JAMES WARD, Weight Training & Head Football Coach

Q:  What made you decide to teach weightlifting?

A: I have a passion for trying to finish my CSCS, Certification [to be a] Strength and Conditioning Specialist. I deal with anything as far as athletic performance goes.

Q: What does your typical workday look like? 

A: I have first-period planning, second-period general [weightlifting] athletes like basketball and soccer. Fourth period is mainly football kids.

Q: Tell me about your background. 

A: I didn’t major in PE I majored in worksite health and cost analysis and I have [taught] Drivers ED. I have an EMT license as well as a CPR certification. 

Q: What brought you to Wakefield?

A: Wakefield came to me! This was my first time applying for a job besides the job I had for 22 years.

Q: What do you like most about Wakefield so far? 

A: The people are so awesome. The environment [compared to my other job] is night and day. Kids are ready to work, they want to win. 

Q: What do you like to do outside of school?

A: Work, work, work. My family is in the restaurant business. I actually have an Italian Ice franchise that I run myself. I used to do bail bonds for 17 years, I just stopped doing that. I also fish and hunt. I love to saltwater fish, [as well as] any time I get to spend time with my family.

Q: Do you have any crazy teaching stories? 

A: Endless. I had a weight bar fall on a kid and it fell on his face one time. We also did a blindfolded trust wall [at my old school] and a girl walked into the side of a [parked] 18 wheeler. I’ve seen some of everything. 

Q: What is your advice for students taking your class? 

A: Don’t be scared to take it, I’m not just an athlete based person. I have kids who don’t play sports here but they play things like hockey and stuff like that. I’m very laid back.