Faith leads Grizzlies' Ward

It’s 20 minutes until game time. The coaches reiterate a game plan they’ve pounded into their players’ heads preparing for the game. Everybody involved in the upcoming competition is together one final time before taking the court and then, silence.

Players and coaches alike bow their heads and recite the Lord’s Prayer. And for one player, this time allows him to put the world into perspective.

Mathias Ward is a junior forward on the University of Montana men’s basketball team. He’s helped the Griz sport an 8-1 conference record and tie Weber State for the Big Sky’s best record.

On the court, Ward is the third leading scorer, averaging 10.4 points per game. At 57 percent, he also claims the team’s second best field goal percentage. And while the numbers are important to Ward, he’d be the first to tell you his contributions on the court aren’t what define him as a person.

What better way to start defining a person than by examining his name — Mathias.

Ward’s name, like his six siblings,  is rooted in the Bible. Matthias was the apostle chosen to replace Judas after the betrayal of Jesus.

As Ward grew up, his parents always encouraged him to trust his devotion, and now at the age of 21, religion is still firmly affixed in Ward’s life.

Ward is one of the leaders for UM’s branch of Athletes in Action, a study group focused on instilling the values of Christianity within sports. He likes to connect with people in ways other than sports, which is why every Tuesday he takes part in a Bible study. Ward also balances his time with school, where he attained an undergraduate degree in business in two years and, as a junior, is currently working toward his master’s in business administration.  Ward’s display of commitment brought him to UM in the first place.

It was a no-brainer for head coach Wayne Tinkle to recruit Ward. Tinkle liked his work ethic and character — things he described as being staples of Montana basketball. Ward was in high school at an Amateur Athletic Union game in Bellevue, Wash., when he first caught Tinkle’s attention.

 Ward’s team was playing a game that involved the opposing players talking trash and taking cheap shots. So after a player said something particularly cheeky, Ward took exception. He positioned his arms in a 90-degree angle to receive an entry pass in the post. As he received the pass, he dropped an elbow into his opponent’s chest, pivoted, and rose up to finish the play with a two-handed dunk. While he ran back down the court, Ward didn’t mock his opponent or use any other means of showmanship. Instead, he quietly got back on defense.

“It was right then, I said, this guy’s a Grizzly.” Tinkle said.

Coming to Missoula, Ward wanted to study business and knew that UM had a notable program, but couldn’t help but smile and laugh after being recruited to play basketball. The coaches took Ward to restaurants around Missoula including The Depot and Finn & Porter.

“It was eye-opening, and it was nice to be catered to,” he said. “It made me feel like I was big time.”

And this season Ward has been big time for the Grizzlies. Shawn Stockton came in the same recruiting class as Ward and has lived with him every year.

Stockton described Ward as a huge threat offensively.

“He can shoot. He’s as strong as a bull down low. And, he’s improved his defense this year.”

With Ward setting the tone with his presence both on and off the court, the Grizzlies are positioned to make a run at the NCAA tournament again.

God willing.

erik.anderson@umontana.edu