METHUEN TO RETIRE DAN FORD’S FOOTBALL NUMBER
The Late Star Running Back Will Have His Number Retired at Friday Night’s Game

Methuen will retire the number of Dan Ford on Friday, September 25, 2009 during half time of the Methuen vs. Billerica football game. Game starts at 7 p.m. The former star running back died of cancer at the age of 40 earlyer this year.

Dan Ford, a member of the Methuen High School Class of 1988, was an outstanding three-sport athlete whose incomparable dedication, enthusiasm, passion, and athletic prowess set him apart from his peers. Though he ran spring track where he distinguished himself as one of the area’s finest quarter milers, and was a power forward on the hockey team scoring thirty-two goals and thirty-six assists, his favorite sport was football where he excelled on the gridiron. A natural leader, Dan was elected a tri-captain of both his football and hockey teams.

During his junior and senior seasons, Dan ran for over a thousand yards. For that effort, he was honored by sportscaster Mike Lynch with the “High Five Award.” Dan also was named to the Merrimack Valley All-Conference Team. He was also named Methuen High’s Athlete of the Year in 1988. Those who played with Dan remember that he led his teams by both his tenacity and skilled example. Many of his former teammates will be on hand for Friday night’s cerimony.

Inducted into the Methuen High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 1997, Dan Ford stands as a remarkable role model for those who will follow. Only one other superb athlete, Michael Jozokos, Class of 1981, has been honored by having his football number retired. Dan will now join Mike in this elite category as his number #42 is retired. “The entire City of Methuen salutes Dan Ford’s superlative accomplishments as well as his courage,” said Methuen Mayor William M. Manzi, III. “This promises to be a moving night for the Methuen Rangers as well as Dan’s many friends and family members.”