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| Gary Ward |
Virtually hidden within the confines of the NMSU athletic department is Big 8 Conference coaching legend and coaching Hall of Fame member, Gary Ward. No doubt nearly every sports fan in Nebraska and Oklahoma is aware of Ward’s remarkable accomplishments. News New Mexico has known Ward for many years. Few people know that Gary Ward is an NMSU graduate. In the early 1960’s he played two sports (basketball and baseball) for Presley Askew. He left Las Cruces for Prescott, Arizona decades ago to start a baseball program from scratch. Quickly, Ward built a national junior college championship program out of thin air. A native of Oklahoma, Gary next returned to Stillwater and Oklahoma State University. At OSU Gary won an astonishing sixteen consecutive Big 8 baseball championships. His teams appeared in the NCAA’s College Baseball World Series for ten straight seasons. Ward is clearly the most accomplished athletic program builder to ever graduate from NMSU and later return to this area.
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| Rocky Ward |
Since his return to Las Cruces, Gary has worked hand-in-hand with son Rocky, first as head coach, and now as his assistant. Together the father and son team has transformed NMSU baseball from virtual obscurity to a prominent national presence. Over the years Gary Ward’s mentoring has paid off. Rocky Ward has racked up the most wins of any baseball coach in NMSU history. Just three seasons ago the Aggie baseball program swept a double header from eventual national champion Fresno State. Gary Ward has coached dozens of major league players including Robin Ventura and Pete Incaviglia. Besides understanding the intricacies associated with athletic success, Gary is a highly sought after public speaker. A well-spoken and articulate individual, Ward is one of the most engaging individuals we have ever met. We look forward to his first appearance on News New Mexico tomorrow from 7:30 - 8:30am.
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