Doug Welsh served as the long-time head track and field coach at Otterbein University, leading the program for nearly two decades with passion, innovation, and a deep appreciation for teamwork.
Before joining Otterbein, Welsh spent 17 years teaching and coaching in public schools. His journey to collegiate coaching began when a dear friend approached him about joining the Otterbein staff. Despite having no prior experience in track and field, Welsh embraced the challenge, crediting a talented coaching staff—especially Dave Lehman—for helping him build a successful program.
Specializing in coaching sprinters, Welsh was known for his ability to identify athletic talent and develop it into high-level performance. That helped him and his staff produce 16 individual athletes who collectively earned 26 All-American honors.
Under his leadership, the Otterbein track and field program flourished. In 2004, both the men’s and women’s teams won the OAC Indoor and Outdoor Championships—four of the 10 total team titles captured during his tenure.
Welsh often joked that when the Rike Center was built, it felt like Otterbein had its own version of Madison Square Garden. With strong academic standards, a growing athletic reputation, and top-notch facilities, he was able to successfully recruit and develop student-athletes who embodied the Otterbein spirit.
Many of Welsh’s former athletes continued to give back, returning after graduation to assist him in coaching—an enduring testament to the relationships he built and the lasting impact he had on their lives.
