The Official ODAC Podcast

ODAC Podcast: February 18, 2011

jnekoloff@odaconline.com (ODAC) — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 15:13:47 PST

The 2011 ODAC/Atlantic States Swimming Championships have concluded, but before they turn their focus to other venues, Brad and J.J. take some time to recap the event. For more information, view the video recap of the championships HERE.

Two other championships are on the horizon as the winter starts to give way to the spring seasons. Men's and women's basketball takes to the court at the Salem Civic Center the weekend of February 24-27. The ODAC Indoor Track Championships
are also in action that weekend with Liberty University's Tolsma indoor track complex as the venue. That event is set for Friday, February 25.

To help Brad and J.J. break down those two sports is Washington and Lee head women's basketball coach, Mandy King, and Virginia Wesleyan track coach, Mat Littleton. King, who won her 100th career game this season, leads the Generals back to the ODAC Tournament after winning the program's first crown in school history in 2010. Littleton has guided the Marlins' programs the past seven years, having recently coached Sean Whitson to the ODAC Cross Country Championship individual title.

Click below to listen to this week's podcast (if an audio player doesn't appear, click HERE to go the podcast). For past and future editions of the ODAC Podcast, visit the ODAC Podcast Blog site each week (http://odac-podcast.blogspot.com), or sign-up for the ODAC Podcast via iTunes! You can also get updates automatically by adding the RSS feed to your homepage (yahoo, MSN, etc) or to Microsoft Outlook!

Listen to the ODAC Podcast - February 18, 2011

ODAC Podcast: February 11, 2011

jnekoloff@odaconline.com (ODAC) — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 14:38:32 PST

The ODAC/Atlantic States Swimming Championships are underway, giving Brad and J.J. plenty to talk about this week. Randolph-Macon swimming head coach Ben Delia joined J.J. earlier in the week to discuss the championship and what we may see over the next three days as the ODAC's student-athletes compete in 18 events at the Christiansburg Aquatic Center. Randolph College men's basketball head coach Clay Nunley also joins the podcast to discuss the WildCats season so far, as well as hoops across the conference this season.

Click below to listen to this week's podcast (if an audio player doesn't appear, click HERE to go the podcast). For past and future editions of the ODAC Podcast, visit the ODAC Podcast Blog site each week (http://odac-podcast.blogspot.com), or sign-up for the ODAC Podcast via iTunes! You can also get updates automatically by adding the RSS feed to your homepage (yahoo, MSN, etc) or to Microsoft Outlook!

Listen to the ODAC Podcast - February 11, 2011

ODAC Podcast: February 5, 2011

jnekoloff@odaconline.com (ODAC) — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 21:00:30 PST

Three interviews feature in the ODAC Podcast this week, joining Brad and J.J. in their weekly discussions about athletics and issues surroudning the ODAC. Sweet Briar head coach Jason Gallaher talks about the upcoming swimming championships, while Bridgewater track star Christina Rhodes discusses her path and the indoor track championships set for a few weeks from now. Also joining the program is Doug Ripley, the voice of the ODAC basketball championships, as well as the NCAA Division III football and men's basketball national championships.

Click below to listen to this week's podcast (if an audio player doesn't appear, click HERE to go the podcast). For past and future editions of the ODAC Podcast, visit the ODAC Podcast Blog site each week (http://odac-podcast.blogspot.com), or sign-up for the ODAC Podcast via iTunes! You can also get updates automatically by adding the RSS feed to your homepage (yahoo, MSN, etc) or to Microsoft Outlook!

Listen to the ODAC Podcast - February 5, 2011

ODAC Podcast: January 28, 2011

jnekoloff@odaconline.com (ODAC) — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 13:15:06 PST

Winter championship season continues to draw closer, and Brad and J.J. spend some time focusing on men's and women's basketball with the glint of the upcoming tournament lingering ahead. They're joined by a pair of guests in this edition of the ODAC Podcast. Roanoke-area do-it-all media personality Dave Ross chimes in to speak of the new ODAC and NCAA men's basketball radio show debuting this weekend. Randolph-Macon women's hoops guard Maggie Roy also joins the podcast to talk about the Yellow Jackets current red-hot streak that has led them to the top of the ODAC standings.

Roy, a junior from Richmond, Va., is R-MC's leading scorer at nearly 13 points per game. She has been a major contributor to the Jackets current eight-game winning streak, including a three-pointer with 11.4 seconds remaining to send R-MC past Roanoke, 73-71, in Salem. Roy talks about what it was like to hit that shot, as well as what helped her make the decision to choose Randolph-Macon. Discussion also features the keys to this year's team, especially considering the Yellow Jackets had to adjust to the graduation of four-time ODAC Player of the Year, Molly Ariail, following the 2009-10 season.

Ross will play host to a new radio show that will broadcast throughout central and southern Virginia on the ESPNinVA radio networks. Starting Saturday, January 29 at 10:00 a.m., Ross will dive into discussion, analysis and features surrounding ODAC and NCAA Division III Men's Basketball leading up to the NCAA Division III National Championship in Salem the weekend of March 18-19. The show will include guest commentary from individuals inside and out of the ODAC as it covers the progress of teams "On the Way to the NCAA Division III Men's Basketball Championship." The show will be streamed live on www.espninva.com and air live in the areas of each of the following four radio stations: 1240 AM in Roanoke, 1350 AM in Bedford, 1320 AM in Lynchburg, and 106.3 FM in Danville.

Click below to listen to this week's podcast (if an audio player doesn't appear, click HERE to go the podcast). For past and future editions of the ODAC Podcast, visit the ODAC Podcast Blog site each week (http://odac-podcast.blogspot.com), or sign-up for the ODAC Podcast via iTunes! You can also get updates automatically by adding the RSS feed to your homepage (yahoo, MSN, etc) or to Microsoft Outlook!

Listen to the ODAC Podcast - January 28, 2011

ODAC Podcast: January 21, 2011

jnekoloff@odaconline.com (ODAC) — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 14:42:47 PST

While swimming and indoor track resumed their schedules this past week, men's and women's basketball are about two-thirds of the way through their campaigns as teams start to eye the 2011 ODAC Basketball Tournaments. Brad and J.J. have a look at the movement in the standings of both sports over the past two weeks, and feature an interview with Virginia Wesleyan men's coach, Dave Macedo.

Coach Macedo's Marlins are currently ranked #2 in the latest Top-25 poll from www.d3hoops.com. VWC has run out to a 16-0 record, having earned 2-of-25 first place votes in the national survey and sitting as one of only seven undefeated squads amongst the poll's ranks. Winning has become a tradition for Virginia Wesleyan men's basketball as the Marlins have rattled off 231 wins under Coach Macedo, including berths into each of the past six national tournaments. The Marlins won the 2006 national championship and backed that up with a second straight trip to Salem and the national championship game in 2007. Now in his 11th season at VWC, Coach Macedo looks to guide the Marlins to a lucky seventh consecutive NCAA berth.

Aside from news about ODAC athletes in action, Brad explains some new legislation that will affect D-III and the ODAC following the recently completed NCAA national convention. That event, as well as the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) convention, was held in San Antonio, Texas. The latter gathering had particular significance to the ODAC as Lynchburg men's soccer coach Chris Yeager was announced as the NSCAA Division III Coach of the Year after leading the Hornets to the 2010 national championship game.

Some new program will be reaching the airways next weekend as Dave Ross heads up a 30-minute men's basketball show on ESPNinVA.com. Starting Saturday, January 29 at 10:00 a.m., Ross will dive into discussion, analysis and features surrounding ODAC and NCAA Division III Men's Basketball leading up to the NCAA Division III National Championship in Salem the weekend of March 18-19. The show will include guest commentary from individuals inside and out of the ODAC as it covers the process of teams "On the Way to the NCAA Division III Men's Basketball Championship." The show will be streamed live on www.espninva.com and broadcast in the areas of each of the following four radio stations: 1240 AM in Roanoke, 1350 AM in Bedford, 1320 AM in Lynchburg, and 106.3 FM in Danville.

Click below to listen to this week's podcast (if an audio player doesn't appear, click HERE to go the podcast). For past and future editions of the ODAC Podcast, visit the ODAC Podcast Blog site each week (http://odac-podcast.blogspot.com), or sign-up for the ODAC Podcast via iTunes! You can also get updates automatically by adding the RSS feed to your homepage (yahoo, MSN, etc) or to Microsoft Outlook!

Listen to the ODAC Podcast - January 21, 2011

ODAC Podcast: Men's and Women's Hoops

jnekoloff@odaconline.com (ODAC) — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 14:58:40 PST

Men's and women's basketball has quickly fallen into a rhythm following the holiday break, giving Brad and J.J. plenty to talk about in this week's ODAC Podcast. Victories have come in bunches for the Bridgewater women's basketball team and the Washington and Lee men's hoops program, but both squads continue a tough week of action tonight and this evening. BC head coach Jean Willi and W&L mentor Adam Hutchinson take time to weigh in on their teams' seasons, as well as breakdown how the ODAC looks so far this season.

The Eagles (8-1 overall, 4-1 ODAC) came out of the gate quickly, winning their first eight games of the campaign. Seven of those wins came by double figures, with a seven-point victory over Averett proving its closest margin. In the first contest of a three-game week, the Eagles dropped their first game of the season to Roanoke on Tuesday, falling victim to a buzzer-beater with 0.9-seconds to play. Bridgewater has a pair of games remaining this weekend, first with a resurgent Hollins program on Friday night followed by a showdown with 2010 champion, Washington and Lee.

The General men (10-2 overall, 3-1 ODAC) find themselves on their second five-game winning streak of the season. W&L opened its season with five straight wins, followed by a pair of losses to Randolph and Ferrum. But the Generals quickly regrouped and went on another five-game run, culminating in Wednesday's 93-92 victory over 10th-ranked Eastern Mennonite. Washington and Lee has another top-ten opponent slated for Saturday as the Generals make the trip east to square off with third-ranked Virginia Wesleyan.

Click below to listen to this week's podcast. For past and future editions of the ODAC Podcast, visit the ODAC Podcast Blog site each week (http://odac-podcast.blogspot.com), or sign-up for the ODAC Podcast via iTunes! You can also get updates automatically by adding the RSS feed to your homepage (yahoo, MSN, etc) or to Microsoft Outlook!

Listen to the ODAC Podcast - January 7, 2011

ODAC Podcast: Turning the Calendar

jnekoloff@odaconline.com (ODAC) — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 10:34:41 PST

Wrapping Up the Fall Season, Looking Ahead to Winter

The 2010 portion of the 2010-11 athletic season has all but come to close with the turn of calendar a little more than a week away. Brad and J.J. take the time to close out the fall campaign, looking back on the run to the NCAA Division III title game experienced by Lynchburg College men's soccer. They also look at on this past weekend's Stagg Bowl in Salem, Va., and handicap the first month and a half of men's and women's hoops.

Lynchburg men's soccer put together a streak of wins over highly ranked squads. Entering the tournament unranked by the NSCAA, the Hornets topped fellow unrated Transylvania before defeating then #12 Emory. Next up was a trip to Ohio where LC knocked off #1 Trinity (Texas) followed by a victory over #2 and host Ohio Wesleyan. Two weeks passed before the Hornets' next game (due to Thanksgiving), but LC kept its streak alive with a win over #6 Bowdoin in the national semifinals. Messiah awaited the Hornets in the title game, and the third-ranked Falcons defeated Lynchburg in overtime. The Hornets finished the year ranked #2 in the final NSCAA poll.

Click below to listen to this week's podcast. For past and future editions of the ODAC Podcast, visit the ODAC Podcast Blog site each week (http://odac-podcast.blogspot.com), or sign-up for the ODAC Podcast via iTunes! You can also get updates automatically by adding the RSS feed to your homepage (yahoo, MSN, etc) or to Microsoft Outlook!

Listen to the ODAC Podcast - December 22, 2010

ODAC Podcast: Preview and Review

jnekoloff@odaconline.com (ODAC) — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 11:44:52 PST

A Look at the Fall Sports in the NCAA Postseason

It's a busy weekend in the ODAC with basketball set for its first Saturday and Sunday of action and swimming taking to the waters at Randolph-Macon College with several conference teams set to swim. But the much focus remains on the NCAA postseason with teams from three fall sports still active in their quests for a national title.

Brad and J.J. take the time to dive into each of the fall sports' performances at the national level, reviewing the play of the league's field hockey, women's soccer and volleyball teams while looking forward to a weekend of NCAA football, men's soccer and cross country.

Washington and Lee University and Hampden-Sydney College both take to the gridiron on Saturday in first round action. The Generals pit their potent rushing attack against undefeated Thomas More College. That game will be played at the Saints home field just south of Cincinnati, Ohio, in Crestview Hills, Ky. The two teams have never faced each other. Hampden-Sydney will play host to Montclair State University, also set to begin at 12:00 p.m. The Tigers and Red Hawks haven't met since the 1970 Knute Rockne Bowl, formerly one of two end of season bowl games for the NCAA. Montclair State won that showdown, 7-6, marking the only previous contest between the two.

Lynchburg College men's soccer also heads northwest, making its way to Ohio Wesleyan University for third round play in the NCAA D-III tournament. The Hornets match up with Trinity University (Texas). A win for LC would setup a quarterfinal pairing against either Johns Hopkins University or OWU for the right to make the trek down to San Antonio, Texas, and a spot in the national semifinals.

The ODAC will be well represented at the NCAA Division III Cross Country Championships, hosted by Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. Lynchburg sends its seven-runner men's team to Iowa after winning the South/Southeast Regional Meet last weekend. They'll be joined by individual race winner, Sean Whitson, and teammate David Kidd from Virginia Wesleyan College. Guilford College's Derick Kosgei, the 2010 ODAC champion, and Eastern Mennonite University's Richy Bikko will also be competing. On the women's side, two-time ODAC champion Jennie Pernisi leads three individual women in the field of 280 runners. She'll be joined by fellow Hornet, Krystal Foster, and Bridgewater College's Olivia Mills.

For more information, visit the websites of any of the participating schools, or go to the ODAC's home on the Internet at www.odaconline.com. For more on NCAA action, view all the events' championship websites at www.ncaa.com.

Click below to listen to this week's podcast. For past and future editions of the ODAC Podcast, visit the ODAC Podcast Blog site each week (http://odac-podcast.blogspot.com), or sign-up for the ODAC Podcast via iTunes! You can also get updates automatically by adding the RSS feed to your homepage (yahoo, MSN, etc) or to Microsoft Outlook!

Listen to the ODAC Podcast - November 19, 2010

ODAC Podcast: October 22, 2010

jnekoloff@odaconline.com (ODAC) — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 14:43:28 PDT

Only a few games and matches remain in the 2010 fall regular seasons, leaving plenty for Brad and J.J. to discuss. This week, men's and women's soccer is the focus of conversation. Both sets of standings are tightly packed with the remaining few contests having plenty to say about which team will be seeded where come the postseason.

Roanoke men's soccer head coach, Scott Allison, and Bridgewater women's soccer head coach, Mike Van Horn, join the discussion as both of their programs are enjoying excellent seasons in a pair of the ODAC's most competitive sports. Aside from looking at their respective programs, both mentors lend their insights into what has happened throughout the conference this season, and what might be on tap come tournament time.

Click below to listen to this week's podcast. For past and future editions of the ODAC Podcast, visit the ODAC Podcast Blog site each week (http://odac-podcast.blogspot.com), or sign-up for the ODAC Podcast via iTunes! You can also get updates automatically by adding the RSS feed to your homepage (yahoo, MSN, etc) or to Microsoft Outlook!

Listen to the ODAC Podcast - October 22, 2010

ODAC Podcast: October 15, 2010

jnekoloff@odaconline.com (ODAC) — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 15:42:27 PDT

Brad and J.J. dive into field hockey and volleyball in the second ODAC Podcast of the 2010-11 season. Randolph-Macon head coach Crystal Carper joins the duo in talking about ODAC field hockey and the Yellow Jackets' recent nine-game winning streak. Later on, J.J. is joined by Roanoke head coach Blair Trail to discuss volleyball in the conference, as well as her team's success since the 2009 ODAC title game, including a pair of eight-match winning streaks this season.

Click below to listen to this week's podcast. For past and future editions of the ODAC Podcast, visit the ODAC Podcast Blog site each week (http://odac-podcast.blogspot.com), or sign-up for the ODAC Podcast via iTunes! You can also get updates automatically by adding the RSS feed to your homepage (yahoo, MSN, etc) or to Microsoft Outlook!

Listen to the ODAC Podcast - October 15, 2010

ODAC Podcast - October 8, 2010

jnekoloff@odaconline.com (ODAC) — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 19:57:24 PDT

The first ODAC Podcast of the 2010-11 athletic season is live and ready for you to enjoy. There are plenty of topics to be discussed, including some first half results of the ODAC fall campaigns in football and men's and women's soccer. But Brad and J.J. begin the show by talking about the ODAC's recent announcement of the addition of Shenandoah University to the ODAC beginning in all sports in 2012-13.

At last week's announcement press conference, Brad had the opportunity to sit down with Dr. Wayne Edwards, the Director of Athletics for Shenandoah University. All of that interview is included in this week's podcast.

Click below to listen to this week's podcast. For past and future editions of the ODAC Podcast, visit the ODAC Podcast Blog site each week (http://odac-podcast.blogspot.com), or sign-up for the ODAC Podcast via iTunes! You can also get updates automatically by adding the RSS feed to your homepage (yahoo, MSN, etc) or to Microsoft Outlook!

Listen to the ODAC Podcast - October 8, 2010

ODAC Podcast - April 21, 2010

jnekoloff@odaconline.com (ODAC) — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 18:43:12 PDT

Brad and J.J. sit down to talk more championships as the spring title season reaches a full glimmer. Seven championships are slated for action over the weekend, so there is plenty of material to cover. Bridgewater baseball coach Curt Kendall and Guilford softball coach Dennis Shores chime in to talk about their respective programs and upcoming tournaments.

Kendall and the Eagles enter the 2010 ODAC Baseball Tournament as the outright #1 seed following a 14-4 showing in regular season ODAC action. Shores and Quakers are also the #1 seed heading into the 2010 ODAC Softball Tournament, but the top was crowded as GC came out on top of a three-way tie for first with Roanoke and Virginia Wesleyan.

Click below to listen to this week's podcast. For past and future editions of the ODAC Podcast, visit the ODAC Podcast Blog site each week (http://odac-podcast.blogspot.com), or sign-up for the ODAC Podcast via iTunes! You can also get updates automatically by adding the RSS feed to your homepage (yahoo, MSN, etc) or to Microsoft Outlook!

Listen to the ODAC Podcast - April 21, 2010

ODAC Podcast - April 16, 2010

jnekoloff@odaconline.com (ODAC) — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 18:41:06 PDT

The spring championship season has quickly drawn upon us with nine ODAC crowns set to be awarded in the next four weeks. Brad and J.J. take a little time to touch on those events, but take you in-depth in the ODAC golf championship and a look back at the recently completed ODAC Equestrian Championships...making 10 ODAC titles bestowed in a 30-day period.

Hollins University rider Katie Furches chimes in following HU's equestrian victory, its second in the last three years. Furches was tabbed the ODAC Rider of the Year after besting each of her competitors at the Randolph College stables on April 9. The event featured two equitations over fences and a third on the flat, and Katie outshined the field by 2.25 points.

Lee Williams is the head coach of the Bridgewater College golf team, and also serves as the chair of the ODAC's golf coaches committee. A veteran of 10 seasons in the ODAC, Williams talks about the depth of talent in the conference and how its grown since he came on board with the Eagles. He gives some insight in the ODAC tournament, and what may be to come on the national level following the league championships.

Click below to listen to this week's podcast. For past and future editions of the ODAC Podcast, visit the ODAC Podcast Blog site each week (http://odac-podcast.blogspot.com), or sign-up for the ODAC Podcast via iTunes! You can also get updates automatically by adding the RSS feed to your homepage (yahoo, MSN, etc) or to Microsoft Outlook!

Listen to the ODAC Podcast - April 16, 2010

ODAC Podcast - February 24, 2010

jnekoloff@odaconline.com (ODAC) — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 09:37:46 PDT

The final championship weekend of the winter is upon us, and it's packed with action for ODAC fans. Indoor track and field decides its annual champions at Liberty University's Tolsma Track. At the same time, men's and women's basketball will be deciding its new title holders at the Salem Civic Center in Salem, Va.

Brad and J.J. had the chance to catch up with the head coaches of the both top seeds heading into the hoops championships. Roanoke's Susan Dunagan has the Maroon women firing on all cylinders, riding a 14-game winning streak coming into Thursday's opening game against Lynchburg. RC has won 22 games this season, marking the 16th 20-win campaign in the 29-year career of Coach Dunagan.

Eastern Mennonite's Kirby Dean guides one of the top scoring teams in the nation at 90-plus points per game. His Royals are 4-0 against fellow nationally-ranked squads, and own the tournament's top seed for the first time since 1980.

Click below to listen to this week's podcast. For past and future editions of the ODAC Podcast, visit the ODAC Podcast Blog site each week (http://odac-podcast.blogspot.com), or sign-up for the ODAC Podcast via iTunes! You can also get updates automatically by adding the RSS feed to your homepage (yahoo, MSN, etc) or to Microsoft Outlook!

Listen to the ODAC Podcast - November 5, 2009

ODAC Podcast - February 18, 2010

jnekoloff@odaconline.com (ODAC) — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 09:35:02 PDT

One championship is in the books with four more on the horizon, giving Brad and J.J. plenty to talk about in this week's podcast. The pair takes the time to recap last weekend's ODAC swimming championships with newly crowned ODAC Coach and Player of the Year, Kami Gardner and Sarah Simpson. The show then switches gears and previews the upcoming indoor track championships with Bridgewater head coach Shane Stevens.

Coach Gardner is in her third season at Washington and Lee, having won each of the past two ODAC top coaching honors. She's helped guide to her team to the last two conference titles (giving them W&L 20 overall), and has the privilege of coaching three ODAC Swimmers in the Year in two time winner Lindsay Strachan and this year's honoree, Simpson. Simpson was a winner in five events at the championships, having won the 50-yard and 200-yard freestyle events while teaming with other Generals to win a trio of relay races. The senior standout added the Atlantic States top swimming award in addition to her ODAC accolade.

Coach Stevens is in his 27th season as the architect of the Bridgewater track and field programs that have begun some of the most competitive squads in the conference. His men's squad finished second at the conference championship last season, just one year removed from winning the ODAC crown in 2008.

Click below to listen to this week's podcast. For past and future editions of the ODAC Podcast, visit the ODAC Podcast Blog site each week (http://odac-podcast.blogspot.com), or sign-up for the ODAC Podcast via iTunes! You can also get updates automatically by adding the RSS feed to your homepage (yahoo, MSN, etc) or to Microsoft Outlook!

Listen to the ODAC Podcast - February 18, 2010

ODAC Podcast - February 12, 2010

jnekoloff@odaconline.com (ODAC) — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 09:35:23 PDT

The first of the winter championships is underway as swimming has taken to the fast waters at Radford University in the Dedmon Center Natatorium. To learn more about that event, click HERE. There is also news of a fall sport for Brad and J.J. to discuss with the help of Hollins University athletic director, Aubrey Shinofield. Hollins will be restarting volleyball for the 2010-11 academic year following a hiatus since 2004, and HU has hired a new coach to bring along the new squad.

Shinofield has been with Hollins University for roughly a year and a half, first as the interim athletic director and now as the full-time AD and chair of the physical education department. She and the rest of the Hollins decision-making infrastructure have been hard at work outlining a new direction for the University's athletic programs.

The addition of volleyball is one step in that direction, and new head coach Jason Kozak will be charged with doing much of the walking. Kozak moves to the Roanoke Valley following six successful seasons as an assistant coach at the University of Virginia. The Rochester, New York-native also spent time as an assistant at the University of Pennsylvania. He is a graduate of SUNY-Brockport.

Click below to listen to this week's podcast. For past and future editions of the ODAC Podcast, visit the ODAC Podcast Blog site each week (http://odac-podcast.blogspot.com), or sign-up for the ODAC Podcast via iTunes! You can also get updates automatically by adding the RSS feed to your homepage (yahoo, MSN, etc) or to Microsoft Outlook!

Listen to the ODAC Podcast - February 12, 2010

ODAC Podcast - February 4, 2010

jnekoloff@odaconline.com (ODAC) — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 09:35:30 PDT

The winter season is quickly coming to a head, both in the weather bearing down throughout the region and in each of five ODAC sports. Swimming and indoor track (men and women) will competing in their championships in just a few weeks, with basketball (men and women) not following far behind.

In this edition of the ODAC Podcast, Brad and J.J. focus on swimming and women's basketball. Randolph-Macon College swimming coach, Ben Delia, joins the duo for a look into his Yellow Jackets' squad. He also takes us a bit into what to expect at the upcoming ODAC/Atlantic States Swimming Championships on February 12-14 at Radford University's Dedmon Center.

After brief discussion of men's hoops, it's on to women's roundball. Roanoke College senior captains, Jaleesa Osborne and Caitlyn Long, give us their thoughts on the season, the Maroons big upcoming matchup against Randolph-Macon, and a view on what it's like to be dual-sport student-athletes in the ODAC. Both have participated in championships in track & field (Osborne) and volleyball (Long), but each hopes a chance at a basketball crown is in their futures.

Click below to listen to this week's podcast. For past and future editions of the ODAC Podcast, visit the ODAC Podcast Blog site each week (http://odac-podcast.blogspot.com), or sign-up for the ODAC Podcast via iTunes! You can also get updates automatically by adding the RSS feed to your homepage (yahoo, MSN, etc) or to Microsoft Outlook!

Listen to the ODAC Podcast - February 4, 2010

ODAC Podcast - January 21, 2010

jnekoloff@odaconline.com (ODAC) — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 09:35:37 PDT

All of the ODAC sports returned to action over the past week and weekend, giving Brad and J.J. plenty to chat about in the latest edition of the ODAC Podcast. Their featured guest this week is Pat Coleman, the Executive Editor of D3sports.com. D3sports is the umbrella company that houses websites D3hoops.com, D3football.com, D3baseball.com and D3soccer.com. It also encompasses D3jobs.com, a job board focused on NCAA Division III athletics.

Brad and J.J. open the show with notes concerning swimming and indoor track as teams in those venues jump in full gear this weekend with meets spanning the schedule. The conversation switches focus to men's and women's basketball as Pat provides insight into the operations of D3hoops.com (and D3sports.com as a whole). He also lends a glimpse into the national scene of men's and women's basketball, commenting on the ODAC's stand in both pictures.

Click below to listen to this week's podcast. For past and future editions of the ODAC Podcast, visit the ODAC Podcast Blog site each week (http://odac-podcast.blogspot.com), or sign-up for the ODAC Podcast via iTunes! You can also get updates automatically by adding the RSS feed to your homepage (yahoo, MSN, etc) or to Microsoft Outlook!

Listen to the ODAC Podcast - January 21, 2010

ODAC Podcast - January 8, 2010

jnekoloff@odaconline.com (ODAC) — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 09:35:43 PDT

The ODAC Podcast is back in action following the holiday break, and there is plenty of basketball action for Brad and J.J. to talk about. Lynchburg College men's basketball coach, Hilliary Scott, took the time to lend his views into his program, as well as the depth of ODAC basketball. He also talks some about coming back to the ODAC after spending time as an NCAA Division I assistant and how D-III basketball has changed since his playing days.

Four teams are now ranked in the D3hoops.com Men's Top-25 Poll with Randolph-Macon College securing the No. 1 position. Guilford College currently sits sixth, while Virginia Wesleyan College jumped half-a-dozen spots to No. 12. Eastern Mennonite University, which had been receiving votes from coaches the past few weeks, debuted in the survey as the No. 24 squad.

On the women's side, both Eastern Mennonite and Roanoke College remain unbeaten at the top of the conference with Randolph-Macon looming behind with only one loss. The Maroons travel to Ashland on Friday, January 8, for the first of two pivotal matchups in what may go a long way towards shaping the top half of seeding for the ODAC Tournament in February.

Click below to listen to this week's podcast. For past and future editions of the ODAC Podcast, visit the ODAC Podcast Blog site each week (http://odac-podcast.blogspot.com), or sign-up for the ODAC Podcast via iTunes! You can also get updates automatically by adding the RSS feed to your homepage (yahoo, MSN, etc) or to Microsoft Outlook!

Listen to the ODAC Podcast - January 8, 2010

ODAC Podcast - December 3, 2009

jnekoloff@odaconline.com (ODAC) — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 09:35:55 PDT

After a week's hiatus due to the holiday break, Brad and J.J. are back with plenty of upcoming events for the ODAC. Lynchburg women's soccer is on its way to San Antonio for its NCAA Division III semifinal appearance. The Hornets (18-3-3) meet the University of Washington-St. Louis (17-3-2) on Friday. The winner will square off with either Messiah (23-0-1) or The College of New Jersey (20-2-1) for the national championship.

Basketball is in full swing throughout the conference, and the ODAC has been successful through many of the schools' early non-conference contests. The Eastern Mennonite men's program is still undefeated (as are Guilford and Randolph-Macon men). Royal's head coach, Kirby Dean, spoke with Brad and J.J. about his program's hot start and an early picture of how the ODAC is unfolding.

Planning is starting to gear up for the 37th Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl, which will be held in Salem for the 17th time. Mount Union College (Ohio) and the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater are the favorites to yet again meet in the NCAA Division III Football Championship Game, an event that would mark the fifth consecutive meeting of the two purple-clad rivals. The Stagg Bowl is set for Saturday, December 19, at 11:00 a.m. in Salem Stadium. The game will be telecast live by ESPN2.

Click below to listen to this week's podcast. For past and future editions of the ODAC Podcast, visit the ODAC Podcast Blog site each week (http://odac-podcast.blogspot.com), or sign-up for the ODAC Podcast via iTunes! You can also get updates automatically by adding the RSS feed to your homepage (yahoo, MSN, etc) or to Microsoft Outlook!

Listen to the ODAC Podcast - December 3, 2009

ODAC Podcast - November 19, 2009

jnekoloff@odaconline.com (ODAC) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 12:27:02 PST

ODAC teams and individual are moving into the latter rounds of their respective NCAA tournaments this weekend. Football is the only exception as its tournament begins on Saturday with 16 first round contests around the nation. Brad and J.J. take the time to give some insight into each of the ODAC's athletes and squads still in contention.

In cross country, Lynchburg sends its men's team to Cleveland, Ohio, along with South/Southeast Region champion Ricky Flynn. The men also feature a pair of individual runners in EMU's Richy Bikko and VWC's Sean Whitson. On the women's side, LC's Jennie Pernisi and Ashley Meyer take to the course at Highland Hills Golf Course. They'll be joined by Washington and Lee athlete, Kat Telfeyan.

In women's soccer, Lynchburg is again in action as play moves into the Round of 16. The Hornets travel to Trinity University in Texas to take on Concordia-Moorehead. The Cobblers have not lost yet this season, with their only blemishes coming in a pair of conference losses.

Hampden-Sydney represents the ODAC in football as the region's No. 3 team hosts Johns Hopkins on Saturday. The Tigers look to cash in on the home field advantage and continue on a path towards Salem and the Stagg Bowl. Kick-off is set for 12:00 p.m.

Click below to listen to this week's podcast. For past and future editions of the ODAC Podcast, visit the ODAC Podcast Blog site each week (http://odac-podcast.blogspot.com), or sign-up for the ODAC Podcast via iTunes! You can also get updates automatically by adding the RSS feed to your homepage (yahoo, MSN, etc) or to Microsoft Outlook!

Listen to the ODAC Podcast - November 19, 2009

ODAC Podcast - November 5, 2009

jnekoloff@odaconline.com (ODAC) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:12:23 PST

A pair of championships are in the books with four more set to be decided this coming weekend. Brad and J.J. discuss each of the ODAC championship matchups set for this weekend in field hockey, men's soccer, women's soccer and volleyball.

They also had a chance to chat with Randolph-Macon volleyball head coach, Bill Rogers, to learn more about the Yellow Jackets' program. Coach Rogers dives into the path his squad took to becoming the ODAC's top seed, and gives us all some insight into the tournament as a whole. His Yellow Jackets square off against Guilford College in one of two quarterfinals set to begin at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, November 6. The second set of quarterfinals begins at 6:30 p.m., following the announcement of the volleyball all-conference teams. Saturday features both semifinal contests at 11:00 a.m., followed by the championship match at 3:30 p.m. All matches take place in the gymnasium at Hollins University.

The 2009 ODAC Field Hockey Championship features Eastern Mennonite University and Lynchburg College. The Royals defeated Washington and Lee University, 3-1, to score its place in the finals. The Hornets came back to defeat Randolph-Macon, 3-1, for the right to host the title game. Saturday's championship is set for 2:00 p.m. at Shellenberger Field on Lynchburg's campus.

Roanoke College and Lynchburg will be meeting to decide the 2009 ODAC men's soccer champion. The Maroons punched their ticket by advancing 4-2 on penalty kicks against Virginia Wesleyan. The two squads were deadlocked, 1-1, through 110 minutes of play, forcing the spot kicks. Lynchburg scored twice in the second half to defeat Hampden-Sydney, 2-1, and earn the hosting responsibilities for the finals. Game time of the men's soccer championship is set for 7:00 p.m. under the lights at Shellenberger Field.

ODAC women's soccer pits the top two seeds in the original field. Virginia Wesleyan ran the table as the No. 1 seed, earning its championship hosting opportunity with a 5-1 win over Roanoke. Washington and Lee will travel to Virginia Beach after defeating Lynchburg, 2-1, in Lexington. An 88th minute goal from Allie Espina paved the way for the Generals. The women's soccer championship is set for 1:30 p.m at Foster Field on Virginia Wesleyan's campus.

Click below to listen to this week's podcast. For past and future editions of the ODAC Podcast, visit the ODAC Podcast Blog site each week (http://odac-podcast.blogspot.com), or sign-up for the ODAC Podcast via iTunes! You can also get updates automatically by adding the RSS feed to your homepage (yahoo, MSN, etc) or to Microsoft Outlook!

Listen to the ODAC Podcast - November 5, 2009

ODAC Podcast - October 30, 2009

jnekoloff@odaconline.com (ODAC) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:12:11 PST

It's tournament time in the ODAC! Brad and J.J. run-through each of the postseason tournament draws in this edition of the ODAC Podcast. Virginia Wesleyan enters as the top seed in both men's and women's soccer. Lynchburg tops the entrants in field hockey, and Randolph-Macon heads the field that will compete at Hollins for the volleyball crown.

The championship season kicks off this weekend with the first titles awarded in cross country. In what has become an annual discussion, J.J. had the chance to sit down with Roanoke mentor, Finn Pincus, about the upcoming cross country event. Roanoke hosts this year's championship meet in Salem at Mowles Spring Park. With that in mind, Pincus provided insight into the planning and preparation for the 2009 championship meet, as well as benchmarking what is sure to be a deep and competitive field for this weekend's races. The women's 6K run is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. with the men's 8K affair following at 12:00 p.m.

Pincus is in his 19th season guiding the Roanoke cross country and track & field programs. He has won numerous coaching awards, including most recently being named the NCAA Southeast Region Coach of the Year for indoor track.

Click below to listen to this week's podcast. For past and future editions of the ODAC Podcast, visit the ODAC Podcast Blog site each week (http://odac-podcast.blogspot.com), or sign-up for the ODAC Podcast via iTunes! You can also get updates automatically by adding the RSS feed to your homepage (yahoo, MSN, etc) or to Microsoft Outlook!

Listen to the ODAC Podcast - October 30, 2009

ODAC Podcast - October 23, 2009

jnekoloff@odaconline.com (ODAC) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:11:59 PST

The ODAC Podcast tackles men’s and women’s soccer in this week’s show. Brad and J.J. talk about the tight standings in both sports as schedules start to wind down towards the ODAC postseason, which begins the weekend of October 31. This week’s interview features Washington and Lee women’s soccer head coach, Neil Cunningham, and senior midfielder Maggie Sutherland.

The Generals currently sit atop the ODAC standings with a 12-1-1 overall record and 8-0-1 showing in conference action. Washington and Lee also leads a strong ODAC contingent in the first release of the NCAA Division III regional rankings. WLU sits third in the South Atlantic Region, followed closely by Virginia Wesleyan, Lynchburg and Roanoke. The Generals also debuted in the NSCAA national coaches poll as the 21st ranked program.

Cunningham is in his ninth season as head women's soccer coach and third year as director of physical education at Washington and Lee. He also serves as an Assistant Athletic Director for the Generals. Through his first eight years, Cunningham has accumulated a 116-25-16 record.

Sutherland patrols the center of the Generals' midfield, serving as a main cog in the squad's transition from defense to offense. She earned a spot on the All-ODAC First Team in 2008 and was named the ODAC Rookie of the Year in 2006. This season, Sutherland has scored four goals to go with one assist for nine total points.

Click below to listen to this week's podcast. For past and future editions of the ODAC Podcast, visit the ODAC Podcast Blog site each week (http://odac-podcast.blogspot.com), or sign-up for the ODAC Podcast via iTunes! You can also get updates automatically by adding the RSS feed to your homepage (yahoo, MSN, etc) or to Microsoft Outlook!

Listen to the ODAC Podcast - October 23, 2009

ODAC Podcast - October 15, 2009

jnekoloff@odaconline.com (ODAC) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:11:47 PST

In this week's podcast, Brad and J.J. dive into ODAC cross country and discuss some of the top times so far this season. They also had a chance to talk with Guilford's Bill Cason. He's in his second year in Greensboro, assisting the Quakers with their cross country operations as well as serving as the director of the newly formed GC indoor and outdoor track programs. Cason provides insight into both cross country and track as well as discussing the College's role in hosting the 2009 South/Southeast Region Cross Country meet.

Cason brought seven years of head track and field and cross country coaching experience to Guilford. He served as Clemson University's head men's cross country/assistant track and field coach from 1985-88 and won the 1987 Atlantic Coast Conference's (ACC) Men's Cross Country Coach of the Year Award. In 1988, Cason took over as head men's and women's cross country coach at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington where he also started the Seahawks' track and field teams.

Click below to listen to this week's podcast. For past and future editions of the ODAC Podcast, visit the ODAC Podcast Blog site each week (http://odac-podcast.blogspot.com), or sign-up for the ODAC Podcast via iTunes! You can also get updates automatically by adding the RSS feed to your homepage (yahoo, MSN, etc) or to Microsoft Outlook!

Listen to the ODAC Podcast - October 15, 2009