Johnny Stewart, the winningest Unified Athlete at Bourbon County, leaves his most powerful mark

His emotional senior speech moves a room of champions and reminds everyone what greatness truly is

 

IVAN K. RICE I doctorofsports@aol.com

 

PARIS, KY – On a night when the BCHS track and field staff allowed the seniors to give their farewell testimony, one senior stood out more than most, and owned the night without even realizing it, after delivering a heartfelt speech to his team and everyone in attendance at the 2026 Bourbon County High School Track and Field Awards Banquet that capped off another standout season for the Indoor and Outdoor Track teams.

Meet Johnny Stewart, a senior who is the all‑time winningest Unified Track and Field athlete in the history of Bourbon County and this entire community. Stewart also holds nearly all of the Unified records and has won numerous state medals, including three during the recently held 2A state meet.

Stewart’s head coach, Drew Perraut, said what made the moment even more remarkable was that Johnny was standing on a stage with seven senior state champions who have been with the program for many years, and Johnny did exactly what he’s done all year long. He simply did what was asked of him.

“He wrote a speech that he could barely get through emotionally, and in doing so, probably changed the course of the rest of our lives. Johnny was the star of the night, and he wasn’t even trying to be. That’s just who Johnny is. The same young man who shows up to practice every single day, works hard, stays humble, and does everything we ask of him. No spotlight chasing. No ego. Just consistency, heart, and leadership. The night was special.”

Below are the words that were written on Johnny Stweart’s sheet and paper that emotional read to the crowd.

****

    Good afternoon, everyone. My name is Johnny Stewart, and I’m excited to share my story with you.

    Before I joined the track team and made friends, I thought my soul was locked away in isolation. I felt lost and alone, like there was no light inside me. But everything changed when I became part of this team. Now, I feel free and so alive when I’m running and competing.

    Being on the track team made me realize how strong I truly am. For a long time, I forgot what it felt like to truly live, but you all brought that passion back to me.

    I’ve always been someone who stays serious and composed on the outside, even when I’m hurting deep down. Now that my competing days are over, I carry a completely different mindset. I know my worth, and I no longer fear rejection. I’m no longer letting the past hold me back, and I’m genuinely looking forward to what the future holds.

    My favorite memories will always be the times I spent on the track team with each of you. Before I leave, I want to share the exact motto that got me through my toughest days: “Unleash the storm inside you – no one can contain your power.” That’s the mindset I live by now … to be fearless and to believe in my own strength.

    Lastly, I want to thank my teammates, coaches, and parents for everything, and thank you, Coach Drew, for always believing in me. You’ve all helped me become the person I am today. I hope to see all of you again someday.

    Thank you!

****

Assistant Coach Shelly Simpson said she would “sure miss him,” adding a sad emoji. After a brief pause, she continued: “He sure made a lot of us cry. Powerful speech. We don’t know how much our presence can mean to some of these kids, and Johnny reminded us of why we coach.”

At the KHSAA 2A State Meet, Stewart placed seventh in the mixed long jump, fourth in the 2×50 relay, and third in the 2×200 relay to cap off his outstanding track career at Bourbon County.

Former Colonel head football coach Bret Baierlein, whose son ran with Stewart in the 2×200 relay, offered his own perspective. “The whole Bourbon track program is so great at integrating young people from all backgrounds, from beginners to high‑level competitors. I think Johnny’s success over the years is a testament to that.”

Baierlein’s son, Steffen, said running with Johnny was, without question, the most fun he’s had during track season. “He just goes out and runs, and he loves it with all he has. I was blessed to have the opportunity to run with him.”

Adding to his list of accomplishments, Stewart recently won the Tim Case Award as the school’s Top Fan during the 2026 Bourbon ESPYS.

Coach Perraut concluded with a final reflection. “I don’t typically like getting too spiritual in front of everyone. That’s usually a journey I keep to myself or within my immediate family. But every now and then, God places people in our lives that we don’t realize are changing us until the moment happens.” After a moment, he continued and said, “In the middle of all those state champions and incredible athletes, there was Johnny. And somehow, without even trying, he broke through every barrier in the room. In a moment that’s hard to explain, you could just feel God working through him. It wasn’t about championships, records, or awards anymore. It was about heart, humility, courage, and something much bigger than sports. Sometimes the people who speak the quietest end up saying the most.”

In the end, Johnny Stewart didn’t just close out a career, he reminded an entire room what this sport is supposed to be about. Not the noise that fades when the season ends, but the quiet victories that happen long before anyone steps onto a podium. And on this night, he embodied every bit of what this program stands for.

    Good, better, best.

    Never let it rest.

    Until your good is better and your better is best.

    Never Quit!!!

One can honestly say that Johnny Stewart never quit!

“I was one of Johnny’s teachers when he first came to Bourbon County,” said Athletic Director Wendy Mahanna. “I’m so glad he found this team. He always stops to speak to me, and he always works incredibly hard. I’ll often see him walking or running home after school or practice… he goes all‑out in everything he does. I’m really going to miss him next year.”

 

ALL PHOTOS TAKEN BY JENNIFER ARNETT I For The Citizen