Patrick Heisinger
It’s Friday morning and most of us are just beginning to think about the work day and what it will take to make it through to “game day” tomorrow in Collegeville. Out on the west coast the University of Redlands Football team is now boarding a plane east and also pondering their first round NCAA playoff game vs. The Johnnies. Heading east this morning too with memories still fresh in his mind is former Bulldog player/captain Patrick Heisinger. Patrick relives what it was like for his Redlands teammates in 2002 and his hopes for Bulldog redemption in 2007! Thanks for your contribution Patrick.
On November 23, 2002 The University of Redlands and St. Johns University faced off in one of the most intense games of the 2002 season. What was supposed to be a 4 to 5 touchdown rout with St. John’s on the top, turned out to be a game for the ages, filled with big plays, hard hits, and two teams who left marks of glory, pride, and passion on the field.
The week leading up to the game echoed with “experts” proclaiming that Redlands should just be happy to be in the playoffs. The buzz was brewing that the 7-2 record that the Dogs were bringing to Collegeville was barely justified. However, back in Southern California, the entire Bulldog Family stood confident in the belief that a victory was certainly within reach. It has always been Bulldog tradition that The University of Redlands athletes would never back down, and always embrace opportunities to line up against the best competitors. The upcoming game was no exception.
In the early morning hours of November 22, excitement and enthusiasm grew among the Bulldogs as they boarded their chartered jet. Once the team arrived in Minnesota after a focused and unified flight, they headed straight for Collegeville to complete their walkthrough. The men of Southern California, expecting a frozen tundra as they exited the bus, donned parkas, long johns, layers of shirts, sweat pants, and ski masks. It could not have been colder than 35 degrees, but the Bulldogs were ready for all conditions!
The morning of the 23rd began like every other game day for Redlands. The team woke up, fueled up, and boarded the bus. They headed down what seemed like a small highway, full of panoramic views. Teammates surveyed each other and realized the calm, cool, collected expressions on all faces. All week the team had been regaled with stories of St. John’s legendary coach John Gagliardi, Blake Elliot (St. John’s glory man), the potential of 12,000 fans, and the bitter cold. At some point each Bulldog must have thought about the struggles and challenges they were about to encounter. A small town group of boys were about to “dance” with the big boys. Intimidation was inevitable, or so one would think.
As the bus began its decent towards the campus of St. Johns University, visions of large numbers of tailgating fans came into view. At that moment, The Redlands Bulldogs realized the extent of the emotion and confidence they each exhumed as they nodded their heads to each other in rhythm to the music that blared from their individual head phones. They came to fight, and they were prepared.
The team exited the bus, and in a uniformed pack, headed for the locker room. When all team members reunited in the end zone one hour prior to kickoff, it was evident Redlands came to play. They gained inspiration from the large crowds that had gathered. They understood that the intense environment they were experiencing was how football was supposed to be played. They understood that St. Johns University attacks game day the true way. And, they understood that this was the biggest party they had ever been invited to, and they were prepared to prove they were the guest of honor.
The first drive was eye opening, not because St. Johns drove down 80 yards in 9 plays, but because the Johnnie players were actually quite level with the Bulldogs. The expectation was to find St. John’s dominating the field. However, after the next drive, it was evident that Redlands was a true contender. Although the Bulldog’s defense was giving up yards both on the ground and by the air, they had been resilient towards such setbacks all season, and were skilled at producing forced turnovers.
As the game wore on, Redlands and St. Johns mirrored each other in terms of scoring drives, big plays, and turnovers. Redlands held the lead for most of the second half until St. Johns fatefully took the lead with 40 seconds remaining. After the final gun, the Redland’s Seniors realized that their loss would sting worse than any loss they had previously experienced. To be so close to defeating a perennial power, and watch a victory fall out of sight tore at the hearts of the young men. Although it was a nice feeling for them to walk off the field and be commended on their prowess on the football field by the Johnnie fans, it did not mend their hurt souls.
As mentioned before, the game against St. Johns is a memory that will never be lost. The 2002 Bulldogs often think about that game and have always wondered when Redlands would be invited back to St John’s Backyard to avenge their loss. That day is Saturday, November, 17th. The 2007 University of Redlands Football Team will be back in Collegeville ready to show the nation the real meaning of Bulldog football.
