The RoundHouse | 10/7/2022 10:52:00 AM

Before showcases, personal trainers and technology dominated college recruiting, athletes such as Kennie Steenstra rewarded coaches who watched games.
 
Steenstra, who pitched at Wichita State from 1990-92, came from Plato High School in Missouri, 76 miles from Springfield. He won 65 games to set a national high record but wasn't a hard thrower. Former Wichita State pitching coach Brent Kemnitz watched him in a high school game.   
 
"He's not a light-the-radar-up kind of guy," Kemnitz said. "I'm not sure if he went to showcases, but he probably still would have been overlooked. See him in a game. See him perform. It was to win. And he was a winner."
 
Steenstra threw 81-84 mph, in Kemnitz's memory, which is a few mph below the velocity usually coveted. Steenstra's feel for the game, off-speed pitches and accuracy convinced Kemnitz to recruit him.
 
"It was just a gut feeling – he hit his spots," Kemnitz said. "He comes in here and you're thinking 'OK, how is this going to play? Small-town America. He was a winner, but how is that going to translate into high NCAA Division I?'"
 
Steenstra translated that expertise with a baseball and the strike zone into a great career with the Shockers and a brief stay in the majors with the Chicago Cubs. He went 17-0 in 1991, matching the NCAA record for most wins without a loss, and won 25 straight to rank third for a career. He helped the Shockers to the College World Series in 1991 and 1992.
 
His ability to throw the baseball to the right spot, change speeds and keep hitters off-balance made him a pleasure to watch.
 
"He gave me day off," Kemnitz said. "Great teammate. Took care of business in school. Always on time. Check every box."
 
At Wichita State: Steenstra, a member of the Pizza Hut Shocker Sports Hall of Fame, earned consensus All-America honors in 1991 after his 17-0 season. He was finalist for the Golden Spikes and R.E. "Bob" Smith player of the year awards in 1991, as well as Missouri Valley Conference Pitcher of the Year and a CoSIDA Academic All-American.
 
He capped his 1991 season with a win over East Carolina in the NCAA Midwest Regional and wins over Long Beach State and Creighton in the CWS to help the Shockers reach the title game.
 
In 1992, he earned Midwest Regional MVP honors after pitching a four-hitter in a 5-0 win over Oklahoma State at Eck Stadium.
 
Steenstra finished his career with a 39-4 record and a 2.95 earned run average.
 
Update us on your current location and life status:  I live in Liberty, Missouri with my wife Denise (Brungardt, an NCAA All-American in the heptathlon at WSU). Two sons, Logan (22) who just graduated from Tennessee, and Peyton (20) who is attending Missouri. I am currently working a couple of part-time jobs after spending almost 30 years playing/coaching professionally. 
 
What was your major at Wichita State?  Business administration 
 
Why did you choose Wichita State?  From a baseball standpoint, I loved what (coaches) Gene Stephenson and Brent Kemnitz were building in the program and felt like it would be a great place for me to grow as a pitcher.  Educationally, WSU had a strong business/entrepreneurial program that would challenge me. 
 
Besides the sport you played as a Shocker, what was your favorite sport?  Basketball 
 
Who was your favorite professor at Wichita State?  Martin Perline. His classes were challenging, but he kept you engaged as a student so well. He genuinely cared about your well-being. 
 
Which teammate helped your adjustment to college life?  Morgan LeClair and Jeff Bluma both gave me incredible advice that first year. 
 
What are your favorite memories from college athletics?  So many to choose from. Spending 10 days in Hawaii for a tournament my sophomore year. Getting to be involved with three regionals, all hosted by WSU.  Two CWS appearances, including making it to the national championship in 1991. All the great teammates and fans in my three years. 
 
What advice would you give to a person starting their athletics career in college?  Work very hard on time management and finding that balance between school and athletics. Give everything you can to both, because no matter how great of an athlete you are, you're not guaranteed anything. 
 
What book you would recommend to current college students?  I feel like "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" (Franklin Covey) and "The Five Love Languages" (Gary Chapman) are both must-reads for understanding yourself and others. 

Paul Suellentrop covers Wichita State Athletics and the American Athletic Conference for university Strategic Communications. "Catching up" is a regular feature highlighting former Shockers. Story suggestion? Contact him at paul.suellentrop@wichita.edu.