As all in the Nation that is truly unrivaled celebrate the perfect 2009 regular Season. I think we can all admit that this (to date) has been one heck of a perfect season! And this would include both on and off the Field events. So as we prepare for a deep run in the DIII Playoffs (with the first three games being scheduled at the Natural Bowl) let’s take a moment and fondly look back at the best of 2009. (Note: these are not in any specific ranking order…just like the NCAA Brackets!)
1. 10-0! The 31st MIAC title in School History. It just sounds right doesn’t it? ( Apparently Rich Hall SJU ’63 did get his point across to God)
2. 27-0, the all-time record against Carleton, which is more important to this Johnnie since Mr. Ramler has decided to turn against the family and coach there! You NEVER take sides against your Johnnie family, NEVER!
3. The 49 yard field goal by Russ for a then SJU record, victory, and the end of Bethel’s 3-game win streak gains the Johnnies in front of 10,568 fans at Homecoming!
4. Our own #4’s (he of the simple and classic tap job’s on Saturday’s) 128 yard rushing day against Carleton. Therefore becoming the first Freshman Johnnie to turn in such a productive day since 1992. Thank goodness we get him for 3 more years!
5. The weekly “hit parade” put on by our own lucky #13(John Stanton), if he is not knocking helmets off he is picking off passes and/or aptly handling pooch kicks!
6. The now known phrase of “Stantonizing” an opponent. Forever a tackle classification that future Johnnie Defenders will strive for as they follow in John’s shoes.
7. The multiple fumble recovery day of one Kyle Schroeder (#97) against the Cobbers up in Cobber land. Yet again proving that he is no hand me down!
8. Okay, I guess we will give Russ his “due” for kicking that 52 yarder against the Oles( you know it is a dry campus at Olaf….yea…and you went there why?).
9. The girt and dedication our own #9 gave the Nation all while keeping his bum thumb issue to himself, Joe you yet again proved that #9 is #1 at SJU!
10. The weekly practice at Collegeville of seeing guys like Ryan Wimmer, John Stanton, Kyle Schroeder, Steven Johnson, Sam Pederson, et al come by the tailgate to not only see their parent( and presumably ask their Dad’s for some extra beer $) but mingle and chat with all generations of the Johnnie Nation. I dare to say that nowhere else is this seen, and speaks volume for our Johnnie players.
11. The weekly feast put on by Johnnie Red, Wingman, the Arth’s and all of the Johnnie Nation. A Nation who loads up each week with goodies and fully expects to share with all( at no cost )who come to the Tailgate, friend or Foe!
12. Simply stated…the tailgate, the weather, the game, and outcome of Tommie/Johnnie 2009! Maybe next week or next year Coach Kiffin and your band of purple wearing followers!
13. The continued dedication of all in the Nation as we travel( from far and near) both to Collegeville and other destinations in the MIAC to support the BEST damn team, Student Athletes and Program on the face of the planet! What other school has parents like the Stanton’s who fly in on the Red-Eye each week? Or the Wimmer’s and Schroeder families who are always in the Science Center Lot bright and early each Saturday.
14. My ability to share the Tommie/Johnnie game day with one of the Johnnie Legends: Mr. Dennis Weimerskirsch, SJU ’62, he of the famed Johnnie Council who always gave Fr. Durkin reason to be Lurkin!
15. The pure and simple joy that Johnnie Football Saturday’s brings to all who support SJU (especially to my Dad; Col H.F. Hacker, SJU ’62 when I call him with game updates). Pops, it has been 25 years since I followed you to SJU, thanks for blazing our Family’s path to the 56321! You are a Johnnie legend, an unrivaled Dad, and a beyond compare grandfather (to Erin CSB 2020). You are perfect, just like our 2009 Johnnies!
It is the Playoffs! We expect to be here each and every year. I challenge all to get out to the best damn zip code in the world fill the Natural Bowl to its capacity! Let’s all cheer long, loud, and proud so our boys on the Field know that the Nation that is Unrivaled thanks them for a GREAT year( so far) and supports them in their playoff run. It is time to Johnnie up for the Kohawks of Coe. See ya Saturday!
