Offensive Coordinator Dustin Ward Recalls "First Time" as Illini QB

September 4, 2010

September 4, 2010, Greencastle, Ind. — "All quarterbacks have a first time," begins an article previewing the first game of the football season today for the University of Illinois and its new QB, Nathan Scheelhaase. Bob Asmussen writes, "During the past two decades, Illinois first-time starting quarterbacks have had different levels of success, teamwise and personally."

The story later notes that Dustin Ward became the Illini's signal caller when he replaced the "injured Kurt Kittner in the final game of the 2000 season. Ward, now the offensive coordinator at DePauw, had a solid game in a blowout loss to Northwestern."

"I remember it being very cold," Ward says. "They won the Big Ten that day. They got a piece of the crown." Illinois Helmet.jpg

The text continues, "Ward said Scheelhaase has to trust the offense and his coaches. And don't try to do more than he's capable. 'Have fun out there,' Ward said."

Access the complete piece by clicking here.

Dustin Ward enters his fourth season as the Tigers' offensive coordinator after previously serving as the running backs coach during the 2004 season.

Ward came to DePauw from St. Joseph's (Indiana) College where he was the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach during the 2006 season. He also worked as a recruiting assistant at Indiana University in 2005.

Fball Home gen 2007.JPG A 2003 University of Illinois graduate, Ward earned a bachelor of science degree in leisure studies/sports management. The Champaign, Illinois, native played 22 games at quarterback and started nine during his Illini career. He completed just over 54 percent of his career passes for nearly 2,000 yards and 13 touchdowns.