Tom Ford began his teaching and coaching career with Frederick County Public Schools in 1960. A graduate of Hereford High School, Ford was one of the first Hall of Fame inductees to be honored by the school. Excelling in soccer and baseball, he continued his athletic career at the University of Maryland. Ford was a three-year varsity soccer starter, who helped to win the 1956 ACC Championship and the 1957 regional title. A four-year member of the baseball team, Ford was a freshman starter at third base. FCPS hired Ford, and he began an amazing career at Walkersville High School: 16-year baseball coach with a 1978 state title and county and league titles, 15 years as athletic director, and eight years as a golf coach with state titles. During his AD tenure, Ford expanded the athletic program at Walkersville High.