Fredonia State University Athletics

The following description appeared in the Hall of Fame program at the time of induction:

Eric Springer won eight individual and relay championships while performing in the blue and white. As a freshman, he was part of a 4-by-400 meter quartet which won both the SUNYAC and New York State Collegiate Track Conference outdoor titles. Springer and his teammates successfully defended those titles in 1997 and added the indoor titles for good measure.

As a junior, Springer was running in a nationally televised race when he tore ligaments in his ankle. He returned to form as a senior to win SUNYAC and NYSCTC championships in both the 110-meter high hurdles and the 400-meter intermediate hurdles. Along the way, he set two (school) records which are still on the books. He and teammates Greg Hacic, Matt Barber, and Jeff Gruendike set the indoor 4-by-400 relay mark of 3:18.95 in 1998. Springer’s professed goal to break the 400 intermediate school record was achieved on the final meet before nationals – and one day before his college graduation – when he stopped watches in 51.84 seconds. He then finished sixth at the NCAA Division III championship meet to earn All American status.

Springer studied Biology at Fredonia State before attending Palmer School of Chiropractic. As part of his studies, he spent two weeks at a clinic treating people in the Amazon rain forests of Brazil. He currently operates Springer Chiropractic Clinic in St. Petersburg, Fla.