The Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) is an NCAA Division III conference that has been in operation since 1976. The ODAC is composed of fourteen colleges and universities in Virginia, with member schools competing in various intercollegiate athletic competitions. Initially, the conference was composed of just seven schools, but over the decades the ODAC has expanded greatly and become a major force in college athletics.
History and Significance
The ODAC had its beginnings in the wake of the Virginia State Intercollegiate Athletic Association (VSIAC). In 1976, the seven VSIAC members – Eastern Mennonite University, Emory & Henry College, Lynchburg College, Randolph-Macon Woman’s College, Sweet Briar College, Virginia Military Institute and the College of William & Mary – decided to break away from the VSIAC and formed the ODAC. It was established as a balanced conference: home schools were required to carry their full complement of athletic teams in all sports commonly offered at the time.
Since then, the ODAC has grown beyond its original seven schools, welcoming additional members from the VSIAC and other NCAA Division III schools. Now, the conference has fourteen members, each of them contributing to the mission of promoting good sportsmanship and fair play among its member institutions. The (ODAC) is dedicated to bringing out the competitive spirit of its athletes and to providing a level playing field for student-athletes of all levels of ability.
Member Institutions and Sub-Divisions
The fourteen member institutions of the ODAC are: Bridgewater College, Emory & Henry College, Eastern Mennonite University, Hampden-Sydney College, Randolph College, Randolph-Macon College, Shenandoah University, Southern Virginia University, University of Lynchburg, Virginia Wesleyan University, Washington and Lee University, Guilford College, Ferrum College and Roanoke College.
The ODAC is divided into two divisions, Division I and Division II. All members are members of both divisions except Bridgewater College, which is a member of Division I only. In Division I, Emory & Henry College, Hampden-Sydney College, Randolph College, Shenandoah University, University of Lynchburg, Virginia Wesleyan University, Washington and Lee University, and Guilford College will compete. In Division II, the remaining members, Ferrum College, Roanoke College, and Southern Virginia University will compete.
Sports and Notable Achievements
The ODAC offers team sports as well as individual sports. In team sports, the ODAC offers football, men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, softball, men’s and women’s soccer, volleyball, golf, men’s and women’s lacrosse, and men’s and women’s tennis. In addition, the conference also offers individual sports such as cross country and track & field.
The ODAC has had its share of successes. In football, the conference has sent teams to the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl four times since 1998. In women’s basketball, the ODAC has had seven appearances in the NCAA Division III Women’s Basketball Championship, with Randolph-Macon College winning the national championship in 2005. In men’s basketball, the ODAC holds the record for the most appearances in the NCAA Division III Men’s Basketball Championship, with twenty two appearances in the tournament.
Rivalries in the Conference
Rivalries in the ODAC can be found in many sports. In football, the ODAC has a long-standing rivalry between Hampden-Sydney College and Randolph-Macon College. In track & field and cross country, Guilford College and Washington and Lee University have long been arch-rivals. In women’s basketball, the rivalry between the University of Lynchburg and Randolph-Macon College is particularly intense. These rivalries have become fixtures in the conference, and make for some great spectator sports.
Conference Governance and Championship Events
The Old Dominion Athletic Conference is governed by a Board of Directors, composed of representatives from each member institution. The Board of Directors is responsible for setting league policies and regulations, as well as for overseeing the conference’s yearly championship events. The championship events are held annually for all sports across both the Division I and Division II divisions. At each event, the top four teams in each division compete in single-elimination tournaments for the conference championships.
The Role of the ODAC
The Old Dominion Athletic Conference has played an important role in the success of college athletics in Virginia, and beyond. It has provided an opportunity for student-athletes to compete at a higher level and has helped to support local sports programs. It has also helped to bring top NCAA Division III athletes to the state, as many conference members have gone on to have successful professional careers. In addition, the ODAC has provided fans with exciting and competitive sports action throughout the region.
Prospects for the Future
As the Old Dominion Athletic Conference continues to experience growth, the future looks promising. The league has added additional members in recent years and is now one of the largest Division III conferences in the country. With an expanding membership, more schools offering a wider range of sports and additional opportunities for student-athletes and fans, the future of the ODAC looks solid.
In addition, the conference has become more competitive in recent years, with an increased emphasis on recruiting and developing student-athletes with the potential to perform at the highest level. This has led to more schools competing for championships and increased interest from fans. As the ODAC continues to compete at a high level, it has the potential to take its place as a leader in NCAA Division III athletics.