The following article and endorsements are those of “Johnnie Tats”…. and just “Johnnie Tats!”
Johnnie Nation, we’ve had two games (and both at our beloved Collegeville) to date in the 2008 season. And while the first game was indeed the first one of the season against a team from a far away land (Texas), last weeks tilt took place from nearby but in a steady rain. The argument could be made this was the reason for the less than “normal” Johnnie crowd at Clemens Stadium last Saturday. And by “normal” I am not only referring to the announced attendance, I’m referring to the always supportive and boisterous Johnnie Nation!
This week the MIAC schedule kicks into high gear with those very large young men from Concordia–Moorhead packing up to make the drive down 94 to Collegeville. While the Johnnies have beaten the Cobbers the last three years in a row (two of those victories taking “miracle” plays to do it) the Team needs its unrivaled Nation there to cheer them onto victory!
This is what the Johnnies play for each year, the MIAC crown and that oh-so-sought-after automatic bid to the DIII Playoffs! So as our Johnnies prepare for Saturday it’s time for this unrivaled Nation to prepare itself to support the Johnnies as they start their march to yet another MIAC Title!
To date I must say that the Student Section of Clemens Stadium has performed, chanted, cheered, yelled at, and mocked without comparison as the Johnnies have battled and beat our opponents from ETBU and UWRF. This is one of the million reasons why all other football programs dread coming to Collegeville to play. Why you ask? Because other teams do not only have to battle the Johnnies on the turf of Clemens Stadium but must also face a fervent student body and fan base that borders on rabid (well at least that’s how my wife describes me during the games!) in its support of its team. Therefore it’s time to put away the excuses, it’s time to grab that Johnnie garb from your closet, it’s time to take your kids to the tailgating event in the Science Center lot before the game so that they can meet some of the legendary Johnnie Nation (and of course enjoy Johnnie Red’s burgers and other offerings)! It’s time to wander over to the Bookstore and get yourself a 2008 Johnnie Pride T-shirt, it’s time to mingle with other Alum and the likes of Fr. Don, Fr. Durkin and others at the game, and it is time to be loud (in support of the Johnnies) and proud (to be a Johnnie yourself) as we kick-off the 2008 MIAC schedule!
To a Nation that is unrivaled, I challenge all to make the pleasant drive to Collegeville. Enjoy the colors of the leaves as late summer turns to fall in Central Minnesota. Stop by the LA, Sal’s and of course Bo Dids (hey, they are used to Alumni like me asking for a combo or two heated up but with all of the toppings and fixings on the side because we want to take them back to the Cities!) BUT…do all of these priceless activities after you have supported our Johnnies while they earn another victory for John, SJU and of course for all of us that are just so damn proud to be JOHNNIES!
TO A NATION UNRIVALED……..IT’S TIME TO JOHNNIE UP!
