Steve graduated from Deshler High School where he was a three sport athlete for the Tigers as a member of the football, baseball and tack team. As a high school quarterback he excelled, passing for over 1000 yards and 12 touchdowns as a senior. He also rushed for over 500 yards, scoring 5 touchdowns and led the Tennessee Valley Conference in punting with an average of 42 yards per kick.Following his senior campaign he was selected to the 1968-69 All Quad-Cities Team, was the Times Daily All-Area Quarterback, was selected All-TVC, the Shoals Area Most Valuable Back and signed a football scholarship with the Florence State Lions. In baseball Steve was also outstanding attracting the attention of pro  baseball scout with his performance in the East-West All-Star Baseball Game as a senior. Perhaps the best description of Steve as a high school signal caller was when he was compared to former Alabama All-American Kenny Stabler by the Times Daily sports editor Ronnie Thomas.