The unofficial online home for fans of the UAB Blazers. Part of Collegiate Sports Nation (CSN).

Terrible news. Torrey was one of the few UAB players I ever actually went to see play when he was in high school. One of my favorite Blazers. Prayers go out to him and his family.

Torrey Ward is trending nationally on twitter.

A lot of people cared about him.

After one of his many spectacular dunks, I would tell my son that's not Torrey Ward. That's Mister Ward to us.

My two favorite UAB basketball players, Carlos Williams and Torrey Ward, are playing ball in heaven today.

(04-07-2015 01:36 PM)KevMo4UAB Wrote:  After one of his many spectacular dunks, I would tell my son that's not Torrey Ward. That's Mister Ward to us.

My two favorite UAB basketball players, Carlos Williams and Torrey Ward, are playing ball in heaven today.

With Larry Rembert, Alan Ogg, Michael Charles and Anthony Thomas. Coached by Coach Gene And Coach Catlin, they are taking on all comers.

This is very sad news. I remember Torrey very fondly as a great Blazer. I loved to watch him play. He could really get up there, one of the best Blazer dunkers ever. He was a true high flyer on the court and of high character as a human being. What a tragedy. My sympathies go out to his family and friends. May his soul be with God.

Great guy. Awful news.

Tribute from Sheppard Smith on Fox News

http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2015/...cart_river

UAB Head Coach Jerod Haase Statement On Torrey Ward:
“I am deeply saddened about the loss of Torrey Ward. He and I have developed a great relationship over the last three years, and I have the utmost respect for him as a coach and a friend. He truly was a rising star in this profession, but was an even better person. I think the world of his mom (Janice), as well as his entire family. We will keep them all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”

I keep thinking back to the game we played against Illinois State back in early December. I remember thinking at the time that it seemed appropriate that a game against a Torrey Ward-coached team would turn into a dunkfest at both ends of the court. I didn't feel too bad about the loss, because that was one of the early games where our young guys seemed to be pulling together.

When I got home, I watched it again on the DVR, and the announcers talked about how Torrey directed the team bus through downtown so that he could show his players where he went to high school (the now-closed Phillips building). He obviously had a lot of pride for his hometown and his alma mater, and it made losing to his Redbirds a lot less painful.

The tragedy of losing someone like that at such a young age is hard to wrap my mind around.

I actually traded several emails with Torrey Ward in October of 2013. I shared a highlight film of a kid from Parrish High School. We exchanged a few emails talking about how he had heard a lot about this young fellow. He said that he wanted more "southern cats" up there and inquired about how they could get involved in his recruitment. It wasn't anything spectacular but he come off as very personable through email.

I'm guessing we haven't finalized next year's schedule. A memorial game should be in order.

Don't we play at Illinois St next year? I know it's on the road, but that would be a fitting time. Or, we could wear a jersey patch with a TW or a 3.

I like the idea of doing something in coordination with Illinois State to honor for that game. However, I'm not sure we should do a season long thing or a special game. Only because we have never done anything like that for other players who have died.

A video tribute would be very special.

Torrey represented UAB well. He was a good assist man and a tough defender who ran the entire floor
well. He went to the basket aggressively blocking shots on one end while getting assists and offensive
put backs on the other. He was a leader that always "emptied the tank" giving us the best that he had.
Off the top of my head he was to us then what Tyler Madison is to us now.
Truly the Blazer family has lost a jewel and I count myself blessed to have had the chance to share
an arena with him.
My condolences to his family during this time as I add my prayers to the others going up for you all.

By the way you can see Torrey racing down the floor at around the :55 second mark of the 30th
anniversary video.

(04-07-2015 01:54 PM)Memphis Blazer Wrote:  

(04-07-2015 01:36 PM)KevMo4UAB Wrote:  After one of his many spectacular dunks, I would tell my son that's not Torrey Ward. That's Mister Ward to us.

My two favorite UAB basketball players, Carlos Williams and Torrey Ward, are playing ball in heaven today.

With Larry Rembert, Alan Ogg, Michael Charles and Anthony Thomas. Coached by Coach Gene And Coach Catlin, they are taking on all comers.

Your best post EVER!

Torrey was no doubt a great guy. I had a couple of classes with him and he always had a smile on his face and cracking jokes. He was a great basketball player, a great dad to his kids, and a great person. We don't have enough great people in this world and we lost one yesterday. Sad day indeed for the Blazer' Red Bird Family.

From Torrey's mother Janice:

https://twitter.com/Fox6Clare/status/585...90624?s=09