Photo By Nolan P. Schmidt
There are few things more important than passion. Whatever you do in your life, in sports or anything else, you have to be passionate about it. Otherwise, what is the point of doing it in the first place? Passion is the basis of success and lays a foundation for what is to come. Every North Dakota State student-athlete has passion for their particular sport. They are also passionate about their academics and their chosen field of study.
Tyson Ward is perhaps the best example of “passion” on North Dakota State’s campus. A senior forward for the men’s basketball team, Ward possesses tremendous talent on the hardwood. Because of this, he has only missed one game in his entire career as a Bison. His evolution as a player and person in his four years on campus is a true testament to his passion and love for the game of basketball.
The Florida native has steadily increased his numbers in his time as a Bison. Ward was second on the team in points per game last season and shot a very impressive 49 percent from the field. He is also a valuable rebounder, averaging six rebounds per game as a junior. During his senior season, he became the 35th player in school history to score 1,000 points as a Bison.
Not to mention he was a vital piece to NDSU in their NCAA Tournament run a year ago. None of this would be possible without Ward’s passion and fervor for the game. Without it, he may have never picked up a basketball in the first place!
Definition: Passion – Strong and barely controllable emotion.
Q&A
Which qualities would you say are key to being successful at North Dakota State?
Confidence, Mental Toughness, Swagger, Heart and Passion
Why did you choose those qualities in particular?
I feel these qualities make winning athletes, you don’t need to have all of them, but having some is definitely important.
Out of those traits, which do YOU embody the most and why?
Passion, I would say this because no matter the circumstances I’m playing my hardest no matter how I might feel.
How do you embody these qualities in the field of competition?
By loving the game that I play. If you love the game these qualities come very easy.
How do you embody these qualities away from the field of competition?
You gotta have fun, in everything you do. I feel this is how you do it off the court, simply by having fun.
What is the best piece of advice you have received in your time on campus?
If you’re having a bad day, pick someone else up. Seeing others happy can make you happy.
In a few sentences, what would be your advice to young kids who strive to one day become Bison student-athletes?
Every chance you get to play the game, no matter what you play. Go hard! Leave everything on the field/court. Work hard every practice. Most importantly HAVE FUN!
