Although the name Lloyd Ward may not be spoken in the same breath as U.S. Olympians, the 1970 MSU graduate will play an important role in the 2002 Winter Olympic Games.

Ward was appointed Nov. 1 to serve as the chief executive officer of the U.S. Olympic Committee.

He’ll oversee much of the activity that starts tonight in Salt Lake City, which hosts the start of the Winter Games.

After receiving his degree in mechanical engineering, Ward accepted an engineering position at Proctor & Gamble. From there he became the division president of Frito-Lay for Pepsico Inc. and CEO of Maytag.

Ward, 52, said he owes a lot of his success to his family and all the experiences he had growing up in Romulus.

He said despite living in a 400 square-foot house with no running water until he was 13, the family’s struggles were outweighed by love and support.

“I learned so much from my family growing up,” Ward said. “My father was a driven man who cared for his family.”

Ward’s father worked as a mail carrier, janitor and minister to help support his family. Ward said he still uses one piece of advice his father gave him.

“He told me anything you see in your mind and feel in your heart - you can do,” Ward said.

He said he was close to his older brothers, Rubert Jr. and Delbert, and younger sisters Cheryle and Vivian. He said he learned a lot from them.

Rubert Ward Jr. wasn’t around much as the oldest sibling, but said he still knew his brother was going to do big things.

“I am tremendously proud of all his achievements,” Rubert Ward Jr. said. “He has taken the values instilled by mom and dad and it’s worked wonders.”

Rubert Ward Jr. said he remembers one story growing up that personified Ward’s determination.

“One summer he broke his right arm playing basketball, so he played the rest of the summer with just his left arm,” he said.

“After that he was just awesome, no one could stop him.”

After being a successful student-athlete at Romulus High School, Ward became the first in his family to attend college.

Ward accepted a scholarship to play basketball at MSU in the late 1960s, but said he realized from day one an education was more important.

“I was 5-foot-11, quick and competitive, but I knew I didn’t have an opportunity to play in the NBA, like most players today do,” Ward said.

With that in mind, instead of trying to be the next basketball star, Ward used the abilities he had.

Ward said he enjoyed his time at MSU and wouldn’t trade it for the world.

“I had a terrific time at MSU,” Ward said. “It was an incredible journey and MSU prepared me for the corporate world 31 years later.”

Rich Jordan, Ward’s teammate and roommate throughout much of their college days, said he remembers the first time he met Ward.

“I saw him walking out of an intramural building, and I think when he saw me he thought I was his competition,” Jordan said.

The two got along pretty well, but one night in particular seemed to change their relationship, Jordan said.

He said he remembers Ward having trouble with his first roommate, who seemed to have a problem with Ward being black, so Jordan offered him a chance to talk about it.

“After two or three hours of talking I really liked him and immediately asked him to move in - and he was there forever,” Jordan said.

While the two attended school, there was a lot of racial tension on campus, but Jordan said he could relate with Ward because he too was a minority.

“Being Jewish, I think I knew what it was like to be prejudiced against,” he said. “I understood how people felt.”

Jordan, who now resides in Sarasota, Fla., said he and Ward are still close - they played golf together last summer.

“He always does what’s right,” Jordan said. “He doesn’t feel like he has to be everything to anybody.

“I truthfully am glad he’s more successful than me.”

Former MSU basketball coach Gus Ganakas said it was a pleasure to recruit and coach Ward.

“He personified what a student-athlete is,” Ganakas said. “He wasn’t a real big guy, but he played with savvy and was competitive - he was a real team player.”

Ganakas, who coached from 1969-75, said Ward was that as a senior and made the sacrifice to come off the bench, despite being co-captain.

Ganakas only coached Ward one year, but saw the respect he got and never had to worry about him.

“He was the type of player that Tom Izzo would like,” Ganakas said. “He was tough-minded and had all the intangibles, as well as the physical skills - that’s what created his success.”

That success continues today.

Ward said he’s excited about being the CEO of the U.S. Olympic Committee, but he’s approaching his position a little differently than his previous leadership roles.

“I don’t think of myself as the CEO, I think of myself as a coach,” Ward said. “I am here to be very effective and help others.”

Ward said he isn’t the most important part of the Olympics, insisting it’s the athletes who train hard and have the desire to win.

He said he’s responsible for working with the committee to field the Olympic and Paralympic teams.

Ward summed up his anticipation with another glimpse of his determination and competitive nature.

“It’s medal time,” he said.

Ryan Wallace can be reached at wallac89@msu.edu.