New Rome High School football coach Bill Stewart addressed students, staff, and community members at a meet and greet event held at the school’s College and Career Academy. Stewart, who was recently appointed as head coach, spoke about his vision for the team and his approach to maintaining the school’s strong football tradition.
“There is a great tradition here, and I love that, but tradition doesn’t win football games. Our goal is to keep that tradition strong and to keep winning,” Stewart said. “I’ve told our players that we are going to grind, refine, and compete every day.”
Stewart chose not to use the podium during his remarks. Instead, he walked in front of the audience, delivering a 15-minute speech in which he discussed his family background and coaching history. He also showed photos of both his family and former players who have reached the NFL.
A large crowd attended the event to meet Stewart, who replaces John Reid—Rome’s most successful football coach. Under Reid’s leadership, Rome High won nine region titles, reached the final four five times, and secured two state championships.
Stewart outlined his goals for the program: “We want to win the first, win the region, and win the championship. There you go. That’s our goal to start off,” he said “You can’t set a goal unless you’re committed to a goal, and that’s what you’re going to see from this team. But it’s not just us. This is a vested interest from everybody, the players, the coaches and the community. This community has a stake. The family members have a stake. We all have a stake, and we’re committed to make this happen.”
During his presentation, Stewart highlighted six of his former players currently active in the NFL and emphasized their work ethic as well as their character.
“The other thing about those guys is that they had great character. When they got to college they knew how to go out and work. It’s great because I know I helped play a part in their success,” Stewart said. “But I also helped play a part in a former player who is an electrician, and others that are great husbands. We’re not just getting better at football but we’re helping build kids that know to be a successful community and building kids that are first class for themselves, their families and their community.”
Before joining Rome High School, Stewart served as head coach at Etowah High School where he led teams to three region titles—the first in school history—and consistent playoff appearances each year of his tenure there. Later at North Gwinnett High School he guided teams to four region titles over six years as well as capturing Georgia’s Class 7A State Title in 2017.
After meeting with attendees for nearly an hour following his remarks, Stewart commented further on local support: “This community is ready to win. They’ve won. There’s a lot of tradition here, a lot of legacy, and just knowing that this community is behind the program is great,” he said. “I’ve already been working with the kids, and so they’re ready to work. They’re working hard. So I think just a little dose I’ve gotten already excites me. They’re ready to go.”
Rome City Schools operates public elementary through high schools across Rome offering programs such as Advanced Placement courses as well as career-technical education options according to its official website. The district emphasizes academics alongside athletics with technology provided on a 1:1 basis for K-12 students and maintains graduation rates above 95%. Oversight comes from its Board of Education which sets policy for administration.
The new football season will begin under Stewart’s leadership with continued support from students, staff members ,and families throughout Rome.
