Carl Junction Sprinter Sydney Ward Blazing Path to Success

By Don Lowe

There’s no sibling rivalry with junior Carl Junction Lady Bulldogs track star Sydney Ward as her inspiration for competing in this sport came directly from her older brother, Lance Ward.

“I found interest in track and field after watching my brother,” Sydney says. “It began as something we could bond over. We would train together and go on runs before he left for college.”

“Sydney’s success is driven by the will to compete. She is such a competitor and gives it all her heart and soul.”

Sydney maintains a positive mindset and says, “I’m very blessed to have had such amazing opportunities in this sport. I work hard in practice, in the weight room and in training on my own.

“I love this sport and my passion for it has contributed to my success. Overall, I know God has gifted me and He’s the reason for my success.”

Coach Robertson says, “Sydney has become stronger mentally and physically. She is a multi-sport athlete and that helps her with mental preparations for anything she does. Sydney works hard in the weight room. She understands that working hard equals success for her team and herself.” She shows off her versatility and wellrounded athletic ability while competing in three sports. She says, “I’m an outside hitter in volleyball and I’ve played for about eight years.

“I just started swimming my freshman year. My best event was the 50-meter freestyle. I believe playing sports yearround helps keep me in shape and in better condition for track.”

Running is what she does best and despite the challenges, she says, “It requires me to be disciplined in how I eat and how often I train. I’ve learned to push through the pain and difficulties of racing and sprinting.

Carl Junction Bulldogs Sprinter Sydney Ward Fast Facts

Age: 16

Grade in School: 11th in fall 2023

Parents: Mick and Paula Ward

Sibling: Lance Ward, 21 years old and a senior at Harvard University

Hometown: Carl Junction, Missouri

The younger Ward has developed into a terrific sprinter over a 10-year timeframe from when she first started competing for CJ Freedom Tack Club at six years old.

Early last month, Ward was at her finest when she sprinted to new Central Ozark Conference records in both the 100-meter dash (12.12 seconds) and 200-meter dash (25.23 seconds). Ward was also part of Carl Junction’s 4 x 200-meter relay winning team that included Olivia Battagler, Destiny Buerge and Dezi Williams.

“I’d say the sprints are definitely my best events,” Sydney says. “They’re my favorite events because I like to run fast and come out of the blocks strong.”

Carl Junction Senior High Girls Track Head Coach Mark Robertson says, “Sydney understands that being in control and smooth generates speed. She is a technical runner who understands the environment she’s running in and will adapt however is needed to be successful.

“I’m most happy about the support I have from my team and coaches. I value the friendships and travel opportunities I’ve gained through the sport. I hope to continue my track career in college if the opportunity arises.”

Sydney is already making the most of her opportunities because of how she carries herself as a student-athlete, and Coach Robertson says, “Sydney is a humble young lady who lets her actions provide her words. She leads by example in the classroom, on the court and on the track.

“Sydney can run track at the next level. She is a great student and a great teammate. She puts her team ahead of herself and does this with grace.”

She is a graceful runner and spectacular sprinter, for sure, who seems destined for even greater successes over her final two years at Carl Junction.

Favorite Subject in School: Biology

Favorite Collegiate Track Athlete: Her brother, Lance Ward

Achievements:

– Recently competed in the USA Track & Field National Indoor Championships in Louisville, Kentucky. In the 15-16-year-old age division, she won gold in the 55-meter sprint and was the silver medalist in the 200-meter sprint.

– In the 2022 outdoor track season, was a Missouri state medalist in the 100- and 200-meter sprints.

– Selected to run in an International Track Meet this summer in Australia for the Coast-to-Coast USA team, which will compete against national team members from Australia, New Zealand and a few other countries.