By Samantha Nevin (Whetstone contributor)

Former Wesley College standout Mike Ward’s college football career may have ended in the fall of 2009, but he has achieved every player’s dream: a second chance.

On Feb. 18, Ward will begin training as a fullback and linebacker for the Philadelphia Soul, an Arena Football League team.

Ward, who competed against 300 others at the Eagles Novacare Complex in October, officially signed with the Soul in November and will be joining 26 other players on the roster.

In 2009, Ward was named ACFC Defensive Player of the Year and was selected for the AFCA and D3football.com All-America teams.

At the Soul tryout, Ward proved himself running the 40-yard dash, position drills, and one-on-ones. Players came from all over the tri-state area.

Although Ward at 22 is the youngest player on the Soul roster, which is also made up of primarily Division 1 players, he doesn’t feel threatened.

“Well, if they’re on the same team as me then they can’t be that much better,” he said.

Vince Papale, a former walk-on for the Philadelphia Eagles and the inspiration for the 2006 movie Invincible, inspired players at the tryout, Ward said.

“Vince kept on talking about that one guy,” Ward said. “You gotta be that one guy to make it. I started to look around at the other guys and said to myself, ‘I gotta do something now.”’

The AFL (Arena Football League) is played indoors. Each player plays on both offense and defense. The game is played at a much faster pace because of its 50-yard field.

The first game for the Soul will be March 11 at 8 p.m. against the Pittsburgh Power. Of the 18 games scheduled for the Soul, Ward is most determined to play the Milwaukee Mustangs on April 4

“They called me on a two-day tryout and they cut me before the first game of last year,” he said. “They didn’t even give me a chance to show them what I can do.”

Ward will be joining two other Wesley alums on the field this year: Larry Beavers, with the Iowa Barnstormers, and Bryan Robinson with the Kansas City Command.

Wesley community has high hopes for their former defensive tackle, who also has attracted NFL attention from the Green Bay Packers, New York Jets and the Cleveland Browns.

“He will be successful in their offense,” said Coach Mike Drass. “Mike, who is 300 pounds, is really quick for his size and becomes more of a blocker and pass protection. They’ll use him to catch and run the ball as well. He is the perfect guy for arena football.”

“I couldn’t have done it without Coach Drass and the rest of my team,” Ward said.

“I want to set a good example for my little brother. Also, my mom has been through a lot. I want to give her something where she doesn’t have to struggle anymore.”