Virginia Senate Passes Resolution Commending ODU Football

February 23, 2017

Bobby Wilder's Instagram post about the Virginia Senate joint resolution

In politically divided times, one thing yields consensus from politicians of every stripe: Old Dominion University football is kind of awesome.

A bipartisan coalition of state senators and delegates greeted Old Dominion University football coach Bobby Wilder and Athletics Director Wood Selig at the Virginia General Assembly and passed a resolution commending the team for a record-breaking season.

"I'm honored to receive this resolution today from the Senate of Virginia in Richmond with athletic director Wood Selig on behalf of our team and our 10-3 record," Wilder posted on Instagram, along with a picture that included Hampton Roads elected officials.

The plaudits follow a season during which the Monarchs exceeded expectations, capped by their 24-20 win over Eastern Michigan University in the Popeyes Bahamas Bowl. It was Old Dominion's first-ever bowl victory.

The resolution noted the Bahamas victory and the fact that Old Dominion was one of only 26 Football Bowl Subdivision teams to win 10 games last season.

The resolution also congratulated running back Ray Lawry for winning offensive MVP and linebacker TJ Ricks for winning defensive MVP in the bowl game.

Old Dominion has compiled a record of 66-30 in eight years of football competition, re-starting the sport at the institution after a 69-year hiatus in the same historic facility, S.B. Ballard Stadium at Foreman Field.

A copy of the resolution was prepared by the Clerk of the Senate for Wilder, Selig and University President John R. Broderick "as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for the team's success."

After the best season in program history, the Old Dominion Monarchs are preparing for the team's most challenging schedule yet, with a game at Virginia Tech and a visit Sept. 16 by the University of North Carolina.