University of San Francisco Athletics

A three-sport athlete at Palma High School in Salinas, Steve Haag was the only All-League selection in Palma’s first year in the Mission Trail Athletic League. Haag was a DE as a frosh and moved to LB at USF. He became a team captain, and one of the top Hilltop players of San Francisco’s small college era. He had two games with over 21 tackle games. One, which included two interceptions, was against Sacramento State and earned him Nor-Cal player of the Week Honors over Stanford’s Kim Plunkett. The six-foot, 215 pounders’ other 21 tackle efforts came against Nevada-Reno. Haag was the Dons' MVP in 1969 and he led the team in tackles for three seasons (PalmaAthletics). 

Don defense held Sonoma State to only two yards total offense! Dave Kuzirian, a junior transfer from City College of San Francisco, Wendall Blake, and two year veteran Bud Foster closed off the inside to the Cossack running game completely. The outside was closed off by defensive ends Tom Reid and Conrad "Mad Dog" Hanson, aided by the pursuit of linebackers Steve Haag, junior college transfer Rick Reid, and three year starter Mike Bracco (TheFoghorn).

Haag, a powerful man who loves to "stick", has led the Hilltoppers in tackles. Playing in the middle, Haag is excellent at smelling out, and stopping the dive and the sweep while also doing a fine job covering the pass (TheFoghorn).