Greensboro and Notre Dame (Md.) Join ODAC for Swimming as Associate Members

FOREST, Va. --- For the second year in a row, the ODAC is increasing its ranks.  Greensboro College and Notre Dame of Maryland University (formerly College of Notre Dame) will become associate members of the ODAC and participate in women's swimming only.  The inclusion of the two institutions was ratified at the annual meeting of ODAC Presidents this week.  Both schools will begin conference competition this fall.

Greensboro and Notre Dame enter the ODAC as the second and third associate members of the league.  Catholic University currently participates in football as an associate member.

"I am pleased with the addition of both institutions to the ODAC for swimming," explained ODAC Commissioner Brad Bankston.  "Both programs have competed with and amongst ODAC schools for many years, and this seemed like the logical next step in continuing those partnerships.  This year will mark the first opportunity for our swimming student-athletes to compete in an ODAC-only championship."

Previously, the ODAC Swimming Championships were held in conjunction with the Atlantic States Swimming Championships at a neutral location.  With Greensboro and Notre Dame representing what were the only remaining non-conference schools in the event, the full competition will now fall under the ODAC's umbrella.

"We are very pleased to be joining the ODAC in women's swimming," stated Greensboro athletics director Jean Lojko.  "This is a tremendous opportunity for our student-athletes to receive recognition and have the ability to compete for a championship."

Greensboro competes out of the USA South in all other sports aside from women's swimming.  The Pride are a frequent competitor of ODAC institutions in nearly all sports, and share an intra-city rivalry with Guilford College.  The swimming program is headed by Scott Budde, who was named Atlantic States Coach of the Year in 2009 and 2011.  He recently coached The Pride's first swimmer to compete in the NCAA Division III Championships.  Alex Cooke, the 2009 Atlantic States Swimmer of the Year, earned All-America honors in the 100-yard backstroke that season.

"I am excited about the opportunity for the Notre Dame of Maryland University swimming team to compete as an associate member of the Old Dominon Athletic Conference," explained Notre Dame Director of Athletics, Erin Foley.  "Our team has competed with many ODAC schools during Curt Jordan’s 22 years as head coach and having a conference championship gives our team another goal to strive toward during their regular season.  I would like to thank Brad Bankston, ODAC Commissioner; the ODAC Presidents Council; and Mary Pat Seurkamp, NDMU President, for making the partnership possible."

Located in Baltimore, Md., Notre Dame sponsors programs in eight women's sports that compete out of the Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) in all offerings aside from swimming.  Under Coach Jordan, the Gators have been consistently one of the most successful programs at the University.  He owns a 142-104-2 all-time record in dual meets, and was named the Atlantic States Coach of the Year in 1996.

On September 9, 2011, then the College of Notre Dame became Notre Dame of Maryland University.

For more information, visit either the Greensboro College website or the Notre Dame of Maryland University website.  You can also 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 by clicking HERE.  You can also follow the ODAC on Twitter by clicking HERE.