A true American, Bob Ward was born on Independence Day in 1933. A natural athlete, Ward excelled in sports as a young man's quarterback at Burbank High School and as a star member of the track team. His interest in strength training began when he was twelve years old, when he began lifting weights during junior high physical education classes. After graduating from high school, Ward attended Whitworth College, where he received a Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education. While at Whitworth, Ward was an All-American Football player. Here, he also shined as a member of the track team, specifically in the events of Shot, Discus, Javelin, and Pole Vault.
In 1956, Ward began a new chapter of his life when he married his beautiful and accomplished wife, Joyce C. Ross. He taught at Evergreen High School before returning to school at the University of Washington to obtain a Master's Degree in Physical Education. In 1959, Ward returned to California and began his renowned coaching career. Ward coached high school football and track for six years, before moving on to Fullerton Community College, where he served as the Head Track Coach. Here, he led his team to three straight wins in the Conference championships. In 1974, under Ward's coaching expertise, the Fullerton Track Team won the title of California State Champions. During this time, Ward was an active member of his community. He coached the Fullerton Rugby Club for three years and won the Southern California Championship. He also served in the USMCR Artillery. As part of his duties, he helped design a physical fitness program for young boys called the "Devil Pups."
Always eager to learn better ways of training himself and others, Ward returned to school once again in 1971 to Indiana University and received his Doctorate. His experience qualified him to serve as a member of the United States Olympic Committee in Track and Field. Perhaps the greatest success in Ward's coaching career came in 1976, when he was hired by the Dallas Cowboys. Working with the Cowboys for 13 years, Ward did extensive research on predicting success in the NFL. He designed the ProTrain Computer Program, as well as equipment that was invaluable for training athletes. Ward emphasized the importance of the ability to transfer the strength and power developed through training to the playing field. The Cowboys' legendary head coach, Tom Landry, praised Bob's ingenuity. He once stated, "Bob's done a great job of developing machines and strength/striking devices that are going to be able to transpose right over into offensive line technique."
Ward's impressive coaching career with Head Coach Tom Landry included ten winning seasons, a Super Bowl Championship in 1977, and a Pro Bowl win in 1983. Ward's expertise in the field of Strength and Conditioning was obviously invaluable to the athletes, who dramatically improved under his guidance.
Since retiring from the Dallas Cowboys in 1989, Ward has remained an active member of the Strength and Conditioning Community. He spent four years developing a Computer Graphic Player Analysis. From 1995-2001, he served as the Director of Sports Science and Nutrition for Mannatech International. In addition, from 2001-2007, he was the Director of Sports Sciences for Advocare. Currently, Coach Ward is an entrepreneur working with the Sports Science Network.
Coach Ward has received many honors for his pioneering work in the Strength and Conditioning field. In 1992, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame of his Alma Mater, Whitworth College. In both 1998 and 2004, he was named the World Champion in the Weight Pentathlon. He holds an impressive six World Records for Weight and Hammer Throw, for ages 70-74. In addition, the USATF Masters named him the "Field Athlete of the Year," in 2002. Then in 2003, Bob was inducted into the USA Strength and Conditioning Coaches Hall of Fame.
Coach Ward currently resides in Dallas, Texas with his wife, Joyce. He has two beautiful daughters, Shannon and Erin, who both live in the Dallas area with their husbands and children. Coach Ward has one granddaughter and five grandsons. Continuing the tradition of their father and grandfather, all are actively involved in athletics!
