Sept. 14 vs. Wartburg
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GAME PREVIEW
Today’s Matchup: Saint John’s scored six first-half touchdowns and piled up 548 yards of total offense en route to a 49-0 shutout of Carthage (Wis.) last Saturday (Sept. 7) in Collegeville. Senior quarterback Aaron Syverson ended the day 20 of 25 passing for 282 yards and four touchdowns, and also ran for a 28-yard score. He became the third quarterback in SJU and MIAC history to reach the milestone of 100 career passing touchdowns in the win, the 100th of head coach Gary Fasching’s career (100-19 record). Junior wide receiver Dylan Wheeler finished with nine catches for 139 yards and three touchdowns. SJU’s defense limited the Firebirds to 50 yards of offense and four first downs in the first half (182 for the game) and a 0-for-7 showing on third down.
Wartburg, meanwhile, rolled to 494 yards of offense (193 rushing, 301 passing) and allowed 353 yards, including 302 through the air, in a 38-24 win at Monmouth (Ill.). Senior quarterback Carter Markham completed 25 of 40 passes for 301 yards and three touchdowns, and also rushed for 59 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries. Senior wideout Carter Henry caught nine of
Markham’s passes for 143 yards and a touchdown for the Knights, who went 13-for-19 on third down and had the ball for 38:05 of the road victory.
Series History: Today’s game is the sixth meeting between Saint John’s and Wartburg on the football field and the third during the regularseason schedule. The Johnnies are 3-2 against the Knights, including a 2-1 record here in Collegeville. SJU is 19-6 all-time against current members of the American Rivers Conference (ARC), formerly the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (IIAC), with a 12-2 record on its home field.
100-Touchdown Club: The four touchdown passes enabled Syverson to become the third quarterback in MIAC history to reach 100 for a career (in all games). The conference’s top three also matches SJU’s record book: Jackson Erdmann ‘19 (139 from 2016-19), Alex Kofoed (100 from 2004-07) and Syverson (100 from 2021-current).
Big Game for Wheeler: The threetouchdown game was the second of Wheeler’s career – 14 catches for 205 yards and three scores in last fall’s (Oct. 14) 63-7 home win over
Carleton was the first – and the first for a Johnnie in a half since 2018. Will
Gillach ‘19 caught three touchdown passes in the first half of his eventual four-score game (nine catches for 167 yards total) in the 63-23 home win over Thomas More (Ky.) on Nov. 10 of that year. Wheeler has 63 receptions for 887 yards and 11 touchdowns over his last 10 games.
Ball-Hawking Defense: A trio of senior Johnnies intercepted a Carthage pass last Saturday, including two in the red zone: safety Cage Linton (second quarter on the SJU 13), cornerback Mateo Cisneros (third quarter at the SJU 1) and linebacker Jack Bjork (fourth quarter at the SJU 25). Bjork returned his 56 yards to the Firebirds’ 19-yard line to seal the shutout with 1:46 remaining. The three interceptions were the most for SJU since it recorded five in the 28-10 win over Bethel for the MIAC title on Nov. 12, 2022. Six of the last seven time the Johnnies intercepted three passes or more in a game occurred in Clemens Stadium.
AROUND THE
2024 MIAC Standings
Wartburg College
Knights
Head Coach: Chris Winter 2024 Record: 1-0 2024 ARC Record: 0-0
Sept. 7 at Monmouth (Ill.) W, 38-24
Sept. 14 at Saint John’s 1 p.m.
Sept. 21 at Central (Iowa) 1 p.m.
Sept. 28 Nebraska Wesleyan 1 p.m.
Oct. 12 at Buena Vista (Iowa) 1 p.m.
Oct. 19 Simpson (Iowa) 1:30 p.m.
Oct. 26 at Coe (Iowa) 1 p.m.
Nov. 2 Luther (Iowa) 1 p.m.
Nov. 9 at Dubuque (Iowa) 1 p.m.
Nov. 16 Loras (Iowa) 1 p.m.
Carleton College Knights
Head Coach: Tom Journell 2024 Record: 0-1 2024 MIAC Record: 0-0
Sept. 7 at Pomona-Pitzer (Calif.) L, 12-28
Sept. 21 Minnesota-Morris 2 p.m.
Sept. 28 at Hamline 1 p.m.
Oct. 5 Concordia 1 p.m.
Oct. 12 at St. Olaf 1 p.m.
Oct. 19 Saint John’s 1 p.m.
Oct. 26 at St. Scholastica 5 p.m.
Nov. 2 at Bethel 1 p.m.
Nov. 9 Gustavus Adolphus 1 p.m.
Nov. 16 MIAC Week 1 p.m.
Bethel University
Royals
Head Coach: Mike McElroy
2024 Record: 0-0
2024 MIAC Record: 0-0
Sept. 14 at Northwestern (Minn.) 6 p.m.
Sept. 21 UW-Eau Claire 1 p.m.
Sept. 28 Saint John’s 1 p.m.
Oct. 5 at Gustavus Adolphus 1 p.m.
Oct. 12 Macalester 1 p.m.
Oct. 26 at Hamline 1 p.m.
Nov. 2 Carleton 1 p.m.
Nov. 9 at Concordia 1 p.m.
Nov. 16 at MIAC Week 1 p.m.
Gustavus Adolphus College Gusties
Head Coach: Peter Haugen
2024 Record: 0-1
2024 MIAC Record: 0-0
Sept. 7 Whitworth (Wash.) L, 7-40
Sept. 21 at UW-Stevens Point 1 p.m.
Sept. 28 at Augsburg 1 p.m.
Oct. 5 Bethel 1 p.m. Oct. 12 St. Scholastica 1 p.m. Oct. 19 at Macalester 1 p.m. Oct. 26 at Saint John’s 1 p.m.
Nov. 2 St. Olaf 1 p.m.
Nov. 9 at Carleton 1 p.m. Nov. 16 MIAC Week 1 p.m.
Augsburg University
Auggies
Head Coach: Derrin Lamker
2024 Record: 0-1
2024 MIAC Record: 0-0
Sept. 6 Valley City State (N.D.) L, 14-24
Sept. 21 at Martin Luther 1 p.m.
Sept. 28 Gustavus Adolphus 1 p.m.
Oct. 5 at Saint John’s 1 p.m.
Oct. 12 Hamline 12 p.m.
Oct. 19 at Bethel 1 p.m.
Oct. 26 St. Olaf 12 p.m.
Nov. 2 at Concordia 1 p.m.
Nov. 9 Macalester 1 p.m.
Nov. 16 at MIAC Week 1 p.m.
College of St. Scholastica Saints
Head Coach: Mike Heffernan 2024 Record: 0-0
Sept. 14 Rockford (Ill.)
Sept. 21 at Crown
Sept. 28 at Concordia
Oct. 5 Macalester
Oct. 12 at Gustavus Adolphus
Oct. 19 at St. Olaf
Oct. 26 Carleton 1 p.m.
Nov. 2 Saint John’s 1 p.m.
Nov. 9 at Hamline 1 p.m.
Nov. 16 MIAC Week 1 p.m.
Sports coverage to yo u . J o h n n i e s
ANDY RENNECKE Sports Editor
SENIOR SPOTLIGHT
Matero Cisneros
5-11, 195, DB Mounds View H.S.
Who is someone you really admire and why?
I admire my Mom. A lot is going on in her life, but she keeps a level head and can provide for and love everyone in our family. She’s amazing, and I appreciate everything she does for me.
What is your major and why did you choose it?
I chose biology because I’ve always loved science. It was a subject that came easily to me. I also want to pursue a career in the medical field after SJU, so it seemed like a good choice.
What is your favorite spot on campus and why?
I like walking down by the boardwalks right outside of campus. I also like the chapel walk. Walking in the arboretum is so peaceful and can be a break from the stress of life for a short while. So, I like to do that when I can.
Jordan Borgeson
6-3, 245, DL Rochester
Lourdes H.S.
What is your major and why did you choose it?
Biochemistry. I’ve always had a love and passion for science and biochemistry encapsulates multiple fields. I’m also hoping to go to medical school and biochemistry provides a great foundation for the skills and concepts needed.
What is your favorite song/singer? Mr. Brightside by The Killers.
What made you decide to come to Saint John’s?
I immediately connected with the beautiful campus. I especially loved the lakes. The community at Saint John’s stood out to me as well. And the opportunity to play for a winning football program also enticed me.
Charlie Folkens
6-3, 290, OL Rogers H.S.
What is your favorite food?
Turkey sandwiches. I’ve probably eaten one every day of my life since I started to chew.
What made you decide to come to Saint John’s?
I knew SJU was a great school, and after meeting with Coach Fasching, I knew immediately that I wanted to play football for him.
What are some of your hobbies? Farming, hunting, jet skiing, downhill skiing.
Isaac Hetland
6-1, 253, DL Osakis H.S.
What is your favorite spot on campus and why?
The football field because of all the memories of training together with my team and playing on Saturdays, as well as the cool look it has.
What is something most people wouldn’t know about you?
I have six older brothers and three older sisters.
Who is someone you really admire and why?
All my siblings. They have set great examples for me.
Spencer Ell
5-11, 185, P Bethlehem Academy H.S.
What is your major and why did you choose it? Global Business
Leadership because I want to run a business one day.
By Frank Rajkowski
Erdmann, Kofoed welcome Syverson atop SJU’s career passing lists
Alex Kofoed had nine years as Saint John’s University’s all-time leader in career touchdown passes and passing yardage.
Jackson Erdmann has held those records the past five.
But now another Johnnie quarterback is in striking distance of both marks.
Aaron Syverson entered his fourth season as SJU’s starter this fall with 96 touchdown passes – four back of Kofoed’s 100 and 43 behind Erdmann’s 139. After his performance in last week’s win over Carthage, Syverson now has 100 career touchdown passes, tying him with Kofoed at 100 and putting him 39 behind Erdmann. He also now has 8,788 career passing yards –trailing only Kofoed (10,737) and Erdmann (11,639) on the program’s career list in that category as well.
“Records only stand so long,” said Erdmann, a four-year starter from 2016-19 who led SJU
to a berth in the NCAA Division III semifinals his final season. “The game evolves and changes. Great new players keep coming along.
“The important thing is that the Johnnies keep winning games, and Aaron has done a great job of making that happen.”
Erdmann and Kofoed, a four-year starter from 2004-07, also entered this season first and second in MIAC history in career touchdown passes and passing yardage. Syverson came into this season eighth all-time in the conference in passing yards and fourth in touchdown passes.
“Aaron’s great,” Kofoed said. “He’s so fun to watch. They have an awesome offense now and he’s throwing the ball up and down the field.
“You can tell by looking that he’s in complete control of that huddle. He’s a smart decision maker and a really accurate passer.”
Those are traits that only come with experience, as both Kofoed and Erdmann know well.
“The biggest thing that comes with starting for as long as he has is confidence,” Erdmann said. “There’s a poise and swagger there. All his teammates know he’s the guy because he’s been doing it for so long.
AARON SYVERSON
Quarterback
SYVERSON AND MENDEZ HAVE ESTABLISHED A POTENT PASSING CONNECTION
It didn’t take Aaron Syverson long into preseason practice a year ago to notice Marselio Mendez.
The 5-foot-9, 165-pound wide receiver –a graduate of Cretin-Derham Hall High School who transferred to Saint John’s after two seasons at North Dakota State College of Science – stood out right away.
“You could see immediately he brought something different, something we didn’t have on the team until that point,” said the 6-foot, 195-pound Syverson, who is in his fourth season as the Johnnies’ starting quarterback this fall.
“He’s got a knack for filling space. He runs great routes and he has great feet. His timing is really good and he knows how to find openings.”
Mendez looked at SJU coming out of high school, and again after his first season at NDSCS (a two-year school located in Wahpeton). But he elected to stay and helped lead the Wildcats to a berth in the National Junior College Athletic Association Division III national championship game in 2022.
After that, though, the time finally came to transfer.
“It’s funny how that works out,” Mendez said after arriving in Collegeville last season. “It took me awhile to decide this was the place for me. But now that I’ve been here, I feel like maybe I should have come here the first time around.
“I’ve definitely decided being a Johnnie is right for me.”
guy, but he’s quick and he doesn’t get jammed up. He’s able to get in and out of releases and find the open space. He can do a little bit of everything.”
And his role is only likely to grow this fall, especially without VanErp, Buck and three-time All-American tight end Alex Larson in the huddle.
Their departures mean Mendez and 6-foot-2, 190-pound junior Dylan Wheeler are the Johnnies’ top two returning receivers, though Mendez said there is a talented cast of others also ready to take advantage of their opportunities.
“We still have a lot of depth,” Mendez said. “Guys maybe people don’t know about yet, but who can be big players for us.
He certainly turned out to be the right fit in the SJU offense, forming an immediate connection with Syverson – especially after veteran receivers Nick VanErp and Jimmy Buck suffered injuries in a season-opening victory
“I just want to be a leader,” he continued. “I’m a senior now and this is a big year for me. I know I have to step up. I don’t want to leave anything on the field.”
Having Syverson back will be a big help. The Minnetonka High School
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graduate spent two seasons Division I Colorado State (one as a redshirt) before transferring to SJU at the
and my own family. I wanted to hear input from people who didn’t have a bias either way. And everyone I spoke with thought it was something I should do.”
“Missing the (NCAA Division III) playoffs last year made me decide quicker, but I think I would have reached the same conclusion anyway,” he continued. “Once football is over, it’s done. It’s not like basketball or golf where you can keep playing in leagues or on your own. I didn’t want to look back and regret not taking advantage of the chance to play another season when I had it. There are things I still
At the top of that list is getting SJU back to the postseason,
“It’s the one thing we haven’t
Syverson said. “We got to the second round (in 2021 when Syverson was injured and again in 2022). But we know we’re capable of going further than that. I think that’s something that’s important to
MARSELIO MENDEZ
Wide Receiver
can’t have that mentality. Every team we face is going to be trying to beat us and we have to be ready.”
Mendez agrees with that assessment.
“We know we have to be prepared,” he said. “Nothing is going to be handed to us. But this is my senior year, and for it to be successful, I want to see us get as far as we possibly can.”
But he knows accomplishing that task requires focus on the task at hand each week.
“Losing to Gustavus last year was tough,” he said of a 38-35 lateseason road setback that cost SJU a chance at the MIAC title and the automatic postseason bid that comes with it.
“This program has been successful for a long time, and sometimes it’s easy to think wins are going to come no matter what. Last year showed we
COACHING STAFF
GARY FASCHING
It’s never easy to replace a legend, but Gary Fasching has proven himself up to the task. The 1981 SJU graduate took over for John Gagliardi when the winningest coach in college football history retired following the 2012 season. Since that time, Fasching has guided the Johnnies to five MIAC titles and led his team to eight-straight NCAA Division III playoff berths from 201422 (no season in 2020) - a program
KOLE HECKENDORF
Kole Heckendorf is in his seventh season as SJU’s offensive coordinator and his 12th as a member of the team’s coaching staff. In 2019, his offense set program records by averaging 371.4 passing yards and 512.9 total yards per game. Heckendorf was a standout wide receiver at North Dakota State, who ended his career (2005-08) with the Bison as the program’s career leader in catches (178) and receiving yards (2,732). He then spent time with the NFL’s Green Bay Packers, Detroit Lions, Seattle Seahawks, San Diego (now Los Angeles) Chargers and Indianapolis Colts.
Josh Bungum (running backs) - A 2016 SJU graduate, Josh Bungum is in his ninth season on the coaching staff. He was an All-American pick as a player in 2015 and finished his career second in program history in receptions.
Mike Magnuson (offensive line) - A 1990 SJU graduate, Mike Magnuson is in his 10th season on the coaching staff and his seventh coaching the team’s offensive lineman. He was a three-year starter for the Johnnies at offensive tackle himself, helping lead the team to two NCAA Division III playoff appearances.
Ben Eli (offensive line) - A 2016 SJU graduate, Ben Eli is in his eighth season on the coaching staff. As a player, he was an All-American selection at center.
and MIAC record streak. A three-year starter for the Johnnies at linebacker (1977-78, 1980-81), Fasching served 17 years as an assistant football coach and recruiting coordinator on Gagliardi’s staff before taking over as head coach. He has since been named MIAC coach of the year six times (2014, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021 and 2022). Prior to coming to SJU, Fasching was the head coach at St. Cloud Cathedral High School from 1986-95, leading the Crusaders to back-to-back state titles in 1992
BRANDON NOVAK
Brandon Novak is in his 25th season as an assistant coach for the Johnnies and currently serves as defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach. The 2001 SJU graduate was a two-time All-American selection at linebacker who earned MIAC MVP honors in 1999. He was a three-time All-American wrestler and won the NCAA Division III national champion at 197 pounds in 2001. He went on to coach the Johnnie wrestling team for 10 years before stepping down following the 2013-14 season.
Graydon Kulick (quarterbacks) - A 2021 graduate of SJU, Graydon Kulick is in his second season on the coaching staff. He played at Davidson and Western Kentucky before transferring to play for the Johnnies.
Max Jackson (defensive assistant/ diversity and student success) - A 2019 SJU graduate, Max Jackson is in his fourth season on the coaching staff. He was a two-time All-American safety and a twotime All-MIAC pick in baseball.
Collin Franz (defensive line) - A 2021 SJU graduate, Collin Franz is in his third season on the coaching staff. He started all 12 games for the Johnnies as player in 2021 (utilizing his extra year of eligibility).
Andy Auger (defense) - A 1995 SJU graduate, Andy Auger is in his sixth season
and ’93. In 2022, he was inducted into both the Minnesota Football Coaches Association (MFCA) Hall of Fame and the St. Cloud Cathedral Athletic Hall of Fame. He and his wife Cindy reside in St. Joseph.
DAMIEN DUMONCEAUX
Damien Dumonceaux is in his 19th season on the SJU coaching staff and currently serves as the program’s recruiting coordinator and defensive line coach. He was a three-year starter at nose tackle for the Johnnies from 200305, earning All-American honors as a senior. That season, he was also named Football Gazette’s Defensive Lineman of the Year and D3football.com’s Defensive Player of the Year, while receiving the MIAC Mike Stam Award as the conference’s top lineman.
as a volunteer assistant. Prior to that, the former football and baseball standout for the Johnnies was head football coach at St. Cloud Cathedral from 2013-15.
Tom Wicka (linebackers) - A 1990 SJU graduate, Tom Wicka is in his third season as a volunteer assistant. He was a two-time All-MIAC pick at linebacker at SJU.
Alexi Johnson (kickers) - A 2017 SJU graduate, Alexi Johnson is in his seventh season as a volunteer assistant. He was the Johnnies’ kicker from 2013-16, ending his career second in school history in career field goals (27) and career PAT’s (190).
Alex Larson (tight ends) - A 2024 graduate of SJU, Larson was a three-time All-American at tight end as a player. He is in his first season on the coaching staff.
1 Joe Akoh Sr. DL 6-4 240 Hugo, Minn./Cretin-Derham Hall
1 Alex Hart Fr. DB 5-10 165 Minneapolis, Minn./Wayzata
2 Nolan Dumonceaux Fr. DB 6-0 180 Forest Lake, Minn./Forest Lake
3 Cooper Yaggie Sr. LB 6-0 210 Breckenridge, Minn./Breckenridge
4 Will Peroutka Fr. DB 5-11 175 Rosemount, Minn./Rosemount
5 Landon Danner Fr. LB 6-2 220 Rosemount, Minn./Rosemount
5 Graham Gerlach Sr. DB 5-11 190 St. Paul, Minn./Roseville Area
6 Isaac Potter Jr. LB 6-0 210 Waseca, Minn./Waseca
7 Evan Wahlin Jr. DB 5-11 185 Sartell, Minn./St. Cloud Cathedral
8 Peyton Goettlicher So. DB 5-11 190 Mankato, Minn./West
9 Westin Hoyt Fr. DB 6-1 190 Forest Lake, Minn./Forest Lake
10 Mateo Cisneros Sr. DB 5-11 195 Shoreview, Minn./Mounds View
11 Noah Arneson Jr. DB 6-0 195 Independence, Minn./Orono
11 Carson Ray Fr. DL 6-1 210 Minneapolis, Minn./Benilde-St. Margaret’s
12 Logan Jans So. DB 6-4 185 St. Michael, Minn./St. Michael-Albertville
13 Landon Weyer Fr. DB 5-11 185 Stillwater, Minn./Stillwater Area
14 Alex Harren Jr. LB 6-2 210 Rice, Minn./Sauk Rapids-Rice
15 Charlie King Fr. DL 6-6 260 Faribault, Minn./Bethlehem Academy
15 Caden Renslow So. DB 6-1 195 Inver Grove Heights, Minn./Simley
16 Blake Simonson Jr. DB 5-11 175 Waconia, Minn./Waconia
17 Vincent Pyne So. DB 6-0 185 Rosemount, Minn./Rosemount
18 Will Seymour Fr. DB 6-1 170 New Prague, Minn./New Prague
19 Daylen Cummings Fr. DB 6-0 190 Lino Lakes, Minn./Centennial
19 Adam Schavey So. LB 5-11 200 Winnebago, Minn./Blue Earth Area
20 Hudson Poole Fr. DB 5-10 165 Excelsior, Minn./Minnetonka
21 Jalen Crowley Fr. DB 6-2 190 St. Paul, Minn./East Ridge
21 Nolan Rueter Sr. LB 6-2 205 Avon, Minn./Albany
22 Andrew Lipke Fr. LB 6-3 210 Stewart, Minn./Hutchinson
22 Charlie Ryks Jr. DB 6-0 195 Maple Grove, Minn./Breck
23 Aiden McMahon So. LB 6-1 220 Maple Grove, Minn./Maple Grove
24 John Hawkins Jr. DB 6-0 180 St. Cloud, Minn./Cathedral
24 Mitch Vener Jr. DL 6-2 230 South St. Paul, Minn./South St. Paul
25 Zachariah Hunter Jr. LB 5-11 215 Stillwater, Minn./Stillwater Area
26 Jack Savasten Sr. DB 6-2 205 Farmington, Minn./Farmington
28 Ryan Sanvik Sr. DB 5-11 175 North Branch, Minn./Chisago Lakes
29 Cage Linton Sr. DB 5-11 200 St. Paul, Minn./Cretin-Derham Hall
30 Darby Boelter Fr. DB 5-10 180 Crosslake, Minn./Pequot Lakes
30 Will Diana Fr. LB 6-1 220 Eden Prairie, Minn./Eden Prairie
31 Dylan Hanson So. DB 6-1 180 Savage, Minn./Prior Lake
31 Mason McKelvy Fr. LB 6-1 190 Austin, Texas/Westlake
32 Bailey Evans Fr. DB 5-11 190 Breckenridge, Minn./Breckenridge
32 Jake Schwinghammer Sr. LB 6-0 215 Woodbury, Minn./Tartan
33 Jack St. Fleur Jr. DB 6-0 210 San Diego, Calif./Christian Unified
34 Drew Bramlett Sr. DB 6-1 190 Woodbury, Minn./Woodbury
35 Josh Muehlbauer So. DL 6-1 230 Hermantown, Minn./Hermantown
36 Clay Wolf Fr. DB 6-2 200 Breezy Point, Minn./Pequot Lakes
37 Kaeden Carter Fr. DB 6-1 165 Lakeville, Minn./ North
37 Zach Helfmann So. LB 6-2 240 St. Louis Park, Minn./St. Louis Park
38 Mason Hughes Fr. DB 5-9 160 Mahtomedi, Minn./Mahtomedi
39 D.J. Myles Sr. LB 5-11 205 Dayton, Minn./Champlin Park
40 Isaac Hetland Sr. DL 6-1 235 Osakis, Minn./Osakis
41 Beau Boudreaux So. LB 6-0 205 Huson, Mont./Frenchtown
42 Robbie Burslem Fr. DL 6-5 215 Austin, Texas/St. Dominic Savio Catholic
43 Hayden Sanders Sr. LB 6-0 220 Brooklyn Park, Minn./Champlin Park
44 Andrew Molenaar Jr. DL 6-0 230 Shoreview, Minn./Mounds View
45 Joey Greenagel Fr. DB 6-0 180 Maple Plain, Minn./Orono
45 Vinny Wanda Jr. DL 6-3 235 Lakeville, Minn./North
46 Ben Dahl Sr. LB 5-9 200 Otsego, Minn./Rogers
47 Jalen Graham Fr. LB 5-10 200 Champlin, Minn./Champlin Park
47 Liam O’Malley Sr. DB 6-0 175 Sarasota, Fla./Booker
48 Jack Bjork Sr. LB 6-0 220 Mahtomedi, Minn./Mahtomedi
49 Cooper Nelson Fr. LB 6-0 225 Sherman Oaks, Calif./Crespi Carmelite
50 J.P. Weber So. LB 6-0 210 Dubuque, Iowa/Wahlert
51 Henry Bendickson So. LB 6-1 190 St. Louis Park, Minn./St. Louis Park
52 Tanner Gelinas Fr. LB 6-1 180 Canyon Lake, Calif./Vista Murrieta
53 Kaden Lukkes Jr. LB 5-10 180 New Prague, Minn./New Prague
53 Dawson Van Meter Sr. DL 6-0 230 Luck, Wis./Luck
54 Eric Jurek So. LB 5-11 200 Stillwater, Minn./Stillwater Area
55 Alex Larson Fr. DL 6-2 250 St. Louis Park, Minn./St. Louis Park
56 Kellen O’Keefe Fr. LB 6-2 205 Le Center, Minn./Tri-City United
57 Austin Wisdom Fr. LB 5-11 220 Simi Valley, Calif./Crespi Carmelite
59 Jayden Leach Jr. LB 6-1 215 Bayport, Minn./Stillwater Area
60 Jackson Carlson So. LB 6-3 210 Duluth, Minn./East
61 Emilio Velishek Fr. LB 6-0 215 Jordan, Minn./Jordan
66 Will Mahowald So. DL 6-1 240 Sartell, Minn./Sartell-St. Stephen
67 Grady Minnerath Fr. DL 6-0 245 Paynesville, Minn./Rocori
70 Caleb Thom Jr. DL 6-2 230 Minneapolis, Minn./Totino-Grace
71 Cam Cortright Fr. DL 6-2 240 Plymouth, Minn./Wayzata
73 Jack Krza Jr. DL 6-4 245 Littleton, Colo./Mullen
74 Jawahn Cockfield Fr. DL 6-0 240 St. Paul, Minn./Stillwater Area
81 Logan Gass Fr. DL 6-7 205 Fulda, Minn./Heron Lake-Okabena-Fulda
82 Etah Akoh Sr. DL 6-4 240 Hugo, Minn./Cretin-Derham Hall
83 Alex Lundebrek Sr. DL 6-4 250 Otsego, Minn./Rogers
85 Braden Sotis Fr. DL 6-1 220 Temecula, Calif./Linfield Christian
86 Tim Johnson Fr. DL 6-2 250 Elk River, Minn./Elk River
87 Jordan Borgeson Sr. DL 6-3 245 Rochester, Minn./Lourdes
88 Alex Wimmer Fr. DL 6-0 215 Anoka, Minn./Anoka
89 Michael Kasel Fr. DL 6-2 210 Mahtomedi, Minn./Mahtomedi
90 Landon Gallagher Sr. DL 6-2 250 Murrieta, Calif./Vista Murrieta
91 Ben Thorman Fr. DL 6-2 250 Bloomington, Minn./Jefferson
92 Chandler Obering Jr. DL 6-4 255 Orange, Calif./Villa Park
93 Riley DeRosier Jr. DL 6-1 235 Baxter, Minn./Brainerd
94 Ben Karr Jr. DL 6-2 230 Stillwater, Minn./Hill-Murray
95 Travis Johnson Sr. DL 6-3 250 Murrieta, Calif./Vista Murrieta
96 Riley Kangas Sr. DL 6-1 240 Faribault, Minn./Bethlehem Academy
97 Zach Frank Sr. DL 6-3 270 Lino Lakes, Minn./Centennial
98 Tommy Gilmore Sr. DL 6-3 250 Otsego, Minn./Rogers
99 Cole Engen Jr. DL 6-1 235 Esko, Minn./Esko
0 Joey Gendreau Jr. TE 6-3 230 Shorewood, Minn./Minnetonka
1 Marselio Mendez Sr. WR 5-9 165 St. Paul, Minn./Cretin-Derham Hall
2 Takhi Vaughn Jr. RB 5-9 175 Eden Prairie, Minn./Eden Prairie
2 Dylan Wheeler Jr. WR 6-2 190 St. Paul, Minn./Mounds View
3 Zander Dittbenner Jr. QB 6-0 200 Mankato, Minn./West
4 Riley Schwellenbach So. WR 5-9 160 Woodbury, Minn./East Ridge
5 Joey Moberg Sr. WR 5-10 200 St. Paul, Minn./Johnson
6 Aaron Syverson Sr. QB 6-0 195 Minnetonka, Minn./Minnetonka
7 Mason Delzer Fr. RB 6-1 205 Spicer, Minn./New London-Spicer
7 Brady VanErp Sr. WR 6-2 185 Battle Lake, Minn./Ottertail Central
8 Sam Nolan So. WR 6-0 180 Lakeville, Minn./North
9 Lucas Jansky Jr. QB 6-1 200 Kimball, Minn./Kimball Area
9 Sam Ovsak Fr. WR 6-0 180 Breckenridge, Minn./Fargo (N.D.) Shanley
10 Zach Roebuck Jr. WR 5-10 195 Olympia Fields, Ill./Rich Central
11 Leyton Riviere Fr. QB 6-0 185 Pflugerville, Texas/St. Dominic Savio Catholic
12 Conor Murphy Sr. K 5-10 180 Sioux Falls, S.D./O’Gorman
12 Reece Dawson Fr. QB 6-3 215 Rogers, Minn./Rogers
13 Nirvaan Yogarajah Fr. QB 6-2 170 Maple Grove, Minn./Benilde-St. Margaret’s
14 David Duplantier Fr. WR 6-3 185 Leander, Texas/St. Dominic Savio Catholic
15 Landen Mickelson Fr. QB 6-2 210 Andover, Minn./St. Agnes
16 Jake Deutschman Jr. QB 6-1 200 Ramsey, Minn./Anoka
16 Thomas Jacobs So. WR 5-10 165 Lakeland, Minn./Stillwater Area
17 Faaris Amegankpoe Sr. WR 6-3 190 Maple Grove, Minn./Maple Grove
18 Spencer Ell Sr. P 5-11 185 Morristown, Minn./Bethlehem Academy
18 Caden Caligiuri So. WR 6-1 200 Winnipeg, Manitoba/Oak Park
19 Owen Amrhein Jr. WR 5-11 185 Waconia, Minn./Waconia
20 Wyatt Sawatzke Jr. WR 6-3 205 Monticello, Minn./Monticello
22 Jaxon Sawyer Jr. RB 6-1 205 San Jose, Calif./Bellarmine College Prep
23 Dylan Kirchner So. RB 6-0 195 Andover, Minn./Andover
24 Wyatt McCabe Fr. RB 5-10 180 Mayer, Minn./Watertown-Mayer
26 Mike Barry Fr. WR 6-0 180 Hugo, Minn./Mahtomedi
27 A.J. Loch Sr. WR 6-1 190 Kildeer, Ill./Stevenson
27 Caden Wheeler Jr. RB 5-10 200 Andover, Minn./Andover
28 Quinn Christoffersen Sr. RB 5-10 200 St. Paul, Minn./South St. Paul
29 Andrew Flaten Fr. RB 5-9 190 Alexandria, Minn./Alexandria
30 Corey Bohmert So. RB 5-10 175 Mahtomedi, Minn./Mahtomedi
32 Andy Becker Fr. RB 5-10 210 Kimball, Minn./Kimball Area
33 Will Blakey Jr. RB 6-0 200 St. Paul, Minn./Central
34 Tyler Hoheisel So. RB 5-11 190 Monticello, Minn./Monticello
35 Michael Beckius Fr. WR 6-0 180 New Prague, Minn./New Prague
38 Ryan Warford So. WR 6-0 185 Woodbury, Minn./Cretin-Derham Hall
39 Andrew Schaffer So. WR 6-1 195 Chaska, Minn./Chaska
40 Blake Ehlert Sr. WR 6-0 185 St. Joseph, Minn./St. Cloud Cathedral
43 Maverick Harper Fr. RB 5-11 200 Lino Lakes, Minn./Centennial
49 Caelan McKean Fr. LS 5-8 195 Chanhassen, Minn./Minnetonka
50 Nick McKenzie Sr. OL 6-1 280 New London, Minn./New London-Spicer
51 Barrett Van Deun So. OL 6-1 285 Omaha, Neb./Millard West
52 Colton Rada So. OL 6-3 285 Chaska, Minn./Chaska
53 Spencer Gustin Sr. OL 6-2 280 St. Cloud, Minn./Tech
54 Grant Peroutka Sr. OL 6-1 280 Rosemount, Minn./Rosemount
55 Tom Soler Sr. OL 6-0 280 Circle Pines, Minn./Hill-Murray
56 Eddie Reece Jr. OL 6-5 275 Hudson, Wis./Hill-Murray
57 Shane Atz Jr. OL 5-11 280 Roseville, Minn./Roseville Area
58 Joe Duerr Fr. OL 6-3 325 Buffalo, Minn./St. Michael-Albertville
59 Joey Nelson Fr. OL 6-5 280 Chanhassen, Minn./Chanhassen
60 Ian DeGross Jr. OL 6-3 280 Elko, Minn./New Prague
61 Matt Peterson So. OL 6-3 245 Esko, Minn./Esko
62 Isaak Nowak So. OL 6-3 280 Andover, Minn./Andover
63 Joe Vascellaro Sr. OL 6-3 295 Minneapolis, Minn./St. Thomas Academy
64 Hunter Nething Fr. OL 6-3 295 Elk River, Minn./Elk River
65 Sean Lew Sr. OL 6-2 280 Bermuda Dunes, Calif./Shadow Hills
66 Luke Wright Jr. OL 6-0 265 Woodbury, Minn./Woodbury
68 Charlie Brophy So. OL 6-2 280 Maple Plain, Minn./Orono
70 Alex Markgraf Jr. OL 6-0 280 St. Michael, Minn./St. Michael-Albertville
71 Thomas Graves Fr. OL 6-3 285 St. Paul, Minn./Cretin-Derham Hall
72 Charlie Folkens Sr. OL 6-3 290 Rogers, Minn./Rogers
73 Diego Hurtado Fr. OL 5-11 260 Chandler, Ariz./Hamilton
74 Ethan Lincoln So. OL 6-3 285 Scandia, Minn./Forest Lake
75 Josh Quirk Fr. OL 6-1 245 Minneapolis, Minn./Edina
76 Zeke Conner Fr. OL 6-8 295 Tyler, Texas/Bishop Gorman
77 Mikey Oftedahl Fr. OL 6-2 295 Minnetrista, Minn./Mound-Westonka
78 Michael Bougie So. OL 6-5 300 South St. Paul, Minn./Cretin-Derham Hall
79 Tommy Hessburg Sr. OL 6-5 310 Grosse Pointe Park, Mich./Grosse Pointe South
80 Will Mathiasen Fr. TE 6-3 210 Sartell, Minn./Sartell-St. Stephen
81 Graham Beltrand Sr. TE 6-4 225 Long Lake, Minn./Orono
82 Dom DiMaggio So. TE 6-3 235 Northfield, Minn./Northfield
83 Eddie Don Fr. WR 6-0 185 Diamond Bar, Calif./Damien
84 E.J. Hosty So. TE 6-7 200 Chicago, Ill./Fenwick
86 Cade Berg So. WR 6-5 190 Plymouth, Minn./Robbinsdale Armstrong
87 Josh Delange Jr. WR 6-4 210 Medina, Minn./Orono
88 Charlie Plum Jr. TE 6-4 225 Inver Grove Heights, Minn./Cretin-Derham Hall
89 Andrew Harren So. TE 6-5 220 Rice, Minn./Sauk Rapids-Rice
90 Matt Hansen So. K/P 5-11 145 Longmont, Colo./Niwot
92 Thomas Theising Fr. K/P 5-10 160 Minneapolis, Minn./Wayzata
93 Ashton Hecksel So. K/P 5-10 165 Watertown, Minn./Watertown-Mayer
0 Cael O’Neill K 5-9 170 5th Solon, Iowa/Solon
1 Brock Califf WR 5-8 166 Sr. Fort Madison, Iowa/Fort Madison
2 Grant McCallips DB 5-11 174 Sr. Durand, Ill./Durand
2 Ben Wymer WR 5-10 174 So. Decorah, Iowa/Decorah
3 Nate Link LB 5-10 197 5th Eldridge, Iowa/North Scott
3 Declan Fortuna WR 5-11 180 Fr. Itasca, Ill./Lake Park
4 Drake George WR 5-10 185 5th Peosta, Iowa/Western Dubuque
5 Kaleb Lamphier DB 5-11 197 5th Independence, Iowa/Independence 5/82 Trey Eagle WR 6-3 207 5th West Branch, Iowa/West Branch
6 Blake Janssen DB 6-0 185 Jr. Iowa Falls, Iowa/Iowa Falls
6 Caleb Egesdal WR 5-10 188 So. Reinbeck, Iowa/Gladbrook-Reinbeck
7 Carter Markham QB 5-11 185 Sr. Eldridge, Iowa/North Scott
8 Justis Bachman WR 5-11 175 So. Eureka, Ill./Eureka
9 Ben Parker DB 5-10 177 5th Bellevue, Iowa/Bellevue
10 Carter Henry WR 6-3 213 Sr. Cresco, Iowa/Crestwood
11 Riley Richards QB 6-3 209 Sr. Morton, Ill./Morton
12 Josh Papesh QB 6-2 216 Fr. Valley View, Ohio/Saint Ignatius
13 Thane Alexander DB 6-0 199 Sr. Cedar, Iowa/Eddyville Blakesburg
14 Parker Rochford DB 6-0 205 Sr. Edgewood, Iowa/Edgewood-Colesburg
15 Grant Larson DB 5-11 187 Sr. Norwalk, Iowa/Norwalk
15 Ty Gardner WR 6-0 185 Fr. LeClaire, Iowa/Pleasant Valley
16 Jagger Schmitt WR 6-0 172 Jr. Clear Lake, Iowa/Clear Lake
17 Dylan Swanstrom WR 5-10 161 So. Lemont, Ill./Lemont
18 Leo Dodd QB 6-0 186 Jr. Janesville, Iowa/Janesville
19 Jason O’Boye DB 6-2 165 So. Plainfield, Ill./North
20 Conner Grover DB 6-0 193 Jr. Dyersville, Iowa/Beckman Catholic
21 Ben Bryant RB 5-8 180 5th Peosta, Iowa/Western Dubuque
21 Dylan McCaulley DB 5-11 191 So. Madrid, Iowa/Woodward-Granger
22 Sam Conway LB 6-0 208 Jr. Calmar, Iowa/South Winneshiek
22 Dakota Johnson RB 6-0 170 Fr. Decorah, Iowa/Decorah
23 Ryan Folkerts DB 5-9 186 Jr. Waverly, Iowa/Waverly-Shell Rock
23 Theodor Kolie RB 6-0 170 Fr. Iowa City, Iowa/Regina
23 Jackson Othmer K 5-10 164 Fr. Muscatine, Iowa/Muscatine
24 Adam Link DB 5-10 183 So. Eldridge, Iowa/North Scott
25 Calem Maclearn DB 5-9 174 Sr. Fort Madison, Iowa/Fort Madison
26 Spencer Zinn RB 6-1 225 Jr. Epworth, Iowa/Western Dubuque
27 Dylan Marti RB 5-11 180 So. Donahue, Iowa/North Scott
27 Korbin Barck DB 5-9 172 Jr. Perry, Iowa/Van Meter
28 Bricen White RB 5-11 203 Sr. Marion, Iowa/Linn-Mar
28 Logan Jungling DB 5-10 176 So. Anoka, Minn./Anoka
29 Sam Roose DB 6-1 170 Fr. Waverly, Iowa/Waverly-Shell Rock
30 DJ Witt DB 5-8 160 Sr. Carthage, Mo./Carthage
31 Joey Anderson RB 5-7 194 Jr. Neola, Iowa/Underwood
32 Ryan Doyle DB 5-9 176 So. Bettendorf, Iowa/Pleasant Valley
33 Keenan Tyler LB 6-1 220 Jr. Decorah, Iowa/Decorah
34 Tyler Gayer LB 6-0 202 So. Waverly, Iowa/Waverly-Shell Rock
35 Levi Pingel LB 6-0 209 Jr. Cherokee, Iowa/Washington
36 Dawson Rud RB 5-8 175 So. Mondovi, Wis./Mondovi
37 McKade Munn LB 5-11 214 Jr. Nashua, Iowa/Nashua-Plainfield
38 Simon Ott TE 6-0 215 So. Waverly, Iowa/Waverly-Shell Rock
39 Jaxson Hoppes K 5-11 190 Jr. Waterloo, Iowa/West
40 Mac Watts LB 6-0 229 Jr. Cedar Rapids, Iowa/Linn-Mar
41 John McConohy TE 6-3 223 Sr. DeWitt, Iowa/Central DeWitt
42 Justin Grieff DL 5-11 245 5th Pontiac, Ill./Pontiac Township
43 Micah Holmberg TE 5-9 218 Jr. Mountain Lake, Minn./Mountain Lake
44 CJ Hisler RB 5-11 212 So. Webster City, Iowa/Webster City
45 Zack Crawford LB 6-0 175 So. Sycamore, Ill./Sycamore
46 Austin Barta TE 5-9 210 Sr. Bettendorf, Iowa/Bettendorf
47 Colin Snitker LB 5-10 186 Jr. Oskaloosa, Iowa/Oskaloosa
48 Alex Koch LB 5-9 218 Jr. Cedar Rapids, Iowa/Kennedy
49 Seth Madden LB 5-11 197 So. Eldridge, Iowa/North Scott
50 Cole Hotz OL 6-2 281 Jr. Waverly, Iowa/Waverly-Shell Rock
51 Will Conlan OL 5-11 272 5th Peosta, Iowa/Western Dubuque
51 Aiden Maurer LB 6-0 215 So. Bettendorf, Iowa/Bettendorf
52 Ben Petlon OL/P 6-3 288 5th Manchester, Iowa/West Delaware
53 Jack Heinberg LB 6-2 236 Jr. Marengo, Iowa/Marengo
54 Kale Rodgers LB 5-8 203 Sr. West Union, Iowa/North Fayette Valley
55 Conner McDonald DL 6-1 248 So. Congerville, Ill./Eureka
56 Kaden Bibler LB 5-10 205 Jr. Waverly, Iowa/Waverly-Shell Rock
58 Austin Souhrada LS 6-0 180 Fr. Waverly, Iowa/Waverly-Shell Rock
60 Max Rossow OL 6-1 250 So. Durand, Iowa/Durand
61 Braden Plotz OL 6-2 285 Fr. Williamsburg, Iowa/Williamsburg
62 Drew Streb OL 6-2 247 Fr. North Liberty, Iowa/Regina
63 Reese Theobald DL 5-11 250 Jr. Plainfield, Ill./Central
64 Jason Koopman OL 6-0 260 Jr. Dyersville, Iowa/Beckman Catholic
66 Cade Carpenter OL 6-1 291 Sr. Waverly, Iowa/Waverly-Shell Rock
67 Kellen Kpogli OL 6-0 345 So. Silvis, Ill./United Township
68 Ethan Stockwell OL 6-4 290 5th Cumming, Iowa/Norwalk
68 Ethan Berding OL 5-11 221 So. Mason City, Iowa/Mason City
69 Nathan Lorenzen OL 6-4 270 Jr. Goose Lake, Iowa/Northeast
70 Josh Reichard OL 6-0 257 So. McGregor, Iowa/Waukon
71 Kale Folkerts DL 5-11 213 Sr. Allison, Iowa/Hampton-Dumont
72 Ethan Schellhorn DL 5-11 243 Sr. Sumner, Iowa/Tripoli
73 Xander Bradley OL 5-11 255 Sr. Traer, Iowa/North Tama
75 Brady Robinson OL 6-2 242 So. Brighton, Colo./Brighton
76 Isaiah Corbin OL 6-2 266 Sr. Clermont, Iowa/North Fayette Valley
77 Tucker Kinney OL 6-4 308 5th DeWitt, Iowa/Central DeWitt
78 Cole Mahnke OL 6-1 258 So. Schaumburg, Ill./James B Conant
79 Parker Sperfslage LS 5-11 203 So. Oelwein, Iowa/Oelwein
80 Elijah Mendoza WR 5-9 181 So. Bettendorf, Iowa/Bettendorf
80 Kaden Behrens TE 6-0 209 Jr. Dunkerton, Iowa/Dunkerton
81 Jake Schulz TE 6-1 234 Fr. Bettendorf, Iowa/Bettendorf
81 Topher Bigalk WR 5-9 175 So. Cresco, Iowa/Crestwood
82 Caleb Beck WR 6-2 186 So. Aspermont, Texas/Jayton
83 Max Solis WR 5-11 191 Sr. Eldridge, Iowa/North Scott
84 Tucker Mumford WR 6-4 194 5th Polo, Ill./Polo Community
85 Matt Dufoe TE 6-3 226 Jr. Adel, Iowa/ADM
86 Matthew Hilleman TE 6-2 220 So. Ely, Iowa/Prairie
87 Cade Hughes WR 6-4 213 Jr. Charlotte, Iowa/Northeast
88 Carter Bussanmas WR 6-1 220 5th New Virginia, Iowa/Interstate 35
89 Tyler Ott WR 5-11 203 Sr. Fairbank, Iowa/Wapsie Valley
90 Jack Drahos DL 5-11 221 Jr. Cedar Rapids, Iowa/Mount Vernon
91 Walker Hermeier DL 6-0 230 Sr. Waukon, Iowa/Waukon
92 Tanner Sauerbrei DL 6-4 212 Sr. Fairbank, Iowa/Wapsie Valley
93 Griffin Neal DL 6-0 234 Sr. Ankeny, Iowa/Ankeny Centennial
94 Grant Higgins DL 6-1 235 Sr. Nevada, Iowa/Nevada
95 Brady Petersen DL 6-1 239 So. DeWitt, Iowa/Central DeWitt
96 Cam Stalzer DL 6-1 231 Jr. Iowa Falls, Iowa/Iowa Falls
97 Owen Hatcher DL 5-10 226 Sr. Peosta, Iowa/Western Dubuque
98 Jake Walker DL 6-1 243 So. Waverly, Iowa/Waverly-Shell Rock
99 Christian Nunley DL 6-1 236 Sr. Manchester, Iowa/West Delaware
Head Coach: Chris Winter (Fourth season)
Assistant Coaches: Matt Wheeler, Matt Tschetter, Luke Summers, Ethan Lape, Matthew Buckner, Tom Butters, Jawanza Holmes, Alex Pollock, Jeff Beck, Paul Mugan, Stevan Kingery
FOOTBALL IN THE SJU J-CLUB HALL OF HONOR
Success on the football field has been a huge part of the history of athletics at Saint John’s University. So it’s not surprising the football program is well-represented in the SJU J-Club Hall of Honor.
That started with the hall’s very first induction in 2018 - legendary longtime former head coach John Gagliardi, whose 489 career victories are the most in college football history.
“There’s something unbelievable about being first,” SJU athletic director Bob Alpers ’82 said at the time. “And doggone it, John, if anybody deserves to be the first inductee into this Hall of Honor, it is you.”
Since that time, 18 other players or coaches in the football program have been inducted - including each of the Johnnies’ four national championship teams (1963, ’65, ’76 and 2003).
This year, three more inductees will join that group in a ceremony to be held on the evening of Oct. 5 in Guild Hall.
Rick Bell ‘83, Ernie England ’81 and Bill Laliberte ’70 are part of the 12 individuals and one team that make up this year’s induction class. Thom Woodward ’70 - who will be honored as one of the winners of this year’s J-Club Distinguished Service Award - also played two years of football for the Johnnies, then was a key part of establishing the Gagliardi Trophy - which is presented annually to the most outstanding football player in NCAA Division III each season.
The dinner and enshrinement ceremony begins at 5:15 p.m., following the conclusion of that day’s Homecoming matchup between SJU and Augsburg at Clemens Stadium. Tickets for the event can be purchased on the J-Club link at
gojohnnies.com or by clicking on any of the feature stories on this year’s inductees found there.
Registration is $75 per person before Sept. 29 ($100 per person after) and includes dinner and beverages. Children ages 6-12 are $35 and those five and under are free. All proceeds go to the J-Club to support SJU athletics.
“It’s one of those things where until we started it, I don’t think we realized how much we were missing it all those years,” J-Club President Dan Murphy ’05 said. “But with each passing year, it becomes more and more evident how important it really is to have a way to honor all these individuals and teams who have done such great things here.
“These are the people who’ve paved the way for the success our current athletic teams are now having.”
Here is a closer look at this year’s three football inductees:
Rick Bell - A two-sport star in baseball and football, Bell rushed for 2,630 yards in his four-year career, a total that still ranks fifth on the school’s all-time list. He earned All-MIAC honors as a junior in 1981 when he led the Johnnies in both rushing and receiving. Then, as a senior, he earned All-MIAC and AllAmerica honors after leading SJU to a 9-1 record and a berth in the NAIA playoffs. After graduation, he played almost the entire 1983 season with the Minnesota Vikings and went to training camp with the team the next two years.
Ernie England - By the time England arrived at Saint John’s in the fall of 1976, the then-22-year-old freshman
had already served four years in the Air Force as a communications specialist where he was a standout football player in the physical and competitive United States Armed
Forces Conference. The success continued in Collegeville where he immediately earned a starting job at nose guard, received All-MIAC honors and helped lead the Johnnies to the NCAA Division III national championship in his first season with the team. England went on to earn All-MIAC honors three more times for a total of four - becoming SJU’s second four-time All-MIAC honoree and All-America honors in 1978 and ’79.
Bill Laliberte - Listed at 5-foot-7 and 140 pounds, Laliberte was far from the biggest player on the field. But he certainly made his share of big plays. The running back had runs of 67 yards or more in four games during the 1968 season, including an 87-yard touchdown run in a 21-6 home win over Minnesota-Duluth that still ranks as the sixth-longest in school history. As a senior captain in 1969, he ran for 892 yards and 13 touchdowns in 10 games. He carried the ball 24 times for 110 yards and a touchdown in a 21-0 shutout of Simpson in that season’s Mineral Water Bowl, earning the game’s outstanding back award.
PROUD
SPONSOR AND CONTRACTOR FOR JOHNNIE
ATHLETICS
Malmberg helped key SJU’s running game in the early 1990s ALL-AMERICAN PROFILE
It was the promise of opportunity and the lure of tradition that helped bring Matt Malmberg to Saint John’s University.
“I was looking at a lot of different places,” the Tartan High School graduate recalls. “But Mark Mooney, who was the recruiter and one of the defensive coaches at Saint John’s at
semifinals before falling on the road in a muddy quagmire to thenemerging national power Mount Union (Ohio).
“We really felt like we could win a national championship that season,” Malmberg recalls. “But we went out to Mount Union where it was lukewarm and muddy. We were used
the time, reached out to me. I came and visited and liked what I saw.
“I knew Saint John’s had a great tradition, that I’d have the chance to compete for conference championships and get to play for John Gagliardi. Those were the things that really interested me the most.”
So Malmberg arrived in Collegeville in the fall of 1991, embarking on a career that would see him rush for 48 touchdowns (still tied for a program record) and 2,923 yards (which ranks fourth in school history).
He rushed for 1,343 yards and 31 touchdowns as a junior in 1993, a season in which the Johnnie offense put up a total of 6,438 yards and averaged a school-record 54 points per game. SJU finished 12-1 that season and advanced all the way to the NCAA Division III national
to playing on cold fields here in Minnesota and it was difficult to adjust.
“They had a great team. Their quarterback, Jim Ballard, went on to play in the NFL. So they were really good, but they also had a tremendous home field advantage.”
Malmberg went on to rush for 1,331 yards in 1994 as the Johnnies finished 11-2 and again advanced to the national semifinals before dropping a heartbreaker 19-16 to eventual national champion Albion (Michigan) at home.
After graduation, he attended medical school at Creighton (Nebraska) and has gone on to a long career as an anesthesiologist. Malmberg now resides in Elk Mound, Wisconsin.
He has three children. Son Tyler works in Minneapolis, daughter Rowan recently placed eighth in Minnesota in mountain biking and daughter Rayna is a senior in high school and plays lacrosse.
“I really enjoyed my time at Saint John’s,” he said. “We had a lot of team success and that was the most important thing. I was never really focused on my individual statistics. I just wanted to help the team win games.”
TRADITION UNRIVALED
On the basis of on-field accomplishments alone, the Saint John’s University football team ranks among the nation’s elite.
Through the years, the Johnnies have won four national championships at either the NAIA or NCAA Division III level (1963, 1965, 1976 and 2003), and have made 32 postseason appearances.
SJU has won or shared 36 Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference titles, 14 more than any other member school, and the program’s streak of eight-straight Division III playoff berths from 2014 to 2022 surpassed its own conference record.
Four Johnnies have won the Gagliardi Award, named in honor of legendary former SJU head coach John Gagliardi and handed out annually to the top player in Division III, and the program can boast 147 All-Americans and 35 Academic All-Americans.
But what makes football at Saint John’s special goes well beyond even all those numbers. During his 60 seasons in Collegeville, Gagliardi – whose 489 career victories are the most in college football history – developed his famous list of Nos which still form the program’s core values.
That list - which includes no whistles, no tackling in practice (players wear
shorts/ sweats and shoulder pads) and no blocking sleds or tackling dummies - has drawn national media interest over the years from venerable outlets such as Sports Illustrated, the New York Times, the Today Show and many, many others.
Then there is the atmosphere ...
Johnnie home games are truly an autumn playground: the vivid fall colors blazing from the trees in the woods surrounding the natural bowl that forms Clemens Stadium, the smoke rising from the grills behind the concession stands (home to the uniquely incredible heavenly apples) and, of course, the crowds.
SJU consistently ranks among the national leaders in attendance at the NCAA Division III level and has led the way 11 times since 2005.
Since the 2001 season, the program has recorded a single-game attendance number of 10,000 or more 23 times.
That included a record crowd of 17,327 for a matchup against St. Thomas in 2015, a game preceded by a live broadcast of ESPN’s “Sports Center on the Road” program.
Last season alone saw crowds of 11,321 and 10,477 for matchups against Bethel and Carleton respectively.
Add it all up and you have something beyond amazing.
You have ... a Tradition Unrivaled.
LAST WEEK IN PICTURES
Clemens Stadium
From the start, those in charge of developing the space now known as Clemens Stadium had something majestic in mind. So they set about turning a former cranberry bog into a natural bowl stadium that has been the home of Saint John’s University football for 116 years.
Ringed by the gorgeous fall colors of the surrounding Central Minnesota woods, the field has long become a destination spot, a status only solidified when Sports Illustrated named it one of college football’s top 10 “Dream Destinations” in 1999.
The facility itself has expanded often over the years. Concrete seating was added in 1933 and expanded in 1957. The familiar stone entrance behind the south end zone was built in 1939 and the first press box and concession stand were erected four years later. In 1997, local philanthropist Bill Clemens – the man for whom the stadium is named -- provided a million-dollar donation that allowed for construction of a new grandstand, an expanded press box, larger concession stands and restrooms and a new entrance. Another donation by Clemens, who attended SJU from 1938-40, made possible the installation of an artificial playing surface in 2002.
A third tier to the press box was added in 2009 and lights were installed in 2012.
Meanwhile, large crowds have been commonplace. SJU has finished among the national leaders in pergame attendance in NCAA Division III in each of the last 20 seasons –including crowds of 10,000 or more 23 times since 2001.
That included a facility-record 17,327 for a matchup against St. Thomas on Sept. 26, 2015 – a day in which ESPN’s “Sports Center On the Road” program was broadcast live from the stadium, and a crowd of 13,107
FOOTBALL FACILITIES
on hand to see legendary former coach John Gagliardi become the winningest coach in college football history when SJU beat Bethel 29-26 on Nov. 8, 2003.
Gagliardi Field
A big part of the success of the Saint John’s University football program over the years has been the way players of the past helped pave the way for players of the present and future.
The Gagliardi Field and Seasonal Dome complex is a perfect example of that sense of community. Named in honor of legendary former football coach John Gagliardi - the winningest coach in college history - it was made possible by gifts from more than 50 individual donors - many of whom were former players.
The artificial turf field has markings for a full-length football field, lacrosse, rugby, soccer, two crosscourt soccer fields, baseball and softball, along with three batting cages when the Skalicky Dome goes up from October to April each academic year.
It’s a year-round home for intramural sports on campus, but also serves as a practice facility for the football team and other varsity sports.
McGlynn Fitness Center
When it comes to training, the right facilities are important. But having the right people in place to staff them is just as critical.
Luckily, Saint John’s University has both.
The 5,600-feet McGlynn Fitness Center - which was made possible by a generous gift from the Burt McGlynn family, and is open to all students and alums - is equipped with a full range of free weights, upper-body, lower-body and fullcore machines, and cardiovascular machines such as treadmills, ellipticals and exercise bicycles.
FANDOM is TRADITION
We live in polarizing times, especially politically. Nowhere is that more apparent than in the lead-up to a presidential election.
But finding a way to reduce the intensity of those divisions is the focus of both a campus-wide initiative at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University this fall, and the 18th annual McCarthy Lecture scheduled for 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 19 in SJU’s Stephen B. Humphrey Auditorium.
The annual event – sponsored by the Eugene J. McCarthy Center for Policy and Civic Engagement – features writer John Inazu, author of the book “Learning to Disagree: The Surprising Path to Navigating Differences with Empathy and Respect.” There will also be a performance by Tane Danger and the Theater of Public Policy, a unique, civics-minded comedy troupe that has hosted over 500 live and online shows across the U.S. since 2011.
“It’s about figuring out how we can build better communication channels with the people we live with, work with, go to church with and play sports against,” McCarthy Center director Matt Lindstrom said.
“These strategies aren’t just applicable in the political world, but in our office spaces, neighborhoods and daily lives.”
The event dovetails perfectly with “Disagreeing Better,” an initiative grown out of and inspired by Braver Angels – an all-volunteer, nonpartisan nonprofit started in the aftermath of the 2016 presidential election to help depolarize America.
DISAGREEING BETTER
The official launch week is scheduled for Sept. 16-20. Things start with an ice cream social and lawn games in front of the Great Hall at SJU from 2:30 to 4 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 16. The event is free. The only requirement being to meet someone new and find something in common.
Then, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., CSB and SJU scholar-in-residence
Carol Bruess – who is heading the initiative on campus - will offer a free workshop for students entitled “Skills for Disagreeing Better.” Those interested can register at DisagreeingBetter@csbsju.edu. The event is limited to 100.
The following day (Sept. 17), Braver Angels co-founder Bill Doherty, professor emeritus in the department of family social science at the University of Minnesota, will present the “Skills for Disagreeing Better” workshop. That event is also free and open to the entire community. It will be followed by an outdoor lawn picnic – again complete with games and fun conversation starters.
That will be followed by a free community-wide viewing of the 50-minute Braver Angels Documentary “Reuniting America,” and a post-viewing discussion led by Doherty and CSB and SJU senior diversity officer Sandra Mitchell.
On Wednesday, Sept. 18, a group of St. Thomas students will journey to CSB and SJU to take part in the first Bennie/Johnnie-Tommie Debate, which will be conducted in Braver Angels style. The goal being to “teach students to honor ideological diversity, foster civil
discourse on college campuses, express their views, listen deeply and engage respectfully around the most challenging political and social issues dividing our nation today.”
A second debate will follow at St. Thomas on Oct. 7. Workshops will continue on campus at CSB and SJU in October and November. All events are free and open to the public.
“It’s not about changing people’s minds,” Bruess said. “It’s about helping us be in relationship to each other despite our differences.”
There were very few games in his long career that John Gagliardi walked off the field satisfied.
It’s part of what made the legendary Johnnies head football coach the winningest coach in college football history. Even when his team played well, he saw ways it could have played better.
Such was the case 54 years ago when SJU opened the 1970 season with a 38-0 road victory over Wartburg.
Quarterback Tom Kafka ran for a pair of touchdowns - a 48-yard scoring scamper early in the second quarter and a 1-yard run later on. As team, the Johnnies rushed for 331 yards that afternoon and held the Knights to just three. SJU finished with 426 yards in total offense and Wartburg managed just 32.
Yet afterward, Gagliardi was regretting the points that got away offensively, even while praising his team’s defensive effort.
FEATURED FLASHBACK
“I wish we could have punched it over on the chances we had early in the game,” the head coach told the St. Cloud Times afterward. “But for the amount of practice (we had), our defense played pretty well.”
The Johnnies and Wartburg have met four times over the years. But that 1970 matchup - the first clash between the two teams - is the only one before today to take place in the regular season.
The other three (1994, 2014 and 2022) each came in the second round of the NCAA Division III playoffs. The Knights won the last two of those matchups. But it was SJU that came out on top in 1994, earning a spot in the national semifinals with a 42-14 win over the Knights on a blustery late November day at Clemens Stadium.
The hero that afternoon was sophomore linebacker Ted Ruzanic. The Sartell High School graduate provided the go-
ahead score, returning a third-quarter interception 28 yards for a touchdown.
“We stepped on our toes a few times, then T.R. comes up with a huge break,” quarterback Kurt Ramler told the Times afterward. “That turned the game around right there.”
On this date (Sept. 14) in history:
1963 - SJU allowed St. Cloud State to cross the Johnnie 40-yard line just three times and held the Huskies to one yard rushing en route to beginning its first national championship season with a 40-0 victory over the Huskies in Collegeville.
1985 - A 10-yard touchdown run by quarterback Rick Dougherty with 2:28 remaining broke a 13-13 tie as the Johnnies beat Bethel 20-13 in Collegeville.
2002 - Blake Elliott shrugged off double coverage to catch two touchdown passes and returned a punt 86 yards for another score as SJU rolled past Hamline 56-0 at Clemens Stadium.
Tom Kafka
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Upcoming Johnnie Events
Saturday, Sept. 14
STARTERS
When Saint John’s Has The Ball
SAINT JOHN’S OFFENSE
WR 1 Marselio Mendez Sr., 5-9, 165
WR 4 Riley Schwellenbach So., 5-9, 160
TE 0 Joey Gendreau Jr., 6-3, 230
LT 79 Tommy Hessburg Sr., 6-5, 310
LG 50 Nick McKenzie Sr., 6-1, 280
C 72 Charlie Folkens Sr., 6-3, 290
RG 55 Tom Soler Sr., 6-0, 280
RT 54 Grant Peroutka Sr., 6-1, 280
WR 2 Dylan Wheeler Jr., 6-2, 190
QB 6 Aaron Syverson Sr., 6-0, 195
RB 28 Quinn Christoffersen Sr., 5-10, 200
WARTBURG DEFENSE
DE 98 Jake Walker So., 6-2, 270
DT 99 Christian Nunley Sr., 6-1, 236
DT 55 Conner McDonald So., 6-1, 248
DE 42 Justin Grieff Sr., 5-11, 245
LB 3 Nate Link Sr., 5-10, 197
LB 40 Mac Watts Jr., 6-0, 229
LB 33 Keenan Tyler Jr., 6-1, 230
CB 5 Kaleb Lamphier Sr., 5-11, 197
S 13 Thane Alexander Sr., 6-1, 199
S 14 Parker Rochford Sr., 6-0, 205
CB 15 Grant Larson Sr., 5-11, 187
When Wartburg Has The Ball
WARTBURG OFFENSE
WR 10 Carter Henry Sr., 6-3, 213
TE 41 John McConohy Sr., 6-3, 223
LT 77 Tucker Kinney Sr., 6-4, 308
LG 66 Cade Carpenter Sr., 6-1, 291
C 51 Will Conlan Sr., 5-11, 272
RG 66 Cole Hotz Jr., 6-2, 281
RT 68 Ethan Stockwell Sr., 6-4, 290
WR 11 Jagger Schmitt Jr., 6-0, 172
WR 4 Drake George Sr., 5-10, 185
QB 7 Carter Markham Sr., 5-11, 185
RB 21 Ben Bryant Sr., 5-9, 180
SAINT JOHN’S DEFENSE
DE 9 Joe Akoh Sr., 6-4, 240
DT 97 Zach Frank Sr., 6-3, 270
DT 90 Landon Gallagher Sr., 6-2, 250
DE 32 Jake Schwinghammer Sr., 6-0, 215
LB 43 Hayden Sanders Sr., 6-0, 220
LB 23 Aiden McMahon So., 6-1, 220
LB 3 Cooper Yaggie Sr., 6-0, 210
CB 16 Blake Simonson Jr., 5-11, 175
S 29 Cage Linton Sr., 5-11, 200
S 11 Noah Arneson Jr., 6-0, 195
CB 10 Mateo Cisneros Sr., 5-11, 195
Saint John’s Specialists
K 12 Conor Murphy Sr., 5-10, 180
P 18 Spencer Ell Sr., 5-11, 185
LS 44 Andrew Molenaar Jr., 6-0, 230
H 18 Spencer Ell Sr., 5-11, 185
KR 1 Marselio Mendez Sr., 5-9, 165
PR 1 Marselio Mendez Sr., 5-9, 165
Wartburg Specialists
K 0 Cael O’Neill Sr., 5-9, 170
P 39 Jaxson Hoppes Jr., 5-11, 190
KR 21 Ben Bryant Sr., 5-9, 180
PR 21 Ben Bryant Sr., 5-9, 180
Golf vs. SJU Fall Invitational
Sunday, Sept. 15
Golf vs. SJU Fall Invitational
Tuesday, Sept. 17 Soccer vs. Macalester
Saturday, Sept. 21 Cross Country at St. Olaf Invite Soccer at Hamline
Friday, Sept. 27 Tennis at ITA Regional
Saturday, Sept. 28
Football at Bethel
Golf at Twin Cities Classic Soccer vs. Saint Mary’s
Swimming & Diving vs. Alumni Tennis at ITA Regional
Sunday, Sept. 29
Golf at Twin Cities Classic Tennis at ITA Regional
Monday, Sept. 30
Golf at Twin Cities Classic Tennis at ITA Regional
Wednesday, Oct. 2 Soccer at Augsburg
Friday, Oct. 4 Cross Country at UW-Eau Claire
