Director of Athletics David Babb and the Cairn University Athletic Department are proud to welcome Steve Eichner '87 into the prestigious Cairn Athletics Hall of Honor, made official during the 2023 induction ceremony on the afternoon of Homecoming, Saturday, September 30, 2023.
Steve Eichner played for the Cairn University Men's Soccer team from 1984-1987. Another decorated member of the historic Cairn Men's Soccer team, Eichner was a record-setter on the
front line, holding the highest offensive career marks for goals, assists, and points for almost a decade. Eichner tallied 72 goals (3rd All-Time), 47 (2nd All-Time) assists, and 191 points (2nd All-Time) through his four seasons. His accolades include being named All-American three seasons in a row (1985-1987), four-time NCCAA Men's Soccer Division II National Champion, 1986 Conference Co-MVP, and a team co-captain for the 1986 and 1987 seasons.
In addition to soccer at Cairn, Steve served on the Student Missionary Fellowship leadership team and was the Sophomore Class Vice-President. He also served as a volunteer chaplain at the AI DuPont Institute with sick children which had a significant impact in his life as well as volunteering with a local youth group.
After Cairn, Steve married his wife, Anne, in 1989 who he met at Cairn. Anne's brother Tim was on the soccer team as well. The Eichners moved to Dallas, Texas where Steve completed a Th.M. and served as a Youth Pastor at North Highlands Bible Church for 6 years. God blessed them with 3 amazing kids.
The Eichners moved back to Pennsylvania to join the Pastoral Team at Bethel Church Philadelphia Mills where they have served for 24 years reaching unchurched people with the love and hope of Jesus. They love the diversity God is building at Bethel. Steve is the Pastor of Connection and Community, also serving as a part time chaplain at Presto Tape, a manufacturing company in Bensalem. Anne and Steve's children, Hannah and her husband Clayton , Jonathan and Elizabeth, all live in the area and are enjoying their first granddaughter Mae.
"I learned a long time ago that trophies break, awards tarnish and our bodies change. For me, this honor represents the bond of brotherhood I had the privilege to experience after moving to the US from South Africa," Steve recalled, "I was always most free when on the pitch intensely playing for the glory of God, side by side with a group of men working together to accomplish something far bigger than any of our individual accomplishments. It is to each of them, our coaches, our families and those who cheered us on that I enthusiastically and gratefully share this honor with. I also dedicate this honor to Tim Eimer, who captained my freshmen season who embodied all that we played for. His legacy lives on!"
