The Mankato State Game

Send us Fan MailLast week we heard all about what set the class of '79 apart from the rest. If you haven’t, go back and listen to last week’s episode first. Because today, as the conversation shifts to their senior season, we get a glimpse at just how special that group was, as we relive one of the greatest games during one of the greatest seasons in the history of basketball in Minnesota. And there’s a good chance even that is selling it short.Same lineup as last time. Let’s get back at it as Coach Smith, Ted Nowak, Paul Wotta,  Dan Smith, and Frank Wachlarowicz join hosts Tom Connell and John Russett. ...This season of "No Place I'd Rather Be ..." is sponsored by the Sexton Family Foundation, helping usher in the next generation of leaders. And Sixth Man Enterprises, creating a state of readiness. Thank you for making this project possible.Thank you to Frank Wachlarowicz, Dan Smith, Ted Nowak and Paul Wotta for hanging out and telling some stories. Special thank you to alum Joe Hoesly '77 for making the Wayzata Country Club boardroom available to help make this roundtable discussion possible.  And, of course, thank you to Johnnie alum Steve Cummings ‘83, at Nova Consulting, for the use of their beautiful facilities.Thank you to Coach Jim Smith, whose new book with former player '69 grad Paul Bernabei chronicling the history of 123 seasons of basketball in Collegeville is available for purchase through the Saint John’s University Bookstore. Proceeds from the book are donated to the Jim Smith Endowment Basketball Leadership Program Fund to enhance and strengthen the SJU basketball experience. Get yourself a copy today.Take a look through the record books, learn more about the success-filled history of Johnnie basketball, watch live games and stay up-to-date on all Johnnies sports action at gojohnnies.com.