When Brian Senske arrived at St. Olaf as a first-year quarterback in the fall of 2000, the Oles were coming off of another mediocre season, finishing 3-7. Three months later, St. Olaf had a successful 7-3 record under its belt, Senske has Freshman All-American honors to his credit, and–most importantly–the Oles’ football program had built the momentum it needed to begin contending for MIAC titles for the first time in decades. The Oles have finished .500 or better in 4 of the 5 seasons since and currently sit undefeated and #18 in the d3football.com Top 25 poll. Here’s Senske’s take on the Oles’ efforts to build a strong football tradition.
Brian Senske:
For all of us who have either played for these two teams or spent a considerable amount of time supporting them, we understand the meaning behind this game. However, both teams come from distinctively competing perspectives.
St. John’s Football has a storied and well published history of success. Whether it’s the 2003 National Championship or simply Gags’ journey to 409, anyone who knows a lick about D3 football in this country has heard of St. John’s. Further, knowledgeable MIAC fans can explain to you why the Johnnies’ program continues to succeed and how it’s continued success is certain. With an alumni base that loves football, a supportive administration, a football philosophy of “No’s,” exceptional coaching, and a game day atmosphere second to none in D3 football, its amazing the Johnnies even have to show up on Saturdays. Year after year the foundation that is Johnnie football produces national contenders and MIAC championships. It’s a wonder why any athlete with intentions of playing D3 football in the state of Minnesota or the Midwest would even look at other schools. For competing institutions, the goliath that is Johnnie football is a tough to compete against; however, that’s why they play the game.
St. Olaf College, on the other hand, is primarily known for the softer things in life; choir, orchestra, and art. On alumni day at St. Olaf football games, the celebrated teams of the past reside decades ago and are recognized for winning the Midwest Conference, not the MIAC. It’s not unacknowledged that the 1980’s and 1990’s were virtually forgettable for St. Olaf Football. However, change is inevitable and with the hiring of Paul Miller at St. Olaf the train began-a-rollin’ and has neither derailed nor arrived at its destination. Miller’s ability to bring in a single extraordinary recruiting class containing former MIAC MVP Steve Ryan, All-American Manuel Spreigl, and two dozen or so high caliber athletes resulted in a new face for St. Olaf Football. Highlighted with their victory at St. John’s in 2001, that group of Ole footballers created momentum resulting in alumni and college involvement in the program. When Miller resigned and drew much needed attention to the lack of resources available to the St. Olaf football program relative to other MIAC institutions, it opened the door for the hiring of Chris Meidt and jump-started the new age of St. Olaf Football. Over the past 6 seasons, Coach Meidt has a record of 37-18 (with 11 of those losses coming in the first 2 years). Also, Meidt’s aggressive and innovative offense has garnered national rankings in several categories. Although the Oles have had unparalleled success over the past 3 seasons, the pivotal games against St. John’s each season have not met expectations. To avid supporters, the history of St. Olaf Football can be summarized with two numbers that represent the all-time playoff record: 0-0.
The past is the past.
Each summer I would count down until the beginning of fall camp. I hated summer, but I loved the anticipation of a new season. Every hour I spent in the weight room or on the field, I anticipated the “big games.” It was never about how many touchdowns you could throw against Hamline or what records you could break from playing in meaningless games; it was always about arriving at a moment that meant something. Games like tomorrow, where the Oles go up to Collegeville have meaning. When those kids chose to go to St. Olaf four years ago, they went hoping to have these opportunities. The last 2 meetings for these teams had definite outcomes that were decided before half time. What will this group of seniors’ legacy be at St. Olaf? Will they win the MIAC? Will they win the first ever playoff game in St. Olaf history? It’s undeniable that this group of seniors has been one of the most successful classes in St. Olaf history. In St. Olaf terms, they have had one of, if not the best 4 year span ever. On a personal note, this group of guys is also the most together, dynamic, talented, and charismatic groups I have ever been around. For this St. John’s team and their seniors it’s a different story. Will they continue the tradition? How far will they get in the playoffs? At St. John’s you’re expected to win… always. It’s a special program that can continue to meet those expectations. What is great about tomorrow is that none of the aforementioned matters. Not at all. Once the whistle blows it’s about the two teams on the field. It has nothing to do with Blake Elliot, Steve Setzler, or Ole Gunderson. Further, it has nothing to do with the size of the crowd, the condition of the grass, whether there are hot dogs left at halftime, the outcomes of their last 2 meetings, or the number of career victories that the head coaches have. It has everything to do with the 55 guys on the East sideline and the couple hundred on the West. That’s why the play the game……
Enough with being cheesy. Here is what to expect:
Both teams MUST establish the ability to run the football. The Oles MUST run the football so the Johnnies can’t get into passing lanes and their D-line can’t tee off on quarterback Matt Penz. The Johnnies MUST run the football to keep the Ole offense off the field. If you want to narrow the game down to one match up it is this: The Ole O-Line vs. the Johnnie D-Line. It doesn’t matter how fast your DB’s are if Penz has enough time to throw and Meidt has enough opportunities to figure out what works, there are going to be big plays.
Also, one sleeper aspect of the game is half-time adjustments. In the past two years, SJU has won this battle, not so much because of the adjustments they made, but because of the lack of adjustments by the Oles. I’m hopeful this may change tomorrow.
I don’t make predictions, I’m not an analyst. I’m confident of one thing that is undeniable about this Ole team. They are the most talented group I’ve ever seen in an Ole uniform. Combined with that, I’m not sold on the Johnnies yet. That’s why they play the game and that’s why I go watch…..to see who shows up.
