When it comes to winning, Will Ward may have found a good fit in Azusa Pacific University.
The men’s basketball squad has made it to 12 straight NAIA tournament appearances, reaching the quarterfinals during the past two years.
Sierra High’s 6-foot-5 senior made it official Friday, signing a letter of intent to play for the Cougars.
On this special occasion held in the SHS gymnasium, Ward was joined by his parents, William Sr. and Kristin Ward, Timberwolves coach Scott Thomason, grandmother Marian Cullen, girlfriend Lia Unterholzner, AAU coach Craig Ward and his wife Nesha, and school officials’ Principal Steve Clark, Vice Principal Greg Leland, and Athletic Director Anthony Chapman.
“I’m looking forward to college life,” said Ward, who, according to Thomason, was an unselfish superstar.
He wasn’t consumed by stats but rather playing within the framework of the team. He averaged 14.7 points and 10.4 rebounds during the regular season and was named Valley Oak League MVP and Manteca Bulletin All-Area MVP.
“Will’s biggest stat this past year was the 14-0 (Valley Oak League) record and a Sac-Joaquin Section (finals appearance),” Thomason added.
Will Ward was always a force to be reckon with during his playing days at Sierra High. This past season, he also excelled in football, where he played on the line for the Timberwolves.
Ward could’ve went the football route but opted for hoops. “I’ve been playing basketball since I was 10,” he said.
Education was an important part in his decision.
He looked at William Jessup University in Rocklin but found Azusa Pacific more to his liking.
According to his parents Will Sr. and Kristin, Ward preferred the Christian college with smaller numbers of students per classroom not to mention a strong curriculum. He’s looking to major in Physical Therapy, specifically, Sports Medicine.
Thomason believes Ward made the right decision in his choice of college.
“Azusa Pacific is a good fit for him,” he said. “I’m happy for Will.”
Ward was his second player in recent years to sign a letter of intent. In 2009, standout Christian Williams went straight to Jackson State after high school.
Most of Ward’s schooling will be paid by his athletic scholarship. He’s looking forward to moving away from home and into dorm life at the quaint Southern California campus. During his recruiting visit, he heard of activities outside of the hardwood, including dodge ball and flag football.
More importantly, Ward connected with Cougars coach Justin Leslie, who also shares his passion for winning.
A 2001 graduate of Azusa Pacific, he was one of five players in Golden State Athletic Conference history to play on four conference championship teams.
Leslie, 31, joined the Cougars coaching staff in 2003. He took over at the helm in 2007, succeeding his mentor Bill Odell.
To his credit, Leslie earned GSAC Coach of the Year.
In Ward, he’s getting a player who was the catalyst behind the Timberwolves’ 27-4 overall mark including 26-straight wins at one point.
“He was a big part of our team,” said Thomason, who will greatly miss his big guy in the middle. “Will did so much for us – he drew the double team, made great passes to his teammates, helped out on defense, rebounded, etc.
“You just don’t replace a player like that.”
