Stew Blackwell

Coach Stew found his passion for wrestling at Houston High School in 2003. He competed in multiple weight classes ranging from 130lbs. to 160lbs.

After graduating in 2007, Stew began informally coaching at his alma mater while on military leave. He had become a United States Marine and served for 10 years as an infantryman, completing 6 overseas deployments. In 2013, Stew utilized his wrestling experience to earn the distinction of Black Belt Instructor 1st degree in the USMC Martial Arts Program.​

After his return home in 2016, Stew published his first book and began coaching wrestling full time in Hernando before opening DeSoto Athletic Development. A father of 3, Stew's mission is to develop young athletes on and off the mat through example and instruction.

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