Steve Cichy built his legend as a member of the Fargo Shanley football team in the 1970s. He never lost a game in high school, and helped the Deacons to four North Dakota state titles. Steve’s father, Sid, was the architect of a Shanley program that would gain national prominence for its winning ways.

While his playing days are in the rear view mirror, Cichy has never forgotten the lessons he learned all those years ago in Fargo. They’ve helped him become a successful in business and in life.

"I’ve been very fortunate,” said Cichy, who has lived in Somerset, Wis., for the last 20 years and is currently the vice president of sales and marketing for a small medical devise company. "… I have three great kids and a great wife.”

After Shanley, Cichy went on to play at Notre Dame. He was a two-year starter at safety, and a teammate of NFL legend Joe Montana and ESPN radio personality Mike Golic.

He said his most memorable moments playing for the Irish were competing against Heisman Trophy winners Herschel Walker of Georgia, Marcus Allen and George Rogers of USC, and South Carolina’s George Rogers.

Cichy gained national exposure when he returned a blocked punt 33 yards for a touchdown to help spark the Irish to a 35-34 comeback win against Houston in the 1979 Cotton Bowl.

The game, which saw Notre Dame rally from a 22-point deficit, is still considered one of the best Bowl games in college football history.

"I still get people e-mailing me to say they saw me on ESPN Classic,” Cichy said.

Cichy now plays the role of sports fan, watching his children compete in various activities at Hill-Murray High School in Maplewood, Minn.

And things appear to be coming full circle.

Cichy’s 16-year-old daughter, Tessa, is being recruited to play basketball at Notre Dame.

"I’m pleased with the way things have gone,” Steve said.

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See Steve Cichy’s 1979 Cotton Bowl touchdown, key words "Steve Cichy”