University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire

Eric Winter is one of 14 Blugolds who were named to the WIAC All-Centennial swimming and diving team in 2012. He earned that spot by winning 12 conference gold medals between 1992 and 1995 and achieving 15 All-American designations. Demonstrating great versatility as a swimmer, Winter won three consecutive conference titles in the 200 individual medley and the 100 butterfly and claimed an additional crown in the 200 breaststroke as a junior. Bolstering his resume, he swam on five winning relay teams as the Blugolds amassed four consecutive conference team championships during his career. At the national level, the St. Cloud Tech prep standout was a member of the last two Blugold swim teams to compete in the NAIA and the first two to compete in the NCAA.  Winter earned First Team All-American honors twice in individual events and four times with relay teams. He was a Second Team All-American (9^th through 16^th place) five times in individual events and four times in relays. His best national finish was a seventh in the 100 butterfly in 1993. For his career, Winter contributed 256.5 points in conference competition and 84.5 points in national competition. His Blugold teams were always top 10 finishers at nationals.

Winter received his undergraduate degree from UWEC in December, 1995.  He graduated with an MBA from the University of St. Thomas in 2012. His professional career started with marketing and sales roles in the Twin Cities in 1995 and in 2006, he began a 10-year career as a Senior Commodity Manager overseeing strategy for electrical component design and supply for Seagate, the global leader in data storage solutions. Although his degree and professional career focus has been on the business sector, Winter has stayed close to athletics.  After settling with his family in Savage, Minnesota, he has spent countless hours coaching boys and girls at various youth levels in the sports of hockey, lacrosse, baseball, soccer and basketball.  Maintaining a healthy work/life balance, Winter has remained active in athletics since graduation, participating in triathlons (top 12 in 2016 Minneapolis Triathlon age group), cross-fit races, golf, mountain biking and cross-country skate-skiing (top 12 in 2016 Minneapolis Loppet race age group). In 2002, Winter took up hockey and has continued to play competitively year-round.

Winter’s volunteer endeavors had him serve as a member of the Prior Lake Fire Department from 2004-10 providing expertise in fire attack, pump/truck operation, vehicle accident extraction, fire safety education and overall first responder responsibilities. He also chaired the Prior Lake/Savage Hockey Association’s facilities committee with success in building a Zamboni shed so that the association could maintain outdoor ice through the season.