Eastern Illinois University Athletics

2008: Essary played in seven games and started four times… started against Oral Roberts, Drake, Butler and Evansville… also played the entire second half in the win at IPFW… did not give up a goal in his 45 minutes against ORU and 25 minutes of relief against Central Arkansas… made three saves on three occasions, including three in 45 minutes at Butler.

HIGH SCHOOL: Essary was a four-year varsity letter-winner for coach Gino Ristevski… also played two years of varsity football… two-time team captain as an upperclassman was named the 2008 District 6-5A Defensive MVP… second team all-area as a senior… earned first team all-district 6-5A as a junior after being a second team pick in 6-4A a year earlier… also a first team all-district performer in football… honorable mention academic all-state on the gridiron… his Andromeda ’90 club soccer team won the 2007 USYS national championship… also was a member of North Texas state championship teams in 2006-07… 2007 Dallas Cup Super Group… National Honor Society… 2000-05 Texas Longhorns Loyalty award.

PERSONAL: No. 1 sports highlight was making saves in two of the four rounds in the shootout that decided the USYS national championship match… his mother has been a major influence on his sports career because “she always reminds me to hang in there and do my absolute best”… most admires coach Ristevski because “through good times and bad, he has stuck with soccer and gives every player a chance without giving up on them”… enjoying staying active and being outdoors… son of Dennis Wild and Debbie Essary… MAJOR: Business.