Derrick Ward valuable to Star Spencer in multiple ways
I’ve spoken with new Star Spencer coach James Harding twice in the last three weeks and I’ve come away very impressed. He always finds a way to mix in the real-life aspects of what he wants to teach his players into his football talk, and I think the coaches who can balance those two things with genuine leadership often find their way to success.
And here’s the good news for Star Spencer: if Harding does turn out to be that kind of coach, he could get the Bobcats back to making deep playoff runs before long. Because you know that the player cycle will go back up for Star. They had a huge senior class when they won it all two years ago, and they didn’t have the depth or talent to replace all of those guys. They had a small senior class last year, and an even smaller one this year.
The numbers seemed to impact Star’s boys sports across the board. The basketball team had a down year. Track didn’t have as many guys competing for state medals. But the current junior and sophomore classes have more depth — and talented depth — so the cycle looks like it will be turning back around.
As for this year, Harding only has three seniors, so he knows leadership will be vital for the younger players. And Harding quickly identified senior Derrick Ward as someone who would be valuable in that role.
“He’s been outstanding. He’s done everything we’ve asked and more,” Harding said. “He’s been the real leader on this squad. Good grades. Nobody has a bad thing to say about Derrick.”
Ward will play a variety of positions on both sides of the ball, including defensive end, linebacker, tight end and fullback.
“They’ve got me moving around a lot. I like it. Something new,” Ward said. “You’ve got to have leadership on every team, and I feel like it’s my job. So I’m just stepping up and trying to be a leader like I have my whole life.”
I think there’s an even more interesting story to be told about Ward, who runs his own mowing business, has a part-time job, attends Metro Tech and never misses a practice or workout. Hopefully I’ll be able to get into that side of his story at some point this season.
– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com
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