Long-time Oakland University trainer will be honored on Saturday By staff reports

ROCHESTER >> Oakland University Athletics and the men’s basketball team will celebrate longtime athletic trainer Tom Ford Saturday, when the Golden Grizzlies take on Chicago State at 3 p.m.
Ford announced in May he would be stepping away from his duties due to being diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Ford spent 30 years at Oakland providing outstanding treatment to thousands of student-athletes during his tenure.
Ford came to Oakland in 1988 and immediately began working with the men’s and women’s basketball teams, along with the day-to-day duties of the athletic training office as the university’s only athletic trainer. In June 2012, Ford was recognized as the Michigan Athletic Trainer’s Society’s (MATS) Distinguished Athletic Trainer Award honoree for his superlative service to the field. He has worked with men’s basketball ever since his arrival, and finished his 30th season on the bench for the Golden Grizzlies a season ago.
In 2016-17 he also primarily worked with women’s soccer, as well as the men’s and women’s golf teams.
“Tom Ford is an institution at this university,” said Director of Athletics Jeff Konya. “He is always welcome within these walls and we owe him and his family a debt of gratitude.”
There will be an exclusive offer for former student-athletes for a $30 package that includes a reserved seat game ticket, Tom Ford bobblehead and a donation to the Team TFord Strong Foundation. Former student-athletes can purchase a reserved seat for $10 while supplies last.
Limited edition Tom Ford bobbleheads will be available to the general public for $20 with proceeds benefitting the Ford family.