University of Wisconsin-Stout Athletics

Steve Smith was more than just your typical tough guy.

On his third try to earn All-American honors, Smith finally earned the elusive honor, but wrestled the final match with only one arm. In the previous match, Smith was injured and he went into the eighth place match with his arm taped to his body – and won to place eighth.

During his four years with the Blue Devils, Smith wrestled all four seasons in the 177-pound weight class, qualifying to the national tournament three times. He was a two-time WSUC champion, winning the title in 1990 and defending the title in 1991.

Over the course of his career, Smith won seven different tournament titles, was a three-time team captain and three-time most valuable wrestler.

Smith graduated from UW-Stout in 1993 with a bachelor’s in early childhood education, then received a masters from Viterbo University in general education. Smith has taught in the Muskego School District for 13 years, teaching third grade. He coached wrestling at Muskego Middle School for six years, has assisted with Muskego varsity program and works with the Oak Creek youth wrestling program. Smith resides in Oak Creek with his wife, Deanna, and daughter, Hannah, and son, Aaron.