Frank Wachlarowicz rewrote the record books at St. John's, the MIAC and the state during his four years as a starter for Coach Smith, leaving Collegeville with the most points ever by a collegiate basketball player in the state of Minnesota. But his legacy will always be much more than numbers on a stat sheet. Today, on the season one finale of No Place I'd Rather Be, we try to stay out of your way and let the two-time All-American speak for himself. In the first of two episodes dedicated to the man from Little Falls, we focus mostly on what led him to St. John's, his early days on campus and some of his high school playing days.
Feb 28, 2023
38 min
Tim McNamara, class of '77, worked closely with Coach Smith for four years. He saw it all while in his role as team manager and remembers it all as well. An incredible wealth of information on Johnnie basketball in general and a bonafide expert on the happenings during his tenure, Tim Mac indulges us with just some of those stories and gives a little insight into the behind-the-scenes of the program for today's Fast Break episode.
Feb 23, 2023
14 min
With the regular season wrapped up and only two episodes left in season one, we get right to it for today's episode. The Johnnies vs. the Tommies. We hear from Dave Johnson, class of '69, Vic Moore, class of '72, and Steve Ward, class of '75 about some of the glory days of the rivalry. We get three first-hand accounts of an event from March 1972 that stands as potentially the most outrageous from a rivalry that spanned decades.
Feb 21, 2023
34 min
Athletic director, golf coach, assistant basketball coach just to name a few of the spaces today's guest has occupied over the course of his long-tenured St. John's career. Those who know St. John's, know Bob Alpers. In this fast break episode, we hear about Bob's first experience at SJU, joining the basketball program and some creative weight distribution.
Feb 16, 2023
13 min
It wasn't just a basketball coach St. John's hired back in 1964. It was much more. It was the Family Smith. The Smiths were just as much a part of the basketball program as the players throughout the years. On today's episode we hear from a very special guest with a unique perspective of St. John's basketball over the decades -- Adrienne Smith -- who is joined by her husband Jim and daughter Meghan. But first, we have head coach Pat McKenzie back with us for another timely update on the season.
Feb 14, 2023
42 min
For today's Fast Break episode we have one of the very first people to meet Coach Smith during the interview process for the head basketball coaching position at St. John's -- Joe Mucha. Joe was an instrumental piece in the foundation of what Johnnie basketball would be in the coming decades. In today's Fast Break episode, we hear from Joe about his decision to come to Collegeville, some of his other suitors, and the team's style of play before Coach Smith showed up on campus.
Feb 9, 2023
11 min
Context is important. Despite what this podcast may have led you to believe so far, there was much more going on besides basketball. The world at large, as it tends to do, forced students to grow their awareness and social consciousness well beyond the basketball court. In this episode, we learn what that looked like for those involved with Johnnie basketball through the late 60s and 70s. But first, we get an update on this year's SJU squad from first-year assistant coach Alex Rasmussen. There is a story that references suicide in this episode. That story begins at 24:35 and ends at 27:27. Visit the National Alliance on Mental Health -- Minnesota for more information on mental health resources available in Minnesota.
Feb 7, 2023
38 min
Paul Bernabei was one of the first players to play four full years under Coach Smith. League MVP his senior season, Bernabei was a crucial piece of the Johnnies' first MIAC Basketball Championship during the 1968-69 season. In this Fast Break episode you will hear Paul talk about his journey to Saint John's, the support he received from his parents as well as some of his favorite memories of Johnnie Basketball.
Feb 2, 2023
16 min
No introduction necessary. Includes some content not quite suitable for children. Enjoy.
Jan 31, 2023
43 min
Everyone who was kind enough to sit down and share their stories left us with the best kind of problem -- too many great stories. With so much amazing content from all of our guests, we've decided to share with you all a shorter, singularly focused episode featuring one of the many integral members of the Johnnie Basketball family. Look for Fastbreak episodes every Thursday for the remainder of the season.
Jan 26, 2023
19 min
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