 |
 |
| |
Paul Ward
|
HUNTINGDON – Legendary coach Paul Ward,
Sr., age 81, died Saturday, November 24 at
the Jackson-Madison County Hospital.
Ward amassed a 71 percent winning record
with the Huntingdon Mustangs during his
1953-1975 tenure as coach and teacher. He
had 169 wins, 62 losses, and six ties, plus
five championships in the Volunteer
Conference prior to the state playoff
system. The football stadium was named in
his honor. He coached notables Larry
Stewart, an All-American (1956) and Tim
Priest, who played for the U.T. Vols and is
now the radio color commentator for the Vols
Network. Other All-State players during his
tenure included: Carl Wallace, Chuck
Wallace, Tim Priest, Bobby Hayes, Marshall
Smith, Warren Blankenship, and Larry
Stewart. The state’s leading scorers during
Ward’s tenure were Bobby Hayes with 140
points in 1962 and Larry Stewart with 251
points in 1956. Legend has it that
Huntingdon suffered through some tough
seasons including the 4-6 season in 1954 and
the 0-9-1 season in 1955. The legend
continues that Huntingdon folks got together
and prayed for a football team. Then, the
Baptist Church called a new preacher. His
son was Larry Stewart. The Mustangs’ fate
then changed and a new tradition began.
Ward was on staff at Bruceton School
(1950-1953) and transferred to Huntingdon in
1953 as a teacher/coach. He served as
Huntingdon High School principal
(1967-1975), assumed the office of
superintendent of schools in 1975, and
retired in 1991.
He was a charter member of the Huntingdon
Elks Lodge, member of the VFW and American
Legion, and a World War II Navy veteran.
See complete obituary inside this issue. |
The McKenzie Banner
