added sheepishly, “When I was making the chocolate frosting, I forgot to turn off the mixer before taking the beaters out of the bowl. I had to do all the rest.”

* * * *

English Majors’ Corner —

(With thanks to Sister Lois Wedl OSB ‘53, St. Benedict’s Monastery)

* * * *

The young UST frosh needed to find a local bank in which to deposit a nice check from his grandma. He found a close one on Snelling Avenue; he entered the bank to cash that check.

He looked so lost that a bank assistant went to help him. “Please sign the back of the check,” she told our hesitant Tommy, “just as you’d sign a letter.”

The Tommy looked at her gratefully, scribbled on the check and passed it to her. Signed on the back was: “Yours affectionately, Raymond.”

* * * *

An Underground Thanksgiving Message, Part 1 —

“Silent gratitude isn’t very much to anyone.”
— Gertrude Stein

* * * *

SJU student wins state piano contest

Kamil Tokarski, a St John’s University sophomore and piano performance major, won the Music Teachers National Association State Young Artist Competition Nov. 14 in St. Paul. He performed Frederic Chopin’s “Andante Spianato and Grand Polonaise” and Ludwig van Beethoven’s “Appassionata Sonata.”

Kamil will compete against other state winners at the district competition at The University of Missouri in Columbia, Mo. in January. He is a piano student of the Rev. Robert Koopmann, OSB, St. John’s president, who continues to teach Tokarski and two other students. Tokarski was featured soloist with the St. Cloud Symphony Orchestra last April after winning the SCSO concerto competition.

* * * *

SJU Basketball —

Smith gets win No. 700 as Johnnies thwart Dragons

By Andy Rennecke, St. Cloud Times, November 22, 2009

Jim Smith finally got to No. 700. Thanks to Andrew Latzke and Chris Schwartz.

Smith, the all-time winningest coach in Minnesota college basketball history, had waited a long time to get his 700th career win.

With an 81-79 victory over Minnesota State-Moorhead Saturday night at Halenbeck Hall at the Radisson Suite St. Cloud Hoopster Classic, the anticipation finally came to an end.

The Johnnies swarmed Smith after the final buzzer sounded with pats on the back and handshakes.

“It was just fun to get the win,” said Smith, who is now 700-489 in his 46-year career. (Read more)

(Editor’s Note: The Unofficial Underground News salutes Jim on this wonderful landmark. GO JOHNNIES!)

* *

Rennecke column: And that’s why SJU and SCSU need to play

Times sports writer Andy Rennecke

Some St. Cloud State and St. John’s football fans wonder who would beat whom if the two teams ever decided to play again.

As most of them know, that’s not going to happen.

So maybe the next best thing for those fans is seeing St. Cloud State and St. John’s match up in their annual men’s basketball game every year.

The Huskies, who are a step up in divisions, usually get the best of this game, just like they would in football.

But the men’s basketball games tend to be close affairs. The Johnnies won in 1999 and 2005 since the two teams decided to start playing each other again 10 years ago.

Friday night’s game at Halenbeck Hall had St. Cloud State backers biting their fingernails from start to finish. The scrappy Johnnies were playing with passion and built up a 12-point lead with a little more than 10 minutes left. (Read more)

* * * *

An Underground Thanksgiving Message, Part 2 —

“God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say ‘thank you.’”
— William A. Ward

* * * *

From Jerry Howard ‘56, St. Cloud, the UUN’s Stearns County Stringer —

New novel explores death of Priest John Kaiser

by Terry Lee, WJON.com

ST. CLOUD — A new novel from a Minnesota author will tell the story that led to the suspcious death of Catholic Priest John Kaiser [SJP '51/SJU '55].

A member of the St. Cloud Diocese, Kaiser did missionary work in Kenya for 36 years. In 2000, he was found dead in Kenya from a gun shot to the back of his head. Government officials ruled it a suicide.

However, author Dean Urdahl believes the St. Cloud area native was intentionally murdered becuase he was standing up against human rights violations and against Kenyan government.

Urdahl says his book will be fictional, but strongly based on facts. Urdahl says most of the dialogue will be made up. The book will layout the events and line of thinking surrounding Kasier’s death.

The book is expected to be released some time in the spring and doesn’t have a title yet.

* * * *

The Miserable Coe Game Reports —

Johnnies’ Coe-nundrum ends the season

By Frank Rajkowski, St. Cloud Times

COLLEGEVILLE — Dramatic comebacks and last-second field goals. New players stepping in successfully for a rash of injured starters.

Throughout the course of an unbeaten regular season, the St. John’s football team always managed to find a way to overcome whatever adversity it happened to be facing from week to week.

But in Saturday afternoon’s 34-27 Division III first-round playoff loss to Coe (Iowa), the obstacles — many of them self-imposed — proved simply too much for the heretofore resilient Johnnies to surmount. (Read more)

* *

College football: Turnovers frustrate Johnnies

By Frank Rajkowski

COLLEGEVILLE — In his team’s final two regular season games, St. John’s freshman quarterback John Ries was able to step in for injured starter Joe Boyle and lead the Johnnies to a pair of victories that wrapped up an unbeaten regular season and the MIAC title.

But after coming into Saturday afternoon’s 34-27 first-round playoff loss to Coe in the fourth quarter when Boyle had to leave the game after taking a shot to his lower back, Ries found the going substantially more frustrating.

On his first play, Ries fumbled the snap from Tim Juba. Kohawks senior linebacker Calvin Thomas was there to scoop up the ball and race 76 yards for a touchdown to put Coe in front 34-20.

On St. John’s next possession, Ries had a pass picked off by Kohawks senior free safety Joe Giachino before a visibly hurting Boyle was finally able to return to action. (Read more — if you can bear it…)

* *

Coe (Iowa) 34, St. John’s 27

Scoring and Stats

[The St. Cloud Times]

* *

MIAC Football – NCAA Playoffs: Tommies Roll, Johnnies Upended

by Rich Mies SJP ‘76/UST ‘80, College Sporting News‘ “Mapping the MIAC” Columnist

The Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference had mixed results in the opening round of the NCAA Division III playoffs, as league champion Saint John’s was upended by Coe College 34-27 while runner-up St. Thomas cruised to a 43-21 win over previously unbeaten Monmouth College. With the win, UST advances to the second round, where it will tangle with the Kohawks, rather than squaring off against their arch-nemesis. (Read more)

* * * *

From Al Richie SJP ‘60/UST ‘64, Wayzata, MN —

So, I thought “Well, this will be the first time that I could go and watch the Tommies play against St. John’s in the playoffs” Oh well, maybe not then.

* * * *

From Tim O’Hara UST ‘76, St. Paul —

Rob – Tough loss to Coe. It’s tough when you have 6 turnovers. Must have been a frustrating game. I was hoping for a rematch. We’ll do a burger sometime soon. Take care, Tim

* * * *

From Mark Selner SJP ‘68/UST ‘73, Shoreview, MN —

WOW! What happened to your boys?? Couldn’t hang on to the pig!! It would be nice if UST went a little farther in the playoffs!! — Mark

(Editor’s Note: Mark, who is the godfather of Olde Johnnie Ale, reminds everyone — in the region anyway — that OJA now is available in bottles sold in a 12-pack. He asks that all fans of this tasty brew ask their favorite pubs and liquor stores to carry it. I did, by the way. OJA is now available in my part of St. Paul (Highland Park) at International Wines and Liquors on Cleveland Avenue near Highland Parkway, right next to Punch Pizza. Please buy some so I can keep my credibility with them. Earlier this week I took a few bottles down the street to R.F. Moeller Jewelers at Ford Pkwy and Cleveland to let Jamie Moeller [a Johnny of unknown year] and his Tommy uncle Bob Moeller sample this brew I’ve been telling them about.)

* * * *

From Bill Farmer ‘69, St. Cloud —

Bob, Great to see you at the game and later at the La. Thanks for the beer!! I’m still not exactly sure how to describe the unexpected and unanticipated end to this season this early in the playoffs. For a playoff game, you have thought that there would have been more people in the stands.

I think that I will always remember this season as the ‘woulda, coulda, shoulda, but didn’t quite’ season. We won’t see the Johnnie-Tommie playoff match up every one was looking forward to. When St. John’s intercepted the ball and ran it back 100 plus yards against Mount Union, it was fun to watch. When Coe returned a tipped ball 93 yards, it was not fun watching.

Even with 6 turnovers, you almost could have made an argument that they would somehow come back to tie the game and pull it off in overtime. It was a horrible way to end a lot of great seniors’ Johnnie football careers.

See you next fall. — Bill

(Editor’s Note: I had the pleasure, as well as good fortune, of sitting next to Bill and his friend Dave Hinman, also of St. Cloud, for the past three games on Dave’s 50-yard line seats.)

* * * *

From Harry Acker, Honorary Johnny, Virginia Beach, VA —

Hi Wick, Good luck tomorrow v.s. Coe. I see St Thomas plays Monmouth. I saw them play Old Dominion earlier this year. They have a real good RB, who ran for over 200 yards that day. It was one of the two games Old Dominion lost this year. They play at VMI tomorrow in the season finale. Hope all is well with you. I promise I will call you soon. Happy Thanksgiving, Harry

(And then, after the game, Harry simply wrote:)

Bummer! Harry

* * * *

From Al Eisele ‘58, Falls Church, VA, UUN’s Roving Correspondent —

Wickster: I hold you personally responsible for lulling readers of the SJU Underground News into a false sense of security for not warning us that Coe was a formidable foe that could end the Johnnies’ unbeaten season and leave us with the humiliating prospect of seeing St. Thomas carry the MIAC banner into the Division III playoffs.

Be that as it may, I am now switching my allegiance to Mount Union, which I am convinced will win its 11th Division III title since 1993, a record unblemished only by its loss to St. John’s in the 2003 Amos Alonzo Staff Bowl title game in Salem, Va., at which Len Mrachek, Mark Lohmann [both ‘58] and a lot of other Johnnies cheered ourselves senseless and froze our asses off.

Consider, for a moment, how Coach Larry Kehres, who has a 275-21-3 record (.929 winning percentage) over 23 seasons, and his Purple Raiders out-scored their opponents 510-83 this year, including a 55-0 defeat of 20th ranked Washington and Jefferson in the first round of the playoffs on Saturday. Of course, he gets all the high school prospects rejected by Ohio State, Penn State, Michigan, Michigan State, etc., but he’s a terrific coach, and a nice guy to boot, as I learned when I went to Alliance, Ohio, three years ago and interviewed him.

If you’d told me the Johnnies would lose at home and not get another chance to trash the Tommies, I’d have said that’s about as likely to happen as Gagliardi announcing his retirement.

Keep up the good work. Your East Coast Correspondent.

(Editor’s Note: I’m sure that Jay Cutler, Mt. Union’s own St. John’s wannabe, will be quick to tell Al that UW-Whitewater beat his alma mater a couple of years ago in the Stagg Bowl. I presume those two will face each other once again, for something like the fourth, maybe fifth, time in a row…and that a bunch of us (everyone’s invited) will gather at a local watering hole to watch the game together.)

* * * *

From Paul Hamann ‘63, Edina, MN, very soon to be Sedona, AZ —

Hi Bob, Painful way to lose. Called SJU’s front desk while heading east and only got the score. The details really hurt. We’ve had similar loses over the years to UWW and St. Olaf and more remotely to Pacific Lutheran. Guess it’s the law of averages.

Next year looks pretty good again. I hope UST represents the MIAC well; Can I even write “Go Tommies”? Thanks for another great year of the Underground Newsletter. — Paul

PS – Off to Sedona in mid December. Call if you’re in the area again this year…

(Editor’s Note: For about five years running Paul would always say, “If you’re down in Sedona be sure to drop in.” Well, I finally made it last March and found that Paul and his wife Mary were off visiting some Caribbean island.)

* * * *

From Bill Marrin ‘61/’65, Dallas, TX –

It took a while but St Thomas has finally learned the secret – hire an Italian Catholic coach and “presto” – you start winning games! — Bill

* * * *

Three mothers are comparing notes on their exemplary offspring.

“There never was a daughter more devoted than my Alice,” boasted the first mother. “Every summer she takes me to the Catskills for a week, and every winter we spend a week at Delray Beach.”

“That’s nothing compared to what my Anna does for me,” said the second. “Every winter she treats me to two weeks in Miami and in the summer two weeks in the Hamptons, in my own private guest house.”

“Nobody loves her mother like my Jackie does,” gushed the third. “Nobody.”

“So what does she do?” the other two mothers demanded.

“Three times a week she gets into a cab, goes to the best psychiatrist in the city, and pays him two hundred and fifty dollars an hour — just to talk about me!”

* * * *

An Underground Thanksgiving Message, Part 3 —

“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.”
— Cicero, 106 BC -43 BC

* * * *

From Dave Wendt ‘63. Edina, MN —

Bob: Great and very effective publicity for the Rich Hall Scholarship Fund. [Ed’s Quick Explanation: Dave speaks of the game announcement about a $1,000 donation made to Rich’s Fund by Chuck Garrity, Notre Dame ‘65.]

Karin and I would also make a $1,000 contribution to the Rich’s Fund if you can find a “Matching Donor” or multiple donors giving a total of $1,000 to the Rich Hall Scholarship Fund.

Let us know if you feel this would be appropriate.

(Editor’s Response: Dave and Karin…Thanks a million! I’m sure that we’ll have someone(s) belly up to the Fund to meet your match. I suppose these donors can contact you at WendtFlying@aol.com, right? In lieu of someone who will match the whole thou, I’m in for 1/10 of your match if we can find nine others for $100.)

* * * *

From Jerry Streeter, SJP ‘52, Edina, MN —

Bob, you have surpassed the highest newsworthy superlatives one can confer upon you. Have no idea where you find the time or the memory to keep all the facts straight, but keep up the great work. — Jerry

* * * *

From Dave Steil ‘64, Yardley, PA —

Good to know of Dave Rosow [‘64] and where he is. As I recall he roomed with Tom Larkin on the first floor of Benet Hall our freshman year. I was just a few doors down in #20 . I believe he was in Connecticut the last time we had contact. Now if we could just find Thomas Daniel O’Brien who was in the room next me and adjacent to Dr. [Stephen] Humphrey, the circle would be complete. Hoping to see the Johnnies in the Stagg Bowl again. — Dave

* * * *

From Mark Sieve ‘64, Minneapolis —

Thanks, Wick! I plan to arrive around 10:30, is there any parking up there where you guys tailgate? I’m going to drive, probably meet my brother Kurt sometime before the game. I’m planning to make a day of it, so I’ll see you early on and maybe run into a few people I haven’t seen for awhile—it’ll be my own little homecoming. See you tomorrow, Mark

(Editor’s Note: Mark indeed showed up; we sat next to him with his brother Kurt, sister-in-law Jeanne and current Johnny student/nephew Jake. The he turned up again at the La with his brother Jon ‘69.)

* * * *

From Tom Weiss ‘66/’70, River Falls, WI —

Wick, There seems to be a lot of derogatory remarks about graduates of the fine educational establishment called Saint John’s Prep School in last weeks UUN! I would only like to comment…. I resemble those remarks! — Tom

* * * *

From C J Ross ‘64, San Diego, CA —
Subject: Hallelujah & Monks of Christmas…

Someone sent me the Mute Monks Hallelujah chorus one, ENJOY!

* * * *

From Pat Maxwell ‘66, Minnetonka, MN —

Happy Thanksgiving Bob. I realized that I have been missing out on your witty and informative missives for quite some time. My email address changed and I forgot to notify you. Could you please add me to your ever growing mailing list of fans? Thanks. Hope you and your family have a great holiday season. — Max

* * * *

From Vic Murphy ‘91, St. Paul —

Thought I’d pass on that my brother Tom’s ['89] football team (coach of the Nicollet Raiders and his son Sean plays safety and receiver #12) will be playing in the state 9-man championship on Friday at 10 am in the Metrodome (Mall of America Field). It will be a rematch of the 1999 championship game against the perennial nine-man power Stephen-Argyle. It will be televised locally on channel 45. If you have a high speed internet connection you can watch it at the website below. So go out and kick some ass on Black Friday and then come home to settle in your easy chair and watch the Raiders. If any of you readers have an email address for anybody else that knows Tom, please forward this message on them. Thanks, Vic

[45.grandstadium.tv] –Go Johnnies!

* * * *

From Mark Obler ‘64, Hastings, MN —

Hope you’re able to get to this puppy. These young ladies are splendid athletes and put on a high-energy show well worth viewing!

(Editor’s Comment: Thanks for sending, Mike. I love the award-winning Bennie Dance Team that performs so well at half times throughout the regular football season, but they’ve got nothing on these, I believe, high school girls…although they may be college. Incredible. The video’s over seven minutes long but you can get the gist in much less time.)

* * * *

The 12 Days Of Thanksgiving

On the First Day of Thanksgiving …
We give thanks for the fresh turkey feast and its hot trimmings.

On the Second Day of Thanksgiving …
We bless the cold turkey sandwiches, sloshy cranberry sauce and hard rolls.

On the Third Day of Thanksgiving …
We praise the turkey pie and vintage mixed veggies.

On the Fourth Day of Thanksgiving …
We thank the pilgrims for not serving bison that first time, or we’d be celebrating Thanksgiving until April.

On the Fifth Day of Thanksgiving …
We gobble up cubed bird casserole and pray for a glimpse of a naked turkey carcass.

On the Sixth Day of Thanksgiving …
We show gratitude (sort of) to the creative cook who slings cashews at the turkey and calls it Oriental.

On the Seventh Day of Thanksgiving …
We forgive our forefathers and pass the turkey-nugget pizza.

On the Eighth Day of Thanksgiving …
The word “vegetarian” keeps popping into our heads.

On the Ninth Day of Thanksgiving …
We check our hair to make sure we’re not beginning to sprout feathers.

On the Tenth Day of Thanksgiving …
We hope that the wing meat kabobs catch fire under the broiler.

On the Eleventh Day of Thanksgiving …
We smile over the creamed gizzard because the thigh bones are in sight.

On the Twelfth Day of Thanksgiving …
We apologize for running out of turkey leftovers.

And everybody says AMEN!

* * * *

The Last Word —

From Pete Gareri ‘62, Plymouth, MN —

A man who just died is delivered to a local mortuary wearing an expensive, expertly tailored black suit…

The woman mortician, a new graduate of St. Cloud State University’s Mortuary Science Department, asks the deceased’s wife how she would like the body dressed. She points out that the man does look good in the black suit he is already wearing.

The widow, however, says that she always thought her husband looked his best in blue, and that she wants him in a blue suit. She gives the Lady Husky mortician a blank check and says, “I don’t care what it costs, but please have my husband in a blue suit for the viewing.”

The woman returns the next day for the wake. To her delight, she finds her husband dressed in a gorgeous blue suit with a subtle chalk stripe; the suit fits him perfectly.

She says to the mortician, “Whatever this cost, I’m very satisfied. You did an excellent job and I’m very grateful. How much did you spend?”

To her astonishment, the SCSU mortician grad presents her with the blank check.

“There’s no charge,” the Huskette says.

“No, really, I must compensate you for the cost of that exquisite blue suit!” she says.

“Honestly, ma’am,” our little Husky says, “it cost nothing. You see, a deceased gentleman of about your husband’s size was brought in shortly after you left yesterday, and he was wearing an attractive blue suit. I asked his wife if she minded him going to his grave wearing a black suit instead, and she said it made no difference as long as he looked nice.

“So I just switched the heads.”

* * * *

That’s it! God bless and keep you all this holiday weekend and all the days of your lives.

Servin' Up Home Cookin' vs ETBU

Famous Dave and his Wild Rice Brats

Tailgating is an essential part of the college football experience—with tailgating at each campus exceptional in illustrating the peculiar characteristics of the school for which the tailgating is supporting: e.g. Linfield has its seafood given its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, while Whitewater, true to its Wisconsin base, serves a mouth-watering brat. SJU is no exception to this tradition, as Collegeville known throughout NCAA Division III for the Stiftungsfest burger shared to visitors by Johnnie Red, a/k/a Mike Fahey ’75.

Grill Man Mike Fahey AKA Johnnie Red

The Stiftungsfestivities are an open celebration of St. John’s football, and it—along with the football team and the Sea of Red—has travelled throughout Division III—from Oregon all the way to Virginia. What is particularly unique about the Johnnie gameday experience is its Benedictine flavor: the Johnnie faithful make it be known that our celebration is open to all visitors and guests of campus. It truly is an amazing way to make a visit to Collegeville—sharing a meal with fellow St. John’s alumni while welcoming newcomers to campus and treating those visitors as one of us—if only until kickoff!

The SJU Alumni Association seeks to continue and encourage the SJU gameday experience this fall in launching a Gameday Host program that will provide a resource to visitors and fans regarding gameday activities. These hosts will assist in welcoming guests for the game as well as informing Johnnie fans about the do’s and can’t do’s on campus—so that the enjoyable Collegeville fall Saturday traditions can continue to be a positive experience for all fans into the future.

More to come on the Gameday activities; and if you are interested in assisting with or learning more about the Gameday Host program, please contact me. We’re looking for good Johnnie hosts who love to show off their campus!

Johnnie Pregame Activity

Eric Brever AKA JohnnieEsq is an ‘01 Johnnie grad serving professionally as a Twin Cities attorney, volunteer HS Football coach and SJU alumni board member. You can contact JohnnieEsq at JohnnieEsq@JohnnieFootball.com.

The Johnnies return the favor and travel to River Falls for the season opener

Are you ready to make the beautiful drive up I-94 from the Cities, past the marker that identifies that fact that you are now in Stearns County, to the one place that all of us consider “Heaven on Earth”, aka Collegeville!

Are you ready to enjoy Johnnie Red’s burgers and Wingman’s secret (recipe) wings at the Tailgate? All while chasing the afore mentioned fare down with beverages that are housed in our famous red cups.

Are you ready to mingle with generations of Johnnies and recall just why you are so damned glad you made the (right) choice to attend SJU and forever be known not as Alumni but rather as a Johnnie?

Are you ready to welcome the most recent graduates to the Nation while showing the incoming freshman that they made a very wise choice in coming to Collegeville?

Are you ready to see Fr. Don and Fr Durkin (who is always lurking) by the concession area during home games?

Are you ready to host this year’s Johnnie/Tommie Game? Where all in the Johnnie Nation will demonstrate how we warmly welcome all opponents to Collegeville, a far cry from the signs that cried out “No Tailgating” at UST last year! And of course they were printed on Purple paper stock…..and they wonder why all in the Johnnie Nation mock them?

Are you ready to take your kids to the bookstore so that they can be fitted for their very own Johnnie gear?

Are you ready to make each and every casual dress day (Friday) at work Johnnie Gear day so all you come in contact with fully understand where your loyalties lie and just how deep said loyalty runs?

Are you ready to root our Johnnies on with such fervor that it takes till Monday or into Tuesday till you are not Horse( personally my Staff knows that during the season my voice is gone till Wednesday at the soonest). A small price to pay to support our Johnnies I say!

Are you ready to see why Ryan Wimmer is the hardest hitting middle linebacker in the MIAC?

Are you ready to Joe Boyle to yet again prove (both on and off the field) that he should be the #1 Johnnie QB?

Are you ready for John Stanton to wreak even more havoc on the defensive side of the ball as he gets his richly deserved and earned playing time this year?

Are you ready for Ben Vanderheyden to accept this year’s mantle as the playmaking wide out?

Are you ready to welcome back our All American Nose tackle Nick Gunderson with loud chants of “Gundy” as he shows all of the MIAC what they missed during last years absence?.

Are you ready to see Albany’s own Josh Overman step up and take on the role of starting Tight-end due to Brett Saladin’s graduation?

Are you ready for yet another Johnnie run through the MIAC schedule and into the playoffs?

It’s not a question of if are you ready for Football; rather it is a question of….. are you ready for JOHNNIE FOOTBALL 2009!

And lastly a question that needs no answer because it is a given…….

JOHNNIE NATION, ARE YOU READY TO BE UNRIVALED AGAIN IN 2009!

It is time to JOHNNIE UP! See all of you in River Falls on the 5th!

 The 2008 season is fast upon us and I decided to start my Holiday weekend with a trip to St. Paul.  I stopped at Casper & Runyon’s Nook(Hamline and Randolph, across the street from Cretin-Derham Hall High School) for a couple of delicious Hamm’s on tap to go along with the best burgers in Minnesota.

Around 1pm I headed for St. Thomas where the Tommies were hosting the Wisconsin-Eau Claire Blugolds for a preseason scrimmage.  This was the first public look at the new regime that Coach Glenn Caruso is ushering in after taking over for Don Roney during the offseason.  There was much reported about Caruso’s recruiting coups and how he was reinvigorating a stale football program.  I wanted to get a firsthand look at the “New and Improved” Tommies as well as get a peek at UWEC whom SJU has had many a great battle in recent years.

First of all, I was pleasantly surprised at the crowd filling O’Shaughnessy Stadium.  I would estimate it at 200-300 and that may be a bit pessimistic.  The day was picture perfect and my gut says that just gave people more reason to play hooky from the office on Friday afternoon.

Each team ran about 10-15 plays then either kicked a field goal or brought out the punt team for some live special teams work.  The Tommies are running primarily a Pro Set/Spread Offense and look to have some nice speed at the skill positions.  It seems Caruso may have tendencies to bring out the trick plays.  The Tommies ran several variations of the reverse as well as a delayed throwback style play.  These types of plays would be designed to take advantage of a defense that is showing lots of overaggressiveness. 

Both teams seemed undersized compared with recent years and as can be expected at the first live action of the season neither team was crisp.  There was an officiating crew who called lots of penalties negating many of the effective offensive plays during the afternoon.  I was impressed by blue chip recruit Greg Morse (QB, St. Paul Como Park) who clearly was the most athletic player on the entire field.  I’m not sure if he will start the season as the Tommies starting quarterback, but he should be. 

The Tommies played lots of zone and Cover 2 on defense allowing two long touchdown passes during the 1st half of the scrimmage.  The secondary looked very weak and that will not bode well in the pass happy MIAC.  This could also be a sign of a real potent passing attack from the 2008 Blugolds.  Most of their offense was run from the Shotgun formation and the Tommie defensive line rarely pressured the quarterback.

I took a quick look at the upcoming schedules for both teams.  UWEC opens with Bethel……from Tennessee and then hosts recent Johnnie nemesis UW-Whitewater.  UST hosts Caruso’s old team, Macalester, next Saturday at home followed by the Tommies bye week on the 13th of September.  Based on a very limited look at these two squads I would pick them to finish in the middle of the pack in their respective conferences.

Having just returned back from several days of fishing on Lake Winnibigoshish we have to apologize for the slow turn around today on Andy’s latest report from Johnnie football camp.  As Andy indicates there hasn’t been a decision on the starting quarterback position however my bet is a replay of 2004 when AK-11 made his way onto the field as a 4th stringer.  It won’t be The Cold Spring Cannon waiting his turn this year but the gunslinger recruited from south Minneapolis.  Be sure to read all of Andy’s post as there’s actually been a Joe Luke sighting and also take time to read yesterday’s Part II from TC for more insight on the offense.  Appearing later this weekend will be a secret report from TDT who witnessed a little publicized scrimmage Friday afternoon between the boys on Cretin Avenue and The Eau Claire BluGolds.  The pace is picking up….  Johnnie Up Everybody!

—DustySJU

August 25th

Not much to report on the practice end of things.  Due to orientation, the freshmen had to leave early.  The day was pretty free for the rest of us.  Jimmy Sharpe and I went to get our books and our parking passes.  For the first time in my college career I was able to keep my book spending to a minimum and it made my day.  Jimmy was not as lucky as he dropped more than $600 on books.  Later Steve Foertsch came over to watch “Rescue Me” Season 4 with Gunderson and Schumacher.  Paul Zawacki, our other roommate and I, have never seen that show so we decided to work on the house a little bit.  Paul is a work horse and cleaned the entire Three-Season porch, which was in dyer need of a cleaning and I hung some stuff up on the wall.  Tonight we are probably going to socialize with other upper-classmen who have started to move in for the year.

August 26th

Today marks the last day of camp and what better way to end it than a two-a-day.  We finally split up into first teams and scout teams.  I think I can speak for the rest of the defense when I say that this was a very welcomed change of pace and everyone is excited to start preparing for East Texas.  The night was capped off with the D-line going to Damien Dumonceaux’s house for dinner.  The meal was excellent but the highlight of the evening was playing Rock Band and Mario Kart on the Wii.  Mario Kart was anybody’s game and every race was intense.  Rock Band definitely brought out certain linemen’s talents.  Noel Meyer was a killer vocalist and Steve Foertsch and Dave Burns were awesome on the drums and Joe Luke made Jimi Hendrix look like a beginner on the guitar.

School starts tomorrow and practice will shift into its daily routine from now until hopefully sometime in December.  Camp was very successful and although the mystery of the starting quarterback seems to still loom, everyone is once again healthy and the team is in excellent spirits.

Who says the football lineman isn’t the most athletic and intelligent participant on the field?  Here at JohnnieFootball.com we defy the odds and sport three linemen among our regular contributors.  Today’s feature is by former Little Falls Flyer and Johnnie offensive lineman Tom Riitters who asks the reader to “Tell me your Johnnie story.”  Ritz72 invites all of you to tell your story while attending the popular Johnnie Tailgate Parties taking place before every Johnnie Football game.  So swing by the parking lot above the south endzone for “another” tradition unrivaled!  At JohnnieFootball.com our intent is not only to bring you our perspective but also to bring JohnnieFootball.com to life…… it’s just how we roll!

—DustySJU

“Tell me your Johnnie story”

Five simple words; or are they?  In my 17 years associated with all things SJU, never have I received the same answer when I present this comment to a fellow Johnnie.  Every Johnnie has his own story that makes his experience behind the Pine Curtain unique.  When asked to tell his story, a Johnnie’s memory instantly flies back to that time in his life. Be it a quiet stroll along the Sag, a moment of reflection in the Abbey, cheering in the stands, no matter what the event, or being blessed with the ability to participate, our individual Johnnie Stories complete who we are.

Ask  any Johnnie, regardless of generation, to “tell me your story” and be prepared to spend time laughing, sharing, and remembering the four years of your life that had a large part in forming and nurturing who you are today.  Johnnies don’t just want to tell you their story, they need to tell you their story.  A Johnnie’s story is who they were, are and will become.  

Want  to share your Johnnie Story?  Polish it off from the recesses of your highly developed brain, and meet us  in Collegeville on September 6th as the SJU Football Team opens the season against East Texas Baptist.  Game time is 1:00 pm, but why wait so long?  Get there early; enjoy the campus, walk through the dorms, or take in the Stiftungfestivities in the South Science Lot (get there by 9:00 am if you need a parking spot)!

No matter what you do that day, be it on campus or not, take time to think about your time at SJU.  If you do, I’ll guarantee one thing:  you’ll add another chapter in your Johnnie Story!

Over the course of the Johnnie Football season, I will be talking to a number of Johnnie Football Alumni and having them share their “Johnnie Story” with me.  It will be an honor to share them with you periodically throughout the year!

Johnnie Up!

Our guest player blog by Andy Pierskalla has been a work in progress for nearly 21 years.  I met Andy for the first time when his mother Lisa was trying to coax him out of his diapers and into underwear.  Needless to say he’s grown a few sizes since then and so has his appetite for St. John’s.   Andy and his brother Adam along with their father Steve were guests of mine in Collegeville some 17 years ago for their first Johnnie Football game.

—DustySJU

If I haven’t taken the opportunity to introduce myself I’m a junior this year on the Johnnie football team but I’m actually in my Senior year at SJU, a double major in History and Social Science and have a minor in Politcal Science and Coaching.  I am one of the luckiest people at SJU as I will have two “Senior Years.” I’ve made so many life-long friends and am truly happy in my decision to be a Johnnie.

Playing football for the Johnnies has been an amazing experience.  Sometimes I just take a step back and think about how lucky we are to have great fans, facilities, and John as a coach.  There is so much tradition behind this program and families play a huge role.  Unfortunately my football playing brother chose to go to Hamline this fall, but I know he will probably regret that decision on October 11th, when the Pipers come to town.

Thursday, August 21st

Today we finally went 11 on 11.  The defense continues to look sharp from top to bottom and the offense is progressing nicely.  After practice I discovered the wonders of the ice bath.  It’s my new favorite thing to do after practice and feels heavenly.  The only problem is I tend to take my ice bath with Dave Burns and Tim Juba and that’s a lot of meat in a small whirlpool.  When we get out the water level has significantly decreased.  Tonight we watched the Olympics again and called it an early night.

Friday, August 22nd

More 11 on 11 today.  Two practices were scheduled for today.  The buzz around practice today is about the boxing match that we’re going to stage later in the year featuring Mike “The Scrapper” Schumacher and Nick “Golden Boy” Gunderson.  Everyone seems to be split on who is going to win but of course both Schu and Gundy are very confident that they can beat the other.  John surprised us by telling us that practice is going to be cancelled for tomorrow.  The rest is needed for all as everyone is starting to get a little sore and banged up.  At the team meeting, Ben Vanderheyden played his guitar for the team for the second straight year and was awesome.  Film was also cut short due to “technical difficulties,” but I was coaxed to going on stage and do my Jason Primus impression for the defense.  The guys who knew Primus said it was spot on but I don’t think it’s anything special.

Enjoy the weekend!

Think your “Johnnie Blood” runs red hot with the anticipation of another season in Collegeville witnessing football sage John Gagliardi coach his 60th year?  Does your fall schedule completely hinge on the Johnnies playing football and who they’ll be challenging in the playoffs?  If you answered yes, then I challenge you to compare your Johnnie Spirit to our newest contributor “Johnnie Tats”.  This guy is completely off the charts…..  Thanks for your story Pete!

—DustySJU

WHERE DID YOU GO TO SCHOOL…?
Have you ever noticed that when the majority of the population is asked this question they will respond with: “I went to the University of”…however when an Alumni of SJU is asked this very same question, the standard response is, and always will be: I AM A JOHNNIE!

As 2008 marks my 20 year reunion I thought that it would be appropriate to attempt (the best I can) to share my feelings for this magical place we call St. John’s. I am a second generation Johnnie (which compared to others is not that deep of a lineage) and to this day I will forever be thankful that my Dad (Colonel ret. Helmut F. Hacker, SJU ‘62) who in the Fall of 1958 got on that train in New York City and traveled some 1,500 miles to a aptly named place called Collegeville so that he could attend St. Johns University and of course become a Johnnie. A place where he made friends that to this day, some 46 years later, he still considers them to be the best guys on the planet. Guys like Gary Chalupsky, Denny Wiemerskirch, Jack Curtis, and Lt. Col (ret) Norm Lorsung. Or as they were, and still are more commonly referred to as: “The Council”. It was because of this never wavering message, delivered to me by my Dad throughout my childhood, which convinced me to, sight unseen, attend St. John’s and become a Johnnie.  And now having met these tremendous men (over my lifetime) and other legendary Johnnies such as Bob Wicker, Rich Hall, Bernie Kukar and so on, I can honestly say that I whole heartedly agree with my Dad’s sentiments. One’s Johnnie buddies are indeed the best dang friends you will ever make, and ever have. Why? Because the saying” Once a Johnnie, always a Johnnie is not just a cliché marketing phrase in the Johnnie Nation. Rather this phrase does (simply) represent what we all believe and how we all feel about St. John’s, Collegeville, and the people we met during our time there.

And now, some 24 years after I first arrived in Collegeville, I proudly share the same sentiment about my fellow Johnnie buddies from my time at SJU. Guys like Bob Kapla, Dean Danninger and Mike Carlson. Fellow Johnnies that I did not know when I arrived at Collegeville and now would do anything for them, just as they would do anything for me. Yes, we lost track of each other for a couple of years here and there. But once we re-kindled our contacts thru attending games or other Johnnie Social events it seemed as if those 15-20 years melted away in an instant and we were again sitting in our Dorm rooms drinking beer and enjoying our time as Johnnies! I know, without doubt, that I could contact any of my Johnnie buddies at anytime and with any need, and they would be there for me, just as I would be there for them. Why? Because we are Johnnies, and nothing is stronger than the bonds of friendship made over four years of time spent together at SJU!

I to this day still consider the four years I spent at SJU the best time of my life. The opportunities to learn, be exposed to a diverse curriculum, make lifelong friends and become a member of what has to be considered one large fraternity is without a doubt priceless. And all of us who are proudly Johnnies, and therefore members of the Johnnie Nation, readily declare (and advertise this via our clothing choices) our loyalty to SJU cannot think of a better place to spend a Saturday afternoon (especially during Football season). What school has such a fervent fan base, such a tremendously successful Football Program and a group of Alumni that continues to pass along (during the tailgating and other social events) and the rights, responsibilities and privileges of being a Johnnie to the current generation of students?

Show me any other school that has such legendary figures such as Fr. Don Talafous, who always knew where you were from (and he would and still does tell you) and of course gave God a “B” in Theology. Then you can always be sure that Fr. Dan Durkin is always lurking, thus living up to his more commonly know moniker of Lurking Durkin the Sneakin’ Deacon! Or show me a school where I can walk into the Refectory (where I worked for 4 years) some 20 years later and still be remembered by name by such great people as Roger Hoffman, Carol Fries, Dix and others. Or show me a  School  where when  we take our own children into the Bookstore on Saturday trips to SJU (so that they may start or add to their Johnnie wardrobes) and the same kind folks (like Mary Kay) who sold us books and our first Johnnie sweatshirts now make sure our kid’s are in the right size! These are all reasons why those of us who are Alumni have a deep and sincere love of a place called Collegeville and St John’s University! And why we are not simply Alumni, rather we are and will always be: JOHNNIES!

I for one, consider myself to be a dedicated and loyal Johnnie. My Wife (who is of course an Alumna of CSB…like so many of us Johnnies) uses vastly different terminology to describe my feelings and devotion to SJU. She likes to tell everyone that I am a “Freaky Fan”! This is due to the very large number of SJU labeled shirts, sweatshirts, hats, posters, vehicle license plates and lastly….but not least, the two (2) SJU tattoos (the SJU #1 logo and the Rat) I proudly wear. We should all take a moment and thank Thom Woodward (a.k.a. Woody) for being the man behind the SJU #1 logo. And to this day Woody still has one of the sweetest basketball shot strokes I have ever seen! And of course when I listen to Johnnie Football games on Saturday afternoon’s (assuming I am not at SJU in person attending the tailgating festivities and the game) she leaves the house due to the amount of yelling, teeth clenching, throwing of anything not nailed down, and the volume of overall disparaging remarks about the opponents (especially if it is the Tommie/Johnnie game) that tend to emanate from my garage!  Well if these character traits define fanatical or Freaky behavior then I will proudly answer to “Freak Fan any day of the week! In my opinion it is my honor to be loyal to St. John’s because it is  the least I can do to repay and honor  what this fantastic place has given me, and all of us who can proudly declare: I AM A JOHHNIE!

During my lifetime I have been very lucky to have traveled the world and have seen many of its wonders. And I have been lucky enough to have shared this with my Dad. We have cruised the Nile, stood at the foot of the Pyramids, been to the Taj Mahal, stood on the Great Wall, seen Stonehenge, walked along Hadrian’s Wall, looked over the cliffs of Morher, and lived in Thailand together. And I even had the honor of “studying” abroad during my Academic tenure (London, Spring semester 1986).  Yet to this day both my Dad and I, if asked, will say that our most favorite and treasured destination in this world is still located in the 56321 zip code, and it is called Collegeville and is the home of St. John’s University!

As I look back on the time that has passed since my graduation in 1988, I think about my Johnnie buddies and those Johnnies who are friends with my Dad. And I sadly remember those Johnnies that we have lost. Guys like Don Pribyl, Dave Boesser (from my study abroad trip) and one of the most famous Johnnies ever, Mr. Rich Hall (SJU ‘63).  These truly wonderful people and the countless others we have lost are what make St John’s such a special place. Again this is the reason why all of us are not simply Alumni of SJU, rather we are Johnnies!

So as we rapidly approach another Fall, and a new class of Johnnies is added to the roster we should all be very proud of what those who went before us started. What we were tasked with continuing, and how, when it is our time we will in turn pass along to the newest members of the Johnnie Nation.  I know that I am so very proud to be part of what many others consider a tradition unrivaled. And when my time on this planet comes to an end, and someone cares to remember me, all I can say is if it said”Pete was a good Johnnie” I will have considered my life satisfying and successful.

My name is Pete Hacker (a.k.a. Johnnie Tats) and every day I am thankful that I am a JOHNNIE!

—DustySJU

August 17th

Practice started later in the day due to church. I don’t think many were in attendance though as the extra rest was nice. It is also the first day we could put pads on, or the amount of pads we will put on. This means that we can start going against the offense. I can only report on the D-line and we looked solid and as Gary said, “We could play a game today if we needed to.”

August 18th

More of the same in practice. The offense continues to get good looks from the defense and the defense keeps on track. Tonight at meetings we were given talks by numerous administrators about keeping up grades and the safe supplements to take.  After film, my roommates and I watched the entire fifth season of Family Guy and called it a night.

August 19th

Everyone is a little sore from yesterday but we keep pressing on. I got stepped on today by a running back and bled everywhere. I would have made a nice play, but of course, an O-lineman was holding. It was a big day at our residence as well, we figured out how to turn the AC on and we shampooed the carpet and the cable guy finally came so now this blog can be more regular. Tonight there is a BBQ for the team before film and tonight the roomies and I will finally get to watch the Olympics and see some of those gymnasts, the legal ones anyway.

—DustySJU

Sorry this is late but our house doesn’t have internet yet so I’m at a friend’s house using his. Below are my thoughts thus far… 

August 14th

Today we got our equipment.  It always takes me a good hour to put my stickers on my helmet. Good thing Eric Buss was close and I made him put some of my stickers on.  The first meeting of the year was quick and of course John was on fire with his routine.  After all the forms were signed for the year, we were free for the rest of the evening.  My roommates and I hung around home and watched Vegas Vacation and then went to bed.

August 15th

Today started with running and then we practiced after it.  This running business takes a long time and outs the coaches in a bad mood for the first day of practice.  There are just so many kids and it takes a long time to have everyone run and then the machine doesn’t always work when someone runs.  The first practice is pretty boring but the new guys learn a lot about Johnnie football.  NDSU transfer Jimmy Sharpe asked if practice got any harder and everyone just smiled at him.  As practice wound down, the traditional Simon Says game was played, I don’t know who won.  My roommates and I returned home and tried to get the place looking like a house.  Of course after a half hour of work the video games started calling.  Nick Gunderson and Mike Schumacher played Madden and Gunderson lost, twice, and blamed it on the controller.  Next they played baseball and the controller was at it again. I was next to them on a smaller TV playing NCAA football for Xbox.    At the night meeting, it’s tradition for the freshmen to go on stage at the defensive meeting and they say their name and where they are from and then an upperclassmen tries to name them all back.  I was able to name each of the D-linemen.  Alex Coughlin was able to name his fellow Linebackers and Dusty Clintsman was able to name the D-Backs.

August 16th

Nothing really happened today.  My roommates and I went to Charter Communications and bought cable and internet.  At the meeting tonight Ethan Eid was given the task of naming his fellow linebackers.  He stumbled and named one by his summer job last year, which happened to be a bouncer at a strip club.  The place erupted with laughter and of course the coaches had no clue until the young Johnnie shared his story.  A pretty low key night otherwise.  The Vikings are on and we do have practice tonight so it will be an early night, even for college kids on a Saturday.  We get to wear pads tomorrow and really get practice going.