Hall of Fame
For over 40 years, Mark J. Ward made significant contributions to NYSPHSAA and Section VI as a superintendent, principal and athletic director. A graduate of Ellicottville High School (Section VI), he was an eight-year officer of the NYSPHSAA, serving as President from 2010-2012—just the second individual from Section VI to ever hold that position—then followed with a term as Section VI President. Ward continued to serve as a member of the Section VI Athletic Council and was also the Section VI Principal and Superintendents Representative to the NYSPHSAA Central Committee from 1995-2006. Mark currently serves NYSPHSAA as a member of the Championship Advisory Committee and is the Section VI Athletic Council Superintendent Representative from CA BOCES (since 2008). After earning his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from St. Bonaventure University, Ward began his career in 1975 as a teacher at Ellicottville Central School, where he ascended to Athletic Director and Principal in the district until 2000. After serving as Superintendent of Salamanca and Olean City School Districts, Ward returned to his alma mater in 2008 as Superintendent. The School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS) has recognized Mark with a Special Recognition Award and its Outstanding Service Award (1998). In 2004, the New York State Athletic Administrators Association presented Mr. Ward with a Distinguished Service Award for his contributions to athletics. In addition to his many contributions as an administrator, Mark served 20 years as a member of the Section VI Football Federation where he helped develop and implement the playoff format and tie-breaking system that is still used today. Mark was also a successful football coach compiling a career record of 50-22-4 with four league championships and two undefeated seasons in the early 1980’s. In 1980, he was awarded the Big 30 Football Coach of the Year after an undefeated season and in 1996 he received the Western New York High School Football Gordon Bukaty Award. Ward was inducted into the Cattaraugus County Sports Hall of Fame in 2005 and last December was inducted into the Section VI Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.