University of Minnesota Athletics
Black History Month: Dr. Charles Sims
2/21/2018 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
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.
Name: Dr. Charles Sims
Sport(s): Men's Basketball
Years: 1971 - 75
Hometown: Barberton, Ohio
Occupation: Retired Dentist
1) What is it you honestly miss most about the University?
Aside for the obvious comradery with other players, I was doing what I liked (playing basketball) and having fun doing it. Playing at the University of Minnesota kind of gave you a pep in your step. I was challenged on two fronts; I was playing basketball (Big Ten) and the challenge with school. I was working on my bachelor's degree in French and trying to get into the School of Dentistry, where I also got my B.S. and DDS. So, the challenges are what I miss.
2) If you could give the current student-athletes any piece of advice, what would it be?
Grab hold of the time and make the most of it, because the four or so years you have going to school and playing basketball goes by fast. It doesn't seem like it, but it does. Take advantage of it. (Carpe diem).
3) Please share your favorite university or athletic event you've attended since you graduated and what made it so special to you?
Any time we've had alumni get-together and I am able to see former players and people I don't get a chance to see every day or as often, then it is special to me. The actual game and athletic event becomes secondary to seeing everyone.
4) What are you grateful for?
I am grateful for the people that came before me at the University of Minnesota and universities all over. Persons known and unknown paved the way for me. I was able to earn a scholarship and get my education because someone made a path for me. For that, I am grateful.
5) What does Black History Month mean to you?
I always learn some new accomplishment of black people that I didn't know before. Again, it means the world to me that people have made a lot of sacrifices in order that my accomplishments may be made easier. And we still got some ways to go.
6) What occupies your time now?
I spend a lot of time now watching my young sons play. I am retired as a dentist now. I had six boys and five of them play or played basketball or football in college. So, I fly or drive all over to watch them play.
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