FB: Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[repete]

RIP, Frank Berres. As someone who sat in the section in Rat Hall, through the cobbing of Sonny Gulsvig and Rozier visits, it's quite a legacy.

Here's a bit of history, taken from the far stands during the 1976 Stagg. Got a slide scanner for some family image duties, but found a handful from Phenix City, Ala.

[OzJohnnie]

@Pat, when do you get your meaningful top 25 published?  I can never remember.

https://gojohnnies.com/news/2020/6/8/football-preseason-magazines-rank-sju-in-top-15-honor-alston.aspx

The Johnnies were ranked No. 6 by Street & Smith's and No. 14 by Lindy's...

St. Thomas was ranked as high as No. 10 by Lindy's (No. 23 by Street & Smith's), while Bethel was listed at No. 15 by Street & Smith's. Elsewhere within the state, Martin Luther was ranked No. 18 by Lindy's.

[57Johnnie]

Just saw that Frank Berres '57 passed away. Here's the story from Frank Rajkowski:



A list of the most fervent fans of Saint John's University athletics over the years would certainly take up a lot of space.

But near the top would have to be the name of Frank Berres '57, who died Friday, June 5 at age 85.

The Escanaba, Michigan resident was a 1953 graduate of Le Sueur (Minnesota) High School who went on to enroll at SJU that fall.

During his time on campus, Berres founded a cheering section that would go on to become a legendary and colorful part of Johnnie lore and is still going strong today ...

The Rat Pack.

"The fact that the Rat has survived 50 years at Saint John's is really exciting to me," Berres said in an article in the autumn 2004 edition of the SJU Magazine. "It appears to have enough momentum to survive the test of time.

"The Johnnie Rat began with me and I am proud of it."

According to the article, Berres picked up the nickname "The Rat" because his room in Benet Hall was so messy it resembled a rat's nest.

He was also a regular attendee at SJU athletic events, becoming a vocal supporter of the Johnnies – especially during basketball games in the Old Gym (Guild Hall).

"It was entertainment on the weekends, so students went to Johnnie basketball games," he said.

The section where Berres and his friends sat – on the north end of the gym closest to the door – soon became known as the "Rat Section." And Berres laid claim to being the original Rat.

Among the first to experience the Rats' needling of the opposition was Evelyn Young, the wife of then-Gustavus coach Gus Young. She was known for cheering on her husband's team loudly and waving her fur coat, sometimes even throwing it to the floor.

Berres began mimicking her actions with a coat of his own and a long tradition of trying to get under the skin of the opposing team and its followers was born.

The reputation of the Rats eventually began to spread, even beyond the MIAC. By the mid-1990s, Sports Illustrated named the group the zaniest cheering section in all of college sports.

"On behalf of Johnnie Rats everywhere, I'd like to express my sincere condolences to the Berres family," said SJU athletic director Bob Alpers, a 'proud Rat from the class of '82.'

"I think every student that has attended a game and cheered for Saint John's has been proud to be a member of the Rat Pack. I wish I had the chance to meet Frank and thank him for founding one of the greatest fan traditions in all of college sports. Rest in peace."

According to his obituary, Berres and his wife Jean moved from Minnesota to Escanaba in the 1960s and raised five children there. He was employed as a social worker with the State of Michigan for 25 years before retiring in 1992. He then worked for Qwest Diagnostic.

He was also active in the community, starting a local softball league that grew as large as 50 teams. He was a prominent member of his Elks Lodge, earning Michigan's Elk of the Year award in 2002-03.

His love for the local teams extended to Escanaba High School, where he became a regular presence at athletic events – especially football, basketball and softball games. He was named the Escanaba Fan Club's "Fan of the Year" and to the Escanaba Quarterback Club's "Wall of Fame."

But his original love was the Johnnies, and he returned to watch SJU play numerous times over the years. That included being on hand to see John Gagliardi set the all-time collegiate victory record with a win over Bethel at Clemens Stadium in 2003, and a trip to Roanoke, Virginia to see the Johnnies beat Mount Union (Ohio) for the Division III national title that same year.

"It's just a thrill to be here and it's a thrill to be a Johnnie fan," he told the St. Cloud Times that day.

"It's awesome to be here, especially being married to the original Rat," added Jean Berres. "Forty-four years I've been following them around, and it's been great. This is unbelievable."

Berres was also on hand for Homecoming in 2007 – the 50th anniversary of his graduation.

It was on that afternoon that he visited that year's Rat Pack in the north end zone and helped them cheer on the Johnnies to a 30-29 comeback win over St. Olaf.

"On the campus, the football game and seeing the Rat Pack members made it seem like it was just yesterday," he wrote in a letter to The Record recounting his experience.

"The first half of the game between two outstanding teams was most intense. At the half, the Johnnies held the lead 17-16 over St. Olaf. Early in the third quarter, the Oles scored on a field goal to make the score 19-17.

"The Old Rat in me felt it was time to go to the North End Zone to help the 'Rat Pack.' Walking down the steps, the Johnnie crowd uttered some moans as the Oles forced a fumble off the Johnnie kickoff return. More gloom set in when the Oles scored again, making it 26-17. Got to the Pack and told them they just had pizza, but had not done anything yet. Did my only thing, asking them to give me a J-O-H-N-N-I-E-S. They were noisy.

"Soon we scored to make it Oles 26 and Johnnies 24. Another 'JOHNNIE' yell even noisier. We go ahead 30-26. Soon the Oles hit a field goal. Now Johnnies 30-Oles 29. After the Oles kickoff, decided it was time for a 'JOHNNIE' yell. Told "Rat Pack" it would be my last one at the 5:29 mark because it was time for my medications.

"At age 72, leading cheers for 20-year-olds is not easy!"

[story by Frank Rajkowski]

RIP Frank
From one of the originals.

[faunch]

Just saw that Frank Berres '57 passed away. Here's the story from Frank Rajkowski:



A list of the most fervent fans of Saint John's University athletics over the years would certainly take up a lot of space.

But near the top would have to be the name of Frank Berres '57, who died Friday, June 5 at age 85.

The Escanaba, Michigan resident was a 1953 graduate of Le Sueur (Minnesota) High School who went on to enroll at SJU that fall.

During his time on campus, Berres founded a cheering section that would go on to become a legendary and colorful part of Johnnie lore and is still going strong today ...

The Rat Pack.

"The fact that the Rat has survived 50 years at Saint John's is really exciting to me," Berres said in an article in the autumn 2004 edition of the SJU Magazine. "It appears to have enough momentum to survive the test of time.

"The Johnnie Rat began with me and I am proud of it."

According to the article, Berres picked up the nickname "The Rat" because his room in Benet Hall was so messy it resembled a rat's nest.

He was also a regular attendee at SJU athletic events, becoming a vocal supporter of the Johnnies – especially during basketball games in the Old Gym (Guild Hall).

"It was entertainment on the weekends, so students went to Johnnie basketball games," he said.

The section where Berres and his friends sat – on the north end of the gym closest to the door – soon became known as the "Rat Section." And Berres laid claim to being the original Rat.

Among the first to experience the Rats' needling of the opposition was Evelyn Young, the wife of then-Gustavus coach Gus Young. She was known for cheering on her husband's team loudly and waving her fur coat, sometimes even throwing it to the floor.

Berres began mimicking her actions with a coat of his own and a long tradition of trying to get under the skin of the opposing team and its followers was born.

The reputation of the Rats eventually began to spread, even beyond the MIAC. By the mid-1990s, Sports Illustrated named the group the zaniest cheering section in all of college sports.

"On behalf of Johnnie Rats everywhere, I'd like to express my sincere condolences to the Berres family," said SJU athletic director Bob Alpers, a 'proud Rat from the class of '82.'

"I think every student that has attended a game and cheered for Saint John's has been proud to be a member of the Rat Pack. I wish I had the chance to meet Frank and thank him for founding one of the greatest fan traditions in all of college sports. Rest in peace."

According to his obituary, Berres and his wife Jean moved from Minnesota to Escanaba in the 1960s and raised five children there. He was employed as a social worker with the State of Michigan for 25 years before retiring in 1992. He then worked for Qwest Diagnostic.

He was also active in the community, starting a local softball league that grew as large as 50 teams. He was a prominent member of his Elks Lodge, earning Michigan's Elk of the Year award in 2002-03.

His love for the local teams extended to Escanaba High School, where he became a regular presence at athletic events – especially football, basketball and softball games. He was named the Escanaba Fan Club's "Fan of the Year" and to the Escanaba Quarterback Club's "Wall of Fame."

But his original love was the Johnnies, and he returned to watch SJU play numerous times over the years. That included being on hand to see John Gagliardi set the all-time collegiate victory record with a win over Bethel at Clemens Stadium in 2003, and a trip to Roanoke, Virginia to see the Johnnies beat Mount Union (Ohio) for the Division III national title that same year.

"It's just a thrill to be here and it's a thrill to be a Johnnie fan," he told the St. Cloud Times that day.

"It's awesome to be here, especially being married to the original Rat," added Jean Berres. "Forty-four years I've been following them around, and it's been great. This is unbelievable."

Berres was also on hand for Homecoming in 2007 – the 50th anniversary of his graduation.

It was on that afternoon that he visited that year's Rat Pack in the north end zone and helped them cheer on the Johnnies to a 30-29 comeback win over St. Olaf.

"On the campus, the football game and seeing the Rat Pack members made it seem like it was just yesterday," he wrote in a letter to The Record recounting his experience.

"The first half of the game between two outstanding teams was most intense. At the half, the Johnnies held the lead 17-16 over St. Olaf. Early in the third quarter, the Oles scored on a field goal to make the score 19-17.

"The Old Rat in me felt it was time to go to the North End Zone to help the 'Rat Pack.' Walking down the steps, the Johnnie crowd uttered some moans as the Oles forced a fumble off the Johnnie kickoff return. More gloom set in when the Oles scored again, making it 26-17. Got to the Pack and told them they just had pizza, but had not done anything yet. Did my only thing, asking them to give me a J-O-H-N-N-I-E-S. They were noisy.

"Soon we scored to make it Oles 26 and Johnnies 24. Another 'JOHNNIE' yell even noisier. We go ahead 30-26. Soon the Oles hit a field goal. Now Johnnies 30-Oles 29. After the Oles kickoff, decided it was time for a 'JOHNNIE' yell. Told "Rat Pack" it would be my last one at the 5:29 mark because it was time for my medications.

"At age 72, leading cheers for 20-year-olds is not easy!"

[story by Frank Rajkowski]

Had no idea he was Le Sueur Giant alum.

[faunch]

RIP, Frank Berres. As someone who sat in the section in Rat Hall, through the cobbing of Sonny Gulsvig and Rozier visits, it's quite a legacy.

Here's a bit of history, taken from the far stands during the 1976 Stagg. Got a slide scanner for some family image duties, but found a handful from Phenix City, Ala.

Crazy they let the teams wear their red and orange jerseys. Almost looks like the Cornhuskers and the Volunteers. Love the striping on the socks too!

[Pat Coleman]

I bet it brings you right back to the winters of your youth in GR.

I'm working from cabin today up at my parent's place in Wabana township...one upside of the pandemic has been that my office's of "never work from home" culture will shift a bit as people are proving that we're productive regardless of where we sit.

You would be suprised how quickly your blood thins and every winter becomes cold.  I am soft.

As for working from home, it's wearing me down.  I need to meet with other people in the flesh and have interactions.  I much, much, muchly prefer the office.

I'm not going to say my experience has to be similar to yours, but it only took me one winter to re-acclimate to Minnesota after 18 years in D.C. I was actually quite concerned about it.

[Pat Coleman]

@Pat, when do you get your meaningful top 25 published?  I can never remember.

https://gojohnnies.com/news/2020/6/8/football-preseason-magazines-rank-sju-in-top-15-honor-alston.aspx

The Johnnies were ranked No. 6 by Street & Smith's and No. 14 by Lindy's...

St. Thomas was ranked as high as No. 10 by Lindy's (No. 23 by Street & Smith's), while Bethel was listed at No. 15 by Street & Smith's. Elsewhere within the state, Martin Luther was ranked No. 18 by Lindy's.

Ours will be in July.

The S&S Top 25 is done by Keith McMillan, so it's pretty good.

[D O.C.]

Apologies to Guru and the MIAC board for posting a question that was deemed inappropriate.
I missed the directive to not mention the subject.

[DuffMan]

Lindy's ranked Martin Luther College 4 spots behind SJU?  That tells me everything I need to know about that poll.

[repete]

RIP, Frank Berres. As someone who sat in the section in Rat Hall, through the cobbing of Sonny Gulsvig and Rozier visits, it's quite a legacy.

Here's a bit of history, taken from the far stands during the 1976 Stagg. Got a slide scanner for some family image duties, but found a handful from Phenix City, Ala.

Crazy they let the teams wear their red and orange jerseys. Almost looks like the Cornhuskers and the Volunteers. Love the striping on the socks too!

Towson was starting its climb in divisions. When they introduced the coaches. There was Gagliardi and a couple others (maybe Fr. Otto Weber?) and then came Towson, which had about a dozen assistants, all in color-coordinated orange polyester.
Great game as well. Live on ABC.

[MUC57]

Frank Berres sounds like a guy we all wish we knew and had in our class.
I'd say rest in peace, Frank, but he's probably still cheering. RIP anyway. 😇

[ChicagoTommie]

Hey no worries DOC.  I will forgive you 

[SagatagSam]

Lindy's ranked Martin Luther College 4 spots behind SJU?  That tells me everything I need to know about that poll.

Last MLC NCAA tournament appearances:

2019 at Wheaton, L, 51-7
2018 at St. John's, L, 84-6

I'd consider ranking St. Olaf and Carleton before MLC.

[hazzben]

Lindy's ranked Martin Luther College 4 spots behind SJU?  That tells me everything I need to know about that poll.

Last MLC NCAA tournament appearances:

2019 at Wheaton, L, 51-7
2018 at St. John's, L, 84-6

I'd consider ranking St. Olaf and Carleton before MLC.

Those UMAC playoff blowouts look to be a thing of the past. Between MacMurray, CSS, and Iowa Wesleyan all leaving for different reasons, the school will drop below the required 7 teams for a Pool A bid. Loss of bid effective 2023.

Should mean an increase in Pool C bids by one that year unless I'm missing something. Still to be seen how the new divisional alignment helps/hurts MIAC Pool C candidates.

[AO]

Lindy's ranked Martin Luther College 4 spots behind SJU?  That tells me everything I need to know about that poll.

Last MLC NCAA tournament appearances:

2019 at Wheaton, L, 51-7
2018 at St. John's, L, 84-6

I'd consider ranking St. Olaf and Carleton before MLC.

Those UMAC playoff blowouts look to be a thing of the past.

I agree.  Look at the improvement from 2018 to 2019.  If the margin of victory can be reduced by 34 points every year, we're going to be winning Stagg bowls in no time.