Mastin Named SAC Coach of Character

The Sooner Athletic Conference selected OBU track and field coach Ford Mastin as its Coach of Character for 2012-13.

"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."

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 5 core values in the NAIA's Champions of Character program.

He promotes team, student led bible studies and emphasis 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 foster 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. This fall he took OBU team members to speak at a local Shawnee Elementary school on how the team tries to be Champions of Character.

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

The highlight season came in 2007 when the women won the Indoor National Championship and the men won the Outdoor National Championship. Along with the Championships came National Coach of the Year awards to bring Mastin's total to five - one each in 1998, 2005 and 2012, and two in 2007.

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 in 1979. He became 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.

Ford and his wife, Terri, have three children, Linsey, Trevor, and Kaeley.