Troy grew up in Bismarck, North Dakota and started wrestling at the age of 10. As a youngster Troy enjoyed wrestling more than any other sport because of the 1 on 1 combat. "Wrestling came easy because Terry (twin brother) and I were always competing with each other in everything we did."
The Steiner's grew up wrestling for the Matpac wrestling club in Bismarck, ND. "Milo Trusty (Coach of Matpac) was very instrumental in the our wrestling careers." Troy went on to win 3 State High School Championships1986-88, and a Junior National Freestyle Title in 1988.
Then came the move to Iowa City to wrestling for the Hawkeye's. "It was a privilege to wrestle under Dan Gable, I am just glad I had the opportunity to be under him during his time at Iowa". Troy credits Dan Gable and Jim Zalesky for taking him to the next level. Troy finished his career at Iowa with 3 Big Ten Championships, 1 NCAA Championship, and 3 Team Championships.
After graduating from Iowa Troy continued to chase his dream of becoming a World and Olympic Champion until after the trials of 2000. He did not obtain his goals but said, "knowing I gave it everything I had makes it a little easier to live with, it still bothers me but I can live with it."
Troy coached at Oregon State University, University of Minnesota, and the University of Wisconsin between 1995-2001. Now he runs his own business, Advance School of Wrestling along with TNT Steiner Wrestling Summer Camps & Clinics. "My Goal now is to try to help others in the sport reach their aspirations and dreams".
Troy said, that wrestling has prepared him to deal with many other situations in life. "I think wrestling can teach you more about life and more life skills than any other sport out there."
