Conversations with EMU's Becky Esch and W&L's Chip Nunley
FOREST, Va. --- In the eighth installment of ODAC 40 features, we highlight the conference's top awards in a pair of conversations with the first winners of the Marjorie Berkley and Harry G. "Doc" Jopson Awards. Former Eastern Mennonite University (then known as Eastern Mennonite College) volleyball star Becky (Derstine) Esch garnered the first Berkley Award in 1984, while former Washington and Lee University football and track & field standout Chip Nunley earned the inaugural Jopson Award in 1981.
The Marjorie Berkley and Harry G. "Doc" Jopson Scholar-Athlete Awards are given each spring to member institution seniors and conference sport participants who exhibit the highest athletic, academic, and extracurricular achievements. Ms. Berkley began her collegiate teaching career at Lynchburg College. Several years later, she moved to Hollins University where she coached tennis, field hockey, and soccer, and served as the athletic director for 30 years. The Jopson Award is named in honor of the Bridgewater College professor and coach who retired in 1981 following 45 years at BC. Dr. Jopson, who initiated and directed the Eagles' cross country and track programs, led his teams to ODAC indoor track titles in 1979, 1980 and 1981, and outdoor crowns in 1978 through 1981.
Tune in to this edition of ODAC 40 featuring EMU's Becky Esch and W&L's Chip Nunley
Esch starred for EMC volleyball during an era in which the Royals claimed seven ODAC titles in nine years and six in row from 1982-87. Esch was named the ODAC Player of the Year in 1983, having twice earned All-ODAC First Team honors. She holds the school record for career hitting percentage (.362), and was enshrined in the EMU Hall of Honor in 1984.
Nunley was a two-time All-ODAC First Team offensive lineman for the Generals' football team, earning three letters on the gridiron and three more as a thrower in W&L's track & field program. In addition to securing the first Jopson Award, Nunley received a NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship in 1981, which he used upon entry into law school at the University of Virginia.
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The conclusion of the 2015-16 athletic seasons etched 40 years of competition in the ODAC into the history books. In celebration of the accomplishments of conference member teams, coaches, and athletes, the ODAC will feature key milestones throughout the first 40 years of the conference. Each school has submitted a selection of top events, moments, tenures, and performances. The features developed by the ODAC will take several forms -- some audio interviews, others with video content, photo albums, and other pertinent items. All current 14 full-time member institutions will be featured throughout the season.