- Attended these St. Joseph's Academy and college in the 1910's before graduating from Notre Dame in 1921.
- Hired by Knute Rockne as Notre Dame's first sports information director in 1919.
- Through his sports information background, Ward also organized the Golden Glove and Silver Skates competitions.
- Founder of major league baseball All-Star Game (1933), College All-Star Game (1934) and the All-American Football Conference (1946,49).
- The four years at Loras were, in my honest feelings, the best years for growth, persistence, and determination. What I learned in my four years on the football team from the coaches and the priests helped me in Korea during the war, in business and in the operation of my own corporation.
What was it like being a member of the greatest team Loras ever put on the field? Coach Wally Fromhart came from Mt. Carmel in Chicago where I played for him. When he left and came to Loras, he offered me a chance to join the group to form the best football team Loras ever had. What an honor.
We came to Loras in early August 1947 to 95-degree temperatures each day. They had 120 fellows out for football. The town people came daily to watch what was happening up on the Loras campus. Each day, for both the morning and afternoon practices, there were over 100-150 people watching the show by the new coach, Wally Fromhart, and also watching the blood and sweat and fights on the field during the daily combat. Fellows like Bob Zarltom, Bob Hanlon, Ed Murphy, Bob Joyce, Dicky Mares, and so many more.
We had ex-GI fellows who were married, fellows who had played service ball, men from all walks of life, but we all worked hard together. What a thrill to be able to play in Loras’ Rock Bowl on Sunday before large crowds every game. It was awesome! Coach Fromhart always stressed the object was to win—beat the other guy. He always said “Dig deep down in your heart.” There was no man worth his salt who didn’t appreciate the grind and discipline.
All the players bonded. We traveled all over. On the road we all dressed with coat and tie. We stayed together and played together (and partied once in a while).
It should be noted that each year, after each season, several members of the team got various pro offers.
In my senior year, Jerry Wittly and I were selected as “Little All-Americans” by the United Press Association. Jerry went with Dallas in July and Howie Rietz went with Green Bay. I had contact with the Chicago Bears which lasted till Coach Halas found out I was drafted in the army. I went to Korea as tank commander for the 73rd Tank Battalion, 14 months in combat, never to return to football after that.
The experience of the 1947 championship team and fellowship was beyond words. We all still keep in touch as much as possible.
But you know, if it wasn’t for Coach Fromhart and his strength, wisdom, and demanding way, none of us would have ever made the grade.
I always loved the man and I was honored to say goodbye to him when he passed away in Michigan.
Story The four years at Loras were, in my honest feelings, the best years for growth, persistence, and determination. What I learned in my four years on the football team from the coaches and the priests helped me in Korea during the war, in business and in the operation of my own corporation.
What was it like being a member of the greatest team Loras ever put on the field? Coach Wally Fromhart came from Mt. Carmel in Chicago where I played for him. When he left and came to Loras, he offered me a chance to join the group to form the best football team Loras ever had. What an honor.
We came to Loras in early August 1947 to 95-degree temperatures each day. They had 120 fellows out for football. The town people came daily to watch what was happening up on the Loras campus. Each day, for both the morning and afternoon practices, there were over 100-150 people watching the show by the new coach, Wally Fromhart, and also watching the blood and sweat and fights on the field during the daily combat. Fellows like Bob Zarltom, Bob Hanlon, Ed Murphy, Bob Joyce, Dicky Mares, and so many more.
We had ex-GI fellows who were married, fellows who had played service ball, men from all walks of life, but we all worked hard together. What a thrill to be able to play in Loras’ Rock Bowl on Sunday before large crowds every game. It was awesome! Coach Fromhart always stressed the object was to win—beat the other guy. He always said “Dig deep down in your heart.” There was no man worth his salt who didn’t appreciate the grind and discipline.
All the players bonded. We traveled all over. On the road we all dressed with coat and tie. We stayed together and played together (and partied once in a while).
It should be noted that each year, after each season, several members of the team got various pro offers.
In my senior year, Jerry Wittly and I were selected as “Little All-Americans” by the United Press Association. Jerry went with Dallas in July and Howie Rietz went with Green Bay. I had contact with the Chicago Bears which lasted till Coach Halas found out I was drafted in the army. I went to Korea as tank commander for the 73
rd Tank Battalion, 14 months in combat, never to return to football after that.
The experience of the 1947 championship team and fellowship was beyond words. We all still keep in touch as much as possible.
But you know, if it wasn’t for Coach Fromhart and his strength, wisdom, and demanding way, none of us would have ever made the grade.
I always loved the man and I was honored to say goodbye to him when he passed away in Michigan.
