Ouachita Wrestling Head Coach Kevin Ward named new head coach at Army
August 01, 2014 - OBU News Bureau
Kevin Ward, Ouachita Baptist University’s wrestling head coach, is leaving Ouachita
to take the head coaching position for the Army Black Knights in West Point, N.Y.,
Ouachita Athletic Director David Sharp announced today.
“Ouachita has been fortunate to have Kevin Ward lead our wrestling program these past
four years,” Sharp said. “He had done an outstanding job building the program and
investing in our student-athletes. We wish him the best as he continues his coaching
career at West Point.”
Ward, who was named the NCAA’s 2014 D-II Coach of the Year, leaves Ouachita Tiger
wrestling with an impressive resume. His teams amassed 10 All-Americans and two national
runner-ups in just four seasons of competition. The Tigers finished fourth nationally
in 2014 and gained a program-record five All-Americans. The Tigers finished in the
top 15 in the nation in three of the four years under Coach Ward’s guidance.
Ouachita President Rex Horne emphasized the legacy Coach Ward leaves in Arkadelphia.
"We are grateful for Kevin Ward being our first wrestling coach here at Ouachita,”
Dr. Horne said. “He started with no wrestling program in place and leaves with our
team being recognized nationally. We send our thanks and best wishes as Coach Ward
serves at West Point.”
Coach Ward voiced appreciation for the opportunity to serve at Ouachita.
"It's been an absolute privilege to coach at Ouachita Baptist University,” he said.
“Four years ago President Horne and David Sharp took a chance on a young coach to
start a program and I will always be appreciative of their faith in me.”
Ward also emphasized that he would not be taking this next step without the contributions
made by the Ouachita Tiger student-athletes.
“Most of all, I want to thank the amazing student-athletes I was fortunate enough
to coach,” he said. “Their hard work and discipline are what have allowed the program
to be successful and I know they will continue to compete for national titles and
be an example of how to compete with character.
“I look forward to following all of their many successes ahead of them,” Ward added.
“I am excited about the next chapter in my life and will always have great memories
and lasting friendships from Ouachita."
Sharp said he and Dr. Horne are actively engaged in search for the next head coach
for Ouachita Tiger Wrestling.
Coach Kevin Ward’s accomplishments at Ouachita
- 2014 NCAA Division II Coach of the Year
- 10 NCAA All-Americans
- Two NCAA finalists
- 2013-14: 8-5 in dual matches; Fourth-place team finish at NCAA Tournament
- 2012-13: 12th place team finish at NCAA Tournament
- 2011-12: 15th place team finish at NCAA Tournament
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