Robert Ford, Jr. - State Coordinator

Bob has been a teacher at Fairfield Prep in Fairfield CT since graduating from Fairfield University in 1977. A swimmer in high school, Bob swam and played football at Fairfield University. He took up running after graduating to satisfy the need for physical activity and competition. Since then he has run over 50,000 miles, done 11 marathons, competed in dozens of triathlons and most recently has taken up mountain bike racing. If it is an endurance sport, Bob is interested!

Bob has also been the Cross Country and Track coach at Fairfield Prep for the last 20 years. During this time his teams have won three state championships, been runners-up four times, and had 20 all-state runners including one all-American. Many of his runners have gone on to compete in college and have turned their running into a life-long activity. He recently retired as Track coach, but continues to coach a Cross Country team that routinely has over 60 runners each year.

Bob started at Prep as a Biology teacher, earned a Masters degree from Harvard University, and later a certificate of advanced study from Fairfield University. In addition to Biology, Bob has taught Chemistry, Environmental Science, and most recently he is a full-time Physics teacher. He also teaches two courses at Fairfield University - Ecology & Society, and The Physics of Sports.

Bob is married for over 25 years to Peggy Ford. They have 4 children - Daniel, a cadet at West Point, Andrew, a student at Boston University's School of Communication, Colleen, an honor student at St. Joseph's High School, and Emma, a 7th grader.

Bob's interest in Coast to Coast: A Run for Survivorship comes from its challenge and its cause. Christian McEvoy's effort will require excellent preparation both physically and logistically, areas in which Bob can help. Bob's only regret is that he won't be able to join Christian in his effort.