Steve was a three-sport standout athlete (football, hockey, baseball) at RLHS, graduating in 1984. He was an All-Conference player for the three sports. In 1982, Steve was a leading player on the State Baseball Qualifying Team and in the State Football Championship Game. As a hockey player, he captained his team and led them in scoring his junior year. In baseball he led his team in hitting and achieved the honors of All-Conference and All-District. Steve was a great hitter, striking out only one time in three years. In football he was two time All-Conference and All-Northwest Wisconsin linebacker in 1982-83. As linebacker, Steve was selected to the All-State football team in 1983, and played in the Shrine All Star football game. He attended the University of Minnesota, playing in the Big Ten as nose guard for the Golden Gophers for four years. He earned three varsity letters, played in two bowl games, and was awarded most improved defensive lineman. Earning a football scholarship, Steve played under coaches Lou Holtz and John Guteknust.