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Steve Hill, one of the most recognizable sports voices in El Paso over the past 40 years, passed away early Tuesday morning. Hill was 62.
Hill, who was a football player and track athlete at El Paso High School, worked early in his career as a sports reporter for KDBC. He was known for his longtime work as the anchor voice on the KROD radio football roundup show.
Hill was also active with UTEP athletics, working on the statistics crew and serving as the internal
public address announcer at Miner football games. He also was a television broadcaster for UTEP basketball games during the 1970s."Steve got out of his wheelchair (Monday) morning at 7:30 and collapsed into my arms. He had a massive heart attack. The doctors said they didn't think he would make it and he died at 3:30 (Tuesday) morning," his brother Charles Hill said. "Steve loved his high school football and loved UTEP sports."
More than anything, in his later years, Hill was considered the area's pre-eminent historian on El Paso high school football, working closely with area coaches. Two of the longest-tenured and two of the winningest, Don Brooks and Allan Sepkowitz, remember him fondly.
"Steve was one of the most interesting people I've ever met," said Brooks, who recently retired from Coronado. "He was as dedicated to sports as anyone I've ever known. He had all those statistics. It was amazing. He did a better job keeping up with that than not only anyone in El Paso, but anyone in the state. Besides all that, Steve was one of the nicest guys you would ever meet."
Sepkowitz, who recently retired from Andress, said, "Steve was a great man. He supported high school football so well. He will probably never be replaced. He had all those statistics. He was surely a wonderful person and I know he will truly be missed."
Hill was good friends with late Hall of Fame basketball coach Don Haskins and two years ago was given a plaque and honored for his work with UTEP basketball by current coach Tim Floyd.
"Steve was a good person, a loving brother and he would do anything in the world for you," Charles Hill added.
Visitation will be from 6-9 p.m. Friday 9/21/12 at Sunset Funeral Homes-West on 480 Resler. Hill will be cremated and there will be no funeral services.
Patricia McNiel (Delgado)
I will always remember his smile. RIP Steve.
Susan Abraham
I taught at Bowie High for many years with Charles, Steve's brother. Charles was Steve's devoted caretaker. I know he'll miss his brother deeply. Like Pat, I'll always remember Steve's smile and his red hair. He sat across the aisle from me in Mrs. Gunning's senior English class, along with George Ybarra, Rudy Duarte, and Henry Wallace. Steve was always a good guy in that class. My sincere condolences to Charles.
Mike (Maurice) Boetto (Class Of 70)
I am greatly saddened to hear of Steves passing. I will always remember him as an upper classman
who kindly took me under his arm. He and I were forever cutting eachother down during football. We shared
many interesting stories which I'm sure were made up on his side as well as mine. I liked Steve for his
sense of fairness to others. He never had a cruel word to say about anyone or any thing. Although life is cruel
itself it took a decent human being from living a full life. Steve I only pray you are at peace and can look down
at all the lives you have touched and smile as you were known for. You will be missed by more people than you
can imagine. R.I.P. my friend. I will surely miss you...........Mike Boetto '70
Alfredo Montoya (Class Of 68)
I am sorry to hear about Steve's departure from this life, however I am sure he is enjoying being in the great sports arena of the afterlife. Steve was a fixture in the fieldhouse when I was team manager during the 1967-68 football seasons, and assisted both Freddy Ochoa and myself in the duties to keep the team equiped, refreshed, and healthy. He was determeined to make his mark in the sports world, and proved it by going farhther than any other former Tiger I know. RIP Steve!
Rodolfo Duarte
Steve was a good friend during our High School years. I remember we'd listen to Astros games, during slow summer nights, along with his Father and Charles. He'd comment about the announcers, "...the Astros are chasing the Red Birds!"
Peace be with you, Steve.
Shirley E. Wilson (Freeman)
I am so saddened to hear about Steve's passing. He was such a good guy in high school. Always the perfect gentleman! I will always remember that red hair and his sweet smile. My heart goes out to his family.
Charles Hill Class Of '71
I wanted to express my appreciation to those of you who have made comments about my brother. Your thoughts and prayers are deeply appreciated. Steve always had a warm place in his heart for EPHS and his fellow Tiger classmates.
Charles Hill-Class of '71