Clarks Summit, PA - After almost a full season off, Matt Ford has decided to rejoin the Defender cross country team, but in a new role. An avid runner and loves the thrill of the sport, Coach Ford recently took on the challenge of his first 100 mile race in the fall of 2022, and another in the spring of 2023. In his final semester at Clarks Summit University Coach Ford took an internship at the National Running Center in Clarks Summit. The experience allowed him to gain more knowledge on the business side of running and running equipment. This internship led to a great opportunity right out of college as he was hired to continue his role with the company.
Â
His service for the local community continued as he took on the role of engagement coordinator for Keystone Mission; a non-profit organization with a focus on transforming lives for the Homeless.
Â
Coach Ford looks forward to training his athletes and starting fresh with the Defenders cross country teams. "Clarks Summit University is very excited to welcome him back to the program as the new head coach. He is a very hard worker and a person that will be a very good coach, pushing his athletes, while coaching them to success," says Director of Athletics, Mike Show.
Â
Matt loves coffee and running, he was a well versed barista for two different cafes one of which in Utah. He has recently begun the adventure becoming a small business owner in the field, roasting and selling coffee beans of his own. Matt and his wife Tatyana, currently live in Clarks Summit since their marriage in 2022.
Â
