John Foss can best be described as one who excels. Regardless of the task or challenge, be it mundane or monumental, John simply advances forward and completes the job. From his days as an NCCAA and NAIA All-American at Indiana Wesleyan University (Marion College) to his coaching campaigns that resulted in NCCAA National Championships, John's desire to serve Christ through the use of sport has never wavered.
As a student-athlete at IWU, John was a National Champion in the 1500 meters and won the NCCAA Cross Country individual title in 1979, 1981, and 1982. In Cross Country, he garnered NAIA All-American honors in 1979 and 1982 while being a 4-time NCCAA All-American (1979-1982). He added additional NCCAA All-American honors in Track & Field in 1982.
Coach Foss has served as the Head Coach of Cross Country and Track & Field at Indiana Wesleyan University since 1987. Highlighting a long list of achievements are his seven NCCAA Coach of the Year honors, one NAIA Coach of the Year award, multiple NCCAA National Championships in Cross Country and Track & Field, and a list of All-Americans that would fill several pages. He also assisted in the hosting of multiple NCCAA National Championships and, most recently, the NAIA Track & Field Championships from 2011-13.
John has given his time as an NCCAA National Chair for both Cross Country and Track & Field. He is respected by coaches and student-athletes from almost every competing team IWU has faced because of his sense of kindness and spirit of embracing competition as fellowship in which all competitors are united in the journey. "Because of John Foss, the NCCAA is a better organization within the sports of Cross Country and Track & Field," shares Greenville College head coach Brian Patton. Former IWU student-athlete and current IWU Assistant Coach, Eric Jackson, added, "When I look at my life, Coach Foss' imprint is truly in every facet of my daily walk. His impact is immeasurable and I have been blessed to be served by him and serve with him."
As a husband to Beth and father to Seth, Josh, Alyssa, and Chris, John Foss has not allowed his striving for excellence in his career to become primary over his commitment to be excellent at home. This honor is also a testament to a man who has simply got it right even when the simple was not so easy.
The NCCAA is honored to welcome John Foss into the NCCAA Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2014.