Rhode Island College

Zach Ford ’20 begins his first season as an assistant wrestling coach at Rhode Island College.
 
"We are very blessed to have Zach return to the program,” Head Coach Jay Jones said. “During one of our most challenging times in the program, Zach demonstrated unwavering leadership and tremendous competitive spirit. After gaining some perspective and experience at the high school level, Zach is still very passionate and driven to bring the program to the next level. We were proud that, as an alumnus, he won both the most dedicated and most improved awards when he wrestled here, which again are a testament to his will to do what it takes."
 
"I am thrilled to return to Rhode Island College and join the outstanding coaching staff!” Ford said. “I am truly grateful for the opportunity to give back to the program that has given so much to me. I look forward to contributing to the growth and development of our dedicated student-athletes."
 
Ford spent four years as Anchorman with the wrestling program from 2016-20. He racked up 43 wins and 12 pins. As a senior in 2019-20, Ford earned All-Region honors at 165 lbs. with an eighth place finish at the NCAA Div. III Northeast Regional Championship.
 
Prior to transferring into Rhode Island College, Ford attended both Johnson & Wales and Daytona Beach Community College.
 
Following his athletic career at Rhode Island College, Ford began his professional career in education. He returned to New Bedford High School (Mass.), where he volunteered throughout his college years, and became an assistant coach for one season (2020-2021), where he helped coach the Whalers to a second place finish in the Massachusetts State Dual Championships.
 
Ford then took over the Putnam High School (Conn.) wrestling program as the head coach, where he was at the helm for the last four seasons (2021-25). With the program still in its infancy, Ford built up the program from scratch, as well as starting the Northeast Connecticut Storm Wrestling Club. During his tenure with Putnam wrestling, Ford helped the Clippers to a number of program firsts, including their first dual meet win, along with 11 Eastern Connecticut Athletic Conference place-winners and seven Connecticut Class S State Championship place-winners and State Open qualifiers.
 
Ford earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Rhode Island College in 2020 and an MEd. from Hartford in 2024. He is currently a special education teach at Putnam High School.