Steeples Named New Football Coach
January 14, 2016
Even at the NFL level the coaches still stress the basics of football and that is exactly what 2008 alum Robert Steeples intends to do as the new head varsity football coach.
“One of the most important things to me is keeping first things first,” Steeples said. “Really being fundamental in our approach and focusing on the nuances of the game of football. Also, I want to instill the welcoming of competition. I want guys that love to compete, but at the end of the day I just want my guys to have fun.”
After winning a state championship on 2005, Steeples propelled himself to the college level playing at the University of Missouri and Memphis. Then he competed in the NFL for three years on St. Louis Rams, Minnesota Vikings, Kansas City Chiefs and Dallas Cowboys.
“I got to a point in my career where my desire to play was outweighed by my desire to coach. I saw what these De Smet students and the students-athletes were capable of and I wanted to be a part of it. I believe in them and I want to instill that same belief in themselves.”
This morning the football team had a meeting to announce Steeples hiring and current players bought into his philosophies right away.
“I’m ecstatic to have Steeples as our new coach. I feel he would bring a lot more energy to our program on and off the field,” junior running back Julian Fowler said. “It will give some players someone to look up and at the same time someone to relate to since he is so young.”
Steeples was just as thrilled as the players about being the new head coach.
“[I am] Just pumped to get working with young students that are willing to except a challenge and building a legacy of guys that are here and future Spartans that will be coming here,” Steeples said. “And be a part of something fun, new and exciting.”
