Emporia's Stewart staying loyal to ESU hoops through coaching change

EMPORIA (KSNT) - Emporia native Sheldon Stewart awaits the opportunity to become a 'hometown hero' with Emporia State men's basketball.

Stewart, set to be a freshman at ESU in the fall of 2024, is showing loyalty to the Hornets before even playing in a game.

He committed to the school when Craig Doty was head coach. Doty left, taking a DI job at Houston Christian, in mid-March and Emporia State hired Tom Billeter to lead the program. Stewart's commitment didn't waiver.

"Doty, he told me, 'Commit to the program. Don't commit to me or the coaching staff,'" Stewart recalled. "ESU's really just been like a dream to play at all my life. I've watched them since I can remember."

Stewart was smart enough to wait until after seeing who Emporia State hired before officially signing his letter of intent.

"My first impression must've been okay," Billeter said with a smile.

The two first met by accident when out to dinner separately in Emporia. Stewart might be tasked with playing the role of tour guide as a brand new coaching staff and several new players flock to town. However, it might not be his insight on the restaurants or walking trails which prove to be most helpful. He'll also be able to share the standard of ESU basketball, which he's observed through countless games in White Auditorium growing up.

"I'll take so much pride in playing with 'Emporia State' across my jersey," Stewart said. "The thing I can bring the most I think is just how much I care and how much I want to win."

He paused before remembering one more thing he brings.

"My shooting, a little bit, can help... possibly," he said with a smile. Stewart became known as a sharp-shooter from beyond the arc with the Emporia High Spartans.

Billeter knows local talent can benefit the program and says it's especially helpful when a player comes in with the right mindset and is willing to help the team however needed.

"Any time that you are the local person you're probably under the magnifying glass a little bit more than possibly somebody else," Billeter said. "That's a great opportunity for you to even lead more and grow that much more. Who doesn't want a little external pressure or expectation level? That's what keeps me doing this for so many years."

The new ESU coach has already seen some things he likes from the EHS grad.

"I think what you see is high energy," Billeter said. "He doesn't take plays off. He plays hard... He's excited about the opportunity to be here and we can work with that."

While increasingly complicated recruitment journeys are becoming the new normal, Stewart embodied what it means to be low-maintenance. He didn't ask Billeter to 're-recruit' him or re-open his recruitment and explore other options. He stayed committed and will be ready to work when practices begin.

"He couldn't have handled it better," Billeter said, "He's handled it extremely well. The bottom line of all of this, in my opinion- it's the reflection of Emporia State. Coach Doty is gone, he doesn't know me, but he signed that letter. He wants to be here... His decision to come here and want to be here regardless- he loves Emporia State University. That's really cool... I don't know how much that [loyalty] happens anymore. I really don't. That just shows you how special this community is."

Billeter also knows the Stewart family, and the Emporia High Spartan family, will likely bring all sorts of energy and support in White Auditorium as Sheldon suits up in the black and gold.