SJU vs. Trinity - Johnnie Football 2023

flavor. REMARKABLE friendly. fresh.

REMARKABLY INCREDIBLY

Today’s Matchup: Saint John’s won its fourth-consecutive conference championship - an MIAC-record 36th title overall - and made its 32nd postseason appearance (28th in Division III) in 2022. The Johnnies return 89.5 percent (4,477 of 5,000 yards) of their offense and 82.2 percent (359 of 437) of their offensive points from last season. Defensively, SJU needs to replace a pair of All-America linemen, but returns eight of 11 starters overall. The Johnnies were seventh in NCAA Division III in interceptions (20), 13th in takeaways (26) and 18th in sacks per game (3.17) last fall. Trinity, meanwhile, went 11-1 overall, won its second-straight SAA title with a 7-0 record and - like SJU - ended the 2022 season at home in the second round of the Division III Playoffs.

Series History: Today’s season opener is the second meeting between Saint John’s and Trinity on the football field. The first meeting - a showdown between No. 6 SJU at No. 4 Trinity in the 2002 national semifinals (the same national rankings as today) - went the way of the Tigers by a 4134 score in San Antonio, Texas. The Johnnie soccer team, meanwhile, went 2-1 against Trinity in the late 1980s: W, 3-0 on Oct. 10, 1987 (in Collegeville); W, 4-1 on Oct. 2, 1988 (in Collegeville); and L, 0-1 on Oct. 7, 1989 (in San Antonio, Texas).

Season Openers: Saint John’s is 8028-3 (.734) all-time in season openers, including a 9-0 record under the direction of head coach Gary Fasching ‘81. The Johnnies have won each of their last 17 season openers, 18 of their last 19, and 34 of their last 38 (since 1984). Then-No. 5 SJU upset No. 4 UW-Whitewater with a 24-10 win in the 2022 season opener here in Collegeville.

Non-Conference Victories: The Johnnies are 35-4 (.897) in regular-season, nonconference games since 2002. All four losses were to UW-Eau Claire (2002, 2004, 2010 and 2011), including two in overtime on the road (2002 and 2010) and another decided by two points (30-28 in 2004). SJU’s other non-conference tilt during this fall’s 10-game, regular-season schedule is next Saturday (Sept. 9) at No. 11 UW-Whitewater.

Preseason AllAmericans: Saint John’s senior tight end Alex Larson was named to the D3football.com Preseason All-America team Aug. 8 and senior punter Spencer Ell was named to Lindy’s preseason AllAmerica second team earlier this summer. The preseason honor was the secondconsecutive for Larson, who was named to

the second team prior to the 2022 season. He earned D3football. com All-America

fourth-team distinction in 2021 and was a consensus first-team All-American last fall (AFCA, Associated Press and D3football. com). Trinity had three honorees on D3football.com’s preseason All-America list: linebacker Caleb Harmel (first team), returner B.J. Stewart (first team) and quarterback Tucker Horn (second team). The 6-foot-7 Larson started all 12 games at tight end and broke SJU’s record for career receiving touchdowns by a tight end (22) in 2022. He is currently third in program history in receptions (103) and fourth in receiving yards (1,333) at the position. He led SJU with 14 receiving touchdowns, which was good for fifthmost in NCAA Division III and the sixthmost by a Johnnie in a single season, and tied for the team lead in receptions (68) and was second in receiving yards (899) last fall. Ell was the first Johnnie punter to be named All-MIAC since Charlie Carr ‘03 in 2001. He averaged 38.7 yards on 46 punts, including 17 that landed inside the opposition’s 20-yard line, and led the MIAC in punting average (38.9) and punts inside the 20-yard line (12) in conference play.

Ell

Larson

In 154 seasons of college football, no coach has been as successful or achieved the longevity of John Gagliardi.

His 489 career wins and 64 seasons at the collegiate level both stand as all-time records. He spent 60 of those seasons at Saint John’s, and during that time his teams won 27 MIAC titles and four national championships.

But as impressive as those numbers are, his legacy extends far beyond that.

The values he established during his time in Collegeville are now ingrained in the institution’s culture, as well as in the many athletes, friends and colleagues he inspired. Making sure the lessons he

Preserving The Legacy, Ensuring The Future, Engaging The Football Community

instilled continue to be passed down to future generations, while at the same time continuing to ensure funding for the football program remains at a level appropriate to the high expectations he established, is the mission behind the John Gagliardi Legacy Fund.

The cascading fund includes dollars for endowments, sustaining John’s story and culture and for immediate needs such as program staffing, stadium enhancements and other team enrichments. It is overseen by a core steering group, as well as the head football coach and SJU athletic director. Money raised will not in any way lessen the institution’s current commitment to the football program.

Rather, the fund is meant to increase that funding in order to make sure the

program he did so much to put on the map continues to be in the top tier nationally. Among the needs the fund has already helped meet include:

• Funding for multiple assistant coaching positions.

• Taking the lead on stadium improvements such as videoboard/ scoreboard improvements, sound system improvements and turf replacement.

• Meeting current equipment needs.

• Funding for football alumni and friends’ engagement opportunities.

Thank you for continuing to keep John’s legacy alive and vibrant.

Nov.

Nov.

2022 Final MIAC Standings

University

Bethel University

Augsburg

Sept.

Sept.

Carleton College

Gustavus Adolphus College

GARY’S OPENED IN 1982.

In 1982, the Johnnies went 9-0 and have had a winning record ever since.

Coincidence? We think NOT!

Thank you CSB and SJU Students, Staff & Alumni for over 40 great years!

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 has led his team to the NCAA Division III playoffs in each of the past eight seasonsa program 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 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.

JERRY HAUGEN

Defensive coordinator Jerry Haugen is in his 48th season as an assistant football coach for the Johnnies. Prior to that, the 1976 SJU graduate was a four-year starter who earned All-MIAC honors at defensive back in 1975. After helping lead the Johnnies to a national title in 2003, Haugen was named NCAA Division III defensive coordinator of the year by American Football Monthly. He will also start his 47th season as SJU’s head baseball coach in 2024 and has led the Johnnies to 13 consecutive appearances in the MIAC Tournament.

KOLE HECKENDORF

Kole Heckendorf is in his sixth season as SJU’s offensive coordinator and his 11th 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 eighth 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 ninth season on the coaching staff and his sixth 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 seventh season on the coaching staff. As a player, he was an All-American selection at center.

BRANDON NOVAK

Brandon Novak is in his 24th season as an assistant coach for the Johnnies and currently serves as co-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.

DAMIEN DUMONCEAUX

Damien Dumonceaux is in his 18th 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 2003-05, 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.

Graydon Kulick (quarterbacks) - A 2021 graduate of SJU, Graydon Kulick is in his first 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 third season on the coaching staff. He was a two-time All-American safety and a two-time All-MIAC pick in baseball.

Collin Franz (defensive line) - A 2021 SJU graduate, Collin Franz is in his second 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 fifth season 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 second 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 sixth season as a volunteer assistant. He was the Johnnies’ kicker from 201316, ending his career second in school history in career field goals (27) and career PAT’s (190).

JOE JAEGER

Offensive Lineman

of useless as the train leaves the station without you.

“But you have to push through that and see the light at the end of the tunnel. You have to keep working and focus on getting yourself back to as good or better than you were before.”

Jaeger did just that, returning to the fold last season and earning All-MIAC honors as the Johnnies finished 10-2, won the conference title and advanced to the NCAA Division III playoffs for a program and MIAC record eighth-straight time.

Now it is Vouk’s turn to stage a comeback. The 5-foot-9, 210-pound senior running back made a huge impact on the Johnnies in 2021 after transferring to SJU when

in his right knee while working out with teammates in July of last year and underwent surgery in August, keeping him out the entire season.

Vouk, a 2017 graduate of Sartell High School, then had to decide if he would return to use his final year of eligibility this fall and extend his collegiate career even further.

“It was something I had to talk over with my family,” said Vouk, who will graduate after this semester. “But you only get to play for so long. Everybody who can’t play anymore will tell you that you’ll never get another chance to strap it up the way you can in other sports.

“I’ve always loved football and I still do. So I really wanted to come back.”

Joe Jaeger and Devin Vouk share a bond; a common knowledge of the frustration that comes from suffering a season-ending injury and watching the games go on without you.

“You need to find a way to keep yourself in a positive headspace,” said Jaeger, a 6-foot-2, 285-pound senior guard on the Saint John’s football team who missed the second half of the 2021

Division II St. Cloud State dropped its program following the 2019 season (SJU did not play games in 2020 as a result of

He ranked second on the team in rushing with 104 carries for 589 yards and nine touchdowns, and seemed primed for even bigger numbers in 2022. But he tore the

Jaeger, a 2019 graduate of Lakeville North High School, also could have graduated, but elected to return and use the extra year of eligibility the NCAA granted all college athletes as a result of the impact of COVID-19.

“It wasn’t a hard decision,” he said. “Especially having missed part of (2021)

“But you have to push through that and see the light at the end of the tunnel. You have to keep working and focus on getting yourself back to as good or better than you were before.”

with injury. I was really excited to come back and play one more year.”

Johnnies head coach Gary Fasching is grateful to have both players returning.

“Devin really brings a physical presence to the backfield,” Fasching said. “He’s fast and he’s strong. He’s a good in-betweenthe-tackles runner, but he can get to the edge if he needs to. And he helps in the passing game too. He’s a complete back.

“Joe is one of the leaders on our offensive line. He’s started a number of games there and brings us some real continuity up front, which is invaluable. He’s one of those guys who’s taken it upon themselves to be even better than they were a year ago.”

Jaeger is already working at Graco Inc. in Rogers as a manufacturing engineer in the injection molding division – a 40-hour-aweek extended internship that began in May and will run through this December in a field in which he hopes to continue working.

First, though, he has his final season to complete.

“Our goal as a team is to take things onegame-at-a-time,” he said. “Our first three opponents are nationally-ranked. But we can’t get ahead of ourselves. We need to focus on going 1-0 each week.”

Vouk, who has spent the past year working at a gym in South St. Cloud, hopes to attend graduate school and pursue a career in coaching. But he too is focused on his

final stretch on the football field – drawing inspiration from a pair of tattoos.

The first, located on his back, is a Queen of Hearts with angel wings and tulips. It honors his grandmother JoAnn Vouk, who passed away in 2021.

“I don’t even have the words to describe how close we were,” he said. “She and my grandfather were my daycare growing up, so they became like second parents to me. We loved to play cards, so I got the Queen of Hearts with the angel wings because she’s watching over me and has my back. And tulips because those were her favorite flower.”

Another reads simply “Trust the process.” Which is exactly what he and his teammates are planning to do in 2023.

“I am approaching this season the same way I had to approach my knee,” he said. “The first month or two after surgery, I couldn’t really focus on running. I had to focus on being able to walk again and being able to straighten my leg. All those little details. If I looked too far ahead, I might have rushed myself and skipped a step.

“It’s the same for us this season. If we take it day-by-day and focus on getting better every practice and every rep, things are going to come together the way we want them to.”

DEVIN VOUK

Running Back

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 (1965, 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 current streak of eightstraight Division III playoff berths has 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 21 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 12,462 and 13,161 for matchups against Wisconsin-Whitewater and Gustavus respectively.

Add it all up and you have something beyond amazing.

You have … a tradition unrivaled.

4 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

444 FIRST-TEAM ALL-MIAC SELECTIONS

54 STRAIGHT SEASONS WITHOUT A LOSING RECORD

36 CONFERENCE TITLES

147 ALL-AMERICANS

32 POSTSEASON APPEARANCES

674 WINS ALL-TIME

JOHNNIE OFFENSE

Presented by McGough

Ames, Iowa/Ames

Minn./East Ridge

St. Paul, Minn./Johnson 6 Aaron Syverson

Minn./Minnetonka

Minn./Princeton

Lake, Minn./Ottertail Central 8 Alex Larson

Minn./East Ridge 9 Troy

200 St. Cloud, Minn./Tech

9 Lucas Jansky So. QB 6-0 185 Kimball, Minn./Kimball Area

No. Name Yr. Pos. Ht. Wt. Hometown/High School

36 Eddie Sirek So. WR 5-8 165 New Prague, Minn./New Prague

37 Sam Nolan Fr. WR 6-0 180 Lakeville, Minn./North

38 Isaiah Traufler Sr. RB 6-1 210 Blaine, Minn./Totino-Grace

39 Andrew Schaffer Fr. WR 6-1 190 Chaska, Minn./Chaska

41 Andrew Harren Fr. TE 6-5 215 Rice, Minn./Sauk Rapids-Rice

45 Jack Eibensteiner Sr. LS 6-0 220 North Oaks, Minn./Totino-Grace

50 Nick McKenzie Jr. OL 6-1 280 New London, Minn./New London-Spicer

51 Barrett Van Deun Fr. OL 6-1 260 Omaha, Neb./Millard West

53 Spencer Gustin Jr. OL 6-2 280 St. Cloud, Minn./Tech

54 Grant Peroutka Jr. OL 6-1 275 Rosemount, Minn./Rosemount

55 Tom Soler Jr. OL 6-2 290 Circle Pines, Minn./Hill-Murray

56 Eddie Reece So. OL 6-5 275 Hudson, Wis./Hill-Murray

57 Colton Rada Fr. OL 6-2 285 Chaska, Minn./Chaska

58 Will Caldwell Fr. OL 6-1 245 Scandia, Minn./Forest Lake

10 R.J. Altidort

WR 6-0 185 North Miami, Fla./Miami Central 11 Jimmy Buck Sr. WR 6-4 210 Orono, Minn./Orono

12 Conor Murphy Jr. K 5-10 180 Sioux Falls, S.D./O’Gorman

12 Kristoff Kowalkowski Jr. QB 6-2 210 St. Cloud, Minn./Totino-Grace

13 E.J.

59 Ethan Sutton Sr. OL 6-3 280 New Hope, Minn./Robbinsdale Armstrong

60 Ian DeGross So. OL 6-3 270 Elko, Minn./New Prague

61 Matt Peterson Fr. OL 6-3 245 Esko, Minn./Esko

62 Isaak Nowak Fr. OL 6-3 270 Andover, Minn./Andover

63 Joe Vascellaro Jr. OL 6-3 295 Minneapolis, Minn./St. Thomas Academy

64 Joe Jaeger Sr. OL 6-2 285 Lakeville, Minn./North

65 Sean Lew Jr. OL 6-2 290 Bermuda Dunes, Calif./Shadow Hills

66 Luke Wright So. OL 6-0 265 Woodbury, Minn./Woodbury

67 Hank Smith Sr. OL 6-2 255 Geneva, Ill./Geneva

69 Henry Anderson Fr. OL 6-2 290 Eden Prairie, Minn./Eden Prairie

70 Alex Markgraf So. OL 6-0 280 St. Michael, Minn./St. Michael-Albertville

71 Mathias Lundgren Fr. OL 6-5 280 St. Anthony, Minn./St. Anthony Village

72 Charlie Folkens Jr. OL 6-3 285 Rogers, Minn./Rogers

73 Rylan Turqueza Fr. OL 6-3 280 Ewa Beach, Hawaii/Radford

74 Ethan Lincoln Fr. OL 6-3 270 Scandia, Minn./Forest Lake

76 Jack Stevens So. OL 6-4 270 Eagan, Minn./Eastview

77 Carter Trom So. OL 6-2 295 Blaine, Minn./Blaine

78 Michael Bougie Fr. OL 6-5 285 South St. Paul, Minn./Cretin-Derham Hall

79 Tommy Hessburg Jr. OL 6-5 295 Grosse Pointe Park, Mich./Grosse Pointe South

80 Vinny Gagliardi Sr. WR 5-9 160 St. Cloud, Minn./Tech

81 Graham Beltrand Jr. WR 6-4 215 Long Lake, Minn./Orono

82 Matt Miller Jr. WR 6-2 205 Lakeville, Minn./North

83 John Hawkins So. WR 6-0 180 St. Cloud, Minn./Cathedral

84 Peyton Gremmels So. WR 6-2 185 Stillwater, Minn./St. Croix Prep

85 Trey Steinbach Jr. TE 6-5 245 Marshall, Minn./Marshall

86 Cade Berg Fr. WR 6-5 180 Plymouth, Minn./Robbinsdale Armstrong

87 Josh Delange So. WR 6-4 200 Medina, Minn./Orono

88 Charlie Plum So. TE 6-4 210 Inver Grove Hts., Minn./Cretin-Derham Hall

89 Parker Durkin Fr. WR 6-2 185 Bloomington, Minn./Edina

90 Matt Hansen Fr. K/P 5-11 145 Longmont, Colo./Niwot

95 Spencer Ell Sr. P 5-11 185 Morristown, Minn./Bethlehem Academy

95 David Roberts So. K/P 6-3 180 West Des Moines, Iowa/Dowling Catholic

St. Paul, Minn./Roseville Area

Waseca, Minn./Waseca

DB 5-10 185 Sartell, Minn./St. Cloud Cathedral

8 Peyton Goettlicher Fr. DB 5-11 190 Mankato, Minn./West

9 Jamari Edwards Sr. DB 5-10 180 Chicago, Ill./Lake Forest Academy

10 Mateo Cisneros Sr. LB 5-11 195 Shoreview, Minn./Mounds View

10 David Gogins Fr. DB 5-10 180 Inver Grove Heights, Minn./Simley

11 Noah Arneson So. DB 6-0 195 Independence, Minn./Orono

12 Logan Jans Fr. DB 6-4 180 St. Michael, Minn./St. Michael-Albertville

13 Nate Trewick Sr. DB 5-11 185 St. Cloud, Minn./Tech

14 Alex Harren So. LB 6-2 210 Rice, Minn./Sauk Rapids-Rice

15 Brandon Ruikka Sr. DB 6-0 190 Circle Pines, Minn./Centennial

16 Blake Simonson So. DB 5-10 170 Waconia, Minn./Waconia

17 Lukas Soto Sr. DB 6-1 190 Immokalee, Fla./Immokalee

18 Ethan Stark Sr. DB 6-1 195 Sartell, Minn./Sartell-St. Stephen

19 Sanders Asplin Sr. DB 5-10 190 Dassel, Minn./Dassel-Cokato

20 Cam Jackson Sr. LB 5-10 205 St. Paul, Minn./Cretin-Derham Hall

21 Nolan Rueter Jr. DB 6-2 205 Avon, Minn./Albany

22 Jake Palmer

LB 5-10

St. Anthony, Minn./St. Anthony Village

Maple Grove, Minn./Breck 23 Aiden

No. Name Yr. Pos. Ht. Wt. Hometown/High School

41 Beau Boudreaux Fr. LB 6-0 200 Huson, Mont./Frenchtown

42 Brock Humbert Sr. LB 5-11 200 Cold Spring, Minn./Rocori

43 Hayden Sanders Jr. LB 6-0 215 Brooklyn Park, Minn./Champlin Park

44 Sam Lewison Sr. LB 6-0 225 Apple Valley, Minn./Eastview

45 Vinny Wanda So. DL 6-3 235 Lakeville, Minn./North

46 Ben Dahl Jr. LB 5-9 205 Otsego, Minn./Rogers

47 Liam O’Malley Jr. DB 6-0 180 Sarasota, Fla./Booker

47 Joe Rossebo Sr. LB 5-11 215 Woodbury, Minn./Woodbury

48 Jack Bjork Sr. LB 6-0 220 Mahtomedi, Minn./Mahtomedi

49 Erik Bjork Sr. LB 6-0 220 Mahtomedi, Minn./Mahtomedi

50 J.P. Weber Fr. LB 6-0 200 Dubuque, Iowa/Wahlert

51 Henry Bendickson Fr. DL 6-0 190 St. Louis Park, Minn./St. Louis Park

52 J.P. Johnson Fr. DL 6-3 225 Mahtomedi, Minn./Mahtomedi

53 Kaden Lukkes So. LB 5-10 180 New Prague, Minn./New Prague

53 Dawson Van Meter Jr. DL 6-0 230 Luck, Wis./Luck

54 Eric Jurek Fr. LB 5-11 200 Stillwater, Minn./Stillwater Area

55 Keenan Turqueza Sr. DL 6-2 255 Ewa Beach, Hawaii/Radford

56 Drew Schmidt So. LB 5-9 195 St. Cloud, Minn./Cathedral

57 Garret Strating Sr. LB 6-0 215 Lino Lakes, Minn./Centennial

58 Nathan Carroll Fr. DL 6-1 255 Rice Lake, Wis./Rice Lake

59 Jayden Leach So. LB 6-1 220 Bayport, Minn./Stillwater Area

60 Jackson Carlson Fr. LB 6-3 205 Duluth, Minn./East

64 Jack Hillmann So. LB 5-11 175 Cokato, Minn./Dassel-Cokato

65 T.J. Graves So. DL 5-10 235 Millington, Tenn./Central

66 Will Mahowald Fr. DL 6-1 240 Sartell, Minn./Sartell-St. Stephen

67 Mitch Vener So. DL 6-2 230 South St. Paul, Minn./South St. Paul

70 Caleb Thom So. DL 6-2 230 Minneapolis, Minn./Totino-Grace

North Branch, Minn./Chisago

Minn./Jefferson

Minn./St. Louis Park

Minn./Sauk

Cooper School

89 Jackson Kirchner Fr. DL 6-2 240 Belle Plaine, Minn./Chanhassen

90 Landon Gallagher Jr. DL 6-2 230 Murrieta, Calif./Vista Murrieta

91 Dylan Owens So. DL 6-2 255 Andover, Minn./Andover

92 Chandler Obering So. DL 6-4 245 Orange, Calif./Villa Park

93 Riley DeRosier So. DL 6-1 235 Baxter, Minn./Brainerd

94 Ben Karr So. DL 6-2 220 Stillwater, Minn./Hill-Murray

95 Travis Johnson Jr. DL 6-3 250 Murrieta, Calif./Vista Murrieta

96 Riley Kangas Jr. LB 6-1 230 Faribault, Minn./Bethlehem Academy

97 Zach Frank Jr. DL 6-3 260 Lino Lakes, Minn./Centennial

98 Tommy Gilmore Jr. DL 6-1 245 Otsego, Minn./Rogers

99 Cole Engen So. DL 6-1 235 Esko, Minn./Esko

6-3 275 Argyle, Texas/Argyle

55 Drake Hebert OL Sr. 6-3 285 Houston, Texas/Cy Falls

56 AJ Townsend DL Sr. 6-0 250 Spring, Texas/Klein Collins

58 Foster Malloy DL Jr. 6-1 235 Dallas, Texas/Parish Episcopal

62 Jake Leighty OL Jr. 6-0 265 Gilbert, Ariz./Campo Verde

65 Conner Keele OL So. 6-3 280 Lampasas, Texas/Lampasas

71 John Hughes OL Sr. 6-5 260 Cypress, Texas/Bridgeland

72 Caleb Bayer OL So. 6-3 265 Grandview, Texas/Grandview

74 Ryan Ainsworth OL So. 6-2 270 Dallas, Texas/Episcopal School of Dallas

82 Lamont Nickleberry WR Fr. 5-11 160 Childress, Texas/Childress

83 Jack Lugo TE So. 6-3 215 Pharr, Texas/Pharr-San Juan-Alamo North

87 Matthew Kovacevich TE Jr. 6-4 220 Friendswood, Texas/Friendswood

88 Alex Thiel TE Sr. 6-2 220 Georgetown, Texas/Georgetown

91 Carson Byrd DL Sr. 6-2 240 Waco, Texas/Midway

93 Harris Good DL Sr. 5-11 268 Ft. Worth, Texas/Paschal

95 Jacob Munoz DL Sr. 5-9 215 Cedar Park, Texas/Cedar Park

98 Ben Gibson DL Fr. 6-3 275 Shavano Park, Texas/Clark

Head Coach: Jerheme Urban (10th season)

Assistant Coaches: Paul Michalak, Wade Lytal, Jeremy Gezella, Marcus Coleman, Burt Stuart, Bill Ramzinsky, Austin Grauer, Joshua Cook, Bryan Dausin, Breon Hoosier, Tyrone Christian, Hunter Houser, Cameron McKeon

Football Facilities

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 115 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 193840, 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 per-game attendance in NCAA Division III in each of the last 20 seasons – including crowds of 10,000 or more 21 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 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.

from more than 50 individual donorsmany of whom were former players. The artificial turf field has markings for a full-length football field, lacrosse, rugby, soccer, two cross-court 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.

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

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 Centerwhich 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 full-core machines, and cardiovascular machines such as treadmills, ellipticals and exercise bicycles.

But SJU athletes also have an exceptional resource on which to draw in Justin Rost, who is now in his 11th season as the assistant athletic trainer and head strength and conditioning coach in Collegeville.

“From a football standpoint, when I was hired, one of the things I saw as a necessity when it came to getting our program back to the top of the heap (in the MIAC) was having a full-time strength and conditioning coach at Saint John’s who could work with our players year-round,” Johnnies head coach Gary Fasching said.

“Justin came in with a great plan and he’s stuck with it. All of our guys who have worked with him have gained valuable speed, muscle and strength. He’s been a big part of our success the past 10 years.”

PROUD SPONSOR AND CONTRACTOR FOR JOHNNIE ATHLETICS

Nick VanErp, 5-11, 175, wide receiver, Ottertail Central High School

What made you decide to attend Saint John’s?

A big part of my decision had to do with coming to Johnnie games to visit and seeing my brothers Evan and Andrew. I got to watch Andrew play football here. Being so familiar with the campus, and the atmosphere feeling so welcoming, was awesome.

What is your favorite spot on campus and why?

Sitting on the beach or dock down at Lake Sagatagan because it can be so calm and peaceful down there, especially when there's no wind. It also reminds me of being home on the lake.

What is something about you not everyone would know?

I do the Washington Post crossword puzzle and daily sudoku every day.

Senior Spotlight

Spencer Ell, 5-11, 185, punter, Bethlehem Academy High School

What are some of your hobbies away from football? Hanging out with friends and golfing.

What is something about you not everyone would know?

I am a righty in everything besides punting.

What do you consider your greatest talent? Adaptability.

Mateo Cisneros, 5-11, 195, defensive back, Mounds View High School

What made you decide to attend SJU? Saint John’s graduate Scott Becker was a big reason why I decided to attend SJU. He was my American Legion baseball coach and really recommended that I visit. I wound visiting a total of five times. I loved the campus and all the nature it was surrounded by. Hearing about the Johnnie network was also very intriguing because I knew it could lead to opportunities for me in the future. And obviously, I loved the football program here.

What are your post-graduation plans? I plan on going to Physician's Assistant school.

What is your favorite food? My favorite food is definitely a Juicy Lucy (hamburger).

Todd Jager, 6-0, 185, defensive back, Waconia High School

What has been the most memorable part of your time at Saint John’s? Spending senior summer on campus.

What is your favorite food? Movie theater popcorn.

What made you decide to attend Saint John’s?

The vast network of alums that are available to lend a hand post-graduation.

Be a Bennie Be a Johnnie

LAST SEASON IN PICTURES

Presented by Sentry Bank

Aaron Syverson was named the athletic department’s 2023 NovaCare Comeback Player of the Year.

Alex Larson was named an American Football Coaches’ Association (AFCA) All-American.

SJU’s Alex Larson Named a D3football.com Preseason All-American.

SJU’s Jimmy Buck Nominated for 2023 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team.

SPEAKING

Presented by Stearns Bank

By Frank Rajkowski

HERGOTT HELPED KEEP THE SPIRIT OF MEMORABLE 1953 SJU TEAM GOING

Wayne Hergott never claimed to be the superstar on John Gagliardi’s first team at Saint John’s in the fall of 1953. The Johnnies boasted a pair of talented running backs -- Casey Vilandre and Jim Lehman -- who generated many of the headlines on offense that season. But someone had to get the ball in their hands. And though he was only a freshman, Gagliardi trusted Hergott enough to make the Le Sueur native the starting quarterback.

“Jim started the season at quarterback, but by the end of the year, I was starting and he had moved to halfback. I’d love to leave the story there to make me look good,” Hergott joked self-effacingly in 2020.

"But the truth was John knew the kind of talent that Jim had was being smothered at quarterback, because quarterbacks didn't run the ball as much. We needed to have the ball in Jim's hands in the running game as much as possible.

"So that became my job – making sure I got him the ball early and often."

It was a job Hergott – who died last month at age 88 – performed well, helping direct an offense that propelled the Johnnies to their first MIAC title since 1938.

Bill Braun, an All-MIAC pick at end as a senior on the 1953 team, said things just came together for he and his teammates that season - and Hergott was a big part of the reason why.

“Jim was our quarterback to start that season,” Braun said. “Wayne was a freshman. But John saw something in him and he came in and helped lead us to the championship season we had. We had some big wins that year, including beating Gustavus for the first time in a long time.

“John, of course, had a lot to do with that too. When he first came aboard, he was so young and we didn’t know what to expect. But he turned out to be an outstanding coach.

”Gagliardi, of course, went on to spend 60 seasons at Saint John’s, winning four national championships and finishing his career with 489 career victories, the most of any coach in college history.

But the foundation for that success was laid by Hergott and his teammates 70 years ago.

“That meant quite a bit to us,” recalls Jim Dalglish, an end from St. Paul on that team. “We were really proud of what we were able to accomplish.”

Hergott, meanwhile, remained an important contributor in the seasons to come and was also a standout in baseball, serving as co-captain as a senior in 1957. After serving in the military following his graduation, he attended law school and went on to a long career as a civil trial attorney. But he remained connected to Johnnies football, playing a key role in bringing alumni together. In 2009, he organized the Lunch Bunch, a group of Johnnies who still meet monthly for socializing, lunch and a speaker.

In 2016, he was honored with the Fr. Walter Reger Distinguished Alumnus Award – the highest honor bestowed by the SJU Alumni Association for service to alma mater. And, up to the day of his death, he was working tirelessly to organize a reunion of his 1953 teammates to mark their 70th anniversary. “Once you met Wayne Hergott, you didn’t forget him,” Braun said. “He was such a friendly guy – always outgoing and happy. He meant a lot to all of us. He was just a great person to be around.”

JOHNNIE ALL-AMERICAN PROFILE

Ed Callanan was more than capable of leading the Saint John’s University football team to victories carrying the football. But it was his efforts as a blocker that drew the Springfield (Minnesota) High School graduate his greatest acclaim. And, after leading the Johnnies to a record of 5-0 in the MIAC (6-2 overall) and their third conference title in four years in 1938, the 6-foot, 195-pounder became the first SJU player to earn All-American honors.

“Callanan, a brutal line-smasher and an excellent defensive back, was recognized as the best blocking back in the conference,” read an article in The Record following that season. “His deadly downfield blocking was the big factor in Saint John’s devastating offense.”

But Callanan, a four-time letterwinner and two-time co-captain, was a big threat as a rusher too. His touchdown run in the closing minutes lifted SJU to a 24-13 victory over archrival St. Thomas before a crowd of over 5,000 fans in St. Paul during his senior season.

And he scored the lone touchdown in a 6-0 Homecoming win over Gustavus that snapped the Gusties’ 14-game winning streak.

“A Johnny who loves football and who plays the game for personal satisfaction, Callanan’s name stands out in

Saint John’s grid history with the school’s truly great,” wrote Roger Plattes, essentially then SJU’s sports information director, in an article in the St. Cloud Times that fall promoting Callanan as an All-American candidate.

Callanan went on to serve his country in the U.S. Army during World War II, then later became a longtime mail carrier in the Springfield area – making deliveries every day no matter what the conditions.

“He was the man (for whom) they must have coined the phrase – rain, sleet, snow storms, tornadoes or shine, the mail must go through,” read a line in his obituary after his passing in 1998.

His grandson Michael carried on the family tradition, playing defensive back for the Johnnies for four seasons from 2012-15recording a team-best 15 tackles in a win over Concordia his senior season.

Presented by SJU Institutional

Advancement

Alumni Association

Basten Award, Go Johnnies Challenge Highlight SJU’s Week

Halftime of today’s Saint John’s season opener against Trinity (Texas) provides an opportunity to present a former Johnnie football standout with one of the university’s most distinguished awards.

Mark Flynn ’78 will be presented with the Bob Basten Award, an honor bestowed annually upon a former Johnnie football player who has exhibited outstanding leadership traits, has been involved with his community and alma mater, has carried a sense of fair play beyond the football field and has demonstrated an overall commitment to excellence.

“Leadership values are really instilled in everything you do at Saint John’s,” Flynn said.

The Basten Award is named in honor of Bob Basten ’82, who went to training camp with the Minnesota Vikings before embarking on a successful career as a business executive. He died in 2012 after a decades-long battle with ALS/Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

At Saint John’s, Flynn was a member of the Johnnies’ 1976 NCAA Division III national championship team, then

went on to a standout senior season as a starting linebacker.

During his professional career, Flynn was founder and managing partner of Trilogy Capital Partners LLC and president of GSV Capital before forming MWF Advisors in 2017 to continue his work with entrepreneurs building growth companies.

He plays a leading role in organizing the Campbell Trophy Summit, a yearly event involving nominees for the award presented annually to the college football player who most exemplifies success on the field, in the classroom and in the community. Since 1995, 21 Johnnies have been nominated for the award.

“Saint John’s is an incredible place and there is a bond that’s formed among and between Johnnies,” Flynn said.

Also coming up this week is the 2023 Go Johnnies Challenge, a 24-hour, online giving campaign. It begins at midnight Thursday, Sept. 7.

“It provides needed and meaningful resources for our 650 varsity student athletes,” said Adam Herbst ’99, Saint John’s director of alumni relations. “It’s been pretty incredible to see the outpouring of support.”

Last year, 915 donors – 140 percent of the donor goal – raised $256,257, the secondhighest dollar amount in the four-year history of the event. The Go Johnnies Challenge has raised over $1 million for SJU athletics.

“This is another avenue that donors can support something they care about,” Herbst said. “We rely on these resources to provide a great experience for all our student-athletes.”

FEATURED FLASHBACK

Presented by Kwik Trip

The Saint John’s University football team has only matched up against Trinity (Texas) University one time previously to today’s matchup.

That game - an NCAA Division III national semifinal played on December 14, 2002 at a sunny E.M. Stevens Stadium in San Antonio - didn’t go the way the Johnnies were hoping. But it provided a dose of extra motivation for the future.

SJU had fallen 10-7 to Mount Union (Ohio) in the 2000 national championship game, then 35-14 to the Purple Raiders in the semifinals in 2001. This game, then, marked the team’s third-straight berth in Division III’s final four.

But the going proved rough for the first three quarters. A 91-yard kickoff return by Trinity senior Jerheme Urban put the Tigers on top 34-13 going into the fourth.

From there, though, the momentum shifted in the Johnnies’ favor. Senior Kent Crowley rushed for a pair of touchdowns to cut the deficit, then senior quarterback Ross Denne connected with All-American Blake Elliott on a 7-yard touchdown pass that tied the game at 34-34 with 9:57 to play.

However, Trinity had the last wordmarching 69 yards in 14 plays and running 7:28 off the clock before scoring the winning touchdown on a 4-yard run by

quarterback Roy Hampton with 2:18 left on the clock. SJU turned the ball over on downs on its ensuing possession and Trinity advanced to face Mount Union in the national championship game the following week.

"I thought we were destined to win the national title, but I guess someone had other plans for us," senior offensive lineman Tom Engwall told the St. Cloud Times afterward. The loss was a heartbreaker, but SJU returned to go 14-0 the following season - including a 24-6 win over Mount Union for the program’s fourth national title. All-American linebacker Cam McCambridge said the memory of the loss to Trinity helped fuel the Johnnies’ focus entering the 2003 season.

“We hated losing,” McCambridge said this summer. “I still think losing that game (to the Tigers) the year before was a huge motivator for us. We had a chip on our shoulders. We had to prove we could finally get over that final hump.”

ON THIS DATE (SEPT. 2) IN JOHNNIE HISTORY:

Tom Linnemann threw for 232 yards and four touchdowns and Chris Moore rushed for 134 yards and three touchdowns as SJU opened the 2000 season with a 49-14 win over Wisconsin-Eau Claire on the road at Carson Park.

Alex Kofoed threw for 300 yards and defensive lineman Nick Gunderson added a fourth-quarter safety as the Johnnies got the 2006 season started on the right foot with a 1511 win over Wisconsin-Eau Claire at Clemens Stadium.

Jackson Erdmann threw for three touchdowns before exiting the game in the second quarter as SJU rolled past St. Scholastica 98-0 in Collegeville to start the 2017 season.

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PROBABLE STARTERS

Presented by McDowall Company

SAINT JOHN’S OFFENSE

When Saint John’s Has The Ball

WR 11 Jimmy Buck Sr., 6-4, 210

WR 7 Nick VanErp Sr., 5-11, 175

TE 8 Alex Larson Sr., 6-7, 240

LT 55 Tom Soler Jr., 6-2, 290

LG 50 Nick McKenzie Jr., 6-1, 280

C 72 Charlie Folkens Jr., 6-3, 285

RG 64 Joe Jaeger Sr., 6-2, 285

RT 54 Grant Peroutka Jr., 6-1, 275

WR 2 Dylan Wheeler So., 6-3, 200

QB 6 Aaron Syverson Sr., 6-0, 195

RB 25 Devin Vouk Sr., 5-9, 210

TRINITY OFFENSE

TRINITY DEFENSE

DE 91 Carson Byrd Sr., 6-2, 240

NG 95 Jacob Munoz Sr., 5-9, 215

DE 93 Harris Good Sr., 5-11, 268

LB 0 Mac Douglas Sr., 6-2, 225

LB 21 Caleb Harmel Sr., 6-0,

When Trinity Has The Ball

WR 1 BJ Stewart Jr., 5-8, 150

TE 87 Matthew Kovacevich Jr., 6-4, 220

LT 71 John Hughes Sr., 6-5, 260

LG 53 Santi Bohlmann Sr., 6-0, 270

C 72 Caleb Bayer So., 6-3, 265

RG 54 Brandon Michels Sr., 6-3, 275

RT 65 Conner Keele So., 6-3, 280

WR 13 Ryan Merrifield Sr., 5-11, 185

WR 19 Caleb Crawford Sr., 5-9, 184

QB 5 Tucker Horn Sr., 6-1, 195

RB 28 Justin Carmouche Sr., 5-10, 190

Saint John’s Specialists

K 12 Conor Murphy Jr., 5-10, 180

P 95 Spencer Ell Sr., 5-11, 185

LS 45 Jack Eibensteiner Sr., 6-0, 220

H 7 Nick VanErp Sr., 5-11, 175

KR 1 Marselio Mendez Jr., 5-9, 170 27 Caden Wheeler So., 5-10, 195

PR 1 Marselio Mendez Jr., 5-9, 170

SAINT JOHN’S DEFENSE

DE 9 Joe Akoh Sr., 6-4, 240

DT 97 Zach Frank Jr., 6-3, 260

DT 0 Amari Curtis Sr., 6-4, 250

DE 32 Jake Schwinghammer Jr., 5-11, 220

LB 43 Hayden Sanders Jr., 6-0, 215

LB 49 Erik Bjork Sr., 6-0, 220

LB 3 Cooper Yaggie Jr., 6-0, 215

CB 24 Cayden Saxon Sr., 6-3, 200

S 18 Ethan Stark Sr., 6-1, 195

S 11 Noah Arneson So., 6-0, 195

CB 9 Jamari Edwards Sr., 5-10, 180

Trinity Specialists

K 39 Tyler Huettel Sr., 5-9, 200

P 15 Eli Gehman Sr., 6-1, 220

H 15 Eli Gehman Sr., 6-1, 220

LS 38 Cannon Starcke Sr., 6-2, 220

KR 1 BJ Stewart Jr., 5-8, 150 22 Legend Grigsby Sr., 5-11, 170

PR 1 BJ Stewart Jr., 5-8, 150

UPCOMING JOHNNIE EVENTS

Saturday, Sept. 2

Football vs. Trinity (Texas)

Golf @ Gustavus Adolphus Dual Soccer vs. La Verne (Calif.) @ Carroll (Wis.)

Sunday, Sept. 3

Golf @ Gustavus Adolphus Dual Soccer @ Carroll (Wis.)

Tuesday, Sept. 5 Soccer vs. UW-Superior

Friday, Sept. 8

Cross Country vs. Toni St. Pierre Invite Soccer @ Dubuque (Iowa)

Saturday, Sept. 9 Football @ UW-Whitewater Soccer @ Loras (Iowa)

Wednesday, Sept. 13 Soccer @ Macalester

Saturday, Sept. 16

Cross Country at Carleton’s Running of the Cows Golf vs. Saint John’s Fall Invitational Soccer vs. Hamline Swimming & Diving vs. Alumni

Sunday, Sept. 17

Golf vs. Saint John’s Fall Invitational

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