.png&width=42&height=42&type=webp)
University of Minnesota Athletics
Black History Month: Ernie Wheelwright
2/1/2016 12:00:00 AM | Football
In honor of Black History Month, Gopher Athletics is celebrating those who made us great. Throughout February, GopherSports.com will share short interviews with African-American alumni from almost every Gopher program. In these interviews, former student-athletes reflect on their time at the U of M, provide advice to current Gophers and share what Black History Month means to them personally.
Ernest Wheelwright IV
Sport: Football
Years: 2003-2007
Hometown: Columbus, Ohio
Occupation: Cargill Extraction Operation
What is it you honestly miss most about the University?
No bills! Seriously, I miss being around my teammates. Being a student athlete. Going to different school events just the whole campus vibe of freedom.
If you could give the current student-athletes any piece of advice, what would it be?
Enjoy your time there and make the most of every moment. At the time, you really don't get to live in the moment. Once you get older, you start to realize how blessed you are to be a student-athlete at a big-time university like Minnesota.
Please share your favorite university or athletic event you've attended since you graduated and what made it so special to you?
Attending home football games and tailgating for the first time. It's great how the University lays out the red carpet for former players to come support Gophers Athletics. Also, how the fans still embrace former players.
What are you grateful for?
That I had a chance to attend such a historical and big-time university like Minnesota! The memories, bonds and friendships I made there will last me a lifetime. I have extended family thanks to the U of M.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
It means the world to me! I'm really big on history, black history at that. I was raised to pay homage to the ones who came before me, who lead the way. To hear different stories and learn about your heritage and the roots of what you come from helps you get a better understanding of who you are. It's very important to me, I'm a true believer that, in order to know where you going, you have to know where you come from.
