2024 NEMFCA 8-Man Hall of Fame Inductee Salutes - Steve Bazata, Howells High School

STEVE BAZATA – HOWELLS HIGH SCHOOL

(Here is our 10th of twelve 2024 NEMFCA Hall of Fame inductees. Today we feature one of the finest players in the sparkling history of Howells high school football, Steve Bazata)

From a family of dominant linemen, Steve would become one of the preeminent players in Bobcat Football History. Playing on teams that won four consecutive State Titles, he was one of the best defenders to ever play along the defensive line for legendary Coach Mike Speirs. From 2001 to 2004, Steve and his teammates reigned over opponents across the state, while cementing Howells as the Nebraska Eight-Man Football Power of the new millennium.

During his time in the trenches, Steve was honored on several occasions as a First Team All-District, a First Team All-State pick, and Hall of Fame sports journalist Bob Jensen later named him to the Huskerland Prep Class D1 All-Decade Team for the 2000’s.

After graduation, he was also selected to play in the Eight Man All-Star Game, the Nebraska vs. Kansas All-Star Game, and the Nebraska Shrine Bowl Game. Steve then moved on to a highly successful college career at South Dakota State University, where he became a four-year letterwinner, a two-year starter, and a contributing member of the Jackrabbit’s first ever D1 playoff team. Steve had many triumphs in his football life, but his proudest moments will always include playing for and helping build the foundation of the Howells Football Dynasty.

The NEMFCA is honored to welcome him into the Hall of Fame Class of 2024.

1000 Yard Guy observations…..It’s pretty simple, cut and dried. Steve Bazata was one of the roughest, toughest linemen in 8-Man football history, especially on defense, where he struck fear into the hearts of anyone who had a football in his hands.

Bazata took no prisoners, and if he hit you once, you prayed to God there would not be a repeat performance.

An imposing 6-5 figure, Steve Bazata was just born to play football and dominate, which he did at Howells and South Dakota State.