Thumbs Up Johnnie Fans!
The border battle, the civil war, the war between the hedges, the biggest cocktail party in the world, these are some of the phrases the sports fan hangs on it’s annual College Football rivalry tilts. For all in the Nation that is unrivaled we prefer to embrace a more simplistic and pure (similar to our Johnnie Football Uniforms) description of what has become the most famous and at times fierce MIAC Rivalry game. Because it is simply…. the Tommie/Johnnie game!
And for a Nation that is unrivaled it simply does not get any better this. Why you ask?
Because unlike 2008 that saw the Nation roll into the lot at the corner of Cretin and Summit Avenues there will NOT be any purple signs screaming “No tailgating”!
Because all are welcome in Collegeville friend and foe alike! It is how the Johnnie Nation rolls!
Because there is not a venue that is more beautiful, understated and classic as the Natural Bowl (as long as we do not add any more advertisements or extra bleachers please)
Because where else can you get Johnnie Red’s burgers, Veek’s brats and the delectable offerings of the Wingman?
Because the tailgate is NOT solely about drinking out of Red Cups, rather it is about connecting with of Johnnie legends, parents, players and faculty from all eras.
Because where else is the time of the post game Mass after the game announced during the game?
Because where else can you meet the Priest (Fr. Don Talafous) who gave God a “B” in Theology! Come on now, we all know God is a Johnnie!
Because where else can you be secure in your knowledge that Rich Hall( SJU ’63) is watching from his lofty perch in Heaven and bending God’s ear so that his beloved Johnnies come out victorious
Because if you want to meet one of the Johnnie Legends who is credited with driving my loyalty( or fanaticism as my wife says) to a level that required getting Johnnie tattoos you can come to the tailgate and meet Mr. Denny Weimerskirch( SJU ’62). A damn fine Johnnie without a doubt.
Because this year it REALLY matters!
Because it is Tommie/Johnnie 2009 and it is time to mightily JOHNNIE UP so that we can, for the 12th year in a row proudly state that the TOMMIES SUCK!
Matt Schnobrich squeaking by former U of MN linebacker Tommy Becker