The Program
Rotarian of the Day Shep Miller (l) introduced our speaker, saying that ODU Athletic Director Camden “Wood” Selig is a graduate of Washington and Lee, Ohio University, and UVA., adding, “He knows everything and everybody.” Selig’s career took him from VCU and UVA to Western Kentucky before ODU. Shep said that Wood focuses on 1: the student-athlete; 2. athletics; and 3. fundraising. In Selig’s time at Western Kentucky, the school won 65 Sun Belt Conference athletic championships including 19 in a two-year period. He raised $100 million for construction and renovation.
At ODU, Selig has moved the football team to FBS competition in Conference USA. Twenty percent of the school’s athletes are on the dean’s list, and both the men’s basketball team and women’s lacrosse team are ranked in the top 10 percent nationally for academics in their sports. The men’s basketball team has been ranked in the top 25. Shep noted that one booster called him and said that ODU “could afford to lose [football coach] Bobby Wilder, but not Wood Selig”. Shep concluded that Selig “is not only smart, he has a hell of a heart.”
After that introduction, Selig said, “I guess now it’s Q&A,” before allowing, “I’m going to rant about college athletics.” That rant, he said, included “eight things I find to be extremely offensive.” They were:
1. The UNC academic scandal. “How does that happen?” Selig asked.
2. The Rice commission, which cited violations in basketball programs including Arizona and N.C. State with regard to Adidas.
3. Shrinking attendance, especially among students, who are the future donors and season ticket holders for college sports.
4. The sanctioning of betting on college sports. Selig envisioned a time when bets could be placed on every play, and talked about how West Virginia and Marshall Universities were looking into ways of capitalizing on this legislation.
5. Paying student athletes. “No, not with scholarships and benefits,” including a free education, Selig said. He noted that ODU student-athletes are paid $2,800 for cost of attendance and that students at Auburn and Alabama are paid $7,000.
6. Escalation of salaries. Wood said that among the 130 FBS programs, 200 coaches are paid $1 million or more and that more than 50 are paid $3 million. He stated that Alabama football coach Nick Saban was paid $11.1 million last year and said that seven coaches have $7 million salaries. He added that the average salary of football coaches in the Southeastern Conference is $4.3 million. “We have lost our minds,” Selig said. The median household income in America at $50,000 and said that University of Kentucky assistant basketball coaches make $562,000 and that some strength coaches make up to $500,000.
7. Congressional involvement. Selig talked about the Cox Bill in Virginia and student fees at state universities. In Selig’s time at ODU, student fees for athletics have dropped from 73 to 55 percent, while student fees at William & Mary and James Madison University have been in the range of 70-80 percent.
8. The Five Power Conferences [SEC, ACC, Big 10, Big 12, and PAC 12] could break away and form a league of their own. “It’s an unsustainable course,” Selig concluded.
Selig presented renovation plans for Foreman Field at S.B. Ballard Stadium, where ODU plays home football games. He said that $65 million had been raised for Phase I and said that seating would be increased to 22,000. The plans show how attention will be given to details and graphics, and Selig noted that ODU will play Virginia Tech in 13 out of 15 seasons, with UVA as an opponent in the other two years. He also talked about adding such programs as Wake Forest and ECU to the football schedule, and said that 700 new season tickets have been sold because of the series with Virginia Tech.
In honor of Selig’s appearance, a copy of Last Man Out was donated to school of the week, Blair Middle School.
The Meeting
Visitation Report:
Teddy Baker was at the doctor’s office. Let Joe or Jane know of any follow-ups.
Introduction of Guests:
Jim Moore was visiting from Manhattan Rotary Club Number Three. Kelly Stefanko brought Todd McLaughlin of Towne Bank Mortgage. Chip Vogan and Linwood Beckner brought John Baker of Cooper Hurley.
Club Business
- Bill Clendenin was recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow Plus Three
- Gary asked that we sign up for committees, and mentioned the international committee by name, asking that members continue to serve and that new members consider serving.
- Sally Hartman said that 11 Rotarians and their family members visited the War at Home walk at Larchmont Library, which brings to light the fact that 20 veterans commit suicide each day.
- Polio Plus Baseball Game. The Tides won in extra innings. If you have not yet paid for the tickets, see Bill McInnis.
- Suds & Buds. Dr. Steve Jones said that the event in on, rain or shine.
- Dues and Meals invoices have been emailed out. If you did not get an email or need a printed invoice, please sign the list at the check in table or contact Jane Dembert.
Happy Bucks
1. Edna Kolovani to retire soon. Picture and article in The Virginian-Pilot.
2. Lois Kercher said that her grandson had completed a 100K race
3. Pam Tubbs gave in honor of her knee surgeries and her son’s earning his Master’s of Divinity degree from Regent University
4. President Gary is celebrating his son’s graduation from UVA and that he has a job.
Raffle: Joe New won the weekly raffle but failed to draw the queen of spades.