By Frank Rajkowski, SJU Writer/Video Producer

COLLEGEVILLE, Minn. - Seth Morem was studying abroad in London in the spring of 2020 when the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic forced the Saint John's University defensive end to cut short his stay and return home.

But the Red Wing (Minn.) High School graduate still had the desire to travel, and when the pandemic also led to the cancellation of the Johnnies' season last fall, Morem decided it was a perfect time to hit the road.

So – taking what amounted to a gap year – the accounting (finance) major purchased a used, white 2000 Coachmen Catalina recreational vehicle (RV).  

And, from the fall of 2020 until March of this year, he set out on a series of five trips that eventually took him to 18 states (not counting Minnesota) and seven national parks.

"We got the news in July (of 2020) that there wasn't going to be a season," said Morem, who was accompanied by his girlfriend, family members and friends on his various sojourns. "I've always wanted to explore the country. So I figured this was the perfect chance to live out my dream while I was still young."

The experience meant Morem – who was a key part of the Johnnies' rotation on the defensive line when they advanced to the NCAA Division III national semifinals in 2019 – was not on campus practicing with his team last fall and spring.

But he was keeping himself so active on the road that staying in shape was not an issue.

"We were always on the move," said the 6-foot-3, 235-pound Morem, who had 32 tackles, including 7.5 for a loss, and 3.5 sacks in 2019. 

"I was hiking or snowboarding. So I was always active. But I wasn't as focused on my eating and I eventually dropped down somewhere close to 200 pounds. I think it was last March that I took a look at myself and said I've got to start putting on more weight now. 

"And over the span of the spring and summer, I was able to add back 30 pounds."

And since starting practice this August, Morem certainly hasn't shown signs of rust. Through the first six games, he ranks third on the team in tackles with 28 – including 8.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. 

When Aurora had the ball at the SJU 1-yard line in the closing seconds of the season-opener on Sept. 4 at Clemens Stadium, it was Morem who came up with a key fumble recovery (forced by teammate Collin Franz) to preserve a 39-33 victory.

"I've told him that he's playing at an All-American level this season," SJU head coach Gary Fasching '81 said. "He's stronger, he's faster and he's making a ton of plays. We just need him to keep doing what he's been doing."

Morem said not having the chance to play football a year ago has made him savor getting the chance to do so this fall even more.

"It was tough when I first heard we weren't going to be playing last year," Morem said. "Especially because it meant we weren't going to get the chance to keep building on the momentum we established in 2019.

"But the circumstances were what they were. We couldn't control them. And now being able to come back and get out there on a sunny, fall afternoon is even more special. I appreciate it maybe more than I would have otherwise.

"It was fun to be on the road 24-7. But nothing beats being back here and playing in front of a huge crowd in Clemens Stadium."

Still, he does have a host of memories to look back on from his time at the wheel, even if driving such a huge vehicle over the mountains and plains of America could be a bit harrowing at times.

"I've never driven anything close to that big before," he said. "And the first time I got behind the wheel, I thought 'Holy smokes! Here we go.' I remember driving back from our first trip out to Colorado and it started to snow like three or four inches. We were going up and down the mountains and looking at semis in the ditch. I looked over and saw my brother in the passenger seat almost having a heart attack. But we made it through unscathed.

"It was just cool to go all these different places and get to know different people. I might never have the chance to do something like that again. So I'm glad I was able to take advantage of the opportunity when I had it."

The United States of Seth
Here is a list of the 18 states (not counting Minnesota) that SJU defensive end Seth Morem visited during his time behind the wheel of his RV from the fall of 2020 to the spring of this year:

•    Iowa
•    South Dakota
•    Nebraska
•    Wyoming
•    Colorado
•    Utah
•    Nevada
•    Arizona
•    California
•    Idaho
•    Illinois
•    Indiana
•    Missouri
•    Kansas
•    Kentucky
•    Tennessee
•    Georgia
•    Florida