FOREST, Va. --- It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Dan Wooldridge, the first commissioner of the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC). He passed away on Tuesday, August 20, at the age of 90.
Wooldridge, a 1956 graduate and athletics Hall of Fame inductee at then Lynchburg College (now University of Lynchburg), fostered the growth of the ODAC from its inception in 1976-77 through 21 years of service upon his retirement in March 1997. Wooldridge’s commitment to Division III and non-scholarship athletics impacted not only those competing, but also the small college officiating landscape. A prominent basketball and football official and officials supervisor for several major conferences, Wooldridge was one of two referees from the United States to officiate games at the 1976 Olympics in Montreal.
Officiating, specifically highlighting Division III referees, was a major factor in bringing the first NCAA championship to Salem, Virginia. The Stagg Bowl (Division III Football Championship) was previously competed in Phenix City, Alabama, and Bradenton, Florida, outside of the Division III footprint. It was also officiated by an all Division I crew. Wooldridge, along with support from the City of Salem and Rotary Club of Salem, successfully convinced the NCAA to bring the Stagg Bowl to Salem in 1993 and employ Division III officials on the contest for the first time. The quality of the event – both in venue and operation – kicked off a venture that has grown to include more than 100 NCAA championships in 10 sports for Division II and III events.
Wooldridge, a three-sport star in college and professional baseball player in the Pittsburgh Pirates system, impacted the athletic landscape of the region beyond the competition arena. He and his wife, Nancy, were heavily involved with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). They were one of three families to found Roanoke Valley FCA in 1964. The Wooldridges championed sending student-athletes to FCA camps and bible studies. They also established the Roanoke Valley Wide FCA Breakfast, a feature that extended to high school students and student-athletes at Salem-hosted NCAA championship events. Dan was inducted into the FCA Hall of Fame in 2017.
The Wooldridge namesake is still visible in local and national collegiate athletics. The Dan Wooldridge Overall Champions Cup is one of three awards that comprise the ODAC Commissioners Cup competitions. Beginning in 1997 and through the Salem Rotary Club Wooldridge Scholarship Foundation Fund, the Salem Rotary presents two scholarships annually in Dan Wooldridge’s name to the two winners of the Jostens Trophy, a Rotary sponsored award that recognizes the top Division III male and female basketball student-athletes in the country.
Dan Wooldridge’s legacy is one of exemplary service and commitment to the principles of collegiate athletics. His contributions to the ODAC, the Division III community, and the Roanoke Valley will be remembered with deep respect and gratitude. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all those he touched throughout his history.
Funeral services for Dan and Nancy Wooldridge, who passed during the COVID pandemic, will be held on Saturday, August 31, at Roanoke College Chapel. Visitation is from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. ET with the service following at 11:00 a.m. ET.
Below is a personal statement from ODAC Commissioner Brad Bankston.
“The conference and all who knew Dan are mourning his death. He was a foundational pillar in so many areas.
Dan was an eternal optimist. He had the unique ability to lead groups of people to do tough things. When the league was founded, it needed a spark. Dan provided the framework and ideas to form the ODAC. When the City of Salem was considering hosting NCAA Division III Championships, Dan was there to spur the conversation and help the city's leaders to lean in on its initial Stagg Bowl bid. When he was ready to pass the torch and retire as the ODAC Commissioner, Dan stood behind me and served as an amazing mentor during our transition.
People, from all walks of life, have a common theme about Dan. They say he gave them their first chance at officiating, athletics administration, insurance, etc. I’m deeply thankful for my chance. I know Salem is thankful for its championship run of 100+ NCAA events and the ODAC continues today due in part to Dan's vision and passionate stewardship.
Today we honor the ODAC's greatest fan who will always have a seat at the end of the press table for its conference basketball championships. Our thoughts and prayers are with Dan's family and friends during this difficult time."
--- Brad Bankston, ODAC Commissioner