Kelly Ward was an NCAA champion and three-time NCAA championship finalist for Iowa State. He placed second at the NCAA tournament in 1977, second in 1978, and first in 1979. His overall career college record was 126-10-2.

Kelly Ward began his wrestling career as a sophomore and junior at J.F. Kennedy High School, Silver Spring, Maryland. Mr. Ward was a two time State Maryland Public School Athletic Association wrestling champion in 1973 & 74. As a Senior while attending Blair Academy in Blairstown, N.J. Mr. Ward captured the New Jersey State Championship. In addition Mr. Ward won the National Prep Championship in 1975. His scholastic wrestling record was 90-0.

In 1979 Kelly became the first Maryland born wrestler to win a NCAA Division I wrestling title at 158 lb. while wrestling for Iowa State. He also won two silver medals in the NCAA Tournament in 1977 & 78.  He was a Big 8 Champion two times and in 1979 was voted the “Outstanding Wrestler” at that tournament. In addition to being a three time All-American he was a member of the 1977 Iowa State National Championship Team. Kelly was the Team Captain his senior year while compiling a collegiate record of 126-10-2.

Senior Special Agent Ward is presently assigned to the Secret Service Headquarters, Intelligence Division, Washington D.C. Other Assignments Mr. Ward has been assigned include the Vice Presidential Protective Division, Senior Course Instructor, United States Secret Service Academy; Former President Ronald Reagan Protective Division, Los Angeles, California and the New York Field Office. Professional honors and recognition include a Commendation from President George Bush for service at the White House on September 1, 2001. Another interesting Note- Mr. Ward was on duty at the World Trade Center during the 1993 Terrorist Bombing. 

After graduation from Iowa State University Kelly Ward served four years as Head Assistant Coach at the University of Nebraska. During his tenure Nebraska achieved the highest NCAA Wrestling tournament finishes in the school’s history. Nebraska enjoyed two 6th place finishes and a 4th place finish. In addition Nebraska produced two NCAA Champions and two silver medalists. During this time frame twelve wrestlers earned All-American honors. The University of Nebraska team winning percentage was 80.7% Two Nebraska wrestlers competed in the Olympics in Seoul, Korea earning a bronze and another 5th .

Kelly Ward has impacted our most valuable asset of this great nation – Our Young Adults. His positive example and influence as a US Secret Service Senior Special Agent, Wrestling coach, and NCAA Champion Wrestler Born in Maryland will last forever. For this reason the National Wrestling Hall of Fame inducts as an “Outstanding American” and “Distinguished Member” of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.