Wrestling Southern Conference

Davidson's Oddo Resigns 16-year vet to enter corporate world

DAVIDSON, N.C. -- Tom Oddo, Davidson's wrestling coach for the past 16 years, recently resigned from his position to pursue a full-time spot in financial planning with Raymond James. A 1985 graduate from Davidson, Oddo immediately stepped into the head coaching position the following season.

"I've enjoyed my time at Davidson and it has been a big part of my life," said Oddo. "Developing the program into a respectable Division I program has been an extremely difficult challenge. But I feel com-fortable leaving Davidson knowing it's in a spot where it can creep up the Southern Conference ladder and send wrestlers to nationals on a regular basis."

During his time as head coach, he helped direct the Wildcats through many transitory phases -- from the Southern Conference to NCAA Division I Independent and finally back to the Southern Conference. In 1998 and '99, Oddo helped guide Wildcat grappler Ian Kaplan to the NCAA National Tournament. Kaplan was the first Davidson wrestler to qualify for the prestigious event since 1969.

As a wrestler at Davidson, Oddo qualified for the NAIA nationals as a freshman. Oddo still has his name in the school record books as well, by recording the second- and third-most takedowns in a season by a 'Cat wrestler while a freshman and sophomore.

"Tom's dedication to wrestling since his days as a student has literally saved the program," stated Jim Murphy, Director of Athletics. "Over the past 16 years, Tom has built a foundation of success for wrestling at Davidson and we'll miss his presence on the mat."

Davidson expects to name a new wrestling head coach within the next few days.