Walter “Fuzzy” Ward

Phenix High, Hampton (1957) 
Basketball

Walter Ward is considered to be the best all-around basketball player in the history of Phenix High School. He was noted for his superior play on offense and defense.At Hampton University he played in eighty-six consecutive games and set the all-time scoring record of 1,574 points — later broken by future NBA player Rick Mahorn. He was a three-year captain and as a senior (1961) was selected as team MVP and All-CIAA First Team. He was the first player from Hampton University to be drafted by the NBA when he was selected in the 8thround by the Detroit Pistons.Mr. Ward played with the Allentown Jets of the Eastern Professional Basketball League, 1964-1966. He played in New York’s Rucker Professional Basketball Summer League, 1964-1968. His play was described as a testament to hard work and dedication while maintaining a gentleman’s level of sportsmanship. He taught, coached and mentored students in New York City and Westchester County, NY Public Schools for more than thirty-five years. Mr. Ward earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education from Hampton University in 1961 and a Master of Special Education degree from Riverdale College in New York City in 1972. He was posthumously selected as a Distinguished Alumni of Phenix High in 2008 and inducted into the Hampton Roads African American Sports Hall of Fame in 2011.