A Legacy in the Game
Curt Newsome, a pillar of Virginia football for more than four decades, died recently, prompting tributes from players, colleagues and institutions across the state.
During his time at James Madison University, Newsome was instrumental in the Dukes’ 2004 national championship run, a triumph that cemented his reputation as a strategic mastermind and a recruiter of talent.
After stints as an assistant at Virginia Tech and a return to JMU, Newsome took the helm at Emory & Henry College, where over ten seasons he compiled a 53‑42 record, earned multiple coach‑of‑the‑year honors and was inducted into the school’s Sports Hall of Fame in 2024.
His coaching journey began on the sidelines of Virginia high schools, where he amassed a 53‑42 record over ten seasons, collected five district coach of the year awards and was named state coach of the year by both The Associated Press and the Virginia High School League in 1998.
Beyond wins and accolades, Newsome is remembered for mentoring generations of players, shaping the next wave of coaches and leaving an indelible mark on the culture of college and high‑school football in Virginia.