2009 General Roster
Roster
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Allen Ward
- Position:
- Director of Athletics
- Weight:
- null
- Class:
- Redshirt Freshman
Allen Ward joined the Murray State athletics department as its director on March 30, 2005. Since his arrival, there has been a prevailing theme that symbolizes his administration: steady and significant progress.
“It’s an honor to serve as Director of Athletics at Murray State.” said Ward. “I’m very pleased with the direction of the program and confident it’s positioned for long-term success.”
The most recent illustration of Ward’s stamp on the program was Murray State’s capturing of the 2008-09 OVC Commissioners Cup, a symbol of overall athletic excellence in OVC sponsored championships.
“The OVC Commissioners Cup signifies excellence throughout the entire program,” said Ward. “It’s a good barometer in measuring the overall success of any athletic department and it’s exactly what I envisioned when I came to Murray State”.
It’s the first time since 1991 that MSU won the all-sports trophy, now known as the OVC Commissioners Cup. Ten of Murray’s fifteen sports finished third place or higher, with three sports winning league championships.
Ward also emphasizes the importance of achievement in the classroom as well.
“Our motto is Four Years – Two Goals. We want every student-athlete to leave Murray State with a degree in one hand and a championship ring on the other,” states Ward unrelentingly. “I fully expect our student-athletes to take advantage of their opportunity to receive a quality education while competing at the highest level of intercollegiate athletics.”
Each of the past four years, the graduation rates for student-athletes have surpassed that of the general student body.
Ward makes no secret where he intends to take the program.
“I expect to be a leader in the OVC in everything we do. I expect to win championships and advance to compete on the national stage. I intend to continue to move the program forward,” states Ward.
And Murray moving forward is exactly what has been happening. Over $3.5 million in athletic facility enhancements have been made touching every sport and unit.
The department successfully completed its 10-year NCAA Recertification process. The overall APR scores for the department now surpass 960, and the cumulative GPA for student-athletes for the spring, 2009 semester was 3.06.
Under Ward’s leadership, the Racer Club was established as the annual fund raising arm of the department and continues to thrive, the sport of softball was introduced to the varsity line-up, additional staff was added in areas vital to student-athlete achievement, a comprehensive Title IX plan was developed and enacted, the Racer Television Network was unveiled, and the athletic program became an official NCAA CHAMPS / Life Skills member.
Ward has also had to successfully manage unprecedented turnover with head coaching positions and senior level staff, most notably with its high profile positions. New coaches have been hired for men’s basketball, women’s basketball, football, women’s soccer, softball, rifle, and strength and conditioning.
“I like our coaches and staff; it’s a really good group, and they work extremely hard,” noted Ward. “They know what it takes to win championships, but also teach the importance of achieving academically as well.”
It’s very clear Ward has a passion and devotion for student-athletes and college athletics.
“Their success, and providing the tools necessary to perform at the highest level, is my top priority,” says Ward. “We’re a proud program with a rich tradition that’s fortunate to have extraordinary university leadership. We will continue to win championships while, at the same time, prepare our athletes to excel long after they have played their last game for Murray State.”
Ward, 42, came to Murray State from the University of North Texas, where he served in numerous capacities over 14 years for the Division I BCS program, including the last six years as Senior Associate Athletics Director.
A native of Rolla, Missouri, Ward is a 1989 graduate of William Jewell College and earned his master’s degree from Wichita State University. Ward and his wife, Sharon, have two children: Nathan, 11, and Nicole, 8.
