Michael Bids Farewell

I can’t believe my four years of collegiate athletics is almost over. It seems like yesterday I was in the Pub with Coach Biebel, Ryan Bormann, and Allyn Emery on my recruiting visit. I can still remember the first open gym I went to, where I got to meet Gencius, Haywood, and Big T. Thinking back on that moment, I can’t believe that we are the only ones left. When I came in there were 20 freshmen, and John and I are the only ones left from that recruiting class. I have seen a lot of good players come and leave the program. I consider myself one of the lucky ones who has survived the open gyms, weight lifting, conditioning, and the long grueling season. I know that I am making playing basketball at Saint Mary’s seem horrible but it has been one of the best experiences of my life. Looking back at my career I will never remember what we did against St. John’s or St. Thomas but the times I had with my teammates on the bus rides or while hanging out after practice. I’d first like to thank my parents for supporting me in everything that I do. I wouldn’t have been able to come to Saint Mary’s without there sacrifices. They could have very easily have told me that I couldn’t afford coming here but they knew how important it was for me to play basketball. I would also like to thank my sisters and brother (Katie, Emily, Allison, and Ryan) for there support of me. Also, I would like to thank my girlfriend, Sarah, for being there for me through the ups and downs. I don’t think I would be the person or player that I am today without your support. I would like to thank the coaching staff here at Sainat Mary’s who have helped me develop both on and off the court. Coach Trewick and Coach Jenkins, I appreciate all the time and effort that you have done for the team, and I wish you only the best for up coming seasons. Thank you to Coach Biebel for recruiting me and selling me on Saint Mary’s because it has been a great experience. I would also like to thank Coach Brandsoy for spending the extra time with me after practice in my freshman and sophmore years. That time spent helped me build confidence and started a friendship that will be life long. To my fellow seniors, I would like to thank you for making that last four years some of best years of my life. John rooming with you for the last three years has been a great time. You will be one of my best friends for the rest of my life and I can’t wait to get phone calls from you when we’re in our 80s talking about the Bears, Bulls, and the Sox. You’re the first Lithuanian that I have ever met and I’m glad that I got that opportunity. Brensley, you have to be one of the funniest guys that I have ever met in my life. Someday I’ll get you a Wisconsin Medicine shirt so we can match. You are one of the best basketball players that I have ever played with and the friendship that we have will truly be cherished. Jack, I’ve only gotten to know you for 2 years but I wish you were here for all four. Well, actually I wouldn’t wish that for you, because the first two years here were a little rough basketball wise. From the first time we hung out together it seemed like we had been friends for years and I thank you for the friendship that we have. Finally, Big T, we sure have had some great experiences. From you sleeping next to me in class, to working on 1on 1 moves, to even arguing about a call in open gym. You are by far the best 6’1” post that I have ever played with. Thank you for the friendship over the last 4 years. To the team it has been and will continue to be a great season. I don’t consider you guys just teammates but rather my family. I see all of you guys as brothers and we will always stick together through the good times or bad. My advice to you guys is that you should take advantage of your time here because before you know it you’ll be writing your senior salute. Also, you guys are extremely talented and there is no limit to what you guys can accomplish. I can’t wait to come back next year and watch you play. Finally I would like to thank the Saint Mary’s community and fans. Your support has been great. I would also like to give a special thanks to the parents and family members who travel hours to come and watch us play. I want to thank Saint Mary’s fans and former men’s basketball players for there enthusiastic support of our team. Without you guys it would always feel like a road game. Once again, thank you for a great experience.