By Dan Lathey
 
In the midst of the most challenging semester ever for college athletics, the Texas A&M International University Athletics family paused this week to remember former Head Athletic Trainer Ernst Feisner, who passed away two years ago this week.
 
Hired as TAMIU's Athletic Trainer when the program was launched in 2002, Feisner had just started his 16th season in that position at the time of his tragic death in 2018. In addition to teaching Athletic Training courses and mentoring dozens of student trainers, Feisner served as head trainer for several of Laredo's professional sports teams throughout the years, including a long stint with the Laredo Heat.
 
Feisner was a proud alumnus of the University of North Carolina and unabashed hater of anything Duke Blue Devils related. In his younger years, he played football and was an accomplished bodybuilder.
 
Known for his outstanding culinary skills, Feisner was an avid cooking show enthusiast who always prepared a delicious turkey for department holiday potluck meals and other dishes (including gumbo) for other special occasions. An avid reader of books and The Laredo Morning Times on a daily basis, he also enjoyed doing crossword puzzles during rare slow periods in the training room. Feisner was a huge fan of Jimmy Buffet, Bruce Springsteen and 80s music in general.
 
Feisner's greatest passion, however, was maintaining the physical well-being of TAMIU student-athletes and the training of many student athletic trainers throughout the years. His impact was immeasurable and will never be forgotten by those that he encountered during his long tenure of proudly serving Texas A&M International University Athletics.
 
Here are some remembrances of Mr. Ernst Feisner, who will always be a part of the Dustdevil Athletics family.
 
TAMIU Men's Soccer Coach Claudio Arias …
"Ernst was a very important part of our Athletics community. He impacted many student-athletes and we miss him very much."
 
Former TAMIU Student Athletic Trainer Andy Garcia …
"Ernst was a man of many words. He was the type of person to always put someone else first. I met Ernst my freshman year at TAMIU and later worked for him for 4 years. Even after graduation, I would still go visit to see how things were going and he would welcome me back like I never left. I can clearly say that he was one of my role models in my time at TAMIU. There are so many memories that we created along with the other people who would help. Memories that till this day I remember like if they happened yesterday. There are too many times that Ernst helped me to just narrow it down to one. He would challenge us, guide us, mentor us, and be there for us. I cannot believe that the two-year mark of his passing is here. I can remember walking into the training room and seeing him working on a puzzle. I would just sit in a chair and we would have conversations about anything that was relevant at the time. How I wish I could still go in and see him there and continue our conversations. Ernst, thank you for everything that you did for me. You have no idea how grateful I will ever be for that. Not only were you my professor, boss, and role model, but you were a friend as well. I miss you every day and I will keep remembering you the best way I know how to and that is with some Jimmy Buffet and a good whiskey. RIP Ernst, till we meet again friend."
 
TAMIU Softball Coach Scott Libby …
"Every day when I'm on campus I think of Ernst fondly. When I see our new athletic trainers' cart, I think of how proud he would be of it. I still think of the outdoor trainers' office as 'Ernst's office.' And of course, anytime I read an article or hear a song about or by 'The Boss' Bruce Springsteen or Jimmy Buffett my mind is flooded with memories of Ernst Feisner."
 
TAMIU Cross Country Coach Benny Rodriguez …
"Ernst was a very committed athletic trainer and worked his rear off to get the student-athletes back on the field. One thing he would always tell me, 'Benny, quit breaking them cause then I have to fix them.' He always made sure we were equipped with everything we needed."
 
Laredo Heat General Manager J.J. Vela …
"I still recall the day that Coach Arias called me to inform me of Ernst's passing. It was tough to digest, because he was such a fixture at both TAMIU Athletic events and our Heat events, I had to ask [Coach Arias] to please repeat what he was telling me. Personally, Ernst was that one guy during Heat game days that I did not have to worry about when it came to getting his work done. He just did not skip a beat, and I knew that in regards to trainer services it was a done deal. I do miss 'Ernesto' as our players from Mexico and South America nicknamed him, not only for his work ethic but his camaraderie during home games and when he allowed himself to travel with us out of town. While Ernst did leave a personal void, he did an exceptional job of training his staff to continue his excellence at the TAMIU Athletic Training Department. Continue to RIP my friend."
 
Former TAMIU Men's Basketball Coach Bryan Weakley …
"I met Ernst in 2009 when I became an assistant coach and two days later, he saved one of our players lives. I will never forget when he and Gabby Enriquez rushed to the floor to revive men's basketball player James Silvie. It was truly a work of art by such skilled athletic trainers and divine intervention from above to get his heart beating again. Ernst cared about the student athletes and Laredo. He made it his home. You could feel it by the tasty meals he cooked for parties on campus, the kindness he showed as a professor, and how graciously he communicated and worked with colleagues at TAMIU. I loved how easy-going and approachable he was. He is missed."
 
TAMIU Assistant Softball Coach Arek Zambanini …
"Ernst was always willing to help! He had every tool ever sold on a television commercial. He was a jack of all trades and one of the smartest men I've ever met. I miss our casual conversations before practice and his sense of humor that could lighten any mood. Ernst was a true friend to so many and we miss him daily."
 
TAMIU Athletic Director Griz Zimmermann …
"What first comes mind when I think of Ernst is how generous he was with his time and how much he genuinely cared for everyone in the TAMIU family. It did not matter who you were, Ernst treated you with a level of respect and caring that you do not always see in a work place. We miss the homemade cooking that Ernst did with such pride for our holiday potlucks. His turkey was always something to look forward to and the holiday meals will never be the same again without his contribution. Ernst left us too early and he is dearly missed. We will continue to miss him, but will honor his memory by speaking his name and always remembering his generous and kind spirit."