Meet the “coldest breeze in the Midwest” Vance Ross, a communication major with a coaching minor from the north side of Chicago. Coming in at 6’5 and 300 lbs this Winona State football player works hard, plays hard and stays dedicated on and off the field. Make sure to stop by Maxwell field to watch him do his thing.
How long have you been playing football?
I’ve been playing football since fourth grade, but I’ve been playing for Winona State for five years.
Can you give us some background information about your football career at WSU?
I redshirted my true freshman year, started 6 games my freshman year and was a starter for sophomore, junior and senior year. The only time I sat out for football was during the spring season of my freshman year, but I’ve luckily always been healthy during the season. Coach Tony Spencer, assistant offensive coordinator, has been a great mentor for me. He has been coaching for a while now. He has coached at a few Division I schools including Wyoming and South Dakota. He was a two time All-American at Carroll University and has really helped me with my game of football on and off the field.
What position do you play?
Offensive Guard/Offensive Tackle
Who’s your football inspiration?
My dad, he played college football at Missouri University and was the first person to introduce me to the sport.
Tell us about your recent award?
I was named preseason first team All-American, for this year and last year.
What other recognitions have you received?
First team All-Conference 2013Don Hansen All-Region 2nd team 2012First team All-Conference 2012NSIC All-Academic 2012-2013
How do you balance school and football?
Just making the most out of my time, I try to finish my work during the day instead of napping so I can sleep after practice.
Do you have a favorite opponent?
Sioux Falls South Dakota, because they always play us hard, it’s a good crowd when we play them and I like the color purple.
What’s your favorite football movie?
Waterboy, because its an old school classic Adam Sandler movie. My favorite quote from the movie is “captain insano shows no mercy”.
What’s your pump up/pregame song?
Three Albums I always choose from: Rick Ross “Mastermind”, King Louie “Toni”, Nipsey Hustle “Crenshaw”.
Who are you favorite college and professional football teams?
The Chicago Bears– duh, and The Winona State University football team.
What is your pregame ritual?
I wake up really early around 6 a.m. to watch film, vibe to chill music like Drake so I don’t burn my self out too early. I’m really quiet on game days. Depending on if it’s a home game or an away game we eat in the hotel for breakfast, so there isn’t anything specific. But, for home games I like to make a decent sized breakfast with bacon, eggs, toast, and scrambled eggs with cheese. In the locker room I definitely have my Beats on with music blasting and hangout with some players. By then the music tempo has picked up and has became a little more vulgar than the Drank I listen to in the morning. Once I get on the field I just say to the team “turn up on dem boys.” After that, it’s just go time.
What’s your favorite part about being on the WSU football team?
I just like the brotherhood aspect of it. There is so many different people from so many different backgrounds that you get to know on personal level. You can’t do that anywhere else.
Do you have a favorite part of the game?
Yeah, my favorite part is the pregame in the locker room. It’s one of the best feelings to see everyone getting pumped up with their own different rituals and after the game when we win.
Do you plan on including football into your life after graduation?
Yes, I would love to if the opportunity were there. If not, I would love to get into coaching right away.
How do you think WSU will finish out the year?
Out on top. We have had a couple down games, but the season is far from over and we can definitely finish strong.
Do you have a favorite memory from college football so far?
Hands down the Mineral Water Bowl in 2012. Just being able to play in a bowl game was a great experience.
What are you most excited for about this homecoming game?
The crowd because I know it’s going to be live and its against a good opponent. As the Waterboy says, “kick some cougar a**.”