Donor Spotlight: Dave Steckel ’82

As a former Kutztown player from 1978–1981, and a collegiate football for nearly 40 years, Dave “Stec” Steckel ‘82 knows firsthand that it takes many people to build a truly exceptional football program. That’s why he’s committed to giving back to his alma mater and encouraging others to do the same.

Steckel served in the U.S. Marine Corps for three years prior to coming to Kutztown, and he had the honor of playing football for Coach George Baldwin, also a Marine. Steckel’s fondest college memories come from the opportunity to play collegiate football and the life-long bonds he developed with his coaches and teammates. 

After graduation, Steckel built a life coaching college football. Most recently he served as Head Football Coach at Missouri State University. Before his hiring at MO State, he spent 14 years with the University of Missouri, with seven of those years as the Defensive Coordinator under Hall of Fame Coach Gary Pinkel. At Mizzou, he was a two-time nominee and 2014 finalist for the Broyles Award. His other coaching stops include Rutgers University, University of Toledo, Lehigh University, Dickinson College, University of Minnesota, Ball State University, and Miami University of Ohio.

Recently, Steckel wrote a book, The Fisherman: Leadership Traits to Win the Game of Life – an endeavor that began with how he coached and his players about leadership at Mizzou.

Even though he’s retired, Steckel’s commitment to the sport – and to KU – is unwavering. He has been vocal about encouraging his former teammates, and all former student athletes, to give back.

“The impact we will make on the program and lives of today’s student-athletes can be truly remarkable,” said Steckel.