Inductee Details

Steffen Smith

Graduation Year: 1988
Induction Class of 2014
Sports: Track
Steffen Smith
Education:
Cloud County Junior College and Metropolitan Junior College
Ottawa University, BA in Biology

OU Athletic Participation:
Track and Field (1986-1987)

As a community college transfer student, Smith participated in track and field only two years at Ottawa University. In that short time, he became a three-time NAIA Track and Field All-American; was the NAIA Indoor Track and Field National Champion in the high jump (7’0”); was a two-time NAIA Indoor Track and Field National Championship qualifier, as well as a two-time NAIA Outdoor Track and Field National Championship qualifier; was KCAC Champion in the pole vault (15’6”); and earned All-KCAC honors twice. Other accomplishments during his OU athletic career include setting a Field House record in the high jump (7’2”) at the Pitt State Invitational; setting a school record in the pole vault with a jump of 15’6.5”; winning the pole vault at the NAIA District 10 meet (14’6”); and placing fifth in the high jump (6’9”) at the NAIA Track and Field National Championships.

Family Members:
Wife: Kimberlie
Daughter: Hollie

Current/Past Business, Profession or Occupation:
Steffen is a road driver for what is now FedEx Freight. He started as a dock worker in 1988 with Arkansas Freightways, which changed to American Freightways before being sold to FedEx approximately 10 years ago. He was promoted to city driver in 1992, then to road driver in 1994.

Current/Past Community Involvement:
Staying true to his athletic background, Steffen has served as an assistant coach for his daughter’s sports teams and volunteered with a number of 5K races.