Is WVU's Bill Stewart Developing A Little Swagger?

by 5th Year Senior on Oct 30, 2009 10:32 AM EDT in HCBS

Nobody can accuse HCBS of being cocky or overly intimidating on the sidelines. One thing you can start to associate with him these days, however, is swagger. Don't believe me? Watch his new attitude on the sidelines and listen to how he handles criticism during a press conference and his call-in show.

Last year he was all over the map both on the sidelines and behind the podium at press time. He fiddled with headsets, closed his eyes and wanted to lubricate the world. This year, it is a completely different story.

HCBS's sideline behavior, so far this year, reminds me more of Pete Carroll than Carol Burnett. He is up and down the sidelines congratulating and scolding players for their play on the field. He is constantly in the officials ears (anyone at the first half of the Marshall game saw it firsthand), lobbying for calls, and letting them know when the screwed up. He is also showing a confidence that we did not see last year. You know, all the things that a coach is supposed to do.

He is also showing a little moxy in his public relations. On Wednesday's Statewide Sportsline, HCBS took a lot of rediculous criticism and started to get a little testy. Instead of allowing callers to show their stupidity, he fought back with facts and verbal jabs.

My favorite example, was the caller that praised Frank Beamer for a couple minutes and then asked HCBS why we didn't play like VT. The following exchange then occurred:

HCBS, "Are you a season ticket holder at Tech?"
Caller, "Not this year."
HCBS, "Well, I bet they would give you a pretty good deal on tickets. You should probably look into that."

BAZINGA! Keep in mind, that comment was made before VT soiled its sheets against UNC last night.

Whether it is just the sweater vest or taking the attitude of his players, HCBS is developing a little swagger. And in my mind, that can only mean good things for the Mountaineers.

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Glad to see this put into words

I’ve been a fan of Old Billy Ball Coach since day one. I’ve a lifelong WV resident and a WVU alum. I believe Stew represents what a true West Virginian really is, and it’s about time Stew gives back some of what he’s been taking.

Last year, he was starting a new job. Has anyone out there ever started a new job? Even if it’s something you’ve done before, there’s a period of time that you’ll need to acclimated to what in the hell you’re doing. I think Bill is past that now and is ready to go. And so is our team.

The rest of the nation has a history of poking fun at West Virginia and its residents (and its football team—thanks ESPN, we appreciate you assholes). Those that have taken the time to get to know us really appreciate all of us.

To the rest of you out there that want to buy into the stereotypes and make assumptions, simply fuck you.

by wvdiehard on Oct 30, 2009 11:21 AM EDT reply actions

I love the moniker "Ol Billy Ball Coach" !!!!

and I agree with you. He needed some time to warm up to his new responsibilities. My biggest complaint thus far is still just what I feel as a lack of intensity and physicality of our players (oh…and pass defense). We seem to always play to the level of our competition.

I’m expecting big things tonight. Is this the night where we finally put it all together?? Let’s hope.

by WVU-Atlanta on Oct 30, 2009 5:05 PM EDT up reply actions

intensity

I think you’ll see the level of intensity pick up as you see Stew pick things up. As stated above, Billy Boy’s been getting all over the refs, his players, and pacing the sidelines with a purpose. But he’s kept it respectible (antonym=dickrod). We’ll see the team follow suit.

I believe one of Stew’s quotes says it best—“These guys have to play for you. Not in spite of you.”

by wvdiehard on Oct 30, 2009 5:28 PM EDT up reply actions

Go get em Billy

Bill Stewart, in my mind, is the epitome’ of what a head coach should be. He IS the General and has the final decesion, but he allows his Colonels (Asst’s) to do their job of actually giving orders to the troops(players).

He is a man of Character, Integrity, Dignity, Devotion,Honesty, and Loyalty !!

Too many times the HC feels that he has to have his fingers in everything..(see RR)
and this can sometimes lead to disasters (see PITT game ’07) Stewart believes in his coaches and lets them do their jobs, and by doing so, he spreads the knowledge of 7-8 men.

IMHO Stewart has the personality of a Don Nehlen, but the fire and knowledge of a Bear Bryant. "wise as an Owl, and sly as a Fox "…….

I have met and talked with him personally, and you won’t find a nicer or more likeable gentleman. Stewart is in it for the long haul. He is a True Old Gold and Blue man, and I’m willing to put money on the fact that he would fight anyone that tries to say anything bad about his players, coaches, fans, school, or even the state of West Virginia…just give him a reason, and ‘off come the gloves’!

I also truely believe that WVU has a better chance of going to a NC game under Stew than we would have under RR……..truth being the fact that the recruiting is the best that it has ever been at WVU. Most top recruits say that Stewart is the main reason that they even considered WVU, and committed in the first place…good work Stew !!

All I can see, are great things in the future for Mountaineer football….and it all starts with Bill Stewart !!

by shelldawv on Oct 30, 2009 2:27 PM EDT reply actions

Between this year and last...

He turned into a beast of a coach, without losing any of his core values. I think the biggest change is how he handles criticism. He’ll take the blame if needed but he’s not allowing anyone to criticize his players or coaches. It’s no wonder the team is so firmly behind him.

by mountie4life on Oct 30, 2009 4:13 PM EDT reply actions

I, like many of you

Was one of his many critics last year but this year it’s oddly different…when I expect to get mad at him at certain points of the game, I dont. I’ve even asked myself why I’ve had this monumental change of heart and I can only assume its because I respect him.

We didnt know him last year, what we wanted was a celebrity and we thought we got Gomer Pyle…This year we know him, trust him, and respect him and we got more than a celebrity, we got a good human being who happens to be a great leader.

Well done coach…now win tonight or I take back everything I said!!! ( just kiddin )

KEN

by KENH on Oct 30, 2009 4:14 PM EDT reply actions

Haha VT is awful

You know you have a failing football program when you’re behind Duke and Virginia in the conference

by sjones47 on Oct 30, 2009 5:26 PM EDT reply actions

I just saw the safety and I still just as ticked about punting from the 39 on 4th and 2. That is gutless inexcusable college football. And even though it worked out I am disgusted. Bill Stewart doesn’t have swagger, he is a coward.

by The 25314 on Oct 30, 2009 8:43 PM EDT via mobile reply actions