John Ward, the new football defensive coach and powerlifting coach for Dublin ISD, is excited to be a Dublin Lion and continue coaching, now going on 30 years.
“I have been blessed to be coaching and teaching,” Ward said. “I couldn’t do this ministry without God and my lovely wife, Jan, who I’ve been married to for 31 years.”
Ward attended Kilgore Junior College, where he played football for two years, and then graduated from Howard Payne University with a Bachelor of Science.
“I have always loved football, but I love all sports because of the competitiveness and the strength and conditioning,” Ward said. “God gifted me with love and compassion, and I want to be able to help pour that into these kids and help grow them as athletes.”
Ward has been in the area for some time, living in Brownwood.
“God led us to Dublin,” Ward said. “My family and I are blessed to be in Dublin.”
Ward’s family doesn’t stop at his wife. He has two daughters, Lauren and Kristi; Andrew, his son-inlaw; Collins, his granddaughter; and Easton and Knox, his grandsons.
When Ward was 16 years old, he would ride his bike to school, and his coaches would take care of him like their own kids. He knew then that he wanted to become a coach to carry on their legacy.
“I am honored to be serving alongside these coaches here and serving God,” Ward said. “I have worked with the Dublin staff in the past, and they are incredible to work with.”
Dublin ISD football practices will begin August 5. On August 12, the district will host a “Meet the Lions” event at 7:30 p.m. where you can meet Coach Ward.
“I want to thank the Dublin ISD administration, school board, coach Hardcastle and staff for the awesome opportunity,” Ward said. “Dublin ISD is a special place.”