While several wrestlers have experienced injuries and faced adversity this season, perhaps no one has fought through anything as trying as redshirt sophomore 165 pounder Ray Ward’s suspension last semester. The Office of Student Conduct suspended Ward from the University for disciplinary reasons in September, meaning that Ward, who went 4-4 his redshirt freshman season, was unable to practice with the team until after final exams in December.

Senior 141 pounder Joe Caramanica, who wrestled with Ward at Nazareth High School in Nazareth, Pa., discussed the challenge Ward faced – maintaining the conditioning necessary to wrestle at the collegiate level – with no one there to help.

“He definitely had to work hard and stay focused on his own, which is definitely very hard,” Caramanica said. “We have somebody telling us everyday where to be and when to work out.”

His suspension from the University required that Ward not only stay in shape on his own, but that he also take two on-line courses in order to stay eligible to wrestle at the conclusion of his suspension.

Coach Carter Jordan described Ward as an intelligent student athlete with great character that simply made a mistake, and he cited both Ward’s 3.3 GPA in the College of Management and the responsibility and dedication he showed by balancing workouts with academic responsibilities the University required that he fulfill during his suspension.

“He is a terrific kid and one of our best students, and [his return from his suspension] is a testament to his maturity,” Jordan said. “[Especially because] he also had to take some distance courses to get eligible, and he should be [even] more applauded for that.”

Ward described how hard it was being away from wrestling and from his teammates and praised the unwavering support they provided for him.

“Wrestling is very important for me, and I missed it so much, just being able to practice every day with the team,” Ward said. “Getting back was real tough, [but] we have a great community with the wrestlers, and everyone is always there for each other.”

After his return from the suspension, Ward quickly made the effort he put forth during the first semester evident, winning the starting job at 165 from freshman Quinton Godley in time for the Jan. 17 matches against Liberty and Wyoming. 

Coach Jordan described the value of having an experienced and reliable wrestler in the lineup in a sport that can be brutally difficult for true freshmen.

“We need him in the lineup because he’s obviously an accomplished wrestler,” Jordan said. “[And] while Quinton’s done a tremendous job, it’s a little bit much to ask of a true freshman to battle with the kind of competition we see day in and day out.”

Unfortunately for Ward, he has already experienced another setback in the form of the MCL injury he suffered against Navy.  The injury prevented him from traveling with the team to Oklahoma and will likely have him on the sideline for this weekend’s matches against both UNC-Chapel Hill and Ohio. 

Though he only wrestled a few matches between his suspension and his recent knee injury, coach Jordan says that the team is already missing his presence.

“We certainly are missing him right now and we will continue to miss him until he can get healthy,” Jordan said.

Ward said his short-term goals are to make the Dean’s List and qualify for the NCAA Championships, but his coach seems to feel that he is capable of even more.

“Our expectations for him are to be an All-American before he leaves here,î”Jordan said. “He is only a sophomore, he is a hard worker, and [he] could really develop into a really good wrestler.”

Though he has had a difficult time with the suspension and the injury, Ward said he is not the only one facing difficult circumstances. He seemed confident that with the help of his coaches, the wrestlers will continue to support each other and persevere through whatever obstacles they may face.

“I’m not the only one going through stuff. Everyone has to fight through [adversity],” Ward said. “The coaches are always there for us, and everyone is always pushing each other and is there for each other.”