Rockford University

After spending two years at Texas A&M, Steve returned to his hometown in 1992 when he transferred to Rockford College. 

Steve didn't hesitate to make his mark as a Regent athlete. During his first season in the spring of 1993, Steve was named All-State in the 50-yard freestyle and the 100-yard butterfly. His times in those two events were also good enough for him to qualify for the national championships.

At nationals he finished fourth in both events to earn All-American status. He set the school record in the 100-yard butterfly that year with a time of 50.47 seconds, a record which still stands today. Steve was voted team MVP and Rockford College Athlete of the Year.

His success in the pool continued the following year during his senior season. He repeated as All-State in the 50-yard freestyle and the 100-yard butterfly in 1994. He also added the 200-yard individual medley to his All-State resume that year, as his time of 2:01.91 also remains a Rockford College school record. In addition, he repeated as team MVP and Rockford College Athlete of the Year. 

Steve still ranks as Rockford's all-time best in the 200-yard individual medley and the 100-yard butterfly. Steve is also second all-time in the 100-yard freestyle and the 50-yard freestyle.

Steve is currently living in Dixon, Ill. and is involved in his family's lumber yard business. He credits much of his success in his business career to Rockford College. "The discipline and connections I made at Rockford College have allowed me to move further in my business career," Kitzman stated.

Career: 1993-94