Steve Nemes was born and raised in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and he later returned to the Lehigh Valley to pursue his professional goals. He is a 1973 graduate of Parkland High School, where he developed a strong interest in the medical fields. Steve initially thought dentistry was in his future. He attended Lehigh County Community College, where he met Dr. Ed Daveheiser, a professor and friend, that suggested Steve consider athletic training. Dr. Daveheiser arranged for Steve to meet with Fran Sheridan at LaFayette University. Fran directed Steve to Phil Donley at West Chester University, where he enrolled. At West Chester, although a biology education major, Steve was mentored by Phil Donley, Joe Godek, and Brad Taylor. He completed his junior year internship at Cheyney University under Joe Iezzi and his senior year under Ron Pearson at Owen Roberts High School while student teaching. Steve was obviously a hard-working student who was mentored by some of the best in the athletic training profession.

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In 1978, Steve successfully completed the intemship route by passing the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) Certification Exam, and he accepted a job at his old high school teaching biology and serving as the athletic trainer. He served the athletes at Parkland High School from 1978-1982 before moving to the position of Head Athletic Trainer at Muhlenberg College in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, a position he still holds today. He has overseen many changes over the years, including the latest renovation of their sports medicine facility and increases in both the number of sports and number of student-athletes. Steve has also grown his athletic training staff from one to four certified athletic trainers over the years. He has developed and maintains a dynamic and up-to-date website for his athletes, parents, staff, and visitors to use.

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Steve was honored by PATS with a Board of Directors' Service Award in 1996 for his many years as a member, and later, was Co-Chair of the College/ University Athletic Trainers' Committee (1994-2003), Chair of the Ethics Committee (1994-1998), and Chair of the Nominations and Election Committee (19984-1986). Steve also received the PATS Board of Directors' Honor Award in 1988. He served as the Eastern Representative on the PATS Board of Directors from 1986-1988.

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Steve has served the Eastern Athletic Trainers' Association since 2005 as a member of their Workshop Committee and has served as· the Chair since 2008. He has been recognized by the NATA with their 25 Year Award. Steve has promoted the profession of athletic training with presentations to many local organizations on safety in athletics and development of young athletes and coaches. He serves as an Ap­proved Clinical Instructor for East Stroudsburg University, and volunteers for the Olym­pic Movement, PA Special O;ympics, the Keystone Games, and the Allentown Sports Festival.

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Steve is revered, honored, and respected at Muhlenberg by his peers, stu­dent-athletes, and their parents for his gracious attitude, hard work, and love for his profession. He is "grateful for the opportunity to work with student-athletes, and watch them grow, mature, and sometimes 'heal' during their time here."

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Steve is very active in his church, the Knights of Columbus, and the Girls Basketball Booster Club. He is married to Linda (1993), and they have a daughter, Jennifer (1995).