Odell Hodge will be in the Monarch record books for some time to come, following an outstanding career that ended with his graduation in May.

He closed out his career with 2,117 points, 1,086 rebounds and 286 blocked shots, placing him third on the university's all-time lists for each. He also ended up shooting .555 from the floor, ranking him fourth all-time at Old Dominion.

Hodge was named CAA Player of the Year and Tournament MVP, and was an Associated Press honorable mention All-American. But of all his awards and accolades, Hodge counts the team's CAA championship win over JMU this year his first as a participating player among his most cherished accomplishments.

The Monarchs, however, were unable to recapture the glory of their first-round NCAA win in 1995, a thrilling triple-overtime victory over Villanova. Old Dominion lost its first NCAA game this year to New Mexico, the third seed in the region, 59-55.

Baseball team sets new home run marks

The 1997 baseball Monarchs knocked down most of the school's home run marks, including both team and individual records.

This year's squad, which had no seniors and only three juniors, compiled a 34-20 overall record and took second in the CAA with a 12-8 regular season record. Junior third baseman Ron Walker completed his career at Old Dominion as the school's all-time home run hitter. His 20 round-trippers was seven better than the old mark of 13 set in 1985 by Sean O'Hare and tied by Matt Quatraro '96 in 1995 and 1996.

Walker, the CAA Player of the Year, set the career home run mark of 36 against Western Carolina on May 10. The previous mark of 35 was held by Todd Azar '87 and Quatraro.

The Indian Mills, N.J., native also broke the school's career save mark as a relief pitcher, with 17, and put together a 19-game hitting streak at the beginning of the '97 season, four shy of the school record of 23 set in 1982 by Tony Morris. Another mark set this year was the team single-season home run record of 66. The old mark of 55 was set in 1982.

Sailing team takes fifth at spring national event

The sailing Monarchs won seven of 11 races to take fifth in the ICYRA/Ronstant Collegiate Team Race National Championships in May.

Among Old Dominion's six sailors who competed was John Torgerson, of Annapolis, Md., winner of the singlehanded national sailing crown in the fall. Torgerson is one of the top laser sailors in the country.

Season tickets on sale for 1997-98 basketball

Basketball season tickets are now on sale, with special rates for Young Alumni (classes of 1987 to 1997).

The following prices are for Monarch and Lady Monarch passes: adults, $130 and $80; Young Alumni, children 17 and under, senior citizens, military and faculty/staff, $95 and $55; family passes (up to two adults and three children), $200 and $125; and Saturday five-game package, $45 and $35. To order call 757-683-4444. The basketball season opens at the field house the night of Oct. 17 with the Wise Monarch Midnite Madness celebration. Admission is free.

Chris Gatling '91, Old Dominion's first NBA All-Star participant, finished third in the balloting for the NBA's Sixth Man Award, behind John Starks and Tony Kukoc. Gatling, who started the season with Dallas, was traded to New Jersey in mid-season, and saw limited action with the Nets after suffering from a partial paralysis on the left side of his face. In the 47 games he played this season, Gatling averaged 19 points and 8 rebounds.

Rugby alumni dedicate plaque to former player

Former Old Dominion Rugby Club player Steven Morrison was memorialized prior to the annual alumni rugby games April 19 at the university's Powhatan Field (see photo at top of page). The ceremony included the unveiling of a plaque in his memory. Morrison died of cardiac arrest in 1990 at the age of 20.

Morrison's family and Kappa Delta Rho fraternity, to which he belonged, have established a scholarship in his memory. The Rugby Alumni Association presented a check for $1,000 to the fund at the dedication. Anyone wishing to make a contribution should contact the university's development office at 757-683-3090.