The stadium and the football field were more than just things to Rollins Stallworth. Football was a guide in Stallworth’s life, much like it is for a lot of students today. Sports are everything. They teach you life skills, lessons, and motivate you to put your anger in the right places, and most importantly, it gives you something to be passionate about.
Former legendary local football coach Chris Ault recruited Rollins with an offer that a larger program couldn’t compare to. He chose to play for Nevada because of the chance to play and win a national championship, which is what Chris Ault specifically told him. In the end, Stallworth’s football career with the Wolf Pack unfortunately didn’t end with a national championship to his name. But he won more than that. He’s proud to be a part of the history of Nevada football and to be such an important part in the foundation of modern Nevada football.
Football led Stallworth to Reno, where he met his wife, started a family, and continued to pursue his dreams beyond playing football… teaching it. And coaching was a great opportunity for him to further pursue this dream.
The Stadium, Football Field, and Tradition at Procter Hug High School
His early years coaching at Hug from 1993-2000 were difficult for Rollins and the football staff, even experiencing a win-less season. But Hug’s luck started to change during the early 2000s. Stallworth now with an entire new team and staff alongside him, were all devoted to the game. He taught his athletes what he called “Hawks Commitment,” where both the players and the coaches were absolutely committed.
After Stallworth stepped down from his coaching position at Hug, there hasn’t been a single season as successful as his since the day he left. He was a coach who understood and connected with the players at Hug High School. With Hug being a school with a majority of minorities, and Stallworth being the first black head football coach in Nevada football history, it is no wonder he connected with them so well.
He was more than just a coach, however. He constantly showed his commitment to not only the game, but to his athletes. He believed in the kids when it seemed like no one else in the world did. That’s the kind of man he was, and still is. The legacy he left at Hug will never be forgotten. And now, we can only dream of a football season like the ones he coached.
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Editor’s Note: Main article photo used with permission.
