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July 25, 2005
Carl Ward Honored at Ceredo Kenova Sports Weekend Celebration
By Chris Spencer
Huntington News Network Photographer
Huntington, WV (HNN) -- Legendary high school football coach Carl
Ward was honored at the 8th Annual Ceredo Kenova Sports Weekend
Celebration held Friday night, July 22, 2005 at Spring Valley High School. Special
guest speaker was new Marshall football coach Mark Snyder.
The fund raising benefit funds the Eric Sparks Memorial
Scholarship, C-K Babe Ruth, C-K Little League, C-K Youth Football
League, and C-K Buddy Basketball.
View Photos
Carl Ward in 28 seasons at Ceredo Kenova High School had a record of 244-61-1. He holds the West Virginia record of ten state football championships and has been in sixteen playoff appearances.
Coach Ward had many stories to tell from ranging from humorous like lost snakes in the car to thought-provoking stories about some of his football experiences and his long time friend and assistant coach Dale Craycraft.
Coach Ward said, "All of us have a part and role to play. If we are going to back Marshall it is very important to get there and back them. Like here at this high school. we don't like consolidation, but we need to put a lot of effort in making this thing successful."
"Coach (Snyder) knows as well as I do it is tough without the players. It doesn't stop there, but it goes into the community."
"We are really blessed in this area," he said. "We don't know what we have."
Ward asked everyone who had some association with athletics to stand up; nearly everyone in the room did so.
He said, "You people out there are the ones that make this great. We can make this area great. Your help will make this this area a better place to live. Thank you."
After the oration, Ward received a standing ovation with long applause. Bob Sparks then presented Coach Ward with an autographed football signed by those attending the dinner.
Marshall football Coach Mark Snyder also spoke about being excited about the upcoming football season.
He said, "This is great to be at a function like this. I am from a small town My dad is from the west end of Huntington.
"I have been going 90 mph since I have been here."
"Coach Ward is a legend here and I am honored to be in his presence. I hope and pray I can win as many games as he did."
"I challenge you to come out and see us play. I am excited and looking forward to the season."
"We are ready to roll. I challenge you guys. We have a great venue coming into Huntington. WV. It is one like I have never seen before for Marshall."
Snyder added: "I have been in some great great places to play football. Crowds make a difference. I know what kind of fans we have here and I think we need to get that going if we are going to take Marshall to the next level."
"I challenge you guys to go back into your community and come and see us play. If there is anything we can do for you guys please pick up the phone and call us. Come and see us play. Go Herd."
The Ceredo Kenova High School 1995 state baseball champions were recognized with Coach Mike Lemons telling the baseball story.
The perfect 1994 Ceredo Kenova state championship football team was also recognized. The 14-0 team is thought to be one of the best ever Class A teams in West Virginia and may have been the best team in all classes in 1994. Coach Lace Hardwick spoke about them.
