Coach Ted Wolford, legendary Upper Arlington lacrosse coach, dies at 66; community mourns his legacy and mentorship.
Coach Ted Wolford, the legendary Upper Arlington boy’s lacrosse coach, passed away on May 28, 2026, at the age of 66, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered for generations.
Wolford was more than a coach; he was a mentor, leader, and community figure who transformed Upper Arlington into one of the most dominant lacrosse programs in the nation.
His career began as an assistant coach before he took over the head coaching role in 1992, and over the next 24 years, he guided the Golden Bears to an extraordinary 460–61 record, boasting an .883 winning percentage.
Under his leadership, the team captured 16 Ohio state championships, including five consecutive titles from 2004 to 2008 and three straights from 2012 to 2014.
Beginning in 1993, his squads appeared in 18 consecutive state finals, a streak that cemented Upper Arlington’s reputation as a powerhouse in high school lacrosse.
His contributions to the sport were recognized in 2008 when he was inducted into the Ohio Lacrosse Hall of Fame, a testament to his enduring influence.
Even after stepping down as head coach in 2016, Wolford remained on staff as an assistant under Kyle Olson, one of his former players, continuing to mentor athletes and support the program.
Beyond the victories, Wolford was remembered for the values he instilled in his players character, teamwork, and respect.
He shaped the lives of countless young athletes, many of whom carried those lessons into their personal and professional lives.
His influence extended beyond Upper Arlington, helping to grow lacrosse across central Ohio. He coached at Hastings and Jones middle schools before leading Upper Arlington High School, succeeding his brother Bill Wolford, another influential coach who passed away in 2021.
Together, the Wolford brothers helped build the foundation of lacrosse in the region. In recognition of his impact, Upper Arlington named its lacrosse field Ted Wolford Field in 2017, ensuring his legacy would be permanently honored.
Following his death, tributes poured in from across the state. Flowers were placed on the turf during the UA girls’ Division I, Region 3 final, and a moment of silence was observed.
Rival teams, former players, and colleagues shared messages of condolence, describing him as a “legend” whose influence went far beyond wins and championships.
The Upper Arlington lacrosse program asked the community to keep his wife Vickie, siblings, and the extended “3132 family” in their thoughts.
The “3132 family” refers to two former UA players who died of brain cancer, a cause close to Wolford’s heart. His compassion and commitment to honoring those players reflected the depth of his care for the people around him.
Wolford’s passing marks the end of an era in Ohio lacrosse, but his legacy will endure in the athletes he mentored, the championships he won, and the values he instilled.
He was more than a coaches was a builder of community, a mentor to countless young people, and a symbol of dedication and excellence.
His influence will continue to resonate in Upper Arlington and beyond, ensuring that his memory lives on in the sport he loved and the lives he touched.
