Red Oak (Athlete) 1987
As far as track and field fans are concerned, the most famous Carson to hail from Southwest Iowa isn’t the “Tonight Show’s” Johnny. No, the Corning born but Nebraska raised comedian didn’t stay in Iowa long enough to make the kind of impression that Steve Carson did at Red Oak in the early 1960’s. Competing on predominately dirt and cinder surfaces, this individual was a contributing factor for three Hawkeye, eight conference crowns, and three district championships from 1960-63. Some of his high school records include: 220 dash curve – 22.4; 440 dash – 49.9; 180 yard low hurdles – 20.1; long jump – 23′ 8 3/4″ (in 1963) which was an Iowa prep record that stood for nearly 20 years. From high school, Steve went to Iowa State where he was selected indoor All-American in 1965-66-67 and outdoor All-American in 1967. Steve, whose best time in the 440 yards – 45.6 for 400 meters, won two big eight titles and was one of only three ISU athletes indoors and outdoors to win a conference track title between 1966-67. His school record in the 440 stood for 16 years until `1984 when Olympian Sunday Uti broke it. Now a driver education teacher and youth track coach in Des Moines, married and the father of four, is still making an impression on track, thanks to this curious creation of athletic expression called the Iowa Games.