Bill Ward, assistant sailing coach at St. Mary's College of Maryland, received the US SAILING's Olympic Sailing Committee (OSC) 2007 National Coach of the Year Award.
"The St. Mary's College sailing program has an impressive tradition of excellence," said President Jane Margaret O'Brien. "Bill Ward has raised our level of competitiveness, helping to bring three more national titles to the College since his arrival. We are so pleased that the U.S. Olympic Committee recognized both of our sailing coaches-Adam Werblow in '99 and now Bill-for their expertise. We have tremendous student athletes who are exceptionally well coached. It is part of what makes us the best program in the country."
According to a US SAILING press release, as a former college All-American, Georgetown University Sailing Team captain, and national champion sailor and coach, Ward (of Newport Beach, Calif.) possesses a uniquely unassuming and versatile focus that has fostered success at the highest levels of collegiate and Olympic sailing. Wherever he coaches, sailors exhibit distinct performance improvements once Ward joins the team. His experience, patience and clarity motivate sailors to reach within themselves for new levels of achievement.
As the assistant coach at St. Mary's College of Maryland, Ward was part of the coaching team that won three 2007 national championships. "Last year was an amazingly successful year for the College's sailing teams and for me. It was a long battle with lots of obstacles, but we brought home the national championships in the sloop, team and women's divisions," Ward said.
Sailing World has ranked the College's coed and women's sailing teams as number one in the country this month. "Next year," Ward said, "I hope to continue to help the sailors I coach at St. Mary's College and on the U.S. Sailing Team, Alpha Graphics, to achieve their ambitious goals."
Ward further showcased his coaching skills when he traveled to Brazil for the Pan-American Games and coached the U.S. team to win two gold medals and a bronze. According to Ward, "The highlight of the Pan-Am Games for me was Andrew Campbell edging out Brazilian Robert Scheidt-a two-time Olympic Gold medalist-for the gold medal. After 10 races, it came down to the last 100 feet of the last race. It was a thrilling victory."
Last fall, Ward coached Laser sailor Campbell at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Sailing. After a tight battle for the Olympic berth, Campbell won. "The trials are a grueling event, I was very relieved that Andrew was able to come out on top. I know he will represent the U.S. well at the summer Olym-pics in China." Ward said. Ward will attend the Olympic Games to coach Campbell in the Laser class. In 2007 Ward coached some of the most competitive events in the sport and still managed to sail in his spare time, winning the Lightning North American Championship.
"I am thrilled that US Sailing's Olympic Sailing Committee has recognized what the 35 Seahawk sail-ors have known for the past year and a half-Bill Ward is one of the elite coaches in the United States. We couldn't be more fortunate to have him help lead our efforts on the water," said Adam Werblow, St. Mary's College of Maryland head sailing coach.
The United States Sailing Association (US SAILING) is the national governing body for sailing. Founded in 1897 and headquartered in Portsmouth, R.I., the organization provides leadership for the sport of sailing in the United States. The goals of the USOC's Coaching Recognition Program are to recognize the accomplishments and contributions coaches make to sports at all levels of athlete development and to elevate the status of coaching as a profession.