Providence's Ryan Ward to Play in Nationally Televised All-American Bowl

The rich tradition of football will add a first this year: Offensive lineman Ryan Ward will be the first Celtic to take part in the nationall televised All-American Bowl, which takes 90 of the best high school players in the country.

The game is sponsored by the U.S. Army, and members from the game traveled to New Lenox last week to announce Ward's selection, according to a school news release. The game is Jan. 7, 2012, at the Alamodome in San Antonio. It will be televised live on NBC at noon CST.

Ward, of Homer Glen, is the son of Brian and Laurel Ward of Homer Glen. He has committed to playing football at the University of Iowa, where he plans to major in kinesiology.

The honor roll student is a Sacristan and Eucharistic Minister.  In addition, he is a member of the Augustinian Youth Ministry and the National Honor Society. Ward is a 6-foot-5, 280-pound offensive tackle and was a two-year varsity starter.

READ: "Big Victory Helps Providence Forget 2010 Football Misery."

The announcement was made in front of the entire school following an all-school Mass. Ward was presented with a personalized football jersey and cap from Master Sgt. Mark Hayes and Sgt. John Harper.

Providence coach Mark Coglianese was also invited to attend the three-day U.S. Army Coaches Academy and participate in the game week activities. The Celtics open the Class 7A state playoffs at 7 p.m. Friday at Wheaton Warrenville South.