Video presentation
A man best known for his rugged style of play and thousand dollar smile, Steve Libro ‘65 was an outstanding halfback at Trenton State College from 1959-60 and 1963-64. He played for two of the most successful teams in Lions’ history in 1959 and in 1963 and has been a Lion at heart for over 50 years.
Libro was a versatile offensive player who could run, pass, and block. He was a consummate team player and led TSC to a 21-10 overall record during his playing days at the College.
As a rookie in 1959, the Lions posted a 7-1 record. They dropped their season-opener before rattling off seven straight wins. Libro was the team’s leading rusher in 1960, but placed his collegiate and football career on hold to serve in the United States military in 1961 and 1962.
In 1963, he returned to the Ewing campus and had a tremendous season. He led TSC in receptions out of the backfield and had a pair of touchdowns. His biggest scoring run was an end sweep from six yards out in the fourth quarter of the legendary victory over Montclair State. That tied the game 13-13 (prior to the extra point), as the Lions would eventually win the rivalry match, 21-20. TSC posted a 7-1 record that season as well and was selected for induction into TCNJ’ Athletic Alumni Hall of Fame (this evening).
Libro would go on to graduate in 1965 with a degree in health and physical education. From there, he would embark on a prolific teaching and coaching career at North Brunswick Township High School. He was the first football coach at North Brunswick and built a reputable program that was highlighted by an undefeated season in 1985. Libro was tabbed Middlesex County Coach of the Year honors on three separate occasions. He retired from coaching in 1995 to assume administrative roles, which included being supervisor of health and education, vice principal, athletic director, and principal.
In the latter years of his career, Libro was enshrined in the North Brunswick Athletic Hall of Fame and New Jersey Sports Coaches Association Hall of Fame (NJSCA). But he would later receive one of the highest honors possible when the football grounds he coached so many games in North Brunswick would be named,
Steve Libro Field.
A founding member and current vice president of TCNJ’s GridIron Group, Libro has remained a staple in the Lions’ football program. He received the esteemed Wade Watkins TCNJ Football Alumni Citation in 2002 and is a regular attendee at Lions’ home games and TCNJ football events.
Libro is married to TSC graduate Nancy Steup Libro ’65 and has three children; John, Suzanne, and Daniel. His daughter Suzanne Libro ’93 played basketball for the Lions. He also has seven grandchildren.
