Otten's supporters unite to help cause

Seeing Dan Otten running was as common as hearing the birds chirp in the morning.

It didn't matter - winter, spring, summer and fall; heat or cold; dry weather or rain - Otten would be out running.

Last year, while making my way to Tiffin's Frost-Kalnow Stadium for the Celina girls soccer team's state semifinal match, I knew I was close to the facility when I spotted Otten running down a sidewalk for a quick jog before the match.

For many years, Otten has coached numerous runners for Celina's cross country and track programs and also was a longtime soccer coach for the school.

"He has done so much for everyone in the community," former Celina runner Micah Engle said. "I remember when I ran, there were kids who couldn't afford (running) shoes or (track) spikes. Otten would go out of his way to make sure they had everything they needed. He's a giving person."

Now, former Celina athletes and friends are looking to help give back to Otten in his time of need.

After having suffered pain while running earlier this year, Otten was diagnosed with chondrosarcoma - a cancerous tumor - in his right hip. In June, Otten went to the James Cancer Center on the campus of The Ohio State University to have a hemipelvecular hip amputation and flail hip construction. The surgery not only successfully removed the cancer but due to the reconstruction also shortened his right leg two to three inches - and ended his running career.

Otten spent two weeks in Columbus in recovery and then three weeks at Briarwood in Coldwater before moving in with his brother, Coldwater football coach Chip Otten, and his wife Diane, before finally being able to return to his home in Celina in August.

A hip brace, which is scheduled to be removed very soon, has limited his mobility. Regardless, Otten returned to coach the Bulldogs' cross country team at the start of the season. In practices and meets, he has used crutches for short walks and a motorized vehicle to follow the team while they run. Celina head track and field coach Eric Wagner, who had been coached by Otten in high school, worked out with the team.

Engle, whose mother Lore Long had run for Otten and later coached the team when Otten served as athletic director, wanted to have a fundraising 5K run to help alleviate some of the financial burden due to his medical bills and rehabilitation expenses.

"My mom had breast cancer, so I know how much the treatment is," said Engle. "I started a Facebook page and many people liked and joined the page. People were messaging me about how they could help and what he needed. I had the idea to do a 5K, but I am getting married and there is so much to plan. A few people on Facebook talked to the school and got more help."

With more former Otten athletes coming on board to help coordinate, the run/walk event called "Trotten for Otten" will take place Oct. 1 at the Mercer County Fairgrounds.

Chicken and pork chop dinners will be on sale starting at 5 p.m. that evening. The walk/run begins at 7:30 p.m. with a social time to talk with Otten following the run.

Cost to run is $25 per person, which includes a shirt, glow necklace and running bib, or $100 for five or more immediate family members. To get the shirt, entrants must register by Sept. 14. Signing up on the day of the race is $25 per person and $100 per family without a shirt. Shirts are also available for $12. All proceeds will go towards Otten's medical expenses. More information can be obtained by sending an email to ottenfunrun@gmail.com.