Stephen "Steve" Danforth

Stephen "Steve" Danforth

Stephen "Steve" Curtis Danforth, age 74, of Sylvania, Ohio, passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on September 2nd, 2025. He was born in 1951, in Berea, Ohio, to Leonard and Mary Virginia Danforth.

From an early age, Steve was an avid and accomplished athlete in baseball and wrestling before finding his stride as a runner in his sophomore year at Bedford High School. A friend encouraged him to try running cross country and when Steve ran at his first team practice in jeans and an old pair of tennis shoes there was plenty of snickering from the other teammates. However, by the end of that first run it was apparent that Steve had a natural ability. Later that year Steve joined the Toledo Road Runners and began training year-round, using the off-season months between Cross Country and Track to keep building strength and consistency – an approach he credits for his continued improvement and standout performances. This propelled him into a running career that changed the trajectory of his life. By his senior year he was a decorated champion in cross country and track who set the Bedford High School Mile Record in 1969, a record which still stands. He was also the Michigan Class A Mile State Champion that same year.

Steve was recruited to run at BGSU and became one of the most accomplished distance runners in cross country and track & field program history, and a member of the Falcon Hall of Fame. From 1969 to 1974, Steve ran for BGSU, becoming a three-time All-American in cross country and a six-time NCAA track championships qualifier. He competed in both indoor and outdoor national meets in the mile, three-mile, and six-mile events.

In 1970, the State Department and USA Track & Field Federation sponsored a three-week, five-nation tour of Central America that included 22 clinics and 3 competitions to help and encourage those nations' track and field programs. Steve, a standout freshman BGSU miler, was selected to be part of the six-member goodwill tour. The trip, along with its many adventures and stories, remained a memory he cherished throughout his life.

A leader on the track, Steve ran the leadoff leg on two BGSU 4xMile relay squads that would have been recognized as American records today. He also helped the Falcons to national prominence in the distance medley relay, running in the 1971 NCAA finals.

During his running career, Steve consistently placed among the top competitors in the Mid-American Conference and NCAA championships.

Inducted into BGSU's Hall of Fame for his accomplishments, Steve remains remembered as a standard-bearer for Falcon distance running. His dedication and achievements continue to inspire generations of student-athletes.

This October, Steve will once again be inducted into the BGSU Hall of Fame to honor the four Cross Country teams of 1969-1972, which placed in the top 10 in the Nation all four years.

After college, Steve had a successful career as a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Financial Planner, while rising to become a partner with the company Professional Management of Toledo, which focused on supporting medical practices in the region. In his retirement years he enjoyed traveling, golfing with his friends, and cooking extravagant meals for his family.

Steve is survived by his loving wife, Amy; two children, Justin Danforth (Shelly) and Lindsey Danforth (Kris Larsen); two step-grandchildren, Daniel and Madilyn; brother, Mike Danforth (Kathy); sisters, Debbie Danforth and Shari Smith (Dave); and several nieces.

He will be remembered as a loving and dedicated husband and father, devoted friend, and, of course, an exceptional athlete.

A Celebration of Life will be held on October 12, from 12-3 p.m., at the Crosby Conference Center in Toledo Botanical Gardens.

Donations in his honor can be made to the BGSU Men's Cross Country Program.https://bgsu.edu/stephendanforth

Checks can be made out to: BGSU Foundation Fund #300142 In the memo line please add: Men's CC - Danforth

Mail to:

Dan Meyers

c/o Athletic Department BGSU

Bowling Green, OH 43403