Steele graduated from Washington State University in 1979 and worked there as an assistant trainer until accepting the UI position. He also earned a master’s degree from UI.
In addition to overseeing all aspects of UI’s athletic training room and the strength and conditioning and equipment room staffs, Steele served the athletic training profession in many capacities, including on the National Athletic Trainers' Association Board of Directors, NATA BOD liaison to JRC-AT/CAATE, president of the Northwest Athletic Trainers' Association, and liaison to the Idaho Board of Medicine; State Board of Athletic Trainers.
Steele was inducted into the National Athletic Trainers Association Hall of Fame in 2011, a year after the organization honored him with a Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer Award.
Steele and his wife, Susan, reside in Moscow and have two children - Barbara and Ross. He is a native of Pasco, Wash.
Steele, Dunn and DeMulling are all members of the UI athletic Hall of Fame.