Washington State University Athletics

Bill Steiger was the most highly recruited running back in the state when he made the move from Olympia High to WSU in 1954, but he etched his name into the collegiate football record books as a receiver.  During his first two years at WSU, he was used as a halfback, but rookie head coach Jim Sutherland moved him to end just before the first game of the 1956 season. He caught 39 passes to lead the Pacific Coast Conference as a junior and was named to the All-PCC and All-West Coast first teams and to the Football Writers of America All-America first team.  He also averaged 10 yards a carry, led WSU with 36 points and returned punts and kickoffs during the season.  A neck injury suffered while diving forced him to sit out the 1957 season, but Steiger fought back from the injury to play again in 1958.  He earned the Fred Bohler Award for inspiration at WSU and played in the East-West Shrine Game and the Senior Bowl.  He finished his career fourth in receptions and receiving yardage, making 58 catches for 844 yards.