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Belding graduate and the University of Olivet freshman Jack Ward (197) is presented as the winner after a match during a home wrestling meet this past season. — Submitted photo
BELDING — In a new place 60 miles from home, Jack Ward is making a name for himself in collegiate wrestling.
The four-time All State and state champion wrestler from Belding entered his new chapter of life not really knowing what to expect.
“I was pretty naive,” Ward said. “I wouldn’t say I came in with too much confidence, but I just expected good things.”
The transition from being the top dog for his high school program to being the new kid in town with a lot to prove was eye-opening, but it was one that he handled with ease as he had a breakout freshman season with the University of Olivet’s wrestling team, finishing the year with an individual record of 24-17 and a team conference title.
Belding graduate and the University of Olivet freshman Jack Ward (197) attempts to pin his opponent’s shoulders to the mat during a match at the Trine Invitational in November 2024. — Submitted photo
“Most freshmen will get to .500, so I still did pretty well,” Ward said. “I really had to change my mindset into a growth mindset. I really had to accept the role of not being the starting guy. That really helped me progress as a wrestler and really put my ego and everything aside and just develop as a wrestler. By my second semester, I really saw the difference and it was really cool.”
All throughout his high school career, Ward was fortunate to have his dad, Art Ward, stand by him on the mat as his coach. Being so used to that system, Art said having to take a back seat was an interesting transition as well.
“It was a huge change from being the guy in the corner to just being a fan,” Art said. “We have a pretty good relationship with the Olivet coaching staff and I’m still at his side, but just as a fan. I’m not telling him what to do. It’s just exciting to watch Jack go through where you were always the guy on top to the guy that’s still learning.”
When looking back on what he accomplished during his high school career, Jack said there were some noticeable differences between the two levels of wrestling.
The University of Olivet wrestling team won its first Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) conference championship since 2022 with a 24-15 win over Adrian in February. — Submitted photo
“I’m wrestling with grown men now,” he said. “It’s wild. I was the old guy last year and some of my teammates are like 24. They just feel like a man when you’re wrestling and they’re so strong. No one’s bad. Everyone is good. That’s just the type of people that are in college wrestling. Every match feels like a state finals match. It’s always a grind to the end.”
Throughout his first season with the Comets, Jack earned his varsity letter and was named Freshman of the Year for the program by his teammates, based on his outstanding first-year performance. He also acquired a plentiful amount of top-three finishes at big invitationals and open meets. Of his 24 wins, six of them were regulated pins.
In February, the Comets won their first Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) conference championship since 2022 with a narrow 24-15 win over Albion.
“I really kind of took command of the freshman class,” Jack said of his accomplishments. “We were a big class and really committed. It was similar to the class of seniors we had. They were a big group that kind of grew into what they were and they were the core of our team. I’m really hoping that my class can really grow in that class.”
In April, Jack had the opportunity to compete in the U.S. Open Championships in Las Vegas in the U20 freestyle division, going up against some of the best wrestlers in the country, something he claims was a profound moment in his wrestling career.
“In my first match, I wrestled a kid who was ranked 23rd in the country in NAIA at some point this season and I had a pretty commanding win over him,” he said. “It was really cool because I didn’t have any ranked wins in the season. It was really cool to kind of get my name on the map that way. I also wrestled someone who won the Pan American Championships last year, so I lost pretty fast, but it was really, really cool to be able to wrestle someone who’s been at that level.”
Belding graduate and the University of Olivet freshman Jack Ward (197) grabs his opponent by the foot during a match at a meet at Alma College in January. — Submitted photo
Even after the admirable success Jack had in one season alone with the Comets, he still has a lot of unfinished business and potential to unlock over the next few years. To make the most of his experience, he has certain goals in place that he strongly believes he can achieve.
“Team-wise, we really want to win the conference again,” Jack said. “We won it this year with a really senior-heavy group. We had so much depth this season and I think we’ll be the favorite to win it again next year.
Individually, I really want to be an Academic All American. I had it academically this year, but had one loss too many which kind of stung. I really wanted to get that, so that’s a big goal of mine. I really think and believe I should be at the national tournament next year. I want to be an All American national champion, but I think for now, just getting onto that scene and being there in the moment is what I want for now.”
