Thornton Academy senior Eli Steward has been named the Journal Tribune Boys Swimmer of the Year for the second straight year. SUBMITTED PHOTO
Thornton Academy’s Eli Steward managed to do both over the past four years and added to his legacy with a strong senior campaign — including being named the Journal Tribune Boys Swimmer of the Year for the second straight season.
Steward, who won an individual and relay state title in 2017, would finish his last state meet with a second place finish in the 100 freestyle and third-place medal in the 50 free at the 2018 Class A meet.
“It was good. I had some good swims, but I definitely would have liked to take first my senior year … but it’s all right that I didn’t,” said Steward, who also earned medals in the 200 free relay and 400 free relay at this year’s state meet.
Steward will leave the TA pool with school records in the 100 butterfly, 200 free, 200 individual medley and the 500 free. He is also part of the school record 200 free relay and 400 free relay teams.
The standout is certainly proud of all that he’s accomplished, but what he will miss most about his time at Thornton is the time he spent with his coaches and teammates.
“Probably the camaraderie on the team and how much we all love each other,” said Steward on his favorite memories from the past four years.
The senior is hoping to close out his high school career on a high note as he is currently in North Carolina competing in a national meet.
“It’s amazing. You get to hang out with the best in the nation, and meet Olympians and just swimming in that pool is a great experience,” said Steward of the national meet.
The former Class A state champion will continue his swimming career at Wheaton College next year.
“I haven’t signed anything but I’m committed. It’s one of the only schools I visited, but I just really loved the team aspect of the up-and-coming boys team,” said Steward. “The (Wheaton) girls team is already really good, but we’re getting some really good recruits next year and I just loved the environment, the pool and the workout space.”
— Sports Editor Pat McDonald can be reached at pmcdonald@journaltribune.com or at 282-1535 ext. 322. Follow the Journal Tribune Sports Department on Twitter @JournalTsports.
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