Benjamin Steinbacher ‘98
We, the Gray Eagles, are proud to induct Ben Steinbacher into the Lock Haven University Football Gridiron Greats. His dedication, resilience, and outstanding achievements on the field have left an indelible mark on our program. Welcome, Ben, to a legacy of greatness.
Ben’s journey began at Montoursville High School, where he was one of the standout athletes during their heyday in the 90s. At Lock Haven, Ben became a four-year starter from 1994 through 1997, earning first-team all-conference honors in 1997. His name is etched in the record books in five categories: fifth in punt return yards, second in punt return touchdowns, eighth in kick return yards, ninth in total tackles, and fifth in interceptions. His remarkable feat of three interceptions in one game is still fondly remembered.
As stated by Mike Grove ‘98, Ben’s roommate, and teammate at LHU, “I first met Ben in the fall of 1994 at LHU. As the younger cousin of LHU great Eric Steinbacher, Ben fit in seamlessly. We played together for four years, with me at strong safety and him at free safety for two of those years. Ben was the kind of player you looked to during the dog days of camp or deep into the season. Always upbeat and practicing as hard as he played, he led by example. He epitomized the “play to the whistle” mentality, making him the ideal free safety.”
“Ben was a four-year starter at safety, who also returned punts and kickoffs, and participated in most special teams. His athleticism made him hard to keep off the field. Consistently one of our leading tacklers, Ben’s tenacity to the ball was unmatched. I remember him getting three interceptions in one game, returning punts for touchdowns, and being all over the field. Despite separating his shoulder more than once, Ben played through injuries, wrapped up like a mummy each week to keep his shoulder in place. Remarkably, he never missed a game or a practice. This high level of play and consistency earned him all-conference honors.”
“Off the field, Ben was an outstanding student-athlete and a great person. We were roommates for two years, and I saw firsthand his dedication and character. Today, Ben is married with three daughters and continues to excel in his professional life. There is no doubt in my mind that Ben Steinbacher belongs in the Hall of Fame. He is one of Lock Haven’s best student-athletes.”
The Gray Eagles are honored to welcome Benjamin “the Blade” Steinbacher into the Lock Haven University Football Gridiron Greats.