With the retirement of varsity head football Coach Gerry Romberg, Westminster needed a high-profile coach who could fill these big shoes. They got just that in Nelson Stewart.
Coach Romberg led the Wildcats for 33 seasons, making the playoffs in 27 of them, winning 7 region championships, making it to the state semis 3 times, and winning a state championship in 2015.
Stewart attended Newman High School in New Orleans, playing on their football team with Peyton Manning. He would go on to play college football at Tulane. After graduating, Stewart would eventually return to New Orleans to take the head coaching job at Newman. During his storied 19-year career at Newman, Stewart would surpass 100 victories and coach Odell Beckham Jr and former number-one recruit Arch Manning.
A major change Stewart put into practice was the decision to have the entire football program, middle school, JV, and varsity study and use the same playbook, offense and defense. Stewart said: “The earlier that players can start learning the language and executing, the more recall they’ll have” This strategy will help the entire program be on the same page and will make the transition through the program much easier.
Westminster opened the season with wins over rivals Lovett and Pace, but playing a difficult schedule, the Cats have dropped the last seven games.
Even with a tough season, Stewart is proud of the effort and grit his team has shown. “I think that the guys have battled through it, stayed together . . . [we’ve got] good leadership; I think we’re still having fun out there.”
Stewart’s impact has been felt throughout the Athletic Department. Middle School Athletic Director Matt Tuneski describes him as “a great guy, a real low ego guy and a real grinder worker.” JV head coach and varsity wide receivers coach Chris White describes the program Stewart has implemented as a “pro-style offense that really translates to the next level.”
The Cats head to Centennial High School for their regular season finale on Friday.