University of Minnesota Athletics
Black History Month: Jeff Crawford
2/16/2017 12:00:00 AM | Men's Track & Field
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.
Jeff Crawford Jr. a.k.a Saleem El-Amin
Sport: Track & Field
Years: 1967-70
Graduation Year: 1970
Hometown: Milwaukee, Wis.
Occupation: Currently President and CEO Social Service Agency
What is it you miss most about the University?
The thing I miss about the University experience at the "U" is being around the wonderful students and student-athletes who later on became my life-long friends.
If you could give the current student-athletes any piece of advice, what would it be?
From my late high school baseball coach, "Don't let the sport use you, use the sport."
Please share your favorite university or athletic event you've attended since you graduated and what made it so special to you?
Unfortunately, the event that I attended since graduating from the University happened to be a "celebration of life" (funeral) for my best friend while I was there and after I graduated. I had the opportunity to reconnect with great friends while attending the U.
What are you grateful for?
I am grateful for having a wonderful life experiences at the U that I have used throughout my life.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black history has given me the understanding of my purpose, place and function on this earth.
What occupies your time now?
Attempting to conclude my day-to-day duties as the CEO of New Horizon Center, Inc. that I started 31 years ago. And formally retiring after 46 years of working with youth and families in the State of Wisconsin.