As I sit to write, after a long day of righting wrongs, Hamm’s at my side, I ponder the question: Why, indeed, do we gather? The knee-jerk response, of course, is the renowned St. John’s University football program. But as great as the program is, to many it is much more than that. We gather now in some numbers before the games, at the now famous Stiftungsfestivities, where we continue in the Benedictine tradition and break bread in our own fashion, enjoying the fellowship and camaraderie of friends, old and new, talking of families and football. But for some of us it is much deeper. It’s a sense of community and of belonging. Bob Wicker, everybody’s friend, has been writing of all things St. John’s in his email known as the SJU Unofficial Underground News. Allow me to pass on to you a bit from his missive from last week that spells it out quite eloquently…
There’s no such beauty as where you belong.
— Michael Dennis BrowneDear Patient Readers (and you’ll have to be to slog through this large issue), I heard the above line on Minnesota Public Radio early on Labor Day (about 3 am) when I awoke and sought additional slumber by passively listening to the radio. Since Michael Browne is a friend from St. Cecilia’s, I called him after I awoke to get the quote correctly and to put it in context. He said it’s from the last line of a tone poem he wrote in collaboration with composer Steven Paulus, called “The Road Home.” The reason it struck in my semi-consciousness and stayed with me until I could call Michael is that it conjured up the feelings I had from attending the St. John’s-Marietta game two days previous. And that is, I was home…where I belong. Sure, it’s great fun to see the team and all the rah-rah stuff, but in contemplating the all-day trip, it was just being on campus amid all that natural beauty, Benedictine hospitality, and splendid architecture, and celebrating/remembering my personal history in Collegeville. It was reconnecting with friends and acquaintances I hadn’t seen in months. It was — like the theme song of “Cheers” — being where “everybody knows your name.” In short, I was home. And the day back to SJU certainly had a unique beauty, in both form and spirit, for which I continue to be grateful.
I still remember so vividly the moment I decided St. John’s was home. It was the Fall of 1958 and I had just transferred into St. John’s Prep School from Edina, MN. I was pretty much lost at Edina and when my parents suggested that I try SJP, I — under direction of the Holy Spirit, I presume — agreed. They dropped me off one afternoon, kissed me goodbye and there I was…alone in this place with 250 other Preps, most of whom seemed to know each other and where to go, etc. That first night I found a bed in the cavernous dorm in the attic of the Quadrangle and nestled down amongst the rest of the St. Gregory’s Hall (college-bound) students, about 140 of us; the St. Bede’s Hall (pre-sem track) students had their own garret elsewhere nearby where they wouldn’t be contaminated by us. Early the next morning I awoke, I’m sure the only one amid that sea of heavily-breathing fellows. It was, thanks to the clanging of the bells that helped me determine, about 4:45. And so I laid there contemplating my new path in life, listening to the bells ring the time every fifteen minutes, watching it get lighter in the dorm, and then smelling the most delicious odor — which I later found to be from loaves of Johnnie Bread that the Mexican Franciscan nuns baked two or three times a week — wafting through the open windows facing the inside of the Quad. And I felt such peace and somehow I just knew right then, at the break of the first full day of being a Johnnie, that I was home, this was a special place, these were special guys I was to live with, that already I had a sense that I belonged…and that it was, indeed, quite beautiful.
Best regards,
Bob Wicker SJP ‘60/SJU ‘64,
St. Paul
theowick@aol.com; 651-699-4697
Well put, Bob. Looking forward to seeing you again on Saturday, as usual.
A great time was had by all last Saturday near the shores of the Kinnikinnic River in River Falls, WI as we emptied our wallets but filled our bellies before watching SJU come back like Lazarus to post their second victory of this season. Before arriving at the stadium, Johnnie Red and I had the privilege of being guests on Western Wisconsin Sports Saturday on WMEQ, 880 AM. We were met with a warm Wisconsin welcome by BlueDevil Bob, Stoutguy and Janesvilleflash, our posting friends from d3football.com. They joined us at the first 2007 Stiftungsfestivities-to-go got underway. Our cheesehead hosts attempt to charge us $3 to park a picnic table notwithstanding, a good time was had by all. Not to be outdone by their Wisconsin rivals, the voices of the Johnnies from The Bear, WBHR 660 AM made a grand entrance in their glam Escalade. The team of Mark Lewandowski, Brian Backes and Mike Carr stopped to greet the Johnnie faithful on their way to the booth. Never one to miss a scoop, or a burger, sideline reporter Mike Carr found his way back to the campus tailgate festivities for a pre-game interview with yours truly. When you are unable to attend a game, tune in, and this broadcasting team will paint you a picture. They are truly some of the finest I have heard at any level. Much has been said of last week’s game already, but I still can’t get over the 2nd half performance of SJU running back Aaron Blackmore, whose 146 second half yards earned him Co-MIAC Offensive Player of the Week honors. The River Falls defense watched them run that play over and over, but couldn’t stop it. It reminded me of the old Henny Youngman joke:
Patient: Doc, it hurts when I go like this.
Doctor: Well don’t go like this.
Should be a nice crowd for the game against Augsburg on Saturday. In addition to the usual assortment of ne’er-do-wells, look for a horde of black shirts led by Troy Fritz after the SJU Alumni Association Board of Directors finishes its business. All in attendance are invited to sample the signature Stiftungsfest Burger, as well as other delectable goodies. Please feel free to bring something to share as the crowd seems to grow every week and we don’t want anyone going hungry. If any further encouragement is needed, I am announcing the Stiftungsfestivities New Item Contest. The winner will receive a mug of Famous Finsleft Koolaid served in a Bob & Steve’s mug, which will be yours to keep, and, of course a mention on these pages. Please join us for the finest in college football tailgating event in Minnesota.
The aforementioned Troy Fritz would like to remind you to stop by the Alumni Association and J Club tent at the north end of the field during the game. There you can register to win a 50” plasma TV to be given away at the Tommie game. The TV was graciously donated by Ryan Heining of m:space. Also, following the game SJU Alumni & Friends invite all to stop in at Br. Willie’s Pub after all home games (except homecoming) from 3:30-5:30 for a visit. At homecoming, the event will be held under the big-top tents on the tundra.
Rememer the name: Johnny Benson. Winning the starting quarterback job as a freshman(!!), Benson beat out 7 contenders at perennial football powerhouse Becker High School. Off to a 2-0 start, Johnny looks to have a bright future. With a name like “Johnny” he seems to be a natural recruiting candidate for SJU. Oh yeah, he also happens to be the grandson of college football’s winningest coach, John Gagliardi. Here’s a link to a nice story done on him by Channel 5’s Anne Hutchinson.
P.S.The kid’s starting to get some more attention as in today’s story in the St. Cloud Times. See ya in 2011, Johnny!
Can you believe that Gags is in 3rd place in the standings? He is in the current Liberty Mutual College Coach of the Year voting. Let’s set these people straight. Vote early and often.
Weather forecast for Saturday is sunny, with highs in the low 60’s. Bring your sunglasses and coat.
See y’all at St. John’s.
