The world of college football was stunned on Monday with the news that former West Virginia Mountaineers head coach Bill Stewart had passed away from a heart attack at the age of 59.
There has been a big outpouring of support and condolences, with many mourning the loss of Stewart on Twitter and elsewhere online.
The State Journal has a collection of comments from Stewart's peers, including this from former WVU coach Don Nehlen:
"I hired Bill in my last year when I was close to retiring. Bill was such a great Mountaineer and a great addition to our staff. It was a terrific hire -- he did a great job not only for me, but for Rich and as a head coach. Bill was such a great husband and a great father. Bill Stewart was a great Mountaineer. My heart goes out to Karen and Blaine."
The Pittsburgh Steelers released the following statement regarding Stewart:
We are saddened by the passing of Coach Stew. He was a great coach and a tremendous person. We not only lost a good football person, we lost an even better family man. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Karen and his son Blaine.
Here is just a sampling of sentiment from Twitter:
Shocked to hear the news abt former West Virginia coach Bill Stewart..Had the pleasure of meeting his family & am keeping them in my prayers
— Erin Andrews (@ErinAndrews) May 21, 2012
From all @CollegeGameDay crew -condolences to family and loved ones of Bill Stewart. We are stunned and saddened to learn of his death.
— Chris Fowler (@cbfowler) May 21, 2012
Prayers for Bill Stewart's family. Good man. would insist in meetings that we try some pepperoni rolls and hot dogs he supplied. God bless
— Rece Davis (@ESPN_ReceDavis) May 21, 2012
Thoughts and prayers to Bill Stewart and West Virginia family. Classy and Caring individual.
— Skip Holtz (@CoachHoltzUSF) May 21, 2012
Two weeks ago tonight Bill Stewart texted me this message:F R O G Forever ... Rely ... On ... GodHe is always with you.#WVU
— TonyCaridi (@TonyCaridi) May 22, 2012
Brett McMurphy at CBS Sports has also written a lovely piece about Stewart, so please go read that if you haven't already. Hoppy Kercheval of the Metro News also has written a great look back at the coach.
And finally, via Rivals.com, is this pre-game speech by Stewart prior to WVU's upset win in the 2008 Fiesta Bowl.
For more on West VIrginia Mountaineers football, please visit The Smoking Musket, or check out SB Nation Pittsburgh.
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