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Every athlete fears a career-ending injury. For Steve Esler, a senior multi-event athlete on the UB track and field team, that nightmare nearly became a reality.
During his sophomore season of 2002, Esler suffered an injury to his back that he just couldn't kick. He went to three different physical therapists, a massage therapist and a chiropractor in search of an answer, but his back wouldn't respond to any of their treatments.
Finally, on his last try, Esler found someone who got results.
"I gave one more physical therapist a shot," said Esler. "His name was Jeff Woodrich, he saved my life. Without him I would have never been able to continue with track and field and enjoy the success I do now with my team."
In addition to helping Esler heal his back, Woodrich showed Esler new training techniques that he attributes to his recent success.
Coming back healthy for his junior season in 2003, Esler had a monster season, piling up numerous accolades. He was named the UB Male Athlete of the Year, Indoor Track MVP and he won the Mid-American Conference Indoor Heptathlon. Probably most impressive was his 11th place finish at the USA Combined Indoor Events Championships.
He also finished seventh in the Mid-American Conference's outdoor decathlon and won the high jump with a leap of 6-feet, 8.75-inches.
Esler isn't one to rest on his laurels, and he is looking forward to the NCAA Outdoor Championships.
"I am still trying to make it to outdoor NCAA Championships and finish All-American," said Esler.
He is already part of the way to his goal, as his score of 7,019 in the decathlon has earned him an invite to the NCAA Regionals, which will be held May 28 and 29.
It is no surprise with his easygoing personality and sense of humor that he loves all aspects of track, especially the pressure.
"I love pressure when I'm competing. It's hard to get pumped up to perform if there's no one watching and no one really cares," said Esler.
Despite all he has achieved already, Esler says that those feats haven't necessarily made him a success.
"My ideal picture of success is to have a smile on my face and one on everyone around me," said Esler.
1. Q: What was the last book you read?
A: I am just about to finish The Naked Ape by Desmond Morris. It is a book about the evolution of the human species. I love evolution; I think it explains so much about our bodies and how we work.
2. Q: How would you describe your study habits?
A: I would not really call what I do habitual. I just go with the flow. I plan to take my class more seriously next year when I am away from my sport.
3. Q: What is your favorite type of car?
A: I like a nice old rusty pick up. One that you can trust to get you through the thickest of the mud.
4. Q: What is one of your strengths?
A: I am very good at folding laundry. People always remark on my laundry basket and how nice it looks full of folded clothes. I guess it is a natural talent.
5. Q: What is your ideal restaurant food?
A: Cheap.
