Shelton Ward Picked to Lead Ranger Football Program

CAMP HILL – Sheldon Ward has always understood that timing is everything, in football, academics, and in life.  He believes he is the right man at the right time and the right place, as Lyman Ward enters a new era in its storied athletic history.

Ward was named the Academy's new Head Football Coach in July, ending a months-long nationwide search for the right person to lead the program into its first season as full members of the Alabama Independent School Association (AISA).  The 32-year-old native of Five Points, AL, is ready for the challenge of his first head coaching job.

"I've served as an assistant coach at several high schools and three small colleges (Barber-Scotia College in North Carolina, Miles College in Alabama, and St. Paul's College in Virginia), and I pursued the opening at Lyman Ward," Ward said on the eve of the 2008 season.  "I'm very happy to be here, and we have a great opportunity to do something special.

"I want to bring respect to this program.  People tend to think of Lyman Ward like it doesn't count, but we want to change that perception.  We will not only teach our players the game of football, but through that vehicle, teach them how to be successful in life."

Ward is a native of Alabama but grew up playing sports in what is widely considered the hotbed of high school football in Valdosta, GA.  Valdosta was recently ranked as the top sports town—it has the moniker "Titletown" -- in the nation by ESPN Magazine.  Ward continued his playing career at Jacksonville State University in Alabama, then pursued teaching and coaching as a career.  He will teach senior and junior physical education and weight training classes at the Academy, in addition to his coaching duties.

"Our guys are working hard and starting to understand the team concept," Ward said as LWMA prepared for its season opener, an Aug. 29 home game versus Open Door Christian Academy of Tuscaloosa, AL.  "Our team will be taught how to display great character and sportsmanship."

Ward grew up in a sports family; his father is a veteran high school teacher and coach.  He says he most admires college coaching icons Eddie Robinson and Bobby Bowden as his mentors in the profession.

"These coaches won a lot of games and sent many of their players to the NFL, but I admire them more for the character they instilled in their players.  They taught their players to be winners both on and off the field, and we will do the same thing here at Lyman Ward."