Family, Friends, and Teammates Remember Alum Steve Malm ’86

Photo of Lindsborg High School 1982 State Championship team. 

Front row: (L to R) Jerry Webster, Lon Geiman, Bill Nelson (’86), Myron Applequist, John Bellah (’86), Mark Dahlsten (’87). 

Back row: (L to R) Larry Malm (’89), Dale Peterson, Steve Malm (’86), John Hawk, Jay Tolle, Steve Streufert 

The 40th anniversary of the Lindsborg High School class of 1982 men’s basketball state championship is March 13, 2022. Not only did the team rise to the state championship with a 25-0 record, but 5 players from the team went to Bethany College with 3 playing basketball for the Swedes: Larry Malm (’89), Steve Malm (’86), and John Bellah (’86). 

Reminiscing about their high school days, childhood friend and fellow Bethany alum, Bill Nelson (’86), referred to Steve as “the best player on the team.” After high school, Steve Malm continued to dominate on and off the court. While at Bethany, Steve was a 4-year letter winner and a two-time unanimous All-KCAC player for the Swedes. After his senior campaign, he was chosen All-District 10.  He graduated with a business degree and married a fellow Bethany alum. Unfortunately, in 1996 Steve lost his courageous battle with colon cancer. He was inducted into Bethany College Athletic Hall of fame posthumously in 1998.   

The impression he left on others has been long-lasting. Due to his love for Bethany College and playing basketball, his family, friends and fellow teammates have worked to raise $25,000 in his memory to establish the Steve Malm Endowed Scholarship at Bethany College to be awarded to a men’s basketball player.