In his third year, they made the first NCAA tournament appearance in school history, and in his fifth they advanced all the way to the title game.
The momentum from their 1982 title game appearance helped spearhead the building of a permanent facility, Eck Stadium, in 1985.
Under his leadership, the Shockers made seven College World Series and 26 NCAA tournament appearances, including 14 straight from 1987 to 2000.
Several hours after accepting the job, however, Stephenson decided to remain at Wichita State, reportedly due to scholarship issues at Oklahoma.
Stephenson served a three-year stint in the United States Army, spending one year in Vietnam.