FARMINGTON -- Marshall Ward's vision for the Farmington volleyball program includes establishing certain traditions such as hosting an annual alumni game at Cardinal Arena.
Friday the 2016 Lady Cardinal varsity will play against alumni of the program, many of whom never had the opportunity to play in the swank new 1,800-seat gym which opened in January of 2015.
"Last year was our first time playing in here," Ward said. "Many of the girls I coached weren't fortunate enough to get to play in this facility."
Two of those players, twins Lauren and Lindsey Blackburn, were instrumental in Ward becoming Farmington's head volleyball coach. Eight years ago Ward joined the Farmington teaching staff with no plans to coach any sport, but his enthusiasm for volleyball was expressed in the classroom leading to a student initiative. When learning head coach Jessica McCollough wasn't returning, the Blackburn twins recruited friends and began encouraging Ward to apply for the job each time they passed him in the halls at school.
Ward hadn't heard from either twin for awhile but was planning on contacting them last week with an invitation to play in the alumni game. The twins have been playing in the adult volleyball leagues Ward competes in. A journey down memory lane brought a smile to Ward's face.
"I didn't start coaching until my fourth year of teaching at Farmington," Ward said. "I can look back and say, although I never intended to coach, I'm very thankful that I did get that opportunity and that it happened the way it did."
"Coaching is more difficult than I ever thought it to be, but it's also more rewarding than I ever thought it could be."
Ward is enthusiastic about Friday's alumni game.
"This is only our second year to do it, but it is a tradition I want to get started," Ward said. "To have our kids come back and remember the joy they had when they were part of the team and see how the team is looking for that year."
As he comes to practice, Ward is watching on-going construction at the site, anticipating completion of the new high school.
"We're going to be in the new high school a year-plus from now," Ward said. "It's very exciting to be at Farmington High School right now. We're seeing growth academically, we're seeing growth athletically. It's a wonderful place to be."
Ward invites Lady Cardinal fans and the public to attend Friday's alumni game. Admission is $3 for adults and $2 for students. All proceeds benefit the Farmington volleyball program. The alumni game starts at 5:30 p.m. Doors will open early.
"Come to the games, come to the alumni game, come to our home matches, all the gate money goes to our program, 100 percent," Ward said. "Come watch us, you'll enjoy it."
Sports on 08/17/2016