Not only were the Football fans of Beaver County naturally drawn to Steve’s ability to make plays happen, but people were also impressed by his commitment to spending time to encourage young kids, much like himself, who needed some encouragement from an older role model. Much of his spare time during high school was spent helping to coach the youth football and wrestling programs in Hopewell.  Still today you will find him on the weekends attending the soccer games and baseball games of these young guys letting them know he cares about them. Steve grew up without a father, so he too relied upon the direction and inspiration from his Coach's throughout the years who have helped mold him into the individual he is today.

  Immediately following the MVP Season at Hopewell, Day injured his knee while practicing for the Penn-Ohio All Star Game. He began to experience pain when he ran. That wouldn't stop day from playing in the All-Star Game in which he scored and performed well on his seemingly injured knee.

Steven's College career at Geneva, however, would present some new challenges and obstacles that he was never faced with before. After an excellent performance at Geneva Football Camp, and a great show of skill in pre-season scrimmages, Steve, still enduring some pain, was directed to have an MRI done on his knee because it was bothering him. The MRI revealed torn meniscus, which is cartilage that surrounds the knee. The Doctor recommended a simple surgery, which would take about 3 weeks to recover from. He expected to be back to 100% by the seasons’ opening. What should have been an easy recovery was not. Every muscle in Steve’s leg just collapsed. "It was freak thing and very abnormal" described the doctor. This incident would mean a red shirt and some down time for Steve, who didn't take well to the idea of sitting out the rest of the season.  Heartbreak began to settle in on Steve and the circumstances really took a toll on him. Day's family was there to encourage him through this dark period. They would not let him lose heart, nor lose the vision that once shined so brightly in his eyes.

  A second surgery was performed during spring break ‘99; this time it was a success. There were no complications. Day knew that it wasn't going to be an easy task to show Coach Demarco that he was ready for the 2000 season, so he worked day and night to regain the health in his knee and he set out to prove that he was still the man for the job at starting Tailback. With unrelenting passion, Steve would run through his neighborhood in the wee hours of the morning, "Like Rocky" Steve's brother, Anthony likes to put it. Day's spirit was revived and prove himself he did. He went into pre-season as Geneva's #4 Tailback and came out the #1 Man in the season opener in the Rotary Kickoff Classic game on Aug. the 31st. Steven Day rushed for 103 Yards on 8 carries, including a 54 yard TD Run as Geneva came out on top 16-14.

  The prayers, hard work and determination is paying off for Day, who in a recent game against Iowa Wesleyan, rushed for 191 yards and had 2 touchdown's on 17 carries. "I feel great, better than ever." Day exclaimed in a recent interview. In his life as well as on the playing field, Day does what he does best, runs the ball, and will not stop 'til he reaches his goal- The End zone.

  Day has set some goals for himself and his team. "I would like to help the team win the National Championship, and rush for over 1000 yards with 10 touchdown's this season." Said Day. Perhaps you can come out and watch him do it. Before each game you will see him and his brother Anthony praying together on the side lines, cause Steve knows that his gift does not come from himself, but from God. You will also find his sweet mom in the stands, cheering, hoping that Steve does well, and biting her nails praying that her little boy doesn't get hurt!

  The currently undefeated Geneva team is ranked #3 in the US and is packed full of talented players, Such as Rich Narty - Tailback, Jeremy Lacaria - Quarterback, Marko Thomas - Receiver, Lee Alexander - Inside Line Backer, Jermaine Thomas - Outside Linebacker, two time All American Adam Smith and many others. If the same determination that is found in Steve Day is found in all the teammates, then there is nothing that can stop this team from going all the way!

by M. Duncan
BEAVERCOUNTY.COM

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