Liberty Athletics Hall of Fame
Steve Kearns
- Induction:
- 2016
- Class:
- 1979
Football: 1976-79
Steve Kearns came to Liberty as a defensive end, but finished his career with the Flames as an All-America tight end and wide receiver. At the time of his graduation, Kearns ranked as the program’s all-time career leader in receiving yards (1,210) and touchdown receptions (10).
Kearns led the Flames in receiving yards in 1977 (537) and 1978 (347). He set a program record with seven touchdown receptions in 1978, a mark that would stand for six seasons until fellow Athletics Hall of Fame selection Fred Banks surpassed it in 1984.
The native of Ontario, Canada, was one of six Liberty players named to the 1978 Churchmen’s All-America team, as he earned second-team honors. In 1979, Kearns helped the Flames post a 9-1-1 record and finish the season ranked No. 18 in the final NAIA Top 25 national poll.
Following his standout career with the Flames, Kearns became the first player in program history to be selected in a professional football draft. He was a fourth-round draft pick by British Columbia in the 1980 Canadian Football League Draft. Kearns played three seasons in British Columbia, helping his team make the 1981 CFL Playoffs and advance to the Western Division Championship game.
Steve Kearns came to Liberty as a defensive end, but finished his career with the Flames as an All-America tight end and wide receiver. At the time of his graduation, Kearns ranked as the program’s all-time career leader in receiving yards (1,210) and touchdown receptions (10).
Kearns led the Flames in receiving yards in 1977 (537) and 1978 (347). He set a program record with seven touchdown receptions in 1978, a mark that would stand for six seasons until fellow Athletics Hall of Fame selection Fred Banks surpassed it in 1984.
The native of Ontario, Canada, was one of six Liberty players named to the 1978 Churchmen’s All-America team, as he earned second-team honors. In 1979, Kearns helped the Flames post a 9-1-1 record and finish the season ranked No. 18 in the final NAIA Top 25 national poll.
Following his standout career with the Flames, Kearns became the first player in program history to be selected in a professional football draft. He was a fourth-round draft pick by British Columbia in the 1980 Canadian Football League Draft. Kearns played three seasons in British Columbia, helping his team make the 1981 CFL Playoffs and advance to the Western Division Championship game.
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