Steven G. Wiley, better known as the Night Runner, will forever be a respected and beloved name at Utah State. Wiley volunteered his time to drive the USU Football equipment truck to every away game for nearly twenty years followed by six years as the Assistant Equipment Manager.

In 1995, he was approached by Utah State to assist in hauling the team’s football equipment on road trips which quickly turned into a passion and new career for him. His first trip was on October 21, 1995 to New Mexico State and he never missed a game since. Wiley drove approximately 150,000 miles on more than 100 road trips during his career. When asked what his job was with the Aggies, he would simply respond with the title Night Runner, dedicated to the many trips spent driving through the night to ensure the equipment arrived at the stadium before the team did. His last trip was in 2013 but was immediately offered an official role with the equipment room which he served in until he retired in 2018.

It was more than a job but a love for Utah State and the football players. Most of the players called him “Pops”, a fitting name as he was a caring father figure for the young men. During his time spent as the Assistant Equipment Manager, Wiley had the responsibility of handing the American flag to the player who earned the honor of running out with it before the game. Wiley was drafted into the United States Army after high school and served his country during the Vietnam War, so he always made sure the player respected the responsibility of carrying the flag. During his tours of duty, he was recognized for his service many times and earned a Bronze Star Medal for valor.

Steve Wiley died peacefully in his home on Friday, December 21, 2018, at 67 years old, joining his late sweetheart Rhonda. While on his last trip to Hawaii for the team’s November 3 game, Wiley was struck with a septic infection ultimately leading to his death. Wiley will be remembered as a larger-than-life personality that cared for and loved so many people. He is an Aggie Legend and will always be “Pops” to the Utah State Football program. The Night Runner will live on in our hearts and memories forever.

Thank you for the generous support of Mark and Becki Lawver and Stokes Trucking for establishing The Night Runner Endowment to continue the legacy Steve Wiley left on Utah State Athletics. This endowment will be awarded as a scholarship to the top performing student worker(s) in the equipment room each year. We invite you to make a contribution to the Night Runner endowment and be a part of supporting the area within athletics that Steve loved so deeply.

Click here to read “The Last Ride of Utah State’s Legendary Night Runner” released by ESPN Staff Writer Kyle Bonagura.