Interview with Head Coach Mike Clark
FOREST, Va. --- In the sixth edition of the ODAC 40 top moment features, we are joined by Bridgewater College football head coach Mike Clark. He along with Brad Bankston and J.J. Nekoloff reminisce about the Eagles appearance in the 2001 Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl, the NCAA Division III Football National Championship Game.
Click here (or on the photo) to watch the interview
Bridgewater is the only school to represent the Old Dominion Athletic Conference in the Stagg Bowl. The conference, however, has a long history with the event as the ODAC and City of Salem have hosted Division III's final football game since 1993. That tradition continues this week as the pair welcome the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor to Virginia's Championship City for the 44th Stagg Bowl, the 24th hosted in the city limits.
The Eagles matched up with perennial power Mount Union in the 2001 Stagg Bowl. The Purple Raiders had won four the previous five national titles, but Bridgewater proved every bit their equal at Salem Stadium. Mount Union eventually picked up the victory via a 30-27 result, its sixth Division III football crown overall. Coach Clark talked about that game, the talented players he had on that roster, and the experience of seeing his team build over the course of time to reach the Stagg Bowl.
For more on the ODAC, visit the websites of any of member schools, or go to the ODAC's home on the Internet at www.odaconline.com. Don't forget to become a fan of the ODAC on Facebook and follow @odacathletics on Twitter and Instagram.
----------
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.