WIAA Hall of Fame Contact
ANDY BARNES
WIAA Assistant Executive Director
abarnes@wiaa.com
(425) 282-5237 |
Joe Steele
Bishop Blanchet High School, 1976
Joe Steele has been labeled one of the best running backs in Washington state history. At 6’4”, Steele was one of the bigger running backs in high school. His former high school coach was once quoted as saying, “He ran the ball over 25-29 times per game and never got hurt.” During his time at Bishop Blanchet he ran for 3,814 yards and 44 touchdowns. He led his team to a state championship in 1974 and a 23 game win streak that covered his three seasons. One of the most memorable games of his high school career was in the Metro League championship game in 1975 against Garfield. In the four-overtime game, Steele carried the ball 36 times for 140 yards. He had two touchdowns rushing, caught one and threw the game winning touchdown. At the University of Washington, Steele wrote the record books as a running back. He broke a 28 year old record set by Husky legend, Hugh McElhenny, to become the single-season rushing leader which he held until 1990 and all-time rushing leader which he held until 1994. He finished his career with 3,168 yards and 37 touchdowns. He was named Honorable Mention All-American and All-Coast and All-Conference honoree. He helped the Huskies to a Rose Bowl victory in 1978 and a Sun Bowl victory in 1979. Steele was inducted into the Husky Hall of Fame in 1996. |