The dictionary definition of the word competitor is as follows:

“Competitor: One who seeks what another seeks, or claims what another claims; one who competes; a rival.”

If that definition were to include a name to go along with it, it would definitely be Joe Hammes.

The senior forward and co-captain of the soccer team is back leading the Saint Louis University Billikens after a season off during which he was recovering from thigh surgery. He’s back this year, and the Bills are glad he is.

After establishing himself as one of the best defenders in Conference USA during his first three seasons in the program, Hammes was poised to help the 2001 team make a run at the national title.

But during the summer of 2001, Hammes was kneed in the thigh and needed immediate surgery. The injury kept him on the sidelines for the entire season.

“The worst part about missing last year was just not being on the field with the guys. Not being able to play day-in and day-out. I missed the competition,” Hammes said.

That’s what he loves to do, compete.

Since an early age, Hammes has been involved in sports. In high school he excelled not only in soccer, but also in tennis and skiing. He also loves to play golf and basketball.

But he knew that soccer was his love and that SLU was where he wanted to play collegiately.

“I love playing, coming out everyday and playing soccer, being around the guys and competing,” Hammes said.

After the year off, he’s looking to add a few more accomplishments to his list, most of which are centered on the team.

“Obviously, for the team goals, we want to win conference, then win the conference tournament and our top goal would be to win the NCAA tournament. As for personal goals, I just have a great season here and then hopefully play professionally. But it all starts with having a great season here,” Hammes said.

If Hammes and his teammates continue to play the way they have been playing, they will be in contention to win it all come late November and in early December.

Hammes has started this season with a bang.

Saturday night against UAB, Hammes posted his first two-goal game as a Billiken.

After starting the season 0-2-1, the Bills have won four straight games and are improving with each game–and that makes Hammes proud.

“The best part of this season so far is the way we have changed things around. We started off slow and got off to a bit of a rough start. But hopefully we can keep things rolling,” Hammes said.

Hammes is just the man to keep the team rolling.

This past Saturday he led the Bills to a 3-0 defeat of UAB by scoring two goals and playing his usual solid defense.

But Hammes is not taking anything for granted.

“I’m just happy to be back out on the field and competing. It’s what I love to do.” Hammes said.