Shenandoah University to Join the ODAC
Conference Presidents Approve Inclusion of 14th Full-Time Member
FOREST, Va. --- Shenandoah University is set to
become the newest full-time member of the Old Dominion Athletic
Conference, effective in all sponsored sports at the beginning of
the 2012-13 academic year. The acceptance of
Shenandoah’s application for admittance was ratified last
week at an annual meeting of the ODAC’s presidents.
“The colleges and universities in the Old Dominion Athletic
Conference enthusiastically welcome Shenandoah University to our
athletic association,” stated Emory & Henry College
President and ODAC President’s Council chairwoman, Dr.
Rosalind Reichard. “Our affiliation with Shenandoah
will benefit all of us who are committed to providing a
well-rounded NCAA Division III collegiate experience with rigorous
academic programs, competitive athletics, and participation in
other co-curricular and extra-curricular activities.”
Shenandoah’s welcome into the ODAC concludes a thorough
process undertaken by the league’s administration in
exploring the conference’s membership profile. The
addition of Shenandoah marks the first change in ODAC membership
since January 12, 1999, when Catholic University was added as an
associate member to compete in football.
“We are pleased to have Shenandoah University as the
14th member of the Old Dominion Athletic
Conference,” said ODAC Commissioner, Brad Bankston.
“The invitation concludes a thorough study of our conference
and its membership options. Shenandoah is a great academic
and athletic fit that possesses a broad-based athletics program
grounded in the Division III model – a model that places the
emphasis on the student-athlete’s entire educational
experience.”
Currently a majority member of the USA South Athletic Conference,
Shenandoah also competes in the Colonial States Athletic Conference
(men’s lacrosse) and the Middle Atlantic Conference (field
hockey and track & field) on an associate basis.
Beginning in the fall of 2012, Shenandoah will become the
14th full-time member in the ODAC, bringing its
sponsorship of 20 men’s and women’s sports to the
ODAC’s stable of 22 championship-sponsored disciplines.
The Hornets do not compete in women’s swimming and
equestrian.
"This is a great day for SU, our athletic department and
especially for our student-athletes,” stated Shenandoah
President, Dr. Tracy Fitzsimmons. “I believe that SU's
competitive athletic program and strong commitment to academics
make us a good fit for the ODAC. I look forward to years of
spirited competition with our ODAC colleagues.”
The Hornets bring with them a number of high-quality, competitive
athletic programs. Most recently, the SU baseball team has
seen considerable success with back-to-back trips to the NCAA
Division III National Championship Series in Appleton, Wisc.
Shenandoah appeared in the USA South title game in both 2009 and
2010, winning the championship in the latter year, and parlayed
both postseason stints into NCAA Division III regional crowns at
Salisbury (2009) and Fayetteville (2010).
Shenandoah has also won USA South championships (either tournament
or regular season) in men’s basketball, football,
women’s basketball, women’s lacrosse, women’s
soccer and softball.
SU student-athletes have shown prowess in the classroom.
Since 2007, Hornet student-athletes from five different sports have
earned nine ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America Awards,
presented by CoSIDA. Additionally, 94 Hornets were honored as
2009-10 Academic All-USA South team members.
“We have always wanted to be affiliated with one conference
for our 20 intercollegiate programs,” explained Shenandoah
Athletic Director, Dr. Wayne Edwards. “The Old Dominion
Athletic Conference provides that opportunity and is synonymous
with academic and athletic excellence. We are thrilled to
have the opportunity to become a full member of the ODAC and look
forward to meaningful and collegial relationships with each of the
other 13 schools in the conference.”
Shenandoah is a four-year co-educational institution that offers
43 undergraduate and 25 graduate degrees. Affiliated with the
United Methodist Church, Shenandoah’s main campus is situated
on 100 acres of land in the northern Shenandoah Valley in
Winchester, Va. Approximated 3,300 students (both undergrad
and graduate) enjoy the fruits of the Shenandoah Valley’s
recreational and educational resources as well as the opportunities
afforded by the school’s 70-mile proximity to Washington,
D.C.
Celebrating its 35th year of operation, the ODAC is one
of the nation’s largest NCAA Division III conferences.
The 14-member ODAC (prior to the addition of Shenandoah), including
one associate member, sponsors championships in 22 sports (10 men,
12 women) and houses 10 co-educational schools and three
single-gender institutions comprising the current 13 full-time
members. Headquartered in Forest, Va., the ODAC has garnered
national recognition in co-hosting 49 NCAA Division III national
championships with the city of Salem, Va., over the past 17
years.
