November 29, 2007

Stewart Steps Down from Defensive Coordinator Post
23-Year Pittsburg State Staff Member to Remain Assistant Track Coach

    PITTSBURG -- Pittsburg State University athletic director/head football coach Chuck Broyles announced today (Nov. 29) that defensive coordinator Anton Stewart has stepped down from his position as the Gorillas’ defensive coordinator.
    Stewart, who also serves as an assistant coach for the PSU track & field program, will continue in that capacity. While he no longer will be involved in on-field coaching in football, Stewart will remain active with the Gorilla football program as coordinator of campus tours and official visits.
    Stewart, a native of Bristol, Va., recently completed his 13th season as Pitt State’s defensive coordinator after assuming the position in 1995. He previously served as a defensive line coach from 1990-94 and a student assistant for the Gorillas from 1985-89.
    “Anton Stewart has two loves – football and track & field. After three decades of service to the university and three hip replacement surgeries along the way, I think Anton felt like it was time to cut back in his duties. He will be missed as an active coach on the Pitt State football staff, but will remain involved with the program and certainly he’ll focus his energies more toward the track & field program.”
    Pitt State led the MIAA in total defense in nine of Stewart’s 13 seasons as defensive coordinator. His squads allowed just 16.8 points per game during his 159-game tenure, leading Division II in scoring defense in 1999 (9.5 ppg) and ranking second in 1995 (10.9 ppg).
    Broyles indicated the school immediately will begin a national search to fill its vacant defensive coordinator position.