Coach Stewart meeting fans one family at a time
By JODY MURPHYMORGANTOWN - A spur-of-the-moment pitstop recently turned into a once-in-a-lifetime meeting for a Parkersburg family.
The Vierhellers, Marty, Barb and their son Ben, were on their way home from summer vacation, when the 7-year-old Ben, a die-hard Mountaineer fan, asked to see the football stadium.
"I really didn't have any reason to say no," Marty Vierheller said. "We had time."
The Vierhellers made a pitstop in Morgantown to show Ben, who was born at the hospital next door to Mountaineer Field, the sights. When Ben was just a few days old, the Vierhellers had his picture taken at midfield of Mountaineer Field. Seven years later, they were back. Vierheller said they showed Ben the hospital and the outside of the stadium when they decided to tour the school's hall of fame in the facilities building.
"I had never been there. As many times as I have been to Mountaineer Field, I had never been," Vierheller said.
The Vierhellers were impressed with what they saw.
"It was fantastic; all kinds of computer stuff, the trophy cases and all the history of Mountaineer football. You can push a button an hear (the late) Jack Fleming and see highlights."
Marty's wife Barb finished looking around, but Ben and Marty continued their tour. While the two were still taking in all things Mountaineers, Marty heard a voice.
It wasn't the voice of God, but it was close.
"I hear this voice and right away I knew who it was," Marty Vierheller said. "I said, 'Ben we gotta go!' I grabbed him and we headed down the hall."
Barb Vierheller was sitting in the lobby area when someone emerged from a nearby office to see if she needed anything. The man was none other than Bill Stewart, head coach of the West Virginia University football team. The man who inherited a down-trodden WVU football team and a legion of loyal fans and put together one of the most impressive and popular victories in school history, thrashing Oklahoma, 48-28, in the Fiesta Bowl, was standing face to face with the Vierheller clan.
"He came out his office and saw Barb sitting there by herself and asked her if she needed anything," Vierheller said. "By that time (Ben and I) were there and we struck up a conversation."
Vierheller, the Parkersburg Catholic girls basketball coach, introduced himself to Stewart.
"Right away, he said 'Oh, Parkersburg Catholic. How's (football) coach (Danny) Tennant doing?'"
Stewart is no stranger to the Mid-Ohio Valley. A native of New Martinsville, Stewart had been on the WVU football staff for eight years before becoming head coach last winter.
Vierheller also had a camera with him. He asked Stewart if he'd be kind enough to have his picture taken with Ben. Stewart's secretary saw the impromptu photo session and left her desk to step behind the camera, allowing the whole Vierheller clan -with Ben on Stewart's lap -the opportunity to have their picture taken with arguably the most popular man in West Virginia.
It was a prized memento of a spur-of-the-moment stop that turned in a lifetime memory.
"Ben, of all people, had asked to go and what are the chances that the half hour we are there, (Stewart) would be gracious enough to greet my wife and ask us if needed any help," Vierheller said.
Ben, who was a Mountaineer football player for Halloween, also walked away with some large WVU schedule posters, autographed of course. The family also got to meet WVU center Mike Dent.
Officials at WVU said the chance meeting with Stewart was not unusual.
"That is just so in keeping with him," said a secretary at West Virginia University who answered the phone.
Mike Montoro, the school's director of football communications, concurred.
"That happens all the time," he said. "There isn't a friend coach Stu hasn't met. He is one of the most friendly people I have been around, a very outgoing, very caring person.
"You would think someone in a position like his - a big-time football coach - might have a little air about him. Coach Stewart is as normal as you or I. If coach is in a hallway and sees someone walking through he is going to say hello. Some do it out of paranoia, he does it out friendliness."
When the Vierhellers got home, Marty Vierheller typed up a letter to Stewart, thanking the coach. Vierheller also enclosed some photos for Stewart to autograph.
He got them back a few days later, including one of Ben standing at mid-field, personalized.
"What struck me about Stewart was there was absolutely no ego," Vierheller said. "You are talking about a Division I, major college football coach who came off one of the greatest wins in the history of (WVU) football. ... I was just so impressed he was so cordial and welcomed us as though we were already part of the family."
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WVUROCKS
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08-30-08 1:13 PM
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Coach Stew is just a down to earth man who knows where he came from and hasn't let his fortune go to his head.
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Becky
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08-30-08 9:23 AM
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This is the real Coach Stewart. There is nothing fake about this guy. As a former Wetzel County resident, I can attest that this guy is genuine. I'm proud that Coach Stu is our coach. LET'S GO MOUNTAINEERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Boazian
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08-30-08 9:04 AM
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Great story, Marty. I believe Coach Stewart is genuine and hope the players give him a great season and a great coaching career at WVU.
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