District 12-5A 400 meter champion Stephen Riley formally commits to run track for Western Texas College as his father, Erroll Riley, and (standing left to right) Coaches Charlie Lewis and Michael Morgan look on.The reigning District 12-5A 400 meter champion will take his talents to Western Texas College in Snyder next fall --- recent Belton High School graduate Stephen Riley made it official last Thursday at the Tiger field house. He committed to join the school's track and field program after visiting the campus the week before.

"Coach 'Mik' (John Mikalic) wanted me and the campus looked pretty nice, so I'm looking forward to it," Riley stated, adding "I don't know anyone there right now but this year's State 3A champion, Craig Madkins from Waco Connally , is going to be my roommate."

Riley took first place in the 400 meter run in this year's District meet, won a number of team track awards, including Most Valuable Runner for two consecutive years and twice qualified for the Class 5A Region II meet.

"When I started track, we all tried out to see who was the fastest in practice. That day it was me," Stephen said laughing, "and coach put me in the 400 in a varsity meet the very next week and I just stuck with it."

Coach Mike Morgan added to the story, noting "Stephen's first track meet was as a sophomore varsity runner and he has been on our varsity ever since. It's been an honor having him on our team and we wish him luck on what lies ahead. He will have an opportunity to run for them his very first year, maybe two, and later transfer to a larger program."

Stephen is the only child of Tammy and Erroll Riley and is ready go to college but not in a particular hurry. "I'm looking forward to it and all. I leave August 15th but, man, I hope the time goes by slowly. I don't want to leave just yet!"

When questioned about his son's decision to attend Western Texas, Erroll Riley said: "I think it's great. He's a fine young man and I'm very proud of him. I'm glad to see him going to college but his room will stay just like it is for whenever he comes home."

Young Riley is described as a "role model" for his teammates by coach Charlie Lewis. "We're absolutely going to miss him! Stephen's been with us for three good years. He's worked very hard and it has paid off for him. He took care of business in the classroom and definitely worked hard on the track. I think that this gives him the opportunity to get known on the college scene, running and doing only track track. We're looking for big things for him at the college level."

Riley observed that competition is what pulls him toward track. "I like being in second place and having to fight for first," he said very simply, "I love going after and passing someone to win the race!"

Who will he miss at BHS? "Aw, man....my coaches, teammates, the school, the fans, everyone. I'll miss the track most of all....the field house is my second home!"

Western Texas College is a good fit, Riley said, but his ambition drives him toward a goal far beyond the collegiate level. "Following one or two years, after I've got my basics down, I'd like to go to North Texas or Baylor....or whoever really wants me to run for them. Then, after four years of track, my ultimate goal is to make the 2016 Olympics!"

Although Snyder, TX is five hours away, family, friends and fans haven't seen or heard the last of Stephen Riley --- Look for him in the Olympics!