Stewart Comes Home

NEW MARTINSVILLE — The early morning snow flurries did not deter Wetzel County residents, the governor, first lady and local officials from paying homage to their native sons on Saturday.

Welcome signs and encouraging messages adorned windows of businesses and marquees in honor of West Virginia University’s newly named head football coach Bill Stewart and defensive coordinator Jeff Casteel, who grew up along the Ohio River in Wetzel County. The community outpouring was a testament to the achievements of the coaches and the pride of the small towns where they were born and raised.

The duo started out the day with a meet and greet in Casteel’s hometown of Paden City where a crowd of appreciative fans greeted them warmly.

Later in the day, supporters young and old clad in garments of blue and gold gathered in the gymnasium at Stewart’s alma mater, Magnolia High School, where state Sen. Larry Edgell, D-Wetzel, Gov. Joe Manchin and first lady Gayle Manchin joined the celebration.

Magnolia High baseball coach Dave Cisar opened with remarks and introductions. ‘‘We can only say congratulations so many times,’’ said Cisar, who also was the longtime football coach at the high school. ‘‘But how proud can we be in Wetzel County today to have the state’s best among us.’’

During his speech, the governor praised Stewart for his achievements and the positive attitudes of his players. Manchin said, ‘‘The best steel comes from the hottest fire.

‘‘If I had a son who could play football on the college level, there is no one I would rather him play for than Coach Bill Stewart.’’

At the ceremony Gov. Manchin presented Stewart with the Distinguished West Virginian Award, which is the highest honor he could bestow on a citizen.

Stewart commented on the overwhelming support he has received from his hometown, saying. ‘‘It truly is a great day to be a Mountaineer, but most importantly to be from New Martinsville. We are honored and truly blessed.

‘‘When we take the field, we take the field with the passion our parents expect from us and West Virginia needs from us,” Stewart added.

Casteel echoed his remarks, adding, ‘‘This has been an awesome day! I’ve been asked several times since December why I decided to stay. All I have to say on days like today, is why would I go?’’

Hundreds of residents attended the event including some of Stewart’s classmates. ‘‘I graduated with Bill, and this is the best feeling I have had for a long time. He is genuine. There is nothing artificial about him, and he has been that way his whole life,’’ said Pat Bland, MHS class of 1970.

The day was culminated with a dinner at the Mollohan Center at the Wetzel County 4-H facilities hosted by the New Martinsville Riverfront Development Committee and catered by Quinet’s Court Restaurant. Nearly 400 people were in attendance for the occasion, including a cast of dignitaries and their families. The guest speakers spoke with great candor about the past, present and the bright future of Mountaineer football adding to the euphoria of the evening.

Larry Lemon represented U.S. Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., at the event, presenting Stewart with a framed copy of the Congressional Record Statement the senator made to Congress in recognition of Stewart’s achievements. In the statement, Rockefeller described the coach as ‘‘a good-natured underdog with which people could identify.’’

In addition to Lemon, state Auditor Glen Gainer, Sen. Jeff Kessler, D-Marshall, County Commission President Barbara King, The Intelligencer/Wheeling News-Register sports columnist Doug Huff and Ted Stewart recognized the men of the hour with speeches and words of appreciation.

In his speech, Coach Stewart said that it is no one’s right to coach or play for WVU – “it’s a privilege.”

Both coaches expressed deep appreciation to the communities for the outpouring of support.

To close the evening, Lucille Blum unveiled the signs that will be erected at the northern and southern entrances to New Martinsville, proclaiming the city as the official hometown of WVU Head Football Coach Bill Stewart.

No matter where you are, it’s always a good day to be a Mountaineer and today was no exception.