"I grew up in Cleveland and had a Catholic education from grade school to St. Edward in Lakewood, Ohio, and then the University of Dayton, which was also a Catholic school," he explains. "I had theology classes from grade one to senior in college. Despite myself participating in sports, I felt that I could always seek peace and quiet in the church and would actually use the chapel at many churches even on the road, in Mexico, in the Philippines, because the church is universal. On an island in the Philippines, I went three years ago. In Mexico I attended a historic Mass at church. I had the same warmth at churches in foreign countries."
He adds that, "The church has extended its arms and welcomed me and given me the same message, even in foreign languages. Even in college, competing in weightlifting, I don't think I missed a Sunday going to the chapel on the campus. It was my chance to straighten up my mind. Many students stray, but I needed that hour or so of re-setting or of, grounding, and that's where I see the church and theology helping athletes because it grounds them especially because of the notoriety or fame that they gain. Obviously I see athletes grounded in another sense, by injury, and they need faith, they need support to work their way through the injury. It helps make sure they're not tempted through their success."
Speaking of boxing success, told of former #1 heavyweight contender in the world "Baby Joe" Mesi having done an interview for CatholicSportsAssociation.com in which he said that despite boxing being a sport where you're punching your opponent throughout the match, those same people are your friends, Dr. Estwanik is right there with Mesi.
"I agree with him. In the spirit of most competitors you're simply a participant on the field of play, no different from football, rugby, or soccer where you're trying to neutralize an opponent. You're not trying to harm. There's the same comradeship and sportsmanship after they lose or win after they get past the usual upset or anger after having lost a competition."
A member of the USOC Sports Medicine Society for the 2008 Quadrennium, Dr. Estwanik looks back on his experiences on other continents and gives some compelling testimony.
"I've been involved in world championships. I went to the Goodwill Games in St. Petersburg, Russia, and other international events. I spent months living in the Olympic training centers and in hotels. Many former roommates eventually ended up competing against each other in the ring.