The Sandhills Community College (SCC) Flyers will have a new captain at the helm of its athletic department and its four NJCAA DIII collegiate teams, including men’s basketball, men’s golf, women’s volleyball, and women’s beach volleyball programs. Joshua “Tito” Ward has been named the new athletic director (AD) and will replace long-time director Mike Apple, who is stepping down as AD but remains as the men’s current head basketball coach.
Ward has been employed with SCC since 2022 and most recently served as the Director of Foundation Outreach and Foundation Athletics Coordinator. During that time, he has dedicated his career to supporting student success and advancing athletics. His efforts in community engagement and major gifts fundraising have helped strengthen the Flyers’ athletic programs and enhance resources for student-athletes.
“We are thrilled to welcome Tito as our new Flyers athletic director,” said Dr. Germaine Brandt Elkins, vice president, engagement and executive director, SCC Foundation, in a press release. “Tito’s track record of leadership and proven commitment to the success of our athletics programs, as well as the academic success of our student athletes, aligns perfectly with the college’s mission and vision. As athletic director, I’m confident he will elevate our Flyers programs and engage the community in new and exciting ways.”
As a proud military brat, whose father retired from the U.S. Army at Fort Bragg, Ward grew up in Fayetteville with a deep appreciation for service, discipline and teamwork. He was a student-athlete as the quarterback and center fielder at 71st High School and later as a member of the Fayetteville State University football team, winning back-to-back CIAA championships. In 2024, he was honored to be inducted into the FSU Athletic Hall of Fame as part of that 2002 championship team.
“I’ve always believed that athletics is about more than competition – it’s about character, community and creating opportunities,” said Ward. “My journey as a student-athlete helped shape who I am, and I want our Flyers to have that same foundation of integrity, helpfulness, resilience, and excellence. With the generous support of our local businesses, community members, and amazing support from our president, faculty, staff and students, I see endless possibilities to continue the path of elevating our athletic programs at SCC. I’m honored to serve in this role alongside such amazing coaches and staff. This is an exciting time to help write the next chapter in the already well-respected Flyers’ history.”
It’s rare for community colleges to host athletic teams since athletes do not get scholarships at the DIII NJCAA level, and the programs do not receive state funding. All funding is raised through the SCC Foundation through loyal donors and corporate support. More than 100 students participate in athletics at SCC and maintain some of the highest GPAs on campus. Many move on to four-year institutions to continue their sport.
SCC athletics have made a national mark with all teams earning a spot to compete in NJCAA National Tournaments throughout the years. These appearances have yielded eight team national titles, two individual national titles and a best in the nation NJCAA sportsmanship award, including six men’s golf, two men’s basketball, with two individual women golfers, and a women’s court volleyball national sportsmanship award. SCC currently competes in four sports in the NJCAA.
Apple joined the Flyers program in 2011 as the head men’s basketball coach and took them straight to a national title in his first year coaching the program. He later assumed athletic director responsibilities in 2018.
“We are appreciative of Coach Apple serving as the AD and the years of commitment he has offered to the role while leading a championship basketball team,” said Elkins. “We look forward to his continued success and excitement on the court. In addition, we are so appreciative of Ryan Riggan, Associate AD for the Flyers program, who will continue in his role in offering excellent execution for athletic operations. He has a very integral role and one that is the glue to the success of our athletic programs. I’m excited to see our continued successes flourish.”
Ward is a proud husband to Shenika Ward and father to Maya Jo, 13, and Joshua II, 10. A lover of history, he also enjoys tinkering with his classic cars, playing golf, and spending quality time with family and friends.
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Contributed article/photo.
