University of Minnesota Athletics
Alum All-Around: Ellis Mannon
8/9/2016 12:00:00 AM | Men's Gymnastics
Former Golden Gopher Ellis Mannon was named a NCAA Champion on pommel horse during his time at Minnesota. Catch up with the standout alumnus.
What have you been up to since graduation?
I graduated in August of 2015 with my chemical engineering degree. Since then I've been working at Hormel foods in Austin, MN as a maintenance engineer. I also continued my gymnastics career, competing at the Winter Cup in Las Vegas in February of 2016 and the USA Championships in June. I took 3rd on pommelhorse at both of those meets.
What does being a National Champion mean to you?
Becoming a National Champion is a defining moment in your life. For me it was a longtime dream come true, and I still remember every detail of the championship routine. It is something no one can take away from you. It changes the way you carry yourself and really boosts your confidence.
What is your favorite memory from your time at Minnesota?
There are a lot of great memories, but my favorite memories are probably from homecoming. The gymnastics team is always in the parade, which is a lot of fun. I also really love fall on campus, when the leaves start changing colors at 15th and University, and school is just getting into full swing.
How did your time as a student-athlete shape your character?
Being a student-athlete definitely made me a more disciplined person, and it taught me how to work with a team in a way I never had before. Mostly though, I think being a student-athlete taught me how to be relentless in the pursuit of my goals, which serves me well in my career.
What advice would you give current and future Gopher men's gymnasts?
Enjoy being a collegiate gymnast as much as you can, because it's over way too fast.
Mannon's NCAA-winning pommel horse routine:
