Aaron Syverson's first two seasons as St. John's starting quarterback ended in disappointing fashion, for widely different reasons.
The 2021 Johnnies were 6-0 and rated No. 5 in Division III when they went to Gustavus Adolphus on Oct. 23. Syverson ran a quarterback draw early in the second half and suffered a broken leg.
"That was the only designed run we called for me that season,'' Syverson said. "The first Gustie wrapped me up at the waist and another tackler came in. I didn't hear a snap on the leg, just a very weird feeling."
Midschedule broken legs end a season.
Senior Chris Backes stepped in, the Johnnies beat the Gusties 37-7 and stayed unbeaten until a 31-28 home loss to Linfield (Ore.) in the second round of the NCAA playoffs.
The 2022 Johnnies were 10-1, first losing a regular-season game to Bethel, then winning a rematch for the MIAC title. They were rated No. 4 as they played No. 12 Wartburg in another second-rounder at home last November.
Wartburg was very underrated, as it turned out, and collected five turnovers in a 23-20 upset. A Syverson pass was intercepted on the Johnnies' first play and also their last.
"You look at those outstanding seniors, guys like Michael Wozniak, playing their last game, and it's really tough,'' Syverson said. "You can't get over the feeling that you let the team down.''