Steve Owens

Steve Owens graduated from Miami High School in 1965. Steve was a two sport all-state standout in football and track and still holds numerous individual records in both sports. Steve went on to the University of Oklahoma and was a 3-time All Big 8 selection and was the Big 8 Player of the Year in 1968 & 1969. He was a consensus All-American in 1968 & 1969 and won the Heisman Trophy in 1969, awarded to the nation’s most outstanding football player. Steve was drafted in the first round of the 1970 NFL draft by the Detroit Lions and was an all-pro selection in 1971. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1991 and the Orange Bowl Hall of Honor in 1992. Recently he was named one of the Top 100 college football players of all-time by ESPN, in honor of the 150th season of college football. 

Steve’s wife, Barbara, was a cheerleader, Miamiette, honor student, basketball queen, and was active in numerous student organizations. Barbara is a tireless advocate for mental health in the state of Oklahoma. Barbara’s efforts have led to raise over $2,000,000 to build the Thunderbird Clubhouse in Norman, a facility for those suffering and recovering from mental illness. 

Steve and Barbara were instrumental in the establishment of the Miami Public Schools Enrichment Foundation, which provides scholarships and grants to Wardog students and faculty members. Steve was recognized by the Miami Public Schools Enrichment Foundation in 2004 as the Outstanding Alumnus.