Quinn Meinerz
Offensive Guard / Wisconsin-Whitewater
Chris Reiss: What are your measurements (height and weight)?
Quinn Meinerz: 6’3 and 325 pounds.
Chris Reiss: How did you prepare for the 2020 season with no offseason training?
Quinn Meinerz: I have a rack at home which has been good for me during this pandemic. I have been able to lift every day and in the yard. I have been able to do some footwork training too.
Chris Reiss: Besides football, what other sports did you play in high school?
Quinn Meinerz: I did track and field and wresting.
Chris Reiss: What positions did you play in high school?
Quinn Meinerz: I played right tackle in high school.
Chris Reiss: Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?
Quinn Meinerz: Two other schools showed interest in me, Saint Cloud and UW-Stevens Point. At the end of the day, UW-Whitewater showed interest and it was the best decision for me.
Chris Reiss: What made you choose Wisconsin-Whitewater over the other schools?
Quinn Meinerz: I toured all three campuses with my dad, and we made a pros and cons list from all three of them. I thought Whitewater would be the best choice for me because a lot of students from my high school went there, which I just wanted to carry on that legacy.
Chris Reiss: How would you describe your overall career?
Quinn Meinerz: I would have to say that I am very happy with what I have accomplished so far. That my work ethic has carried me to be the best that I possibly could be over the last three seasons. I am going to continue to work very hard to make my career even better. Also, I am very appreciative on being a team captain two seasons in a row.
Chris Reiss: What can we expect from your team this upcoming season?
Quinn Meinerz: The one thing that you can expect from this team is that we are going to be back to the National Championship game and win this one.
Chris Reiss: What are your strengths?
Quinn Meinerz: My biggest strength is being very consistent on the practice field, which will transfer to the game day. Another big strength of mine is loving the grind everyday with the same attitude day in and day out.
Chris Reiss: What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?
Quinn Meinerz: The one thing that I know I need to get better with is being vocal as a leader on the field and in the locker room. It is hard to teach yourself that but during this pandemic, I am trying to become that leader.
Chris Reiss: What is the highlight of your career up to this point?
Quinn Meinerz: I had a big block against UW-Stevens Point that went trending on twitter. Geoff Schwartz, the former Giants offensive lineman, posted it and tagged me, which felt amazing. It felt amazing knowing that a D-III player like myself could make a name for himself from one big block.
Chris Reiss: What is the biggest lesson that you have taken away from your coaching staff at Wisconsin-Whitewater?
Quinn Meinerz: Coach Bullis has always told us three things. Teaching, challenging, and encouraging. Another important piece that I have taken away from my coaches is to make sure you are getting 1% better every single day. Just the little things that the coaching staff tells us.
Chris Reiss: What players on Wisconsin-Whitewater should we keep an eye out for this upcoming season?
Quinn Meinerz: A few players that you need to keep your eye out for are WR Ryan Wisniewski, RB Alex Peete, LB Kaleb Kaminski, DB Mark McGrath, and DE Mackenzie Balanganayi.
Chris Reiss: Are there any NFL players that you look up to?
Quinn Meinerz: The Colts guard Quenton Nelson. The way he plays is why I watch his film, his physical nature and he is just a crafty blocker at the second level. I also watch a lot of the Giants guard Kevin Zeitler. I worked out with him at the gym before. Kevin is so technically sound, that is what I want to be like.
Chris Reiss: What is your favorite NFL team?
Quinn Meinerz: The New England Patriots are my favorite team. The way that the coaching staff prepares week in and week out is what blows my mind.
Chris Reiss: Who is your favorite NFL player that currently plays?
Quinn Meinerz: My favorite player is Tom Brady, no question. I love his story on being one of the last picks in the draft and just getting a chance to show his coach what he got. Tom was able to make a name for himself, which is very inspiring.
Chris Reiss: What do you enjoy most about football?
Quinn Meinerz: The offensive line room is just awesome. Breaking down film with the other offensive linemen. The o-line room is just special. The boys that are in the offensive line room, most of them will be my friends for the rest of my life. That is what makes football so enjoyable day in and day out.
Chris Reiss: Life after football, what does that look like?
Quinn Meinerz: I have been preparing for life after football for a while. I am majoring in strength and conditioning. I would like to get a job being a strength and conditioning Coach. Also, every summer I go to Canada and help my uncle with a fishing camp. I would love to have a chance to work with him as well at some point.
Chris Reiss: What makes you unique from the other players?
Quinn Meinerz: I am a lot more disciplined than others. Dieting is very important to me and I am a person that does not like doing “the” things on the weekends. My work ethic is what sets me apart from the others.
Chris Reiss: Lastly, what five words best describe you?
Quinn Meinerz: Unique, laughing, hardworking, disciplined, and open-minded.
