Ward Romans

For an impressive stretch of time in Alaska high school basketball’s history, you knew where to find Ward Romans and his Nikiski girls teams.

From the early 90s to the mid-200s, Romans and the Bulldogs played in the state’s biggest games.

During Romans’ 21 years coaching at Nikiski, his teams won eight Class 3A March Madness Alaska state championships and finished runner-up once. The Bulldogs won countless Peninsula Conference titles as well.

“(Romans’) teams were always fundamentally sound and executed the little things that often make the difference in games,” said Kenai Central coach Craig Jung. “The hallmark of those teams was their defense. Teams didn’t get second shots.”

After his time at Nikiski, Romans moved to Anchorage where he coached Grace Christian for four seasons. The Grizzlies earned their first state appearance during that time.

“As an athlete, my brother was special, but as a coach he was inspiring,” Patrick Romans said. “He would never agree to what I’m saying or to the platitudes he’s received he’s always been a very humble leader.”

Romans belongs on a shortlist of the state’s greatest basketball coaches.