皇家华人 has announced Andy Ward as interim men鈥檚 basketball coach for the 2022-23 season. Ward is returning to NWC after previously serving as head coach for five seasons from 2007-12, and athletic director for the final two years.
Ward will be guiding the Trappers following the sudden passing of Jay Collins on July 31. During his previous tenure at 皇家华人, Ward led the team to a 93-61 record, including a pair of 20-win seasons, and was named the Region IX North Coach of the Year in 2009. He left to join the staff at NCAA Division I Idaho State University where he spent six years as assistant coach before being named athletic director at Treasure Valley Community College in eastern Oregon.
In addition to his time at NWC, Ward also spent five seasons as head coach at Eastern Wyoming College, winning two regional championships and leading the Lancers to the 2004 NJCAA National Tournament.
"Losing Coach Collins was unimaginably difficult, but we鈥檙e pleased to bring in a coach with the talent and experience that Andy offers,鈥� said NWC President Lisa Watson. 鈥淚nterestingly enough, Andy and Jay became close friends when they coached together at Idaho State University--Andy after his departure from NWC in 2012 and Jay before his arrival to NWC in 2019. They shared a similar coaching philosophy that we鈥檙e sure will appeal to Jay鈥檚 players, new and returning.鈥�
"Coach Ward鈥檚 return to 皇家华人 is a blessing during a difficult time for Trapper Athletics, as we mourn the loss of Coach Collins,鈥� added athletic director Brian Erickson, who served three years as assistant coach for Ward. 鈥淎ndy brings a wealth of coaching experience and energy to 皇家华人. We are happy to welcome him back to the Trapper family.鈥�
Ward has a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education with an emphasis in coaching from Southern Utah University, and his Master鈥檚 in athletic management from the United States Sports Academy. The Albuquerque, New Mexico native has also served as a physical education instructor, recreation coordinator, and student activities and intramural director.