Scott Ward

July 1980- June 2020

Raleigh

Scott Ward of Raleigh NC passed unexpectedly June 10, 2020. Scott was born July 15 1980 in Raleigh, NC and attended Millbrook High School (graduated Jenkins High School , Savannah GA) He received degrees from ECU and NCCU. Scott was a athletic trainer at Fike High School in Wilson NC and an amazing trainer. While thriving in the training environment, where he saved many lives, his real passion was wrestling. The sport of wrestling fed his soul. His passion for wrestling was beyond compare. Coach Scott was incredibly well known and influential in the wrestling community of Raleigh and across North Carolina.

Scott not only loved wrestling, he loved teaching others about the sport. Scott coached for numerous organizations in the Raleigh areas for more than 17 years. During that time, Scott helped many wrestlers achieve their dream of becoming a state qualifier, state placer, state champion, or a national all-American. The mentoring that he provided to the wrestlers did not stop at wrestling technique. He was interested in their schoolwork, life goals, career aspirations. Scott was selfless. He committed his time to anyone that wanted to learn and wanted to work hard towards any of their goals. Scott spent an enormous time studying the sport and learning new techniques so he could pass that knowledge on to his wrestlers.

Scott also had great affection for his Weimaraners. He is survived by his dog Coleson, who misses him terribly.

Some would say "Scott knew something about everything!" He had a love for information, and it fed his soul to seek more information, daily. Beyond wrestling he was a huge fan of MMA, Formula One and his dozens of podcasts. He elevated those around him. He could talk to anyone about anything, and you left any conversation a smarter person.

Scott was a huge presence in so many of our lives and his loss leaves a huge absence we will all struggle to navigate in future.

He is survived by his adoring longtime partner and love of his life, Catherine Cooper, his mom Carol Newell, stepfather Bill Newell, step sister Jasmine Newell, Aunt Gerrie Blackwelder & Uncle Darrell "Butch" Blackwelder, his dog Coleson and countless friends across the country through wrestling and work.We love you Scott!

In lieu of flowers please consider donation to Fike High School wrestling program

500 Harrison Drive Wilson, NC 27893

Attn: Tom Nelson

A celebration of Scott will be planned for a later date when we can all gather safely due to Covid.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The News and Observer from Jun. 20 to Jun. 22, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Scott Ward

Sponsored by City of Oaks Cremation.

4 Entries

Cael Bergquist

June 7, 2024

Lisa Killion

July 17, 2020

Dear Family,
Scott coached two of my sons, Drew and Caleb, in wrestling while they were on the Wakefield team. Both were great wrestlers and Scott was particularly close to Caleb, coaching him as he qualified for the State Championships. Caleb spent many days/evenings training with Scott: first in Scott's garage or in the yard 'flipping tires', lifting weights, practicing moves. Then moving indoors when Scott got space for a wrestling club. I can picture Scott sitting in the corner with the Wakefield coach Jason Booser at the meets, travelling to the all the away tournaments. Scott was a frequently quoted source at our dinner table - not just on wrestling but on all aspects of life. Scott took the time and effort to engage with these athletes, developing them in their sport and as young men.
We lost Caleb about a year and a half ago. It has made it difficult to write this to you, because after you have lost someone, all losses are painful. I am sorry for you all. I know I have wished someone had magic words to make it better, but there are no magic words, there is only getting through each day.
We received some memorial funds when we lost Caleb and we hope to use some of those funds to honor Scott. We will contact the Athletic Director at Fike and make a donation to the wrestling team in Scott's name.

I am hoping that Scott and Caleb are on a mat in heaven right now.

Lisa Killion

Randy Pridgen

June 25, 2020

On behalf of the NC Athletic Trainers Association, we want to express our sincere condolences to the family upon hearing of the passing of Scott. May God bless your family in this time of sorrow.

Noel Loban

June 24, 2020

Scott was a dear friend and shall be dearly missed. Scott always had a smile and a kind word for everyone. He coached my son for a number of years and didn't show partiality in coach more talented kids. His enthusiasm, passion and love for the sport was contagious along with his eager willingness to help people in any way shape or form at anytime. I am grateful to have made his aquaintance. May he R.I.P. and with God.

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