The City of Salem

One thing's for sure, no city can stage an National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) championship better than Salem, Va. NCAA championship weeks in Salem rival the pomp and circumstance of the Presidential Inauguration. In fact, there's been some Presidents through the years that wish they received the same treatment a student-athlete receives in Salem during a "Championship Week."

For the past 11 years, the city, along with the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC), has hosted 33 championships for the NCAA. Salem and the ODAC's association with the NCAA began in 1993 when the Division III Football championship (Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl) was awarded to the city. Preparations began immediately and the result was perfect. Despite having sub-zero windchills and near blizzard conditions, the game sold out and saw Mount Union win its first D-III football National Championship, 34-24 over Rowan. 

Since that first frigid Stagg Bowl, the city's relationship with the national Division III community has been anything but cold. Not long after the final gun sounded in 1993, Salem was approached to host the 1994 NCAA Division III Softball Championship at the nationally acclaimed Moyer Sports Complex. The success of these events is due, in large part, to the tremendous support they have received from Salem's city administration and City Council. Salem's Director of Civic Facilities, Carey Harveycutter, serves as the tournament director for all NCAA events in the city and is the man-in-charge when the NCAA comes to town.

"We love working with the Division III student-athlete," said Harveycutter. "We understand the D-III philosophy. It mirrors the city's position in its school division — education before athletics." Following two successful championship ventures in 1993 and 1994, the city bid for two more tournaments: 

Championships accommodations

the Division III men's basketball and baseball championships.

"Basketball was the second premiere championship event in Division III and baseball was a perfect fit for the new Salem Memorial Baseball Stadium. No one ever expected the city to receive both championships, but we did and they have been very successful since they arrived in Salem," said Harveycutter.

If you had to put a finger on the reasons for Salem's success, one would have to cite cooperation and hospitality. From moving 10 inches of snow off a tarp-covered field two days before the championship, to serving as a host family, the city residents adopt each championship and treat it as their own. NCAA Assistant Director of Championships Wayne Burrow said it best. "The City of Salem has provided everything we have asked with a smile on its face. As corny as it may sound, they have an extra level they can take it to in Salem. You'd probably have to do a psychological study to figure it out. One thing's for sure, I don't want to do anything to change it."

The 2003-04 championship season began with the city's 11th Stagg Bowl. This year's game continues the existing contract between the City and the NCAA with an additional contract for the 2004 title game already approved by the NCAA Division III Championships Committee.

The city also hosts the D-III men's basketball championship, semifinals and finals in March with D-III softball scheduled in mid-May.