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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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No introduction necessary. Includes some content not quite suitable for children. Enjoy.

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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. 

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On today's episode, we delve into some of the influences Coach Smith had as he made his way through the ranks as a player, assistant coach and eventually head coach at St. John's. But first, we talk to assistant coach Sam Dittberner, who gives us an update on Johnnie basketball.  

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The conversation on culture continues as we hear more from Paul Bernabei and Joe Mucha -- as well as Bob Alpers and Frank Wachlarowicz -- about just what it was that made playing for Coach Smith so special. But first, we talk to second-year assistant coach and former player Sean Ryan.