By Mary Ann Mook
When Union City Area High School senior Van Ward was a youngster, probably in the fifth grade, he used to tag along with then-youth wrestling coach Tim Mitcham.
“He used to ride with me to every wrestling club practice,” Mitcham said. “We would always stop and get donuts after practice.”
Mitcham, who is now the head wrestling coach for the Union City Bears, was one of Ward’s three coaches, along with family, friends and school administrators, who were on hand when Ward signed a letter of intent on Thursday to continue his academic and wrestling career at Mercyhurst University.
“I coached him for a long time, so I have a lot of pride seeing him go to a graduate program that is Division I with a great coach there (Jimmy Overhieser),” Mitcham said. “It doesn’t seem possible he’s graduating now. I’m really excited to see what he does.”
Ward, 17. was a Section I Class 2A champion, a District 10 Class 2A champion, and a NW Region champion this past postseason. He will continue wrestling at Mercyhurst while majoring in management.
“I chose Mercyhurst because it is a great college that is close to home and my family,” Ward said.
His plans include becoming a project manager.
Ward is the son of Timothy and Dana Ward. He has four sisters, Leah, Shelly, Sarah and Hally.
Timothy Ward and William Burgess are assistant coaches for Union City.
Ward said he’s ready for Mercyhurst.
“I’m ready to continue my career and hopefully do something at the next level and get a good education while I’m there, and see where it leads me,” he said.
