Michael Esterl

The unauthorized Mike Esterl biography. (Posted by his meddling wife)

Late 1980’s:

Worked at the north rim of the Grand Canyon.  Attended UC Davis.  Was introduced to the sport (or lifestyle, if you will) of rugby.  Worked in Glacier bay, Alaska.  Worked in Kenai, Alaska. 

Early 1990’s:

Transferred to UNM.  Graduated with a BS in Biology and a minor in Biochemistry.

Mountain biked like a mad man.  Lifeguarded.  Played rugby.

Mid 1990’s:

Got hitched.  Worked at LANL with Jon Wilkins, among others, doing research on prolonging the shelf life of donated blood.  Lifeguarded.  Mountain biked like a mad man.  Worked at the NM Lions Eyebank (in Albuquerque) harvesting corneal tissue for transplant.  Played rugby.

Late 1990’s:

Moved to Madison, Wisconsin.  Learned how to make maple syrup, install a water pump, and drop a tree within 5 degrees of desired target.  Worked at the University of Wisconsin conducting clinical trials for asthma and allergy meds.  Discovered that playing rugby in Wisconsin was a lot like playing rugby anywhere, but with the bonus of winning a national championship.

 

Wisconsin Rugby Club - Division II  National Champions - 1998

Early 2000’s:

Worked for Epic Systems implementing medical record software nationwide.  Traveled with Julie to the Netherlands with side trips to Germany, Belgium and Ireland.  Played Rugby. 

Mid 2000’s:

Got old enough (35) to play old boys rugby.  Completed first Ironman – the easy one.  Had first child – Megan Fay – the smart, talkative, emotional one.  Completed second Ironman – the near-death-experience one.  Had second child – Callie Rebecca – the smart, active, adventurous one.

 

With Megan at the 2005 Madison Ironman

Recently:

Traveled with the family for a month to Australia and New Zealand.  Caught a monster Northern ice fishing.  Spend lots of time with the kids.  Continue to work for Epic Systems. Can be reached at: mesterl07@gmail.com

 

With fellow rugger (on left) and Northern

caught on Lake Wingra – winter 2007

Atop Mt Kosiuszko, Australia – November 2007

With Callie and Megan – Christmas 2007