UHG analyst Nick Gunderson looking relaxed in St. Paul
Here it is Johnnie fans, the match-up we’ve all been waiting for has arrived and we’re mere hours away from kick-off. Whether you’ve been anticipating a conference showdown to determine the automatic qualifier for the DIII playoffs, or your blood boils just thinking about that other Catholic university in St. Paul traveling to Collegeville, the Johnnie vs. Tommie game on Saturday is sure to meet anyone’s expectations for pure fun.
If you happened to have been listening to 1500am radio this morning you heard the enthusiastic UST coach Glenn Caruso talking about how Saturday’s game is more about conference standings and not as much about the Johnnie/Tommie rivalry. For additional Tommie perspective, be sure to check out UST SID Gene McGivern’s blog entry for today.
For former QB Tom Linnemann, no relation to our own TDT, in an appearance on the same radio station mentioned his hatred is most intense for the Bethel Royals – “After all, if you haven’t won a game since ‘97(UST), it’s not much of a rivalry.”
As for the Johnnie Football Team they’ll need a clean game from QB Joe Boyle and some inspiration from the black hatted All-American nose tackle Nick Gunderson. Although the Johnnie defenders have played well during his recent absence, you know his play will help disrupt the well oiled Tommie offense.
Warming the parking lot before hand will be the traditional Johnnie Pregaming Activities featuring Vic Murphy’s slow cooked pork shoulder lathered in Carolina Sauce, Veek’s Wild Rice Sausage from Thielen’s Meats in Little Falls, Natural Aimee’s Deviled Eggs and of course various grilled meats from Johnnie Red. Rumor has it we’ll even have a venison meat and cheese tray compliments of a first time visitor!
Formation begins in the Science Center Parking lot above the south end zone ’round 9:00am with grills burning soon after. Bring a tasty morsel to share and make Saturday’s event another glorious football experience.
For our Tommie friends, you’ve been incredibly accommodating the past few seasons as we’ve seized the premier tailgating locations on your campus so please feel free to join in.
Put your cold consumables in non-descript cups (not red) in discreet fashion and all will be good.
And finally, during the game – please…
Get off your ass and cheer.
Johnnie Up Everybody!
You know it baby.... Johnnie Magic!
