[1] At age 17, Ellis took up competitive racing soon he joined three of his brothers (Ellis, Henry, Josh and Gilbert) to race as a team; included in their many wins included the 1865 professional four-oared championship of America with a hard-fought victory over the Biglin Brothers.

Wards team of substitutes won the college championship of America, on Saratoga Lake.

[1] From 1892 until 1895 Ward was also absent for a four-year period when he trained rowers at the Manhattan Athletic Club in New York City.

[1] The highlight of Ward's long tenure as coach was Penn's trip to 1901 at Henley Regatta.

Ward had to change its strategy since the Penn Crew had to row a far shorter distance than they were used to.