Capping off a big year

Published 8:22 am Tuesday, June 26, 2007

EVERETT – Despite the claims of loony Magic 8-ball enthusiasts, it’s virtually impossible to predict the twists and turns that one’s life will take.

Hindsight, however, is much easier.

Could Dave Ward’s coaching journey have gone any better the past 11 months? Signs clearly point to, “No!”

In December, Ward, head coach of the Oak Harbor High School football team, guided the Wildcats to the Class 4A state championship, the first team state title in school history.

This week, Ward is back on the field, soaking up an opportunity coveted by prep gridiron coaches all over the state.

For the first time in his 16-year head coaching career, all at Oak Harbor, Ward is a head coach for the 2007 East-West All-Star Football Game. He is coaching the West team, which will battle the East squad 1 p.m. Saturday at Everett Memorial Stadium in the 43rd edition of the annual Class 4A/3A showdown.

Ward, an assistant at the East-West game several years ago, led the West through its first practice of the week Monday. Even though prep all-star events are sometimes viewed as light-hearted exhibitions, Ward expects to have his team ready for an intense clash.

“All of us are (here) because we’ve been fairly successful at competing at the sport. We’re gonna bring a lot of energy and lot of positive ambition together,” Ward said.

Ward’s coaching staff includes Mike Fisher and Tom Mueller of Oak Harbor, Paul Christianson (formerly of Shorewood) and Rex Norris (Kentwood). The West roster features 31 outstanding athletes, including two of Ward’s Oak Harbor stars: quarterback Marshall Lobbestael and lineman Will Hunter.

For the Oak Harbor posse, it’s one final chance to work together.

When Ward spoke to Lobbestael and Hunter at the teenagers’ recent high school graduation, the coach swelled with anticipation instead of merely reliving past glory.

“Instead of a sense of finality about it, Marshall and I talked about how we’ll get to … be together on the West team,” Ward said. “There’s a sense of excitement, and we’re looking forward to working together.”

“It’s gonna be interesting – fun for all of us,” Ward added.

The past 16 years, especially the previous five, have certainly been fun for Ward.

He came to Oak Harbor in 1990. After one season as defensive coordinator/offensive line coach, he got the top job. With the help of what he called an excellent staff of assistants, he turned Oak Harbor into one of Washington’s most consistent football powers. The Wildcats have made five straight playoff appearances and capped their historic 2006 season with a 21-14 title-game victory over Bothell.

“It’s amazing how everything has come together,” said Ward.

Football has long been a huge part of Ward’s life. He played in Spokane at Shadle Park High and Whitworth College. A gifted linebacker, he was a captain and three-year starter at Whitworth, earning all-league honors. In his senior season Whitworth won the league title and he led the team in tackles.

“It was one of the highlights of college for me,” Ward said.

An even-keeled, respectful approach at Oak Harbor has helped Ward get the most out of his players.

Lobbestael, a Washington State University recruit, said Ward is very approachable and efficient.

“You can ask him a lot of questions. He sort of gets stuff done,” Lobbestael explained. “He’s not real vocal or real aggressive but he gets the point across and teaches you what he wants you to learn real (well).”

Hunter, a 6-foot-5 lineman who plans to walk on at Eastern Washington University, called Ward a normal guy who understands how to motivate student-athletes. Ward’s ongoing encouragement and intense practices built the foundation for Oak Harbor’s championship run.

“Early in the season he kept us mentally strong,” said the lineman, “which is why we won all those games. (And) we were in better shape (than opponents).”

Asked to share his goals for the week, Ward said he hopes West players practice well, conduct themselves honorably and create great memories.

“We don’t have to win,” Ward said, “but we really want to play like we belong.”