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Rink Sr. • OF |
| I remember reading over the senior salutes on Senior Day as a freshman. I read about everyone’s fond memories and wondered what it would be like as a senior looking back on my college career. Time has quickly passed by and as I think about all of the experiences and friendships I have, it makes me smile because I have met some great people and have been through some fun times. The first thank you I would like to extend is to my parents, Dave and Vickie. I can’t begin to thank you guys for all that you have done for me over the past 22 years. It always made me thankful to have parents as great as you guys when my friends would tell me how much they enjoyed your company. If it wasn’t for your hard work and dedication as parents then I would not have the work ethic or motivation that I have today. Thank you guys for all of the trips you took to sporting events throughout my collegiate career and for keeping me stocked up on food from Sam’s Club. I would also like to thank Grandpa and Grandma Rink for all of their support and dedication to Cardinal baseball. Thank you for coming down to Florida for our spring trips and making it to our games in Iowa. I really appreciate how much support you have given me and how you guys bring a smile to my face. To my sister, Jennifer, I know you weren’t able to see me play many college games, but I am fortunate to have a sister like you. Good luck next year at Grandview; you’ll do great. Grandma Opal, thank you for all of the letters and five-dollar bills you sent. To my other family members, thank you guys for everything you have done for me. I am proud to call myself a Rink because of the wonderful family we have. I love you! I want my two best friends, Nick Heiberg and Jose Rueda, to know that I have had a blast getting to know you guys. Without you guys I don’t think that I would have had as great of a college experience because you are both great people. I’ve enjoyed your company because you guys are always positive and easy to talk to. I think of you two as role models and hope to stay in touch in the future. Thank you to the other close friends I have here for the great memories: Ryan, Dave, Dan, Anna, Fritz, Katie, Theresa, Ian, Sean, Trimble, Kortney, Jamie, Emily, and Anna. I couldn’t have asked for a better group of fellow seniors to play baseball with. Juice, you are one of the funniest people I have ever met and you always make me laugh. Ryan, you are the best athlete I have ever played with, and we will always be math buddies. Jake, your knowledge of movie quotes is amazing. Popek, you will make a great lawyer some day. Jose, thank you for all of the times you’ve had me over to your house for dinner. I hope to keep in touch with all of you, and good luck to everyone in the future. To the coaches, thanks for everything you have taught me. Coach Whaley, you always seemed to know when I was nervous and would say something to calm me down. Coach Huegel and Coach Cicalello, both of you have bright futures ahead in coaching. As a player I couldn’t have asked for a better group of coaches, because I have learned a lot of great things about baseball and life from watching and listening to you guys. A special thanks to Coach Huegel for all of the accounting help this year. Coach Cicalello, keep a close tab on your shopping cart when I’m gone and keep saving up your recycling money. Last, but not least, I would like to thank the group of guys I have played with this year. You guys are great teammates and I have enjoyed every minute of this season. We’ve been through a lot together and have seen some funny stuff (19th floor in Florida hotel). I would also like to thank all of the other parents on this team for their support and all of the food they’ve provided between games. A big shout goes out to the workers of Chartwells Campus Dining, especially Patty, Lynn, and Mary, for always keeping me well-fed. It’s been a great four years here at Saint Mary’s, and I am proud to know that I have been a Cardinal baseball player. |