Charlie Ward is a Thomas County Central legend for his smashing success as a prep star, collegiate star and professional athlete. He was named the 1987 AJC Class 3A Offensive Player of the Year after passing for 1,891 yards and 16 touchdowns, while picking up 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns rushing during his senior season. He led Thomas County Central, then known as Central Thomasville, to consecutive regional titles and semifinal appearances in 1986 and 1987. Ward then became a Florida State University icon, winning the Heisman Trophy, Maxwell Award, Davey O’Brien Award and led the Seminoles to their first national championship, all in 1993. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2006. Ward rejoined the Florida State basketball team just 15 days after winning the football national championship and averaged a career high in points per game. He holds the Florida State basketball record in steals (238) and ranks ninth in assists (396). Despite his success on the gridiron, he went the basketball route and was selected in the first round of the 1994 NBA Draft by New York. He played 11 seasons in the NBA as a point guard with the Knicks, San Antonio Spurs and Houston Rockets and started in the 1999 NBA Finals for New York.
