OBU's Ford Mastin Named NAIA's 2013-14 Coach Of Character

The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) has selected Oklahoma Baptist track and field coach Ford Mastin as the 2013-14 Coach of Character.

"We're delighted that Coach Mastin is recognized with this award," said OBU Director of Athletics Robert Davenport. "He has been a man of integrity and a strong positive role model for our athletes."

Mastin was nominated last year as the Sooner Athletic Conference Coach of Character. As a top-three national vote-getter for last year's award, he was automatically brought back as a nominee for this year's honor.

Each fall semester at OBU, Mastin organizes Champions of Character team meetings several nights where OBU track alumni return to speak to the team on the five core values (integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship and servant leadership) in the NAIA's Champions of Character program.

He promotes team, student-led bible studies and emphasizes spiritual growth. Mastin demonstrates integrity as he practices what he preaches, attending and periodically leading the coaches' bible study.

Working through long days, Mastin tirelessly fosters a family atmosphere within the team. He promotes good sportsmanship and is slow to anger - showing grace and leading by example.

Mastin organizes community outreach opportunities. Last fall, he took OBU team members to speak at a local Shawnee Elementary school about how the team tries to be Champions of Character.

Mastin is a nine-time NAIA National Coach of the Year with eight NAIA national championships since starting with the Bison in the 1996-97 campaign.

His teams won the men's indoor title in 2013, the women's indoor titles in 2013, 2011, 2010, 2007 and 2005, the men's outdoor crown in 2007 and the women's outdoor national championship in 2012.

Since arriving in 1996-1997, the OBU cross country and track programs have produced more than 300 All-American awards under Mastin, who was named OBU's Most Promising Teacher in 2001.

Mastin, who has a master of divinity degree from Southwestern Theological seminary and a master of education degree from East Central University, is a 1977 graduate of OBU. He lettered in track from 1973-1977 and was captain and most valuable athlete in his senior season.

His coaching career began at Texas Christian University as assistant track and head cross country coach in 1979. He became a teacher and coach at Happy Hill Academy in 1980-1981. From 1982-1996, Mastin served as track, cross country, and assistant football coach at Prague High School in Oklahoma. While there, he coached 13 All-State award winners.

He was named Oklahoma Track Coach of the year and USA Track and Field representative of Olympic development in Oklahoma in 1994.