EDMOND (Nov. 7) -- Former Central Oklahoma football great Steve Tate passed away Saturday morning after a lengthy battle with cancer.

A product of Luther High School, Tate was a standout running back for the Bronchos from 1977-80 and led UCO to an NAIA national runner-up finish in 1979.

"Steve never said a word and was the nicest person in the world off the field," said former UCO head coach Gary Howard, who coached Tate during his career with the Bronchos. "But on the field he was a mean, tough competitor and one of the best players to ever come through Central."

Tate is the only player in school history to earn All-Conference honors four times and All-America recognition three times. He had three 1,000-yard rushing seasons (1,245 in 1977, 1,163 in 1978 and 1,153 in 1979) and still owns UCO career records for carries (803), yards (4,360) and 100-yard games.

Funeral arrangements are pending.