It was at St. John’s where Ward was named a two-time All-American, two-time All-Met player and two-time all-league player. He was also awarded the Mush Dobofsky Award, which is given to the player who made the biggest contribution to the team.
"St. John’s was great," Ward said. "I had some fantastic teammates that are still friends to this day. Guys like Kevin Ricca, Darryl Gilliam and our (current) head coach Joe Patterson. We also had an excellent coach, John Ricca, who laid the foundation for my football success."
Sixteen years after graduating, Ward is still making an impact for the Cadets. The school is known for producing great lineman, and they have the players to prove it. Some of the names that have gone on to the college level under Ward’s guidance include Greg Burlin (Brown), Conrad Bolston (Maryland), Chris Hopkins (UMass), Mike Ward (Akron), Drew Luongo (Penn), Korey Neal (Eastern Michigan), Peter White (Maryland), Andre Monroe (Maryland) and Tony Tucker (Pitt).
"In my mind, St. John's has a long tradition of producing great linemen, and I'm just the caretaker of that tradition. Even in my own family, my uncle Mike Cady was an All-American at St. John's in 1969, and that was a big part of the reason that I went there. Guys like Mush Dubofsky were putting out great linemen before I was born. In recent years, I have been very lucky to be surrounded with excellent coaches. Guys like Greg Derus, Justin Molloy, Greg Sesney, Darryl Hodge and Conrad Bolston, who are all great coaches."
Ward says that he uses everything that he learned at his days at St. John’s and Maryland, from drills to coaching philosophy, to help the players today.
"When I was at Maryland, I was lucky enough to be coached by two great line coaches in Dan Darizo and Steve Greatwood, who preached the importance of fundamentals and having great technique."
Ward, who played at 6-foot-4 and 315 pounds, was a four-year starter for the Terps (one year as a defensive tackle and three years as an offensive guard). He was given the A.V. Williams Award, which is given to the player who demonstrates outstanding and conspicuous leadership. His successful college career nearly turned into a pro career, but Ward realized that playing football wasn’t his only calling in life.
"I had a couple of try-outs, but nothing really came from them," Ward said. "I always saw myself playing in the NFL, but when I got hurt in my junior year with a broken leg two inches above my ankle, it drove home the importance of getting my degree. The fact is that football is a fleeting game that takes a toll on your body."
Ward is happy where he is, and sees himself coaching in one facet or another, but he stresses the need for players today to take care of schoolwork first and foremost.
"A great education is going to carry you throughout your whole life," Ward added. "Secondly, there is no magic pill that you take that makes you into a great player; it's one simple thing — hard work. And lastly, be a master of your craft — from the weight room to having excellent technique. This will allow you to be successful on the field."
