Michael Ward '91 rejoined the Jasper coaching staff in August 2003. During his initial stay as an undergraduate, Ward rowed for three years.
In 1991, Ward stroked the Varsity Men's Lightweight Eight to victory at the Metropolitan Championships. Ward started coaching the Jaspers after graduation and coached the Women's Team to numerous victories from 1991 to 1996.
Ward continued to row competitively with the New York Athletic Club. Ward stroked the lightweight men to top three finishes at Head of the Connecticut, Head of the Schuylkill, US Nationals and Royal Canadian Henley Regatta.
Ward is an avid marathon runner since running the New York City in 1997. Ward has run the Walt Disney World Marathon every year since 1999 including the inaugural Goofy and a Half Challenge; Half Marathon and Full Marathon back to back. Ward also continues to row competitively winning gold at the Royal Canadian Henley in the Masters Double and Masters Four with Coxswain.
Ward has a Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering from Manhattan College and an Associate's Degree in Computer Aided Design and Drafting from ATI Career Institute. Ward currently works full time for Capitol Fire Sprinkler, Inc. in Woodside, Queens and resides in Riverdale with his wife Karla and three children Hunter, Makena and Gavin.
Coaching PhilosophyRowing at Manhattan gives "students" the opportunity to be "student athletes". One doesn't need rowing experience to join, only a willingness to learn and a desire to work hard. Our role is to guide the student athlete through this journey and challenge them to limits their bodies and minds have yet to discover. We strive to create an environment that allows rowers to succeed both on the water and in the classroom.
