Payton Vanderkooi returned to the Otterbein Football program for his second as an assistant coach in 2022, once again helping the wide receivers. He previously served as a grad assistant in 2019 and 2020.
A 2018 undergraduate of Otterbein, Vanderkooi remained with the program after competing four years as a slot receiver. He played in 33 total games for the Cardinals, fighting through various injuries but still ultimately contributing career numbers of 56 catches, 881 yards and nine touchdowns.
Vanderkooi was selected by the coaching staff to wear the No. 5 as a senior, given to an upperclassmen that best represents positive values of the program. The tradition helps carry on the presence of former Cardinal Josh Worthington, who wore the number as a freshman before a tragic car accident took his life in 2004.
Despite missing half of his senior seasons, Vanderkooi still led the team in receiving yards and touchdowns while finishing third in total catches.
A native of Mount Gilead, Vanderkooi holds coaching experience at his high school and earned a degree in sport management from Otterbein. He also completed his master’s of education while on staff.
