While a student at West High School, Steve lettered in Track and Wrestling, was Captain of the Cross-Country team, was President of the Pep Club, was the Student Council Sergeant-of-Arms, a member of Junior Choir, Hi Y,

and A.Y.G.C. However, Steve’s story begins with his graduation in 1971 and starting his business degree at Ohio University. It was during this time that he discovered a game that would profoundly impact his life: rugby.

Rugby, a continuous, fast paced team sport, with no timeouts or substitutions, quickly became Steve’s passion. He played his first rugby game at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio in 1972 and during the next four years of play, earned himself as one of the fastest, hardest hitting flankers in the Midwest. Upon graduating, Steve joined the Scioto Valley Rugby Club in Columbus, while also starting his career at Brown Steel. He caught the attention of the Midwest Territorial Team coaching staff and was invited to try out for the team. After refining his skills, he was invited to play on the Ohio Selects, Midwest Territorials, and eventually, the U.S. National Rugby Team in both Sevens and Fifteens (the number of players on each team). He earned 33 caps, (a cap is an honor that refers to the number of official games a player has played for their national team) representing the U.S. around the world.

It was a memorable and enriching experience for Steve to play against international competition for eight years. In addition, Steve left Brown Steel to become a sales manager for Central Ohio Welding. He also married Beverly Basich (Mifflin High School graduate) on August 2, 1980.

After the first Rugby World Cup in 1987, he retired from international play but continued to play with Scioto Valley Rugby Club. In 1988, he transitioned to coaching, taking the head coaching position of The Ohio State University Rugby Club. Under his guidance he led OSU to two Final Four spots, posting third place finishes in 1990 and 1991. His success caught the attention of the USA National Rugby Team, which appointed him as the coach for the US Sevens teams. He prepared them for the first ever 1993 Sevens Rugby World Cup in Edinburgh, Scotland. During this period, Steve traveled extensively, coaching, and forging critical relationships for US Rugby.

Simultaneously, in 1987 Steve co-founded Universal Fabrication and Construction Service with a fellow Rugby player. His partner supported Steve’s commitment to rugby, allowing him to manage the business while traveling. After stepping down from coaching the National Team in 1994, Steve focused on coaching his three daughters, Stephanie, Suzanne, and Sarah as well as expanding his company from ten to one hundred employees.

His company built iconic roller coasters across the country, including the Big Apple Coaster in Las Vegas and the Aerosmith Coaster at Walt Disney World, Florida. Unifacs fabricated the first electric magnetic injection coaster in the US, located at multiple Six Flags locations.

After 9/11, Steve’s company had to pivot, moving into material handling systems for power plants. Steve also returned to his Rugby roots, coaching Scioto Valley Rugby Club from 2005-2014. Today, Steve is a member of the Board of Governors for the US Rugby Foundation, and he actively contributes to the grassroots development of Rugby. In 2017, he was inducted into the US Rugby Hall of Fame in San Diego, California. In 2015, Steve and his partner sold their company, now named Turn-Key Industrial Services, only to buy it back in 2019. They currently run the company, which employs fifty people.

Steve Finkel’s journey is a testament to his unwavering commitment to the sport of Rugby. His entrepreneurial spirit, as well as his ability to inspire others, is profound. Throughout his life, he received support from his parents, wife, Bev, and their three children, his in-laws, his friends, and fellow rugby players making it possible for him to pursue his career and interests while being absent from his home. The bond among these people provided a great source of strength during challenging times.

As Steve transitions into his latest chapter of life, he finds himself running his own company while actively supporting his eight grandchildren (7 grandsons, 1 granddaughter). Being actively involved in his grandchildren’s sports endeavors, such as coaching his granddaughter’s softball team, demonstrates his dedication to nurturing the talents and passions of the younger generation. By attending their games, as well as providing guidance and support, he not only shares his love for sports, but also instills important values, such as teamwork, discipline, and perseverance.

Managing a company while also prioritizing his grandchildren’s activities highlights Steve’s ability to balance  professional responsibilities with personal commitments. His active participation in their lives not only fosters strong family bonds, but also creates lasting memories and strengthens relationships. This being something he has strived his entire life to accomplish. Leaving a legacy of love, dedication, and support; this is Steve Finkel.