Bob Steel constantly broke records during the four years that he led the Tigers to swimming dominance from 1947 to 1950.
Rolling up records both in the sprints and as a member of the freestyle and medley relay teams, Steel was named Most Valuable Swimmer and team captain twice. The sprinter became Pacific's first All-America swimmer in 1950, and trained with the United States Olympic Team.
He led the Tigers, coached by Chris Kjeldsen, to two California Collegiate Athletic Association titles, one close second-place finish and the Northern California Championship as an independent powerhouse in 1950.
Pacific's first CCAA title came in 1947 as Steel, only a freshman, set a conference record of 24.1 seconds in capturing the 50-yard freestyle. In 1949, Bob broke two and tied one conference record as the Tigers captured their second CCAA championship. A 48-27 win over California in the Golden Bears' pool cemented the Tigers' 1949 swimming reputation, as Steel won the 50 yard free in 24.2, won the 100 yard free and anchored both the 100 yard and 400 yard relay teams.
During a season-ending battle of unbeatens in 1950, Pacific defeated Stanford 45.5-29.5 before an overflow crowd to decide Northern California swimming dominance that year. Steel won the 100 free, helped set a pool and college record in the 300 medley of 2:36.1 and upset Stanford in the 400 yard relay with a pool record of 3:39.6.
A special fund drive raised $500 to send the medley team of Bob Steel, Frank Poucher, Jon Stebbins and Dick Cullenward to the NCAA Nationals at Ohio State in 1950. Steel was also a member of Pacific's water polo team in 1948.
After completing his master's degree in 1955, following his degree in Physical Education and Health, Steel began his teaching career. He taught for 33 years at Amos Alonzo Stagg High School in the Physical Education Department and coached swimming, football and track. The swimming pool at Stagg High School is now named in Bob's honor. Steel initiated and was the first coach of the Stockton Swim Club.
Steel, now retired, lives in Stockton with his wife, Jane.
