Johnnie Wrestling Community,
As the start of the season is right around the corner, Monday Oct 16th, I would like to thank all of you that attended this year's golf event and those that helped us raise 10,000 dollars for the Go Johnnies Challenge. these two events help us with extra funds to do a few things that would otherwise not happen.
We are starting off this year with the largest team in a while. The room will have just over 30 wrestlers, many of them are first year johnnies. We added a few transfer students to this year's team as well, with the possibilities to add a few more transfers in December. A good number of upper-class wrestlers return to help guide the younger ones down the right.
After a few years of Covid messing up the schedule for our events, we are finally getting it back on track. We have several home events this year, including a new event. I wanted to recognize the great coaching legacy of Terry Haws and John Elton. The best way for me to recognize them is to name a new event after them. This year will be the first of many for the Haws/Elton 4 team rumble. We have invited 3 teams in for a mini-individual tournament. this event is able to start a bit later in the morning and get done before the dinner bell rings. This event is attractive to some of the closer teams as they won't need to spend the hotel dollars for the team. Drive to SJU, stretch out. warm-up, wrestle. go home, short and sweet. I will be adding a new part to the blog. The Alumni Corner, will be a short thought or statement from SJU wrestling alumni. I hope to add at least 2 notes each blog. if you have an idea or thought to share, you can send me an email and I will try to get your note added for all to read.
I have added a few more coaches to the list from past years. Anthony Hennen, Brady Mehr. Anthony helped out last year and is back for round 2. Brady has been coaching high school for the past few years, but is making the switch to college. I am glad to have them both here now.
Alumni Corner: Why or what excites you about Saint John's Wrestling?
Matt Vos:
I am excited about the pieces that are starting to fall in place. The effort and passion of those involved is infectious. I am also excited about the current wrestlers that are going to be able to look back and see what they were a part of.
Gary Svendsen:
As I look back on my time in the St John’s wrestling program, I realize that it was not only a wonderful time in my life but it also served as a time for me where I developed valuable life disciplines that served me well for the rest of my personal life and workplace life … goal setting, work ethic, leadership, teamwork, etc. The friendships , comradery and memories developed last a lifetime even as we part ways and move on with the rest of our lives.
I would like to encourage all past Johnnie wrestlers to participate in the St John’s wrestling golf outing fundraiser each summer to help keep this program well-funded going into the future. It is a great opportunity to connect with old teammates, relive old stories, meet current wrestlers as well as wrestlers from other eras. It is a four-man scramble format … so no pressure on individual skills. Having a great time is the only requirement!
One last thing, if any of you are interested in team gear, the following link will take you to our website:
Kevin Schiltz