Ford to step down as Director of Cross Country/Track and Field

WESTERVILLE – After twelve years at the helm of the Otterbein track and field and cross country programs, Dara Ford will resign at the conclusion of the season to pursue another opportunity.

Ford has led the Cardinals to a successful run as the Director of Cross Country/Track and Field, earning seven cross country titles between the men's and women's programs. Most recently, she coached the men's team to the 2025 OAC Cross Country Championship, Payne Ratliff to an individual title, and earned the OAC Coaching Staff of the Year honor.

From 2015-18, Ford led the Cardinal women's cross country team to four straight OAC Championships, spending multiple weeks in the national rankings, peaking at No. 11. Under her tutelage, Otterbein secured team berths at the NCAA Championships in both 2017 and 2018. She won the Division III Women's Ohio Coach of the Year Award three times (2015, 2016, 2017).

"I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunities that Otterbein gave me to grow as a coach and as a person. I'm thankful to have had the chance to work with some amazing people and mentor some exceptional athletes over the years," said Ford. "Count me as one of the lucky people forever changed by my experience as a Cardinal."

On the track, she coached the women's team to the 2018 and 2019 OAC Indoor Track and Field Championships. For both seasons, Ford was the head coach of the staff named the OAC Coaching Staff of the Year.

"Dara did an excellent job leading the Otterbein cross country and track and field programs for the past twelve years," added Dr. Greg Lott, Director of Athletics. "Her efforts have elevated the program and created a strong foundation for future success. We are grateful for her service and wish her well in her new endeavor."

Ford will continue coaching the Cardinals through the NCAA Division III National Championships. A national search for her replacement is underway.

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Players Mentioned

Payne Ratliff: Distance; Senior

Players Mentioned

Payne Ratliff
: Senior
: Distance