As John Cena once said, “Wrestling is not just about physical strength, but the power to overcome your own limitations.”

Here at Warren Township High School, our very own Class of 2026 senior, Aaron Stewart, has exceeded this credential by making it all the way to Greece on the world team.

Starting at the age of three, Aaron has shown an interest in wrestling. Whether it was for fun or tournaments, he put his all into every move he made. Through school, the multiple sports he’s played, and the craziness of life, Aaron has always kept his motivation up. “You know, some things are always gonna happen. Like, sometimes life happens, so that shouldn’t break away from your goals and aspirations you have in your life. So something happens, you take that time, grieve, whatever you need to do, and then get back to what you really need to do.” says Stewart. This kind of dedication to doing what needs to be done helped Stewart get to Greece on the world team.

While he came away from the tournament with one win and a loss, he expressed his gratitude at the opportunity of being able to go overseas and giving his all to his matches. “definitely one of the most exciting experiences of my life. Even though it wasn’t fully positive, I would say, I still got to experience a whole lot of new things, new people,” says Stewart, taking back with him a fighting spirit and ready to go again. “Just being out there, I know I can do it again. That’s simply all I got to say about it. Just like, if I can make it once, I can do it again, nothing’s stopping me from going out next year and getting to the next world team.”

  

Now in his final year of high school, Stewart is committed to the University of Illinois and will be continuing wrestling there with the plans of winning a national title in 2028 and making it to the Olympics.  Getting all the big goals done that Stewart has accomplished is due to his dedication, determination, and mindset. He was able to get a lot of support from the people around him. One person, whom he credits as his role model, is his coach, T.J. Parker. “He’s a lawyer, and that’s his day job, night job coaching. He’s basically a big brother to me. He is always there for me, always doing what I need him to do. Going out of his way, he’s got a baby at home about to have another baby on the way, but he’s still finding time for me, and I really respect that.” Says Stewart

Finishing out here at Warren, still committed to all his sports and work, reflecting on all he’s done. His advice for his younger self: “Make sure you listen to your dad. I definitely like to listen to my dad, and I listen when I can now, but you know, that’s probably one of the biggest things I can do. One of the most important things I could do is that, my dad, because even though I don’t believe what he’ be saying to me, but he still don’t be wrong, so make sure I stick behind him.”

Congratulations on all your accomplishments, and good luck with where you’re going. Just know you have a whole school cheering you on!