University of Michigan Hall of Honor
Willis Ward
- Induction:
- 1981
Born in 1912 in Birmingham, Alabama, Willis Ward’s family moved to Michigan and settled in the Detroit area. Ward attended Detroit’s Northwestern High School, where he starred in football but dominated in track and set the national high school record in the high jump.
As a speedy end on the football team, he was a key contributor to coach Harry Kipke’s 1932 and 1933 national title teams. While he was a standout on the gridiron, he truly excelled on the track primarily in the long jump, high jump and hurdles. He was an eight-time Big Ten champion and three-time NCAA All-American and during his time in Ann Arbor, Michigan's squads captured five Big Ten team titles (three indoor, two outdoor) and finished in the top five nationally four times. In 1935 meet as a senior, Ward defeated 1936 Olympic hero Jesse Owens in two events -- in the 60-yard dash and 65-yard high hurdles.
Ward’s athletic exploits at Michigan are recognized for the ages as he was inducted into the U-M Hall of Honor in 1981 and into the U-M Track & Field Hall of Fame in 2008. In addition, Oct. 20, 2012, was declared “Willis Ward Day” in the State of Michigan.
As a speedy end on the football team, he was a key contributor to coach Harry Kipke’s 1932 and 1933 national title teams. While he was a standout on the gridiron, he truly excelled on the track primarily in the long jump, high jump and hurdles. He was an eight-time Big Ten champion and three-time NCAA All-American and during his time in Ann Arbor, Michigan's squads captured five Big Ten team titles (three indoor, two outdoor) and finished in the top five nationally four times. In 1935 meet as a senior, Ward defeated 1936 Olympic hero Jesse Owens in two events -- in the 60-yard dash and 65-yard high hurdles.
Ward’s athletic exploits at Michigan are recognized for the ages as he was inducted into the U-M Hall of Honor in 1981 and into the U-M Track & Field Hall of Fame in 2008. In addition, Oct. 20, 2012, was declared “Willis Ward Day” in the State of Michigan.
Postgame Press Conference: Sherrone Moore (vs. Wisconsin)
Saturday, October 04
Football Postgame Press Conference: Players (vs. Wisconsin)
Saturday, October 04
Football Highlights vs. Wisconsin (Oct. 4)
Saturday, October 04
Ice Hockey Highlights vs. Mercyhurst (Oct. 3)
Friday, October 03
