Former Wolf lineman Nate Steele, a key member of the undefeated 1990 CHS football squad, with wife Shantina. (Photo copyright Peak Performance Chiropractic)
“I will always appreciate the small-town, close-knit bonds that Coupeville produces.”
From his days as a three-sport star for the Wolves to his current life as a chiropractor following in his dad’s large footsteps, Nate Steele has made a huge impact on his town, and vice versa.
Before he helped to anchor the line for the last great CHS football team, the undefeated league champ 1990 squad, he was just a local kid growing up with people he has stayed close to as the years have passed.
“I went K-12 with most of my classmates, admittedly a challenge when it came to dating,” Steele said with a laugh. “But it also forged life-long friendships.”
By the time he graduated in 1992, Steele had starred on the football gridiron, the basketball court and as a “field” athlete.
“Er … track, but no running, thanks. I just threw the heavy stuff around.”
While he enjoyed all of his sports, football stands out, especially his junior year, when the Wolves used a massive line to open huge running holes and give quarterback Jason McFadyen and Co. plenty of time to operate.
Working as part of a cohesive unit was a huge win, even before Coupeville went 9-0 and hosted a state playoff game.
“I enjoy team sports where individual strengths and weakness are all thrown in together,” Steele said. “Personalities and egos may collide, but when the wrinkles get ironed out and players and coaches pull together to produce a winner it’s nothing less than magic.
“We knew going into the ‘90-‘91 season that we had a good chance to be on top of the league,” he added. “The Cascade League held all of our old rivals and those wins were especially sweet.”
That season played out 25 years ago this fall, but it remains crystal clear to Steele, his teammates and a town that faithfully followed their exploits.
“I hope people remember the magic of that season,” he said. “I remember it seemed like the whole town would turn out for games and the crowd kept getting bigger every game.
“Away games began to feel almost like home games as fans caught the fever of our undefeated season.”
While he shared his success with many people, the chance to have his father, Milton Steele, along for the ride, was magical.
“I have good memories of all my coaches, each one having their own impact in developing my character and athleticism. But my greatest coach, hands down, was my father,” Steele said. “He tirelessly coached soccer and little league baseball in Central Whidbey.
“He had fans on the field and in the stands because he was fair and able to motivate while having fun. He encouraged the underachievers, fine-tuned the superstars and played every kid who genuinely wanted to play,” he added.
“In high school, he would video record every game from the crow’s nest high above Mickey Clark Field. He couldn’t wait to review the tape with me on Saturday and we used this tool in the locker room to improve our game as a team.”
Taking advantage of his dad’s lessons on and off the field, Steele followed his pops into the chiropractic profession.
After college, he returned to Whidbey to practice with his father and raise his family, and today owns and operates Peak Performance on Coveland Street with wife Shantina.
Both his time in the arena and in the office have taught Steele the importance of keeping your body well-balanced and tended.
“Consider chiropractic care as a way of offsetting injury and enhancing performance,” he said. “Most professional athletes use chiropractic care to gain or maintain a competitive edge.
“But, in truth, we all need optimal nerve function to be our best. Even armchair quarterbacks can benefit.”
As a new generation of Steeles follows their father’s path, the former Wolf lineman is supportive, without being too pushy.
“I’ve encouraged my kids to participate in sports,” he said. “Of course, it is a calculated risk to expose yourself to injury, especially in contact sports, yet the experience of building camaraderie and working collectively towards a goal are priceless life lessons.”
And the biggest lesson he took away from his time as an athlete?
“Cooperation. This underpins every successful endeavor,” Steele said. “Mediocre teams can achieve great success in synergy; great teams stacked with talent will implode if they can’t work together.”
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