One Shining Moment

Stuart realizes dream of officiating national championship game

By Tate Russell
Staff Writer
Blount Press Row

Mike Stuart reached the top of his profession when the Maryville native officiated Monday night's NCAA men's national championship game.

You may not have noticed as the Kentucky Wildcats marched their way to an eighth national title last Monday night, but a Maryville High alum was on the court for the opening tip of the championship game in New Orleans.

Mike Stuart was clad in his customary black and white striped shirt with his whistle clinched between his lips, officiating the contest between two of the game’s most storied programs in front of 71,000 raucous fans.