Xavier sophomore Benjamin Ford is the embodiment of the walk-on spirit, a talented and passionate student-athlete who chased his dream to a great university and has made good in numerous ways. 

Ford, a native of Glen Allen, Virginia, and a graduate of Hermitage High School in nearby Henrico, joined both the men's cross country and track teams during the 25-26 school year following a walk-on tryout, and the success has continued ever since. 

Most recently, he competed in and finished first in the 39th UNCF Walk for Education - New Orleans, a local 5k that supports students and historically Black colleges and universities. 



Routinely the Gold Rush's best performer in distance races - he placed in the top 40 in last year's Red River Athletic Conference Cross Country Championship Match and this year's Battle for New Orleans, and was fourth at the Loyola Dirt Classic - Ford has now become the cross country team captain and a scholarship student-athlete. 

On the track, Ford has also won numerous medals, running in races such as the 3,000 meters and 4x800 relay.