Stewart Martinez wrestled at Northwestern High School in Baltimore where he was the co-captain of the team and finished fourth in the MSA tournament in 1969 and 1970. 

While he was a successful athlete, Stewart’s greatest contributions to the sport came as an official. 

Stewart began his officiating career in 1991, joining the Maryland Wrestling Officials Association and quickly rose through the ranks. Stewart became a board member of the MWOA in 1999. He also served as president for three terms. He is currently entering his sixth year as MWOA commissioner, responsible for assigning officials for junior, high school and local college meets. 

During his 26 years officiating, Stewart has worked the MPSSAA state tournament five times and the dual meet championships three times. Since 1993, he has officiated a county or private schools tournament every year, including the MSA and MIAA tournaments 15 times. Stewart has also officiated the National Preps three times and the Beast of the East three times. 

Stewart began officiating college matches in 1996. Since then he has worked numerous NCAA qualifiers, including the ACC championships, Southern Conference championships, Eastern regional championships and Centennial Conference championships. 

Stewart has also officiated the Virginia Duals, Southern Scuffle, Carolina Open, Hokie Open, Davidson Classic and the Navy Classic. 

Stewart is widely considered by other officials as one of the best in the state. In 2018, he was awarded the MWOA’s “Gold Whistle Award.”