ENGLEWOOD – One day, Michael Ward wants to work with the FBI or CIA and go after the bad guys.
However, he’s going to need to go to college for that. And on Monday, Ward, the graduating offensive lineman for the Lemon Bay football team signed to not only attend Warner University in Lake Wales, but also to continue his football career.
Ward will play on the interior line for the NAIA school and major in criminal justice, the best of both worlds.
“It’s a great feeling because I finally found a place that has a place for me. It’s a great Christian school. The people are great, the coaches are great,” Ward said. “I went in with low expectations, but they really blew me away. I love the program and everything they’re doing. I’m very blessed and thankful for the opportunity.”
Ward said he could have gone anywhere and pay to not play football, but it wasn’t worth it for him. He wanted to continue playing and Warner is willing to give him a partial scholarship to do so. With other scholarships and grants, he could end up going to nearly nothing.
Former Lemon Bay football coach Don Southwell, who watched him grow over the past four years, was very happy to see this day come for him.
“What a treat it was the coach Michael for four years. He’s a coach’s dream. He worked hard, showed up every day and was dedicated to the program and played hard every Friday night,” Southwell said. “I’m happy for him that he’s going to play at a university.”
Ward’s mother, Melissa Buscemi, was beside him when he signed in front of former teammates and coaches. She said it has been something he has worked for since starting his football journey as an eight-year-old.
“I always had faith and he’s very determined to follow through to follow his dream and continue to play football,” Buscemi said.
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