Mitchell’s Denadre Stewart wants to be the runner that everyone has to catch

COLORADO SPRINGS – Of the many things that makes Mitchell’s Deandre Stewart stand out as an athlete, his speed is the first thing that comes to mind.

When his legs get pumping, he can move down a track in a flash. But his speed is far from what defines him as a student-athlete.

He has an upbeat attitude that radiates from him no matter if he finishes closer to first in any given race or anywhere outside the top 10. Every opportunity to run – actually, every opportunity to compete – is a chance for him to shine and represent his school in the most positive of ways.

“He’s just a good kid,” athletic director Nick Karn says as he watches Stewart take his lane for a 100-meter dash at Mitchell’s Petrelli and Hunt Invitational at Garry Berry Stadium.

That particular day he didn’t get the win, but as just a junior for the Marauders, he knows that he still has plenty of room for growth. Part of that growth is savoring the chance to compete against everyone he can, even if they’re wearing the same uniform he does.

“I love it so much,” Stewart said. “When I come out the blocks and the race is neck and neck, it makes me want to push even more. Especially when I’m racing against someone in my own school. It makes me want to push harder than they do.”

That’s not to say he considers his schoolmates opponents. When he’s not running track, Stewart is actively competing in team sports throughout the year. He played football and basketball and boys soccer coach Adam Palmer is lobbying for him to get out on the pitch. Like every other coach in the school, Palmer likely knows that Stewart’s speed can be a major asset on the field.

His attitude when it comes to competing with a team rather than just for himself like he does in a sprinting situation could also be an asset. He understands that teams have to work together to achieve a common goal but it’s the ability to push each other to new heights that he truly enjoys.

“It makes me want to push my boys even harder, like (we’re running) a relay,” Stewart said. “It’s a team sport and you’re all in it together at the end of the day. I like to start off strong and give good energy. Get off to a great start and a strong finish.”

It’s his way of leading by example. For as long as he’s been competing in organized track, his way of helping his teammates get better is by forcing them to keep up. He has no problem being the guy that wants to set the standard and encourage everyone to either get up to speed or get left behind.

“Everyone is striving to beat me,” Stewart said. “(I’ve had that mentality since) middle school. Seventh grade. When I ran then, I was always the one dusting people and everyone wanted to work harder to get to where I was. Everyone wonders why I’m so fast. I don’t know. I was just born with it.”