WARD LINE ACADEMY (WLA)
is committed to developing the complete lineman.

 

Line play comes down to three basic principles: footwork, hand placement and leverage.

At WLA we stress fundamentals and technique.

Each player is filmed at the start and throughout the program to evaluate performance and track progress in five key areas: footwork, hand placement, leverage, aggressiveness, and fitness level.

Tailored drills are introduced to develop techniques used at the high school, college and professional level. Plyometrics, agility work, and flexibility exercises are an essential part of the program.

 

WE TEACH THE GAME FROM THE FEET UP!

AREAS OF INSTRUCTION:

Offensive Line:
Stance and start, drive block, down block, reach block trapping and pulling, cut offs, scoop blocking, zone blocking, pass sets, hand fighting, rush angles, delivering a blow, and blocking twists and stunts.

Defensive Line:
Stance and starts, defeating base blocks, defeating double team, defeating reach blocks, pass rush, stunts, and pre snap reads.
 

WHY CHOOSE WLA:

  • One-on-One Instruction
  • A focus on Fundamentals
  • Building for the Future
     

WHAT MAKES WLA DIFFERENT?

  • Our experience & Success
  • Year-Round availability
     

Additional Information

Time - Mutually Agreed Upon

Eligible Players - Open to anyone 6th thru 12th grade except students that play at other WCAC schools
 

COST:

  • Individual One-Hour Session $80
  • Four-Session Package $300
  • Four One-Hour Sessions
  • Video Breakdown & Analysis
  • WLA T-Shirt
     
““Coach Ward was an integral part of my football career because he instilled in me many of the fundamentals that I used in both my college and professional career. He helped me as a sophomore with only one year of experience playing football, become more technically proficient. He didn’t just teach me how to use my hands and move my feet, but also helped me understand WHY I should play a certain way.””
— Conrad Bolston / Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings

Location

All sessions will be held at:

St. John's College High School
2607 Military Road Northwest
Washington, DC 20015-1009

 
Coach Ward with Two of his players Tyree Johnson (Texas A&M ) and Calvin Ashley (Auburn) 2016 Under Armour All Americans. 

Coach Ward with Two of his players Tyree Johnson (Texas A&M ) and Calvin Ashley (Auburn) 2016 Under Armour All Americans. 

“Coach Ward is a motivated and emotionally charged student of the game that pushes each of his linemen to play physically with sound technique. His attention to detail allows his players to be confident in their assignments and prepared to perform to the best of their abilities. Coach Ward’s enthusiasm for the game, knowledge and experience prepared me for a successful career in college football after St. Johns.””
— Greg Burlin / Brown University
 
  • Conrad Bolston - Maryland, Packers and Vikings
  • Mike Ward - Akron
  • Drew Luongo - UPenn
  • Peter White - Maryland
  • Korey Neal - Eastern Michigan
  • Chris Hopkins - UMass
  • Greg Burlin - Brown
  • Andre Monroe - Maryland
  • Tony Tucker - Pitt
  • Kortlan Jackson - North Carolina A&T
  • Deante Williams - Norfolk State
  • Dominico McIntosh - JMU
  • Nate Luongo - Catholic
  • Marcus Bolston - Catholic
  • Ned Bent - Bucknell
  • Kevin McReylonds - UCLA
  • Mitchell Kirsch - JMU
  • Max Onyenwe - Robert Morris
  • Devante Brooks - Tennessee
  • Calvin Ashley - Auburn
  • Terrell Hall - Alabama
  • Tyree Johnson - Texas AM
  • Kofi Wardlow - Maryland
  • Eric Assoua - Western Michigan
  • Stanley Hubbard - UCONN
  • Micah Royster - Albany
  • Collin Wallish - Delaware
 
““Coach Ward is a phenomenal offensive line coach. His emphasis on fundamentals not only made me a better high school offensive lineman, but it also prepared me for the college level. He has the rare ability to break down and teach the intricacies of offensive line play in ways that anyone can learn. His love and passion for the game is contagious and something that has stayed with me throughout my career. I can honestly say that I arrived at the college level with a leg up because of Coach Ward.””
— Drew Luongo / University of Pennsylvania
Pat Ward

Coach Pat Ward

Pat has been the Offensive Line Coach at St. John’s College High School for the past 17 years.

As a player, Coach Ward was a two-time football All-Met and All-American recipient at St. John’s College High School. A four-year starter at The University of Maryland, Coach Ward was an All-Conference ACC player and the recipient of the prestigious A.V. Williams Award given to the UMD football player demonstrating outstanding sportsmanship. Pat has recently been inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame at St. John’s College High School.

In 2009, he was voted assistant football coach of the year by DCSportsFan. As a coach he has meet with great success with at least one lineman being named first-team all-conference in each of his 17 years at St. John’s. He has Coached 25 First-Team All-Conference Linemen in 17 years and Coached Ten First-Team or Second-Team All-Metropolitan Linemen (as determined by The Washington Post) as well as 6 All Americans and one NFL player.

He was also a Assistant Coach for the 2013 Under Armour All American Game.

Mike Ward

Coach Mike Ward

Prior to joining the St. John’s staff in 2012, Coach Ward started every game (48 total) for all four years at the University of Akron as both a guard and a center. He was named team captain his senior year and then went on to play for both the Orlando Predators and the Cleveland Gladiators of the Arena Football League. A two- time first-team all-conference lineman at St. John’s, Coach Ward received the Mush Dubofsky Award as a senior, was named the Old Spice Red Zone Player of the Year for D.C., and was named team captain. A two-way player, he achieved the remarkable feat of leading the team in tackles from his defensive line position. As a student at St. John’s, he was elected vice president of the student body and set the bar for all future anchormen as one of the best personalities of all-time on the SJC Daily News show. He also assists his older brother, Pat, with the Ward Line Academy.

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