WVU lucky to have a man of Stewart’s stature, conviction

Forget what any of the detractors may have said or are still mumbling about, West Virginia University hit the jackpot when it promoted Bill Stewart to head up the football program.

Stewart gave a heartening address before a record crowd numbering close to 800 at the Beckley-Raleigh County Convention Center on Friday evening during the annual Chamber of Commerce dinner.

He cited a term called “dog soldier,” which is what the Native American Cheyenne tribe used to describe their ultimate battle warrior. It in essence was a message about being tough, taking a stand and setting the right example for others to follow.

The New Martinsville native talked about how vitally important it is for us all to have faith and belief, and to subscribe to the “abilities” in life — accountability, respectability, dependability.

Stewart also pointed out how life has changed and how the stresses and demands on kids to perform as students and athletes continue to mount. Yet he again emphasized how being tough enough to weather that storm is possible while still having fun and choosing the right path.

The other thing that jumps out at you when you talk with him is it seems he doesn’t speak negatively about anybody. How wonderful would this world be if we all adopted the approach of constructive rather than destructive?

Bill Stewart follows a simple order in living his own life. He believes in God, honoring his family and then doing his job the best he possibly can. He wears it on his sleeve, he speaks it wherever he goes. No sign of a massive ego, no power struggles, no self-absorption.

Right after the Fiesta Bowl victory back in January, quarterback Pat White made no bones about how he felt about Stewart on national TV. He took the stage to say Stewart was the man for the Mountaineers’ head coaching job. It shocked some, but the more you see of Stewart, the quicker it becomes evident that White and his teammates were exactly right.

Only time will tell where the WVU football program goes under his leadership, but to us, the feeling has never been any stronger that we do indeed have the right man in charge.

It’s true he’s only 1-0 and there will be losses, but the program, the university and the state can rest assured they have the “dog warrior” at the helm.

There is no question, he understands what life is all about.

A man of depth, a man of character, a man of conviction. Bill Stewart is a master potter when it comes to molding young people and is an example for us all to follow.

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