Hall of Fame Spotlight: Steve Conjar

One of the top players in Temple Football history, Steve Conjar was an outstanding linebacker for the Owls during his stellar four-year career (1978-81).
The Owl defensive stalwart earned numerous honors during his career and served as captain of the 1981 team. A two-time Associated Press All-American selection (1980, 1981), he was named Temple's most valuable linebacker three times.

Conjar still holds the Temple records for most tackles in a season (174 in 1980), most solo tackles in a season (115 in 1980), most assisted tackles in a career (221) and most assisted tackles in a game (16 against Rutgers in 1980). He held the record for total tackles in a career (492) until Tyler Matakevich surpassed him by one tackle (493) in 2015.

Temple's leading tackler in 1979, 1980 and 1981, he starred on the 1979 nationally ranked team that won the Garden State Bowl and finished #17 in the nation.
He was inducted into the Temple Athletics Hall of Fame in 1999.

Steve, and his wife, Beth, have been married 42 years. They are the parents of two children, Kelli (42) and Chris, who passed away in 2018 at the age of 33. They also have five grandchildren.

Why did you choose Temple?

"I really did not have many choices coming out of Middletown High School as during the second game of my senior year I was clipped from behind and broke my ankle. All the schools that had been recruiting me just fell off after that.

I had committed to Millersville and then one day (Temple Defensive Coordinator) Vince Hoch called me and wanted to take me to Temple for a visit. So, I spent a weekend at Temple and on the last day I went in to see Coach (Wayne) Hardin. He said he had a scholarship, but he really did not want to give it to me. At this time, I still had a cast up to my hip and was on crutches, so I understood that. He then looks over at Coach Hoch and says, 'because that guy says you are worth it, then if you want to come to Temple, I will offer you a scholarship.'

I went home to discuss it with my dad. He asked how the visit went and I replied that they offered me a full scholarship.   He could not believe it and thought I misinterpreted it as he could not see any way a Division I team would offer me a scholarship with that cast on my leg. So, I had to get Coach Hoch on the phone to confirm it.   And that is how I arrived at Temple."

What stands out most about your Temple Football Career

"The group of guys I played with were tremendous. When I was a freshman we had Mike Curcio, Rich Garza, Chris Stinger, Brian Broomell who welcomed me with open arms. I felt very comfortable there. It was an easy transition for me from high school to college. I never anticipated I would be starting as a freshman. That just happened because someone got hurt.

My time at Temple is something I will never forget. It was just a good experience for me all around. It is where I met my wife and we got married."

Talk about playing in the Mirage Bowl and Garden State Bowl your first two seasons at Temple

"As far as the Mirage Bowl, I recall It was a long trip to Tokyo. I remember exploring Japan and it was very different. It was cool to play in a Bowl Game there against Boston College. It was a truly great experience, and I was glad I was a part of it. The Japanese people were very gracious. Overall, it was a good time.

The Garden State Bowl was a great ending to an amazing year.   We defeated California and finished the year with a 10-2 record and ranked 17^th in the nation. That was the group of guys that when I came in as a freshman took me under their wing and taught me so much. I was coming from a small town to the Big City, and I did not know to expect so it was much appreciated.

I think that 1979 team is the best in Temple history, but obviously I am biased.".

How was Coach Hardin to play for?

"I had a lot of respect for Coach Hardin. He was no nonsense. Direct and to the point. I am just very gracious that he gave me the opportunity to play at Temple because he had a say in it. I know he had a lot of respect for Coach Hoch as a Defensive Coordinator and trusted his judgement. I am not sure what Coach Hoch saw in me. Whether he saw me play in some of my games in high school, but to only play two games my senior year, where most people are recruiting you during that year and receive a scholarship to Temple, I am so grateful.

I love the school. I love what it stands for and I think I played in a time period that was the best for me."

On Earning All-America Honors

"I was so honored to be in this category. I really did not know what to expect coming to play Division I football. It was my dream my entire life, because of where I grew up and the family that I grew up in

My cousin Larry Conjar was a fullback at Notre Dame back in the heyday. So, all of us in the family aspired to be him. As kids growing up and playing football we wanted to go to Notre Dame. I was the only other person in my family to play Division I football. When I got hurt my senior year, I knew there was no way Notre Dame was going to recruit me, so I was so grateful Temple took that chance on me as no other Division I schools were going to.

On your Philadelphia Stars tryout

"I was disappointed following my senior year that I did not get a shot anywhere (to play professionally). George Perles was the head coach of the Philadelphia Stars. He brought me in and basically told me that they were looking for me to be the starting linebacker and I signed a two-year contract. I was psyched. I got myself in good shape and then he ends up leaving and going to Michigan State. Then Jim Mora was named the coach.

I got a letter in the mail saying to go to Deland, Florida for training camp. We worked out for two days and I got a slip under my door to meet with Jim Mora at the University Library. I go over to the library and there is a long line of players waiting to meet with the coach.   I met with him, and he says thanks for coming out, I appreciate it, but this is the end of the journey. So, after spending a few days with a buddy in Florida I went home to my wife, got a job and that was that."

Talk about your career outside of football.

"I have worked in the trucking industry, first at Roadway Express for seven years before moving on to Carolina Freight. For the last 30 years I have been with R.M. Sullivan Transportation out of New England. We handle retail distribution. Companies like GAP and Urban Outfitters bring their product to us. We sort and segregate it and then deliver to all the stores in New England.

R.M. Sullivan is a family-owned company. I have worked for the Sullivans for 30 years and have had a great career with them."

You are a fixture on Tailgate Row at Temple games with former players. How did that get started?

"Wes Somisky started it off not long after we ended our careers. He would throw a big tailgate when we used to play at the Vet. We would all gather there, and everyone would bring stuff. We did that for a few years and then I took it over from there and it grew. We still have the core group of guys that come, and we just enjoy seeing each other and reminiscing."

Temple University Athletics

Hall of Fame Spotlight: Steve Conjar

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