There are some things that make you wonder how they DID that. This is one of those stories. Greg Auman of the St. Pete Times wrote yesterday about USF backup OL Danous Estenor, and his heroic efforts in February on the USF campus.
The 6'3 295 lb Estenor was on his way to eat dinner on campus when he heard a woman screaming in a nearby parking garage. When he arrived, he saw a man trapped underneath a car and feared the worst,
"I just see his legs. The car is crushing him. He's not moving. I'm thinking, 'Oh, God, this guy is going to die.' "
"I tried to lift the car, and when I first tried, it didn't budge. I backed up. I don't know. But I felt this energy come, and I lifted it. I don't know how, but somebody pulled him from the car."
Danous was able to tap into something called hysterical strength, which allows people to lift objects that they would normally have no chance to move.
After the man was able to escape from under the car, Estenor quietly left and went on his way to eat dinner. Estenor told his roommates what happened that night, but the entire team has no idea what happened until Coach Holtz read a letter after practice telling Estenor's act of bravery.
"I wanted to let you know that Danous is a real hero," began the letter written by Jodi Rivera, manager of the Bulls Den Cafe, and read by Holtz. The letter closed with, "I know in my heart that without Danous there, the driver may not have survived the night. His quick thinking, willingness to help and strength saved that man's life."
Danous has been tagged with the nickname Hero from his teammates, and even Coach Holtz playfully jokes with him every now and then about his superhuman strength asking Danous where he put his cape.
With most stories putting college athletes in a dark light, its great to see a player get the attention he deserves. Even if he didn't want it.