Rob Hollnagel Sr. • Pitcher La Crosse, WI	Baseball is a game that has taken me to many places. It has taken me from the backyard on 20th street in La Crosse, to Denver, Dallas, Memphis, Miami, the Twin Cities, and back here to Winona. It seems like only yesterday I stepped foot on Max Molock field for the first time. I came into this program without knowing a single person. Little did I know on that day in the fall of 2000, I would form friendships and take away memories that would last a lifetime. As I take “The Max” for one last time, I would like to take a moment to thank everyone that has been there for me throughout my career. First, I would like to thank my biggest fans, my family. Mom, thank you for everything you have ever done for me. I never really told you how much I appreciate the sacrifices you have made for me. You would work the night shift at the hospital, and then, instead of getting your sleep, you would drive home to take me to games and practices. You were always there with food on the table and a clean house, despite hauling me around to where I needed to be. You were always the one to comfort me after a loss and congratulate me after a win. Dad, thanks for the endless hours of catch (and sometimes fetch), throwing me batting practice, and never missing a game. You would take time away from work to travel all over the country to watch me play. I am convinced that I would not be the player I am today without the time that you put in. Thank you. Aubrey, what can I say? It took us about 18 years of your life for us to actually get along. The relationship that we have formed has meant the world to me. Thanks for always being there. Alexa, I know we don’t share the same passion for the game of baseball, but you were at almost every game. You were dragged along (against your will) to virtually every game. You never complained about spending the majority of your summers around the baseball diamond. It means a lot to me that you were always there. Thanks for everything. Tami and David Ebner: You two have been like a second set of parents to me. You have always treated me as if I were your own. You would pass up shopping trips and fishing excursions so that you could watch me play. I would never have expected you to be there, but you were. Thank you for being so supportive. Grandma and Grandpa Hollnagel: You guys have been to almost every game that I have played. The support you have given me throughout my life is tremendous. You always managed to be there, regardless of the weather. It means the world to me. Grandpa Houlihan: You were maybe my biggest fan. From tee-ball on up through college, you have always been there for me. Every time something when wrong on the field, I could look into the stands and see you. You had a way of making everything better for me. Thank you for never missing a game. Grandma Houlihan: Although you cannot be here physically, I know you are still watching me. You too, never missed a game. Even in poor health, you ALWAYS made the trip to games. You showed me how to never give up, deal with what life brings to you, and fight until the very end. You mean the world to me, and I miss you more than anything. Thank you for everything you have done for me. I would not be the person I am today without you. I miss you, and I love you. Secondly, I would like to thank the coaches. Coach Whaley, thank you for giving me the opportunity the play college baseball. You stuck with me through all the good times, and the bad. Thank you for the confidence you instilled in me. You made my dream come true and I thank you for that. Benji, without your guidance, I would not be the pitcher I am today. You are going to make a great head coach someday, and I wish you luck in your coaching career. Thank you for all the time and effort you put in to make me an effective college pitcher. Coach Mollner, thank you for your continued support and words of wisdom. Next, I would like to thank my fellow seniors. Pugh and Kittles: You are two of the funniest guys I have ever met. Our relationship has become more than I ever could have hoped it could be. Cic and Robby: You are probably the best players I have ever played with. I didn’t get to know you guys until the past two years, but I think of you as great friends. Steiger: You were the first person I talked to on the first day of practice our freshman year. We have been through so much together and I am so glad to I could be your teammate. Good luck with everything that is going on in your life. In addition to being a great friend, I know you will make a tremendous husband and father. Next, I would like to thank a few of my teammates. We have had some good times together. Jose, what can I say? You Man! Coz: I am going to miss seeing you on my couch playing PS2 for hours and hours on end. Winecke: Your passion for the game and work ethic are unprecedented. Don’t ever lose that. Jake: I am going to miss our heated Wisconsin-Minnesota debates. Duck: Thanks for always being there for me, through good times and bad. Sears: It’s been a great time being your roommate. I’ll miss our competitive rivalries and getting into your head on a daily basis. Rinker: I admire the way you play the game and the way you give 100 percent every time you step foot on the field. I think of all of you guys as my brothers, and I wish you all luck in your future. To all the returning guys: Don’t ever take this opportunity for granted. It will go fast and before you know it, it will be over. Take advantage of everything this game brings to you. Leave it all on the field and cherish every moment. I wish you all luck in your future and I look forward to seeing you play in the coming years. I would also like to thank the friends I have made here at SMU: Jazzy, Bormann, Bents, Megan, Rachel, Kennedy, Angie, Crystal, Leah, April, and Todd: Thanks for never missing a game. You guys make it so much fun to play here. You have been great friends since the day I met you, and I am going to miss you all. Lastly, I would like to thank Scott Bagniefski, Rick and Aaron Boyer, and Mike Noelke for everything you have done for me in my career. You have taught me so much about the game of baseball and words cannot describe how gracious I am. The game of baseball has come and gone, but the relationships I have formed and the memories will live on forever. We have had some good times here and it’s been a hell-of-a ride. It’s been an honor to put on a Saint Mary’s jersey and I am honored to have been a part of such a prestigious tradition. Thank you to everyone that has made this possible for me and I will truly miss being a Cardinal.