DAPHNE — In the long run, Bayside Academy runner Stewart Shoemaker stuck to his race.

The multi-talented middle-and-long-distance athlete had offers from Harvard, Cornell, Columbia, William and Mary and other major academic as well as athletic programs. But it would be the University of Colorado Division I Buffaloes who would sign the 10-time — and counting — individual state champion. He signed with UC Thursday at BA.

"I thought about it a lot, but the program there is just so strong," he said. "Coach Mark Wetmore is a legend in the distance running community and with his influence and help I believe I can drop my times down to the division one level. I really like it there. It really feels like the place for me."

Bayside coach Alan Foster said Shoemaker has always had a winning mentality and learned to channel that into a winning reality. Foster said Shoemaker is fearless on the track and the cross-country course and will be a big asset to the University of Colorado.

Shoemaker added four more 3A Section titles to his resume in the 400, 800, 1600 and 3200 over the weekend in preparation for the state meet this weekend. Going into the state meet Shoemaker holds three championships in the 3200, two in the 800 and 1600 and one in the 4x800 relay. Last fall he picked up an individual state title in 3A cross-country and as a sophomore led the Admirals to a state CC championship in 2007.

The son of Marshall and Claudia Shoemaker of Point Clear, he plans to study business majoring in finance or economics.