CANYON, Texas (KFDA) - Canyon High School track and field athlete Emmitt Stewart committed to Stephen F. Austin State University, signing his national letter of intent at Canyon Commons.
“It’s so special to me getting to compete at the next level,” Stewart said. “I’ve always wanted to compete in college and just getting to hopefully get one step closer to my personal goals of becoming a pro athlete one day.”
Stewart competed in two events at the UIL State Track and Field Meet this past season, placing in the 400-meter run and running a leg in the 1600-meter relay. His performance contributed to Canyon’s first team championship in program history.
The senior leaves Canyon holding three school records in the 4x200-meter relay, 4x400-meter relay and 400-meter run. He earned a bronze medal in the 400-meter run and a silver medal in the mile relay at state.
Overcoming injury
Stewart’s path to Division I athletics included setbacks. A knee injury during his sophomore year required surgery and ended his career as a hurdler.
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Canyon head boys track coach Cade Wartes said Stewart adapted after the injury.
“Once he had this knee surgery, he came back and we made him a quarter guy,” Wartes said. “So it actually worked out pretty well for him.”
Wartes said Stewart’s achievements place him among elite company in Texas Panhandle track history.
“There has been only nine boys track teams from the Panhandle that have won the state meet in 125 years of the UIL,” Wartes said. “He is part of that history and that legacy.”
Stewart said both the team culture and academic opportunities influenced his college decision.
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“Honestly, just the atmosphere,” Stewart said. “Everyone on the team was really nice and they also had my academic goals as well there that I could accomplish.”
He offered advice to younger Canyon athletes.
“Come in every day with a positive mindset and know that your hard work will pay off and you’ll achieve your goals,” Stewart said.
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