Glorious sunshine and a Johnnie win set the stage for a Homecoming showdown above the south endzone at the Collegeville Grill.

Bring it on Freebird!

Johnnie Up Everybody!

Click HERE to view full screen images as a slide show.
(Look for “slideshow” in the upper right area of the page.)

After receiving the opening kickoff the Johnnies came out throwing,but the upstart Gusties picked off  Joe Boyle’s first pass of the day and put the Johnnie defense in a hole to begin the game. The Gusties took over at the 30 yard line. The Johnnie defense held tough and the Gusties had to settle for a field goal, GAC leads at this point 3-0 over the Johnnies. This will be the last lead of the game for the Gusties. 

The Johnnie Defense played well with many of their starters sidelined due to injuries or in the case of Dominic Haik, taking the Law School Admission Test. Three of the four players in the defensive secondary and one of the linebackers were not starters at the beginning of the season, but as a credit to the players stepping in, as well as the coaching staff, the  defense kept pressure on through out the game and limited the Gusties to 190 total yards of offense.

The  Johnnies began their scoring in the first quarter on a 2-yard pass from Joe Boyle to Josh Overman which was followed by the PAT by Russell Gliadon. From this point the Johnnies never trailed, mixing the pass with the run along with a pressure defense kept the game entertaining for members of the Johnnie Nation who followed the team to St. Peter.

The Johnnies would score three times in the 2nd quarter.The first came on a 8-yard run by Jakob Reding  followed by the PAT from Gliadon. Later in the 2nd quarter, Boyle again found Overman in the end zone and Gliadon kicked the PAT. Gliadon concluded the scoring for the 1st half by connecting on a 33 yard field goal. The score at halftime was SJU 24 GAC 3.

The Gusties came out to  begin the second half with a 12 play 70 yard drive capped off by a 26 yard touchdown pass,which would be the final points in the game by the Gusties.

The Johnnies scored later in the 3rd quarter on a 19 yard touchdown pass from Boyle to Jimmy Loonan, followed by another Gliadon PAT.

The Johnnies wrapped up their scoring with 1:23 remaining in the game on a 21 yard scoring pass from Boyle to Harry Awe, followed again by the Gliadon PAT.

Enough can not be said about the play of the offensive line, of Andrew Ghostley,Blaine Anderson, Tim Juba,Eric Dirkes,Drew Percival along with substitutes Ben Dimond and Greg Sowden  who gave Boyle plenty of time to throw as well as blowing open holes for the running backs. The offensive line sets the tone for the game and has made tremendous improvements from last year in allowing the Johnnies to present a more balanced offensive game plan.  

The Johnnies leading tackler again this week was John Stanton with 7. Mike Bonynge also had 7 tackles and a fumble recovery which set up the first Johnnie touchdown,while starting in place of Dominic Haik. Kyle Schroeder had another fumble recovery this week, making 3 recoveries in the past two games. Ryan Wimmer and Dan Franta also had recoveries. The defensive line was very active causing match up problems for the Gusties all day long.Quarterback sacks were recorded for the Johnnies by Nick Gunderson,Griffin Hayes, Noel Meyer and David Burns.

As the MIAC season gets into full swing, the Johnnies will face their toughest test to date next week in Collegeville against the Bethel Royals. The Royals have had the upper hand as of late by winning the last three meetings in this series. Add to the three game winning streak, the  growing list of injuries for the Johnnies and on paper one might believe that the Royals will come to Collegeville next week and spoil Homecoming for the Johnnies and the Johnnie Nation. As the story goes,back in 1953 when John Gagliardi was interviewing for the head coaching job at St John’s and he was asked by the monks if he thought he could beat St. Thomas and Gustavas, the young Gagliardi  responded by saying “Sure”. Something tells me that if Athletic Director Tom Stock were to sit down with John on Monday and ask him if he thinks he can beat Bethel for Homecoming,that he would give the same reply 56 years later.

With trips to UWRF, Concordia and this week’s trek to St Peter the 2009 Johnnies are logging miles much akin to what Clark and Noel Stanton book as they travel to Johnnie games from their home in the Bay Area, of course watch our own John Stanton #13 wreak havoc at Outside Linebacker (once a young man comes to Collegeville the family looses them as their own as they become once and forever a JOHNNIE). And I thought the Saladin’s had some long trips last year!

Regardless of where the Johnnies have kicked it off in 2009 they have taken care of the business at hand. Either behind an offense that is in synch behind Joe Boyle’s leadership or a defense that has seen its line (Schroeder, Sharpe, Bolhman and Gundy) stalwarts lives up the pre-season expectations of the league, and the Johnnie Nation.

So as the Johnnies and its unrivaled Nation make the drive down 169 to St. Peter this Saturday I know that we will roll into town (and into Patrick’s) proudly represting all that is SJU. The Nation will welcome (with chants of D-Fence from Mrs. Wimmer) the new Golden Gustie Coach (Peter Haugen, Bethel ’91) to what the MIAC, its student-athletes, and of course its avid fan base is all about, pure and unadulterated College Football.

At least the MIAC was kind to (new) Coach Haugen by not making his first tilt against the Johnnies take place up in Collegeville at the Natural Bowl! Rather this week’s game is scheduled for that new Taj Mahal of a stadium in St Pete. But then again no points are awarded for the amenities of the venue in the MIAC!

It’s time to saddle up for all in the Nation, no matter if you are traveling by plane, train or automobile. It is time to support our 2009 squad with such fervor that we all need at least 2 days to recover our vocal abilities. It is time to finish this early season road tripping with a victory against the Golden Gusties and get back to Collegeville and the Natural Bowl. And it is undoubtedly time to Johnnie up in St Peter!

It was a relief to (a) leave Moorhead with a 31-19 win last Saturday, and (b) leave looking pretty darn good after a shaky first half. For yet another week our defense has looked somewhat porous, at least before half time where we experienced not one but TWO [2!!] deus ex machinas in the earthly form of Kyle Schroeder who — while the Cobbers relentlessly double-teamed his more famous linemate Nick Gunderson — was able to cause and pounce on a couple of fumbles tragically made (if you’re a Cobber) within the Johnnie five-yard line. Without those “miracle” plays the Jays would have been on the ropes. In the second half the Dee-guys started (are you ready for this?) blitzing and stunting and making life pretty miserable for the previously accurate, successful and talented Concordia quarterback; kind of makes you wonder why they waited so long in this game and the previous nail-biting game against UW-Eau Claire. Hope they continue this swarming effect against other talented teams that begin passing on us with success.

Meanwhile, in both halfs our Johnnies looked [or sounded since I listened to the game over the Johnnie Radio Network] like they could pretty much do what they wanted to offensively when they had to, including putting together a couple full-field drives for TDs. Johnnie QB Joe Boyle was to the offense that Kyle Schroeder was to the defense: Wonderful! Dominant!

All this makes me optimistic about this Saturday’s game against Gustavus Adolphus down in St. Peter. The Gusties have a new, improved program and should be coming at us with a game ferocity after pulling out an exciting OT victory at Hamline last week. Still, I think — if we don’t have a Vikings-like letdown after the big win over the Cobbers — we’re too deep and experienced for them…maybe to the tune of 30 to 10.

I’m going to St. Peter to support our team, but also to once again enjoy Gustavus’ state-of-the-art stadium where — are you listening St. John’s? — old fogies like myself are let in for free thus avoiding what I think is the biggest problem at the new Gustie home — the lack of ticket sellers and length of time standing in line. Although it was the Gustavus homecoming two years ago when we first visited the then brand new joint and that no doubt added to the sell-out throng, I know people who couldn’t get inside until the first quarter was already over. My advice: get there early…or just stand outside and watch the game from the end zone fence because there doesn’t seem to be a lot of visitor seating.

Because of the rather strict Gustavus policies toward the kind of benign frivolity surrounding the Traveling Stiftungsfestivities, St. Peter is probably the one venue where Mike Fahey ‘75 and his enthusiastic supporting cast choose to “tailgate” indoors at Patrick’s a block or so west of the main drag through town. Here’s a helpful note from Max Stein ‘04, the Underground Official Hurricane Correspondent:

Theo — here is the info for Saturday in St. Peter.
Patrick’s on Third, 125 S. Third Street, St. Peter MN 56082, 507-931-9051: Opening at 11am

Cheers, Maxwell Stein, Official SW Florida Hurricane Correspondent

(To which I say, ain’t it great having a top notch staff here at the Underground?)

After the game some of us traditionally go over to Whiskey Junction’s bar, as opposed to the restaurant side, for our post-game analysis; it’s located just across the Minnesota River when you take the street with a stoplight downtown. We know where it is but don’t know street names. All of you are invited to either venues or both. Now, for my quick picks:

Week Two in the MIAC —

• Augsburg @ St. Olaf — Hard not to pick the country Lutherans over the city Lutherans. Oles fur sure, don’tcha know.
• Concordia @ Bethel — As much as I’d like the Cobbers to rebound, it’s not going to happen.
• Saint John’s @ Gustavus — Jays running [or passing] away if they don’t take the Gusties lightly.
• St. Thomas @ Hamline — Poor Hamline never gets a break.
• Carleton @ Macalester (non-conference) — After Carleton’s last week, it might even be a contest.

* * * *

Last Thursday (after hitting “send” on the Underground) and Friday were super days for me. For a couple of years — after being outbid at the silent auction at the Red Tie Gala both times by the slick, ruthless Joe Mucha ‘66/Mike Scherer ‘68 Combine for a half day of fishing guide services by professional walleye champ fisherman Perry Good(father of Jason ‘06), I have been a rather poor loser and whining a bit whenever I ran into these two. At the last Gala, Perry and Mike Zauhar ‘73 told me that maybe they perhaps could arrange something so I could join them. Mike, a retired Brainerd, MN high school teacher and basketball coach, also is a fishing guide in the Brainerd Lakes area.

So, it came to being that Joe settled on a day with Perry and Mike and his bidding partner Mike, and then invited me to join them along with Joe’s brother-in-law Jack McNamara. I accepted Joe’s invite as a hungry walleye might entertain a handsome-looking leech. Or maybe minnow would be a better word. So I met Mike Scherer outside the Police Department of Becker, MN, where Mike had already ascertained that it would be permissable to leave my auto there overnight, protected by that fine force.

One of the nice things about riding with a member of the Board of Regents, as Mike currently is, is that you hear hot skinny a day or two before the rest of the vast Johnnie-Bennie Unwashed. He told me that he had just learned that St. Ben’s charming and capable president — MaryAnn Baenninger — had just given notice that she is looking for a new president’s job at some college — practically any college — back in her native Eastern U.S. area because she needs to be by her ailing husband, who has returned to their Pennsylvania home for upcoming medical treatment, and the rest of their family. I for one hate to see her go, which will be after this current school term, although I have to say she’s showing the right priorities — family first before Bennie Bread and now Bennie Brats! It’s too bad that this has to happen when SJU is breaking its own rookie prez, Fr. Bob Koopmann, OSB; MaryAnn could have helped him get his feet wet over a few seasons, particularly in areas where the two schools’ orbits coincide. Now, with less than a year’s cycle, Fr. Bob will have to help break in the new St. Ben’s chief while still being a newbie himself.

Another thing I learned from Mike is the part he played in getting the student section bleachers installed in the north part of the stadium; before he started lobbying for them, the Johnnies and Bennies had to stand around the track area to try to watch the game. Mike figured it was a sort of justice issue for existing students, as well as a long term investment for future alums who would be asked to contribute to their alma maters. Mike credits Tom Stock for making it happen.

Anyway, Mike and I arrived in Brainerd in time for me to get a one-day fishing license. We went to the Gander Mountain megastore and mentioned to Diane, the lady issuing them, that we were going out with Perry and Mike; she knew them both well, so Mike then told her we were there to pick up some fishing supplies they asked for — like dynamite and a trotline. She plugged her ears and loudly sang “La-la-la-la.” Those Brainerd types all stick together.

We then proceeded to Gull Lake and Chateau Mucha, a stately, classic Shingle-style mini-resort that resembled a North Woods version of those gorgeous Hamptons estates on Long Island. Joe, a recently-retired exec from General Mills (and former regent himself) has done all right for himself…come a long way from the Bohunk farmlands of Montgomery, MN. Joe and Jack graciously welcomed us and we awaited the arrival of the two fishing pros to begin a steak dinner that Joe himself — with able assistance from Jack, the self-proclaimed “kitchen bitch” — produced for us. Conversation, which lasted until 11-ish, centered a great deal of the time about sports figures in southern Minnesota high schools. And fishing. And St. John’s.

Early the next morning the four of us met Perry and Mike Z. with their dyn-o-mite fishing boats at a nearby bait store, then consolidated into their trucks and headed east to Farm Island Lake, selected by Mike Z. the previous night under the theory that it was one of the few that was offering up any walleyes — the fisherman’s Holy Grail. Me, being the obvious rookie, was assigned to Mr. Walleye Champ, Perry, along with Jack. Mike Z. hosted Joe and Mike S. in his craft. We had established phone contact with Jeff Norman ‘78, who was in the area at his cabin with friend Tony Biebl‘71. They came over to our lake and the three Johnnie boats went into some kind of topside feeding frenzy.

Perry showed great patience with me, even when I snaggled the rod and reel he had given me. I listened to him closely and tried to follow his instructions to a tee. Under his tutelage I brought up four smallish northerns and one fairly nice sized walleye that, due to special limitations on that lake, turned out to be a half-inch too small to keep at 18 1/2 inches. Perry actually seemed pleased with my haul, all of which was returned to the dark waters — he probably was more surprised that I was able to catch anything. Meanwhile, Mike Z.’s crew, also catching a few more than we did, was keeping them all for Mike S. to use at a family fish fry he was planning. Perry had caught about ten northerns and a good-sized rock bass himself and released them all except for the last two that Mike Z. shouted over to keep. Saying goodbye to Jeff and Tony, we headed for Mike Z’s lovely lake home on Round Lake, which neighbors the huge Gull, in order to clean the fish for Mike S. There we talked with Molly Zauhar ‘04 who was home from her Minneapolis job for an area wedding. I got a real kick out of the spacious, spotless Zauhar garage. Mike asked me if I had checked out his St. John’s Shrine. Man, he wasn’t kidding. From his own “J” letter from basketball to last year’s SJU calendar featuring Gag to banners proclaiming SJU’s four national championships and game by game scores of the 2003 “Perfect Season” Mike had it all, along with photos of all his Brainerd High School basketball teams, and newspaper clippings up on the walls, including one local article that told of Michael Z. Jr’s ‘06 electrifying interception and 100 yard return that changed the entire Mt. Union-SJU Championship game around. There are a few individuals plays that stick out in my mind from that year — Blake Elliot’s ‘03 50-yard gallop for a TD in the same game and his return of a 4th Quarter kick-off that helped win the #409 game for Gag against Bethel are two — but Michael’s thrilling run will be forever firmly entrenched in my memory.

Mike S. returned me to my car late Friday afternoon; both of us still basked in the glow of the great SJU fellowship, a beautiful day on the lake and Joe’s generosity and hospitality. And that’s why I decided to include this joke in honor of Joe and Mike, contributed by Honorary Johnnie Chris Kennedy in Chicago — because it sort of relates to fishing:

The day after his wife disappeared in a kayaking accident in the Bay Of Fundy, Nova Scotia, a man answered his door to find two grim-faced Mounties. “We are sorry sir, but we have some information about your wife,” said one of the Mounties.

“Tell me! Did you find her!?” the husband shouted. The Mounties looked at each other. One said, “We have some badnews, some good news, and some really great news. Which do you want to hear first?” Fearing the worst, the ashen husband said, “Give me the bad news first.”

The Mountie said, “I’m sorry to tell you, sir, but this morning we found your wife’s body in the bay.”

“Oh my God!” exclaimed the husband. Swallowing hard, he asked, “What’s the good news?”

The Mountie continued, “When we pulled her up, she had 12 twenty-five pound snow crabs and 6 good-size lobsters clinging to her.”

Stunned, the husband demanded, “If that’s the good news, what’s the great news???”

The Mountie said, “We’re gonna pull her up again tomorrow.”

* * * *

I’m going to sign off so I can get this puppy underway, only a day late. It’s raining here in St. Paul Friday morning and will continue to do so throughout today and into tomorrow, so be prepared perhaps for a dampish game on the morrow. I plan to be there with my friend Rick Kellen, starting at Patrick’s and working my way around to the game and post-game venues.

Need I say, “GO JOHNNIES!?! Well, I say it anyway, adding “Slam da Gusties!”

Best regards,

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

* * * *

This Johnnie junior is on a bad blind date with a Bennie his roommate’s girlfriend lined him up with. Suddenly his cell phone rings. The polite Johnnie excuses himself to take the call. When he returns he has a grim expression on his face. With lowered eyes, he says, “I just got some bad news. My grandfather has died and I have to leave immediately.”

“Thank heaven!” said the Bennie. “If yours hadn’t, mine would have had to.”

* * * *

Tidbit sent by my man in St. Cloud, Jerry Howard ‘56, who gleaned it in an article or blog in the St. Cloud Times —

Family affair

Over the years, [John] Gagliardi had the chance to coach his sons John Jr. and Jim as players. Jim is now in his 18th season on his father’s coaching staff and serves as the team’s offensive coordinator.

Meanwhile, the next generation of the Gagliardi clan is arriving on campus.

The head coach’s grandson Joey Benson — the son of his youngest daughter Gina — is a freshman offensive lineman on the Johnnies’ roster this season.

“It’s been really fun so far,” Benson said. “It’s a dream come true to play for him. I’ve gotten the chance to see him in a little different light, watching him do his job from the inside. That’s been interesting.

“It’s cool to know that he and my uncle really do know so much about football. I knew that before. But you really get to see it when they’re coaching you.”

* * * *

MIAC Scandal —

There was an investigation into the academic records of members of the University of St. Thomas football team. The Director of Athletics responded by suspending any player who wasn’t maintaining a passing average.

Furious, Coach Caruso came storming into the AD’s office, followed by one of his star players. The coach roared, “You can’t keep him from playing! We won’t win this weekend without him!”

“I don’t care. Things have gotten out of hand at this university.”

“What do you mean, out of hand?”

“I’ll show you what I mean.” The Athletic Director turned to the Tommie and said, “Tell me, how much is six times seven?”

The player thought for several seconds. Then he said, “Thirty one?”

The AD said to the coach, “I rest my case.”

“Oh, come on now,” Coach Caruso retorted. “He only missed it by one!”

* * * *

NCAA Div. III Top 25 Teams

1. Mount Union
2. UW-Whitewater
3. Mary Hardin-Baylor
4. Wheaton (Ill.)
5. Wesley
6. St. John’s
16. UW-Stevens Point
17. St. Thomas
19. UW-LaCrosse

The Top Six remained steady from the previous week. Others receiving votes are Concordia, Bethel, St. Norbert, Wartburg and UW-Eau Claire. UST climbed one place with their win over St. Olaf, as did UW-Stevens Point from their win, and UW-LaCrosse jumped five spots without even playing! Go figure. I might be alone here, but I believe that Bethel is under-rated based on the fact that they nearly upset #4 Wheaton and clobbered the heck out of Carletonlast week. I guess we really won’t see how good they are until they face St. John’s at our Homecoming, but this week they play Concordia — let’s see how they do with them. Bethel (10/3) and the Tommie game (10/17) are the two biggies remaining for us, I think at this moment anyway.

See the Top 25 for yourself: http://www.d3football.com/top25/2009/week-3

* * * *

SJU football: Johnnies recover, 31-19

by Frank Rajkowski, St. Cloud Times

MOORHEAD — Meet Kyle Schroeder — professional hope-dasher.

The St. John’s senior defensive tackle recovered a pair of fumbles in the first half of the Johnnies’ 31-19 victory over Concordia Saturday afternoon, each after the Cobbers had moved inside the Johnnies’ 10-yard line and looked poised to take the lead.

Instead, Schroeder’s recoveries ended those threats and set the stage for St. John’s to pull away in the third quarter for an MIAC win before a crowd of 6,052 at a sunny and warm Jake Christiansen Stadium.

“I guess I just got lucky,” said Schroeder, who also had the fumble recovery that sealed a 12-9 win at St. Thomas last season when the Tommies had the ball at the St. John’s 1 in the final minute. (Read more)

* * * *

SJU notebook: Boyle has offense humming

by Frank Rajkowski, St. Cloud Times

MOORHEAD — Joe Boyle may have described it best when he compared the St. John’s offense with Concordia’s in Saturday afternoon’s 31-19 win over the Cobbers.

When the Johnnies had their opportunities, they took advantage, scoring four touchdowns, including two on drives of at least 80 yards.

Concordia fumbled twice inside the St. John’s 10-yard line in the first half, short-circuiting chances to take the lead each time.

That seemed awfully familiar to Boyle and his teammates, who averaged just 19.8 points per game a year ago. They are averaging 31.3 in the first three games this season.

“We’re showing great improvement from last season,” said Boyle, a junior in his second season as a starter. “Last year, it probably would have been us fumbling the ball away twice inside the 10 and not scoring touchdowns. But today, we got the job done.” (Read more)

* * * *

St. John’s 31, Concordia 19

Scoring & Stats
[The St. Cloud Times]

* * * *

MIAC Football Week One: Off and Running

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

The Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference kicked off its 88th season Saturday with a quartet of exciting games. Defending champ Saint John’s, ranked sixth in the nation, combined stout defense in the red zone with a balanced offense to down No. 23 Concordia 31-19 in SJU coach John Gagliardi’s 600th game as a college head coach. Bethel scored early and often en route to a 42-7 win over Carleton. No. 18 St. Thomas, behind 176 yards from Ben Wartman, turned in a strong fourth quarter to defeat St Olaf 27-16. Gustavus nipped Hamline 30-24 in two overtimes. (Read more)

* * * *

DeLand column: SJU’s Boyle painting a brighter picture

By Dave DeLand, St. Cloud Times Sports Editor

COLLEGEVILLE — It came as a painful shock to most St. John’s football fans last year when they were subjected to a full season of an offense that was about as exciting as watching paint dry.

It wasn’t even very colorful paint. Certainly not Johnnie red: Definitely not the type of air-it-out, light-it-up, short-out-the-scoreboard offense that people came to expect from St. John’s over the previous two freewheeling decades.

“We struggled mightily (in 2008) to finish drives,” said quarterback Joe Boyle, who started six games as a sophomore for a team that averaged 19.8 points per game — about half the Johnnies’ standard production, and their lowest scoring average in a quarter-century.

In some ways, the inexperienced Boyle was part of the Johnnies’ offensive problem last year.

This year, he is most definitely a big part of the solution. (Read more)

* * * *

Pre-Law Majors’ Department —

From the Underground’s Resident Humorologist, C.J. Ross, San Diego, CA —

The Minneapolis United Way realized that it had never received a donation from one of the city’s most successful lawyers, an esteemed graduate of the University of St. Thomas and the Harvard School of Law. So a United Way volunteer exec paid the lawyer a visit in his lavish downtown office.

The volunteer opened the meeting by saying, “Our research shows that even though your annual income is over two million dollars, you don’t give a penny to charity. Wouldn’t you like to give something back to your community through the United Way?”

The Tommie lawyer thinks for a minute and says, “First, did your research also show you that my mother is dying after a long, painful illness and she has huge medical bills that are far beyond her ability to pay?”

Embarrassed, the United Way rep mumbles, “Uh . . . no, I didn’t know that.”

“Secondly,” says the Tommie, “did it show that my brother, a disabled veteran, is blind and confined to a wheelchair and is unable to support his wife and six children?”

The stricken United Way rep begins to stammer an apology, but is cut off again.

“Thirdly, did your research also show you that my sister’s husband died in dreadful car accident, leaving her penniless with a mortgage and three children, one of whom is disabled and another that has learning disabilities requiring an array of private tutors?”

The humiliated United Way rep, completely beaten, says, “I’m so sorry, I had no idea.”

And our Tommie says, “So…if I didn’t give any money to them, what makes you think I’d give you any!?!”

* * * *

From Mike Scherer ‘68, Wayzata, MN —

Bob, Not only are you GREAT writer and story teller but now I have witnessed undisputable truth of your fishing prowess. — Mike

(Editor’s Blushing Response: Aw, shucks, thanks…but I owe it all to Perry Good.)

* * * *

From John Chromy ‘64, Washington, D.C. —

Wicks, Again–thanks for the unoffical update and all the news. You are superb in this your second career.

I regret I will not be able to join you all from the class of ‘64 for the Reunion and Homecoming. My work schedule just won’t allow it—I was in Minnesota in August for a week visiting family and grandchildren in New Prague and Winona.

I note with huge sadness that one of the “great lusts” of damn near every guy in the ‘64 class, Mary Travis of Peter, Paul & Mary, died of Leukemia last week. A tall, leggy, sensuous blond who could sing up a storm !!!

I know many in the class of ‘64 have done great and exciting things, some of which they are proud. My one claim to semi-greatness is that I am probably the only member of that class that can say he actually hugged and kissed Mary, ofPeter, Paul & Mary—it is true. Of course I won’t mention that it was five years ago and she was 67 years old and weighed about 220 pounds—but hey, I got a hug and a kiss from Mary Travis. I shall take that memory to my grave!!! Cheers, John

P.S. Peter, Paul and Mary performed at a Gala Festival my NGO organized in 2002- that is how I met Mary Travis, Paul Stookey and Peter Yarrow.

* * * *

From Chris Gillespie, St. Paul , regarding the class paper the frosh named “Dave” wrote after being inspired by C.J. Lyngen’s ‘92 “fire up” welcome at the Freshman Banquet —

This young man has no idea just yet how strong that Johnnie bond will become. Hopefully he is an individual who will witness many Johnnie alums in various situations, such as sporting and cultural events, and realize what he has to look forward to as part of the great Johnnie connection.

* * * *

From Emile Nakhleh ‘63, Albuquerque, NM —

Hi Bob,

My email address actually is abucr@msn.com (without Emile Nakhleh_ in front!). Cheers, Emile

* * * *

From John Uldrich ‘60, Minneapolis —

Roberto: I’m assuming you live here in the TC area – if so – can you share an address – I can see to it that brats are in your hands shortly for your event (in the event I’m out of the area in early November). Advise. — J.

(Editor’s Explanation: John is the creative force behind those delicious Johnnie Brats, now sold at the St. Joe Meat Market; he also challenged St. Ben’s to develop Bennie Brats, also sold at the meat market. He is speaking about offering some samples for the Johnnie/Bennie reception after the “Red Mass” held at St. Cecilia’s Parish in St. Paul following the SJU-Augsburg football game on November 7 at the Metrodome. Our presider/host is Fr. Mike Byron ‘81 who plans to do a reprise of his famous interpretation of Fr. Don Talafous, OSB’s ‘48 oft repeated admonition to SJU students about the downside of “Hometown Honeys,” those high school romances that can limit college growth and opportunity. Fr. Mike first performed this act about 25 years ago at a school talent show; he hopes Fr. Don will be in attendance for the sequel. All reading this are invited to the second annual St. C’s Red Mass and celebration, featuring Olde Johnnie Ale too.)

* * * *

From Leo Varley, ‘79, Anoka, MN —

Hi Bob, Do you think you could add me onto your email Johnnie trap line? I would love to be one of the chosen ones! Harry [Awe] is looking good, isn’t he? I am going up to the Bethel game. My 30 year reunion from SJU. I didn’t think I was that old?!! Thanks, Leo

(Editor’s Comment: Leo is a fellow parishioner of St. Cecilia’s Parish. And he definitely is that old. Leo is married to Molly McGlynn Varley ‘78.)

* * * *

From Wayne Belisle ‘62, St. Paul —

Hi Bob, good to have your energy again. Any chance John’s talk to the AFCA is available on tape or writing? I remember how great and humorous his talk was in 1963 when John and the Prairie View A&M coach were guests at celebration dinner in Mpls. THANKS.

(Editor’s Note: I replied to Wayne that I don’t know but I forwarded his request to Tom Stock, AD, to forwarded to a staffer for possible action.)

* * * *

Overheard at Homecoming —

A Johnnie and Bennie alum were talking at last Homecoming. Over a beverage in the Tundra beer tent the Johnnie was heard to say, “No woman can keep a secret.”

The Bennie replied to her old Johnnie classmate, “I don’t know about that. I’ve kept my age a secret since I was 21.”

“You’ll let it out some day,” the Johnnie replied.

“I hardly think so,” said the Bennie. “When a woman has kept a secret for 27 years, she can keep it forever.”

* * * *

From Bryan Bohlman ‘01, St. Paul —

Hey Bob, I hope all is well. I haven’t been able to make it to a game yet this year, but I should be able to make it to homecoming. Things with me could not be a whole lot better. Work continues to go well. I have a great girlfriend whom I have been dating for 11 months now. And we just got back from a week and a half in Vienna and Munich, including being in the Hoffbrauhaus tent for the opening of the keg!

If I make it to the game, it would be great to see you and the rest of the guys. Is the postgame routine still the La? Talk to you soon, Bryan

(Editor’s Reply: Thanks for the note, Bryan. I look forward to seeing you again as well, but Homecoming probably isn’t the right day for me — it’s my 45th Reunion and I’ll be happily involved in chatting with my classmates before, during and after the game. As far as the La Playette goes, most of the post-Homecoming game action for everyone will be on the Tundra, where there’ll be a beer tent that will approximate the size of the one you visted in München.)

* * * *

And speaking of beer…

A welcome heads-up from Bill Carney ‘66, Ft. Lauderdale, FL —

GUINNESS® 250 ANNIVERSARY STOUT
This is the year to celebrate! That’s why Guinness’ Master Brewer has created the limited edition Guinness®250 Anniversary Stout. They used a proprietary brewhouse process that combines the use of stout and ale malt for a distinctive carbonated stout with a clean, smooth finish. This is the first new Guinness® stout they’ve introduced to the US since they first started importing Guinness® Draught in 1967. But it’s only available for a limited time. So get out with some friends and try a pint of their brand new brew!

(Editor’s Comment: I’m a big fan of Guinness, which I snootily proclaim not to taste as good anywhere as it does within ten miles of its Dublin brewery, even while I drink it everywhere. I have to add that the above description — a distinctive carbonated stout with a clean, smooth finish — reminds me of how I describe Olde Johnnie Ale to people, only it’s not a stout but a dark ale. Fortunately you can still get it on tap at Brother Willie’s Pub on campus…at least I think you can.)

* * * *

And speaking of Brother Willie…

I sadly announce his passing last April at the age of 93. Br. William Jerome Borgerding, OSB SJP ‘35 grew up on his family farm in nearby Freeport, MN, and entered the Abbey after his graduation from Prep School. After years of successful dairy farming both at St. John’s and at St. Mary’s mission parish at Red Lake, MN, Br. Willie returned to the Abbey in 1966 and became night watchman. He became a well-known and beloved figure to generations of students from patrolling the University grounds in his bib overalls, flannel shirt and ball cap for 34 years. The pub in Sexton Commons was named in his honor.

Also passing via an aneurism this past summer — prematurely since he was only eight years older than me — was Fr. Jim Tingerthal, OSB SJP ‘52/SJU ‘54. A Rice Street kid from St. Bernard’s Parish on the north end of St. Paul, Fr. Jim was the grand nephew of colorful Abbot Alcuin Deutsch and nephew of beloved English professor and über monk, Fr. Alfred Deutsch. He taught math at the Prep School, directed its Study Abroad Program in Melk, Austria, and served as Headmaster for two years. Fr. Jim then became sort of a “go-to” guy as director of corporate enterprises and then director of events and conferences, coordinating summer programs for an estimated 10,000 guests to St. John’s over many years. In his working retirement, Fr. Jim enjoyed his time on the staff of the Abbey’s Woodworking Shop and especially pruning dead branches from pine trees in the Abbey forest. I last visited with Fr. Jim a few weeks before he died at Jerry Streeter’s SJP ‘52 Edina home along with their Prep classmates Norb Berg SJP ‘49 and Joe Spano SJP ‘52. We gathered there for lunch to view a couple of foreign TV documentaries that discussed forgotten Viet Nam War prisoners, particularly Capt. David Hrdlicka ‘SJP ‘50. Incidentally, I found the above bio info on Willie and Jim in the Abbey Banner, the very nice Abbey quarterly magazine (well, three times actually) edited by Fr. Daniel Durken, OSB SJP ‘47/SJU ‘. It’s free, but we have the opportunity to help offset publishing/mailing costs with a contribution. Email Fr. Daniel at ddurken@csbsju.edu if you’ld like to get on the list.

* * * *

More ‘Little Johnny’ —

Mother to Little Johnny: “What do you want for your birthday?”

“I’d like a little brother.”

“Oh my, that’s such a big wish. Why do you want a little brother?”

“There’s only so much I can blame on the dog.”

* * * *

Nutrition Bites

By Lindsay (Novak) Good ‘06, RD, LD

Beans, Beans, the Magical…

Beans are nutritional powerhouses rich in antioxidants and many nutrients such as iron, magnesium and potassium. Beans are also a good source of protein which makes them a great substitution for meat. Preparing a meatless recipe once or twice a week will help reduce the amount of saturated fat and cholesterol of the meal as well as reduce your grocery bill. A typical 1/2 cup serving provides about 7 grams of protein and up to 7 grams of fiber. The fiber found in beans is mostly soluble fiber which is linked with lowering cholesterol. Specifically, eating at least 10 grams of souble fiber a day can reduce your cholesterol by as much as 5 percent (approximately 12-15 mg/dL).

How do I use beans?
Canned beans are very quick and convenient; just make sure to drain and rinse them to remove excess sodium. Here are some common types of beans and uses:

• Black beans: soups/stews, Mexican dishes or mix with rice for a complete protein
• Chick peas or Garbanzo beans: hummus, casseroles, minestrone soup
• Kidney beans: stews, bean salad, chili
• Edamame or Soybeans: snacks, salads, pasta dishes

Eat Better America® Recipe:

Chick Pea and Tomato Curry
6 servings

•   1 tablespoon olive oil
•   1 medium onion, chopped (1/2 cup)
•   3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
•   1 tablespoon finely chopped gingerroot
•   1 tablespoon curry powder
•   2 cans (15 oz each) chick peas or garbanzo beans, drained, rinsed
•   2 cans (15 oz each) organic fire roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
•   1/2 cup finedly chopped fresh cilantro
•   1 tablespoon fresh lemon jice
•   1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt
•   Hot cooked rice, if desired
•   Plain yogurt, if desired

1.  In 3-quart saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion, garlic,
     gingerroot and curry powder; cook about 2 minutes, stirring frequently,
     until onions are tender.
2.  Stir in chick peas and tomatoes. Heat to boiling. Reduce heat; simmer
     uncovered 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in cilantro, lemon juice
     and salt.
3.  Serve over rice; top each serving with yogurt.

1 Serving:
Calories 270 (Calories from Fat 50)
Total Fat 6g (Saturated Fat 1/2g, Trans Fat 0g)
Cholesterol 0mg
Sodium 380mg
Total Carbohydrate 42g (Dietary Fiber 10g, Sugars 5g)
Protein 12g

% Daily Value:
Vitamin A 6%
Vitamin C 15%
Calcium 10%
Iron 30%

* * * *

The “Why We’ll Never Win” Department (a continuing series) —

An updated oldie from Thom Woodward ‘70 in honor of his friend John (Chet) O’Brien —

Chris’s Side of the Story:
Chet was in an odd mood Saturday night. We planned to meet at a bar for a drink. I spent the afternoon shopping with the girls and I thought it might have been my fault because I was a bit later than I promised, but he didn’t say anything much about it.

The conversation was very slow going so I thought we should go off somewhere more intimate so we could talk more privately. We went to this restaurant and he was STILL acting a bit funny. I tried to cheer him up and started to wonder whether it was me or something else. I asked him, and he said no. But I wasn’t really sure.

So anyway, in the car on the way back home, I said that I loved him deeply and he just put his arm around me. I didn’t know what the hell that meant because you know he didn’t say it back or anything. We finally got back home and I was wondering if he was going to leave me! So I tried to get him to talk but he just switched on the TV. Reluctantly, I said I was going to go to bed. Then after about 10 minutes, he joined me and to my surprise, we made love.

But, he still seemed really distracted, so afterwards I just wanted to confront him but instead I just cried myself to sleep. I just don’t know what to do anymore. I mean, I really think he’s seeing someone else.

——————————————–

Chet’s Side of the Story:
Notre Dame lost. Got laid though.

* * * *

From Kathy Awe, mother of soph Harry, and friend from St. Cecilia’s in St. Paul —

First of all, don’t you dare take me off the [Underground] list. I love getting your emails.

And yes, you’ve pretty much met all of my side of the family. Look forward to start meeting Tom’s family starting with Patty (Tom’s sister) and Neal Welch who are flying in for the game on 10/24 from Houston!

You didn’t give bad directions [to the La], we ended showing my Mom his room and attending a sophomore parent potluck at one of the dorms and then we needed to get back because the girls had things going on back in St Paul.

Go Johnnies up in Moorhead. Kathy

* * * *

Religious Life Quickies (a continuing series) —

An oldie but goodie from Marge Virnig, Friend from St. Cecilia’s in St. Paul —

Sister Mary Katherine entered the Monastery of Silence. The priest said, “Sister, this is a silent monastery. You are welcome here as long as you like, but you may not speak until directed to do so.”

Sister Mary Katherine lived in the monastery for five years before the priest said to her, “Sister Mary Katherine, you have been here for five years. You may speak two words.”

Sister Mary Katherine said, “Hard bed.”

“I’m sorry to hear that,” the priest said, “We will get you a better bed.”

After another five years, Sister Mary Katherine was summoned by the priest. “You may say another two words, Sister Mary Katherine.”

“Cold food,” said Sister Mary Katherine, and the priest assured her that the food would be better in the future.

On her 15th anniversary at the monastery, the priest again called Sister Mary Katherine in to his office. “You may say two words today…”

“I quit,” said Sister Mary Katherine.

“It’s probably best,” said the priest. “You’ve done nothing but bitch since you got here!”

* * * *

From Harry Burns SJP ‘74/SJU ‘78 , St. Cloud —

Hey Sid! You’re starting to sound like a beer snob. Guys your age ought to be careful about the use of the word “dinosaur.” (What did they look like?)

(Editor’s Admonition: Remember to respect your elders…eh, sonny? Harry told me last home game that he thought I was the Sid Hartman of St. John’s. I said “Thanks” and he quickly added “That’s not a compliment.”)

* * * *

From Bill Draves ‘64, Gila Pecker, AZ —

Wick, Great newsletter! Keep them coming! All Year! And I am so glad to see you are expanding into cyber space! And the spacing is so perfect making everything so much easier to read!

By the way I live in Goodyear, AZ (unless I move back to the East Valley) but that is another story and for another time. P.S. Is that enough “filler” for you? — Bill

* * * *

More Scenes From Stearns County —

In the process of deciding where to stay when he returned to Saint John’s for Homecoming, a Johnnie called the St. Cloud Holiday Inn. He asked the young woman who answered, “Do you have a gym?”

The hotel operator’s sigh had a tinge of exasperation in it. “We have over 300 guests at at this facility. Does this ‘Jim’ have a last name?”

* * * *

From Jim Platten SJP ‘70/SJU ‘74, St. Paul —

Bob – as always, your newsletter is amazing! Thank you for all the work — cutting and pasting, etc.

Should be a great game this Saturday! Take Care and see you in St. Peter as it sounds like you are fishing! Enjoy the attached! — Jim

(Editor’s Comment: Jim attached a list of 15 quotes related to athletes and sports figures. I’ve picked a few favorites to share.)

WHY ATHLETES CAN’T HAVE REGULAR JOBS…

New Orleans Saint RB George Rogers when asked about the upcoming season:
“I want to rush for 1,000 or 1,500 yards, whichever comes first.”

Torrin Polk, University of Houston receiver, on his coach, John Jenkins:
“He treats us like men. He lets us wear earrings..”

Senior basketball player at the University of Pittsburgh:
“I’m going to graduate on time, no matter how long it takes.”

Frank Layden, Utah Jazz president, on a former player:
“I told him, ‘Son, what is it with you? Is it ignorance or apathy?’ He said, ‘Coach, I don’t know and I don’t care.’”

Shelby Metcalf, basketball coach at Texas A&M, recounting what he told a player who received four F’s and one D:
“Son, looks to me like you’re spending too much time on one subject.”

Amarillo High School and Oiler coach Bum Phillips when asked by Bob Costas why he takes his wife on all the road trips, Phillips responded:
“Because she is too damn ugly to kiss good-bye.”

* * * *

From Tom Freeman ‘08, lead person for the Hockey Alumni Affinity Group

Fellow Alumni – I am emailing you to inform you about an upcoming event related to the creation of the St. John’s Hockey Alumni Chapter. We created this group for one reason, to help other Johnnie Hockey players. Our mission is to generate support for the Saint John’s University Hockey program by developing the connection between fellow hockey alumni as well as with the current student athletes, both personally and professionally.

The Chapter will provide you all with news and upcoming events. One of the first events this fall will be held in St. Cloud. It is that time of year again, time to get the rust of your skates and join us for the Saint John’s Alumni Hockey Event. The Annual Alumni Game will be on Saturday, October 24th at 1:00PM, followed by burgers, brats, and beers at Coach Doug Schueller’s house. Please RSVP either by emailing Tom Freeman atthomasc.freeman@gmail.com directly or going to our new Alumni Chapter’s Facebook page listed below and RSVP to the event.
[Facebook]

Please become a fan of the SJU Hockey Alumni Chapter on Facebook so we can continue to update you on our events, activities, and how the current Johnnie players are doing throughout the year!

Lastly, we also have a website through St. John’s that has all the information about how to get involved and help your fellow Johnnie Hockey players, past and present.
[sjualum.com]

Thanks and hope you join us in this great initiative. See you on the 24th or in the near future! Best, Tom Freeman 08′ — 651.338.7771

* * * *

More Scenes From Stearns County —

Old Father Omer Underdorff announced from the pulpit over at St. Rosa, “Now, before we pass da collection plate, I would like ta request dat da person who stole da chickens from Roman Obermiller’s hen house please refrain from givin’ any money to da Lord. Da Lord don’t want money from a teef.”

That week for the first time in months, everyone gave.

* * * *

The “Why We’ll Never Win” Department (a continuing series) —

Two of my favorite golf jokes, from Joe Deitch, Naval Academy ‘65 and would-be Johnnie, Plymouth, MN —

A husband and wife are on the 9th green when suddenly she collapses from a heart attack!

“Help me dear,” she groans to her husband. The husband calls 911 on his cell phone, talks for a few minutes, picks up his putter and lines up his putt. His wife raises her head off the green and stares at him.

“I’m dying here and you’re putting?”

“Don’t worry dear,” says the husband calmly, “they found a doctor on the second hole and he’s coming to help you.”

“Well, how long will it take for him to get here?” she asks feebly.

“No time at all,” says her husband. “Everybody’s letting him play through.”

(The Wife’s Revenge)

Police are called to an apartment and find a woman holding a bloody 5-iron standing over a lifeless man. The detective asks, “Ma’am, is that your husband?”

“Yes ” says the woman.

“Did you hit him with that golf club?”

“Yes, yes, I did.” The woman begins to sob, drops the club, and puts her, hands on her face.

“How many times did you hit him?” said the cop.

“I don’t know” sobbed the woman “five, six, maybe seven times…..just put me down for a five.”

* * * *

Theology Majors’ Department —

A pedestrian is hit by a bus on a busy street. The man gasps, “Somebody get me a priest!!”

Out of the crowd steps an elderly man. “I’m not a priest, I’m not even a Catholic. But for 50 years I’ve lived behind St. Agnes Church, and every night I’ve overheard their services. Maybe I can be of some comfort.”

The victim nods his assent.

The man kneels down next to him and says in a solemn voice, “B-14…G-54…I-19…G-50…N-38…O-72.”

* * * *

Gleaned from part of his bulletin column, by Fr. Joe Gillespie, OP ‘64, St. Albert the Great parish, Minneapolis —

“If this is how you treat your friends no wonder you have so few.” — St. Teresa of Avila

…To labor under the illusion that friends of Jesus will be preserved from temptation and harm is like assuming that when it rains it will only rain on the unjust. Obviously, St. Teresa had to endure ferocious moments of self-doubt and countless litanies of trials and tribulations before recognizing the intimacy of God’s friendship within the inscrutable paradoxes of Jesus’ teachings. Defusing our own egotistical need to be number one and being content to be a “suffering servant” will offer assurances of finding a place in the Kingdom of God. Being a friend of Jesus will put us on a collision course with a secular world where power, greed and ingratitude signal success. Entering into intimacy and friendship with Jesus will involve a taste of being a “suffering servant” for the Kingdom.

In an unusual restaurant named Hell’s Kitchen, I noticed a tote bag hanging near my chair. I jotted down the inscription printed on the bag: “Christ has no body on earth but ours, no hand but ours, no feet but ours. Our are the eyes through which the compassion of Christ looks out upon the world, ours are the feet with which Christ goes about doing good, ours are the hands with which Christ blesses the people.” When the young woman who owned the bag got up to leave, I asked about the quote. She squinted at the bag and then said, “I think it is from St. Teresa of Avila.” I later verified it was a quote from Teresa of Avila. The saying helped me to understand what a true friend of Jesus might end up doing in this life. As St. Teresa discovered, the invitation to friendship with Jesus might be tough and friends might be few and far between, but what a relief, as the old gospel hymn states, that “What a friend we have in Jesus.”

* * * *

From Ginny Ford, wife of John Ford SJP ‘63/SJU ‘67, Phoenix, forwarded by Mike Scherer —

Love Story for Golfers

An elderly couple was having dinner one evening when the husband reached across the table, took his wife’s hand in his and said, “Martha, soon we will be married 50 years, and there’s something I have to know. In all of these 50 years, have you ever been unfaithful to me?”

Martha replied, “Well Henry, I have to be honest with you. Yes, I’ve been unfaithful to you three times during these 50 years, but always for a good reason.”

Henry was obviously hurt by his wife’s confession, but said, “I never suspected. Can you tell me what you mean by ‘good reasons’?”

Martha said, “The first time was shortly after we were married, and we were about to lose our little house because we couldn’t pay the mortgage. Do you remember that one evening I went to see the banker and the next day he notified you that the loan would be extended?”

Henry recalled the visit to the banker and said, “I can forgive you for that. You saved our home, but what about the second time?”

Martha asked, “And do you remember when you were so sick, but we didn’t have the money to pay for the heart surgery you needed? Well, I went to see your doctor one night and, if you recall, he did the surgery at no charge.”

“I recall that,” said Henry, “and you did it to save my life, so of course I can forgive you for that. Now tell me about the third time.”

“All right,” Martha said. “So do you remember when you ran for president of your golf club, and you needed 73 more votes?”

* * * *

Finally! That’s it…until next week, be good little Johnnies and Bennies.

Gustavus has been a MIAC patsy the past few seasons.  They fight and claw for one half of football then lay an egg in the 2nd half.  Or worse lose to Hamline (which they did last year and nearly did last week in double overtime).  However, things have changed.  They have a new head coach, Peter Haugen, who comes from the Minneapolis city conference at Washburn High School.  He has brought in a mostly new coaching staff with a few exceptions.  Reports from Gustavus alumni are mixed on this move.  Many were extraordinarily fond of former head coach Jay Schoenbeck and wide receivers/special teams coordinator Tom Brown (who was subsequently the #2 choice for the new head coaching position).

This means that no one really knows how the new Gustie coaching staff will play the Johnnies.  What defensive front will they show?  What kind of coverage will they play in the secondary?  Will they run the spread offense?  Smash mouth?  The Wildcat formation which is in vogue in the NFL currently?  This uncertainty leads to a difficult task in preparing for a team (similar to that of facing a playoff team whom you’ve never seen before).

It would be easy to predict a blowout St. John’s win, but I don’t think I can do it.  Too many signs point to a closer than expected final score.

See everyone at Patrick’s Bar and Grill in St. Peter at 11am.  The address is 125 S. 3rd Street and the phone number is 507-931-9051.

Let’s get our roll-on for another Johnnie victory party, this time in St. Peter at Patrick’s on Third, 125 S. Third Street, St. Peter MN 56082, ph# 507-931-9051
 
Doors open at 11am!

Phone it in!

Click Here to view larger images on Flickr.

As the Johnnie offense grabbed headlines for making it’s reappearance during the festive Johnnie homecoming this weekend, St. John’s middle linebacker Ryan Wimmer added another performance in what is “All American” in quality and potentially also in recognition.

Watching Ryan Wimmer torpedo through the Gustie offensive line at near ground zero, images of former SJU middle linebacker and current Johnnie coach Brandon Novak flashed like a Manchurian Candidate red dogging his way to another quarterback sack. Wimmer, like his two-time “All-America” coach, has the instinct, athleticism and ability to penetrate offenses and either destroy ball carriers or ankle tackle unsuspecting quarterbacks.

It’s also no surprise that Ryan Wimmer eyes opposing ball carriers with better than 20/20 vision as father Joel Wimmer knows a thing or two about visual acuity. The optician working Wimmer Family can be seen regularly at all Johnnie games feeding football players as part of their own pregame party.

St. John’s most ardent fan, Mom Annette Wimmer, can also be seen, if not heard, chanting her familiar “dee-fense” from the south end bleachers and pumping her picket fence in support of the St. John’s defense and next generation superstar.

Novak, a 2000 graduate of St. John’s was a two time all-American middle linebacker with the skill to single handedly control offenses using instinct and ball stripping ability. Wimmer in his third year as a starter has all the ability Novak displayed with a bit more bulk. At one point late in his college career Novak was reported to have dipped to nearly 170 lbs while suffering from an intestinal illness. Wimmer, muscularly listed at 215 pounds, is positioned to continue the tradition of outstanding Johnnie middle defenders leading their teams deep into the NCAA DIII playoffs.

As the slumbering Johnnie offense was re-born in classic Gagliardi style during their 31–17 victory Saturday, Ryan Wimmer wrestled his way to 14 tackles repeatedly turning the ball back to the SJU offense for reloading.

The perfectly timed Tom Linneman like bombs bellowing down field from newly ordained starter Jordan Hansel created the kind of exciting football that entertains fans and energizes Johnnie defenders.

With an early season conference loss, a strong armed quarterback and a daring middle linebacker, this team is looking much like the center piece of Austin Murphy’s “The Sweet Season”.

Check out Murphy’s book for the ending to this story.

The first four weeks of the 2008 season reminded me of a real life scenario in which an employer has three very qualified candidates for a position, yet can hire only one. All the candidates know there is fierce competition for the position and they are very tight and tentative during the first interview. As we fast forward to yesterday’s game Joe Boyle received the start and was on the receiving end of some bad bounces. The Johnnies failed to score in the 1st Qtr. so the second candidate was called back in for what turned out to be his third interview in four weeks. It appeared to me that Hansel took the attitude that he would “be himself” and that includes throwing a wide variety of passes and stretching the field. Hansel appeared relaxed and genuinely having fun airing it out to the Johnnie receivers.

I have to applaud the Johnnie offensive coaches for not showing complacency. The coaching staff acknowledged that there are many talented players on this squad and sometimes players can fall through the cracks with a roster as large as the one compiled at SJU. What I am referring to is that the coaching staff used six different RBs. Jakob Reding tweaked his left ankle early in the game and did not return to action; so five RBs had rushing attempts. Kellen Blaser and Billy Ryan led the Johnnies ground attack. The ground game will need to produce more yardage in the weeks ahead, but the fact the coaching staff is willing to look at other players in game conditions is encouraging.

Hansel aired it out early and often finding Bryan Busack five times for 98 yards and 2 TDs. Ben Vanderheyden caught four passes for 49 yards and a TD. From his RB position, Jeff Schnobrich was Hansel’s favorite target catching six passes for 111 receiving yards. Schnobrich lead all receivers on the day, including Gustie All-American WR Chad Arlt.

The Johnnie defense played well which has been the case all season. The defense was led by Ryan Wimmer’s 14 tackles and Nick Kotsmith’s 10 tackles. Once again the Johnnie defense had a total team effort by getting many players, especially linemen into the game with 17 defensive players recording tackles. Also, Nate Anderson recorded an interception for the Johnnies.

The 31-17 victory over the Gusties may have been just what the doctor ordered for the Homecoming crowd of 11,907 Johnnie fans who packed into Clemens stadium on Saturday. For many of these fans, Homecoming is the only game they get to attend during the year or maybe the only game they attend once every five years. As these fans shuffled out of the stadium and who’s next stop on the weekend may have been to attend Mass and hear the angelic voices of the St. John’s Prep School Boy’s Choir or venture to the Party on the Tundra or just head on over to relive days gone by and performing a bar crawl at their favorite watering hole in St. Joe. This was a great way to celebrate what St. John’s means to everyone who has a connection with it. For a legendary coach named John Gagliardi the end of the game is just another thing to worry about. Things don’t get any easier next week as the Johnnies travel to Arden Hills to face the Bethel Royals. The Royals have had the Johnnies number in the past two seasons and the Johnnies can’t afford to fall behind Concordia in the race for the MIAC crown. The Johnnies will need some help from two teams in the MIAC to knock off the Cobbers but they also know they have to take care of the things they can control by winning their remaining games. Things don’t get any easier but by comparing the looks on the player’s faces this week compared to last week things are more enjoyable. It’s funny how winning has a way of doing that.

DuffMan: After a lackluster game last week, I am banking on the Johnnies turning things around this weekend. I see the offense coming out to prove themselves. Gustavus looked weak last year, and they lost a veteran QB. Their running game looks non-existent, and beating the Johnnies with a one-dimensional attack is tough. Chad Arlt is their main weapon, but even he was relatively silent in last years slaughtering. I don’t see the defense giving up more than seven points. The offense will pull things together and get on the board early and often. St. John’s 35, Gustavus 7.

DustySJU: Anyone watching last week’s game knows the St. John’s defense played well enough to stop the very average Cobber offense. After an opening series drive for Concordia which lead to their only touchdown, the Johnnie defenders clamped down on multi-sport running back Cory Johnson. The three remaining quarters were a painful series of Johnnie quarterback substitutions and stalled out offensive drives. Indicators are we’re in for the same drama today. An undermanned and smallish Gustavus lineup will give Johnnie offenders plenty of chance to score. St. John’s 20, Gustavus 10.

finsleft: Yes, I did predict a Johnnie victory last week, but at least I had the sense to hedge my bet. I said SJU would win IF the defensive secondary and the offensive line performed as well as they did against UWRF, and IF SJU continued the trend of decent ground gains with some straight-ahead rushing. Silly me — the defense gave me only one leg for my three-legged stool, and I fell flat on my ass. I hope the coaching staff was at least as embarassed as I was, and we’ll see some improvments in play, players and play-calling against Gustavus. No worries about the defense, but IF the offense improves as aforementioned, SJU should pull out a much-needed homecoming victory. St. John’s 21, Gustavus 3.

Johnnie Tats: I see the 2008 Johnnie Homecoming game vs. the undefeated Gusties as (believe it or not) a MUST win for the Johnnies. We are pretty much up against the proverbial wall with one conference loss already. In addition, the Johnnies have given all of the other teams in the conference the idea that they can come to Collegeville and win on the turf of Clemens Stadium! This is simply appalling to all in the Johnnie Nation! Also appalling was the offensive “show” during last week’s tilt with the Cobbers. 6 points from a Johnnie Offense is inexcusable. The offense has got to stabilize and this can be done by picking a QB (hey, put the 4^th string kid in now!) and sticking with him. Stability at QB followed by some adequate line play will hopefully allow the Johnnies to get (close) to the 30 point mark while the Defense (which has become the saving grace unit of the 2008 season) shuts down the Gusties. St. John’s 28, Gustavus 12.

JohnnieEsq: Ordinarily I would be concerned when playing a team that is undefeated. However, given that it is Homecoming in Collegeville, the Jays are coming off a less-than-stellar offensive performance last week, the Gustavus defense is yielding a league high of 334 total yards per game (given up to not-traditionally-offensive-juggarnauts Coe and Hamline) means that I expect the Johnnies to blow right past the Golden Gusties. This is a game that we can lose but should win, and I think my score reflects that: St. John’s 42, Gustavus 7.

Mr.Shoes: Short and sweet: The Johnnies rebound from last week’s mess and put up an offensive show that’s worthy of the solid defense that hasn’t taken a game off. Yup, it’s that simple. St. John’s 41, Gustavus 13.

sjusection105: After their heartbreaking loss to the Cobbers I can see where the Johnnies could be down in the dumps and be susceptible to an upset by the Gusties this weekend. This scenario will not play out. Instead, I see the Johnnies coming out crisp and focused on offense and just plain dominate on the defensive side of the ball to the delight of the Homecoming crowd. The Johnnie QB situation should work itself out by the conclusion of the game. The offense will still have some fine tuning to work on, so don’t look for a point a minute from this squad. St. John’s 28, Gustavus 0.

Touchdown Tommy: The 2008 Johnnies have looked very ordinary. A month into the season and there are still way too many unknown quantities. The roller coaster continues (Down vs. ETBU, Up vs. UWRF, Down vs. Con) this week as the Gusties are just what the doctor ordered. They are the sacrificial lamb who get to face an angry SJU squad on their Homecoming. The snowball gets rolling downhill early and absolutely steamrolls Gustavus. St. John’s 67, Gustavus 7.