At 73, Ernie Uthgenannt (BS civil engineering ’58, MA mathematics ’59), is still a sports triple threat. Competing in the 70+ age bracket, last year Uthgenannt won the U.S. Tennis Association New England doubles championship and placed second with his brother at the Housatonic Regatta sculling event.
Uthgenannt also helped his three-man basketball team win the championship at the Connecticut Senior Games, qualifying them for a bid at the 2006 nationals.
Uthgenannt, who has taught civil engineering at the University of Connecticut for the last 35 years, says he’s been sculling and skiing and playing basketball and tennis his entire life.
“It’s great fun competing, and I enjoy the camaraderie of my family and friends and the exercise,” he says.
While at DU, Uthgenannt had a two-year tenure as starting guard on the Pioneers basketball team and a three-year stint on the tennis squad.
“It was a wonderful time for me,” says Uthgenannt, who met his wife, Jeanie Breitenkamp (BA ’59), on the slopes during college.
This year, Uthgenannt will continue to play competitive tennis, ski and play basketball in the Senior Games.
“You know what happens when the ball gets loose in the Senior Games?” Uthgenannt jokes. “Nothing!”
And with a vigor that carries through every one of Uthgenannt’s actions, he now is approaching his next big task—a well-deserved retirement.
This article originally appeared in The University of Denver Magazine, Fall 2006.