Old Dominion

Wilder Adds Jeff Comissiong to Coaching Staff

Written by media relations

Saturday, 13 April 2013 01:34

NORFOLK, Va. – Old Dominion University football Head Coach Bobby Wilder hired Jeff Comissiong to fill the position of assistant head coach/defensive line coach, Wilder announced on Tuesday.

“Everyone associated with Old Dominion football is excited to welcome Jeff Comissiong to our family. Jeff was most recently the defensive line coach at Boston College where he helped develop one of the best groups in the nation at the BCS level,” Wilder said. “Statistically BC was good on defense and especially at defensive line. Jeff has recruited and developed a number of players in his six years at BC that have gone on to the NFL. We are fortunate to have him join our staff.”

Comissiong spent the last six years as defensive line coach at Boston College as well as having an integral part in special teams. During his tenure at BC, the Eagles led the ACC in rush defense three times and led the country in rush defense in 2010, finished second in 2007. Comissiong and the Eagles ranked fifth in the country in defense in 2008 and finished 13th in 2010.

“I am honored to be joining the Old Dominion family and the football program. I have followed with great interest the progress that has been made by Old Dominion football from afar and it is truly remarkable. A 38-10 record and the transition to FBS and C-USA in only four years has me even more excited to get started,” Comissiong said. “It is obvious to me the program has tremendous support from both the University and the community. Work will begin immediately in helping our student-athletes achieve at the highest level on and off the field.”

While at Boston College, Comissiong placed a pair of defensive linemen on the ACC All-Conference team in 2007 and 2008 and defensive linemen B.J. Raji (Green Bay Packers) and Ron Brace (New England Patriots) were taken in the first two rounds of the 2009 NFL Draft. Damik Scafe, another defensive tackle coached by Comissiong at BC, is currently on the roster for the San Diego Chargers.

Before joining BC, Comissiong spent two years at Harvard, helping the Crimson to the No. 1 ranked defense in the Ivy league and also finishing first in sacks while leading the country in tackles for loss and sacks and coming in second in the country in run defense.

Prior to his time at Harvard, he rejoined the staff at Maine, coaching the defensive line for five years. Comissiong helped the Black Bears to back-to-back conference championships and advancing to the FCS Quarterfinals in both seasons.

He started his collegiate coaching career at Maine in 1996 and was in charge of the defensive ends for three seasons, helping the defense set a school record 51 sacks in a season while Todd Williamson set the single-season record for sacks in a season with 13. Following his stint at Maine, he joined the staff at Bates College for three years where he was the defensive line coach as well as the strength and conditioning coach.

Comissiong was a four-year letterwinner at linebacker for Maine.

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Sidni Hoxha Named 2013 CAA Swimmer of the Year

Written by media relations

Saturday, 13 April 2013 00:49

April 11, 2013

RICHMOND, Va. – Old Dominion University’s Sidni Hoxha (Tirane, Albania) was named the 2013 CAA Swimmer of the Year in a vote by the league’s head coaches. Hoxha was the only CAA swimmer to qualify for the NCAA Championships, where he competed in the 50 and 100 free. He now becomes only the second ODU athlete to be named CAA Swimmer of the Year, joining three-time winner Arni Arnason.

At the NCAA Championships in March, Hoxha placed 18th in the 50 freestyle with a time of 19.67 and finished 29th in the 100 freestyle with a time of 43.48.

Hoxha was honored as the Co-Most Outstanding Swimmer of the Meet at the 2013 CAA Championships after winning five medals, setting four school records and posting two NCAA B-cut times. Hoxha won the 50 freestyle for the third year in a row with a time of 19.78 after setting a new meet record of 19.60 in the prelims. He also posted a first-place finish in the 200 freestyle with a time of 1:37.17 and was a member of the Monarchs’ third-place 800 freestyle relay team. Hoxha set a new CAA record this season in the 100 freestyle with a time of 43.43.

Hoxha has competed in the Olympics twice, first in Beijing in 2008, followed by his most recent involvement in the 2012 Olympics in London. Hoxha opened some eyes at the London Olympics, capturing the top time in his heat and finishing in 37th overall.

The son of Shpetim and Albene Hoxha, Sidni comes from a line of impeccable athletes. His father was a great tennis player in his day, ranking at No.3 in Albania. Hoxha's grandfather was also involved in sports, playing for Albania's national soccer team. Not only does Sidni work hard in the pool but he also works hard in the classroom pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering.

In 2010, Hoxha was named the CAA Rookie of the Year.

David Sanchez (Drexel) was selected as the 2013 CAA Diver of the Year. Joining Hoxha and Sanchez for 2013 award winners in men’s swimming and diving was William & Mary freshman Will Manion (Haddonfield, N.J.), who was selected as the CAA Men’s Rookie Swimmer of the Year. UNCW’s Dave Allen was voted the CAA Men’s Swimming Coach of the Year for the ninth time and Drexel’s Katryn Valladares was selected as the CAA Men’s Diving Coach of the Year for the first time.

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ODU Drops Heartbreaker at Delaware, 8-7

Written by media relations

Saturday, 13 April 2013 00:16

NEWARK, Del. – The Old Dominion University women’s lacrosse team fell in a heartbreaker to Delaware on Friday evening at Delaware Stadium, 8-7.

Despite jumping out to an early lead and holding a 5-2 advantage, Old Dominion (3-11, 1-3) was not able to come out on top as Delaware (8-5, 2-2) outscored the Lady Monarchs, 6-2, to end the contest and squeak out an 8-7 win.

In the first half, ODU struck quickly as sophomore midfielder Ashmore Standing snuck one past UD goalkeeper Alex Zaugra. The Blue Hens struck right back as Chelsea Fay scored one of her two first half goals to knot the game up at 1-1. Sophomore midfielder Christina Rea gave ODU back the lead shortly thereafter and increased their lead to 3-1 on another goal from Standing, prompting a UD timeout.

ODU was able to respond after a UD goal following the timeout and the Blue Hens then changed goalkeepers, bringing in Tori Zorovich at 4-2. Freshman midfielder Mary Margaret McCaleb would give ODU a 5-2 advantage but the Blue Hens closed the half with a pair of goals to close to gap to 5-4 at intermission.

In the second half, UD quickly tied the score in the first minute of action. After a lengthy scoreless streak, the Blue Hens scored their first lead of the game when Fay found the back of the net with just under 15 minutes to play. ODU would tie it on the third goal of the game by Rea just a couple of minutes later.

With under 10 minutes to go, UD reclaimed the lead on a free position attempt. ODU would tie it up once again shortly thereafter when freshman midfielder Rachel Shaw scored on a feed from senior attacker Meredith Rogers. Delaware was able to claim the lead for good with 4:16 to play when Caitlin McCartney scored her third goal of the game. ODU would get a couple of chances but just could not find the equalizer late.

Delaware had the 22-14 advantage in shots. McCartney and Fay, who each had three goals each, led the Blue Hens. Rea had three and Standing had two goals for ODU. Sophomore goalkeeper Karen Hayde had eight saves while UD’s Tori Zorovich had six in the win.

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Jeff Jones Named Old Dominion's Men's Basketball Coach

Written by media relations

Friday, 05 April 2013 21:59

NORFOLK, Va. - Jeff Jones, head coach at American University for the past 13 years and previously at the University of Virginia, has been named the 13th head men’s basketball coach at Old Dominion University, as announced today by Director of Athletics Dr. Wood Selig.

“I have immense respect for Jeff Jones and his ability to lead a highly successful Division I men’s basketball program. Coach Jones is one of the most respected head basketball coaches in the country. His head coaching career has been characterized by winning seasons and successful post season play. I know our student-athletes will benefit greatly from Jeff’s experiences as a college student athlete and head coach,” says Selig. “He will run a model program from which our university and Hampton Roads community will take considerable pride. I enjoyed my working relationship with Jeff during our time together at UVA and I am very excited about the opportunity to join forces again on behalf of ODU. “

Jones brings a 21-year, 358-286 career head coaching record to ODU, which includes a 212-182 record at American and 146-104 as head coach of the University of Virginia. His teams advanced to nine post season appearances (six at UVA and three at AU), including a 1995 NCAA Elite 8, a 1993 NCAA Sweet 16 appearance and an NIT Championship in 1992 while at UVA.

“It is a great honor to be named the head coach at Old Dominion University. I have had great respect for the tradition and success of the Old Dominion basketball program, dating back to the early 1970’s when my father’s teams at Kentucky Wesleyan played great ODU teams that included Dave Twardzik and Wilson Washington,” says Jones. “Later as a player at Virginia, I went head to head against ODU’s Tommy Conrad at the point position and played against Ronnie Valentine and Mark West.”

“I am very impressed with the growth of ODU and came away from my interview with great respect for President John Broderick and his vision for the University and commitment to a successful athletic program,” adds Jones. “The facilities, including the Constant Center, are outstanding, and the community support and attendance for men’s basketball is incredible. It also goes without saying that having the ability to work again with Wood Selig, whom I worked with at Virginia, was very attractive for me as well.”

One of the most respected teachers in the collegiate ranks, four of Jones' last six teams at American won 20 or more games and two Patriot League championships. Jones led the Eagles to a 20-win season in 2011-12 and advanced to the CollegeInsider.com postseason tournament. His 2010-11 squad went 22-9 with 11-non conference wins, and advanced to the Patriot League semifinals, while the 2008-09 team capped off the season with a 24-8 overall record, matching the program’s record for wins, and a 13-1 Patriot League mark. The Eagles led the nation in road wins that season with 11 and their 59.1 points per game allowed average ranked 11th nationally. Jones was named Patriot League Coach of the Year and NABC District 13 Coach of the Year in 2009. The 2007-08 Eagles captured the Patriot League title, and advanced to the school’s first ever NCAA Tournament appearance after compiling a 21-12 record, which included a 67-59 win at Maryland. In 2001-02, AU won the regular season title in compiling an 18-12 record.

“We were extremely fortunate to speak with some great candidates, all of whom could have successfully led the program. Jeff Jones, however, in my opinion, had the best plan to move Old Dominion basketball forward as we transition to Conference USA,” says ODU President John R. Broderick.

Jones was named head coach at UVA in 1990 at age 29, following a standout playing career with the Cavaliers and eight years as an assistant coach under Terry Holland. He was the youngest head coach in the history of the Atlantic Coast Conference at age 29 and in eight years compiled 146 wins for a .584 winning percentage. He led Virginia to six postseason appearances (five NCAA, one NIT), one regular-season ACC championship, and four, 20-win campaigns. Virginia’s win over Virginia Tech during the 1994-95 regular season gave Jones his 100th career victory, making him the second-fastest coach in school history and fifth-fastest in ACC history to accomplish the feat. He also directed the Cavaliers to five of their top six seasons for field-goal percentage defense. In winning the 1992 NIT championship, Jones became the first person to win the NIT title as both a player and a coach.

Prior to his eight-year run as head coach, Jones was an assistant coach for eight years on Terry Holland’s staff at UVA. During his tenure as an assistant, Jones was a part of the Cavaliers’ overall record of 162-95 (.630), participating in six NCAA Tournaments while advancing to the Final Four in 1984 and the Elite Eight in 1989.

Jones leaves American as the school’s winningest all time coach. During his tenure, he developed 21 players who have been named All Patriot League, 23 who went on to play professionally, two who earned Patriot League Rookie of the Year honors (Andre Ingram 2004 and Derrick Mercer 2006), and two Patriot League Players of the Year (Patrick Doctor 2002 and Mercer in 2009).

Jones served as an assistant on Jerry DeGregorio’s Rhode Island staff during the 1999-2000 season before taking the helm at American in April of 2000.

A native of Owensboro, Ky., Jones had a standout career at Apollo High School in Owensboro before playing the point guard position for Virginia from 1978-82. His father Bobby Jones was the head coach at Kentucky Wesleyan from 1972-1980, winning the 1973 NCAA Division II national title. As a four-year starter for the Cavaliers, Jones was known as a leader and prolific passer. With Jones directing a potent offense, UVA compiled an overall record of 102-28 (.785) while he led the Cavaliers to two NCAA and two NIT tournaments. Virginia captured the 1980 NIT title and advanced to the NCAA Final Four in 1981.

Jones finished his career as Virginia’s all-time assist leader (598) while also setting the single-season record with 200 assists during the 1979-80 season. Later, as head coach, he saw both of those records eclipsed by his own player, John Crotty. Jones served as team captain as a senior during the 1981-82 season and played in 129 games during his career. During that time he averaged 6.6 points and 4.6 assists per game while shooting 52.2 percent from the field and 74.3 percent from the free-throw line.

Jones is married to the former Danielle Decker of Virginia Beach and is the father of three children, Meghann, Madison Perry, and Jeffrey Robert. He graduated from the University of Virginia in 1982 with a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology.

Jeff Jones Year-by-Year Head Coaching Record

Year School Record Postseason

1990-01 Virginia 21-12 NCAA First Round

1991-92 Virginia 20-13 NIT Champions

1992-93 Virginia 21-10 NCAA Sweet 16

1993-94 Virginia 18-13 NCAA Second Round

1994-95 Virginia 25-9 NCAA Elite 8

1995-96 Virginia 12-15 --

1996-97 Virginia 18-13 NCAA First Round

1997-98 Virginia 11-19 --

2000-01 American 7-20 --

2001-02 American 18-12 --

2002-03 American 16-14 --

2003-04 American 18-13 --

2004-05 American 17-11 --

2005-06 American 12-17 --

2006-07 American 16-14 --

2007-08 American 21-12 NCAA First Round

2008-09 American 24-8 NCAA First Round

2009-10 American 11-20 --

2010-11 American 22-9 --

2011-12 American 20-12 CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament

2012-13 American 10-20 ---

Record at AU 212-182 (.555) Three postseason appearances

Record at UVA 146-104 (.584) Six postseason appearances

Overall Record 358-286 (.567) Nine postseason appearances

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT JEFF JONES

“Jeff Jones has proven for years that he knows exactly what it takes to put together a winning program at any level of college basketball. The best news for ODU is that as good a coach as he is , he's an even better person. - John Feinstein

“For me, ODU hit a home run with the hiring of Coach Jones. He’s a coach that I have the up most respect for. He’s a great leader, a hard working person who wants the very best for his student athletes.” - ODU Hall of Famer - Odell Hodge

“I think Jeff Jones is a good choice for ODU. He has the basketball background and experience from his coaching years at both Virginia and American to get the ODU program to where it needs to be. Jeff is an outstanding coach and a true gentlemen." - ODU Hall of Fame Head Coach Paul Webb

JEFF JONES VS. ODU

As a player:

1978-79 ODU wins at UVA, 65-61

1989-80 UVA win 79-58 in Richmond

As a coach:

1991-92 Virginia wins, 83-67 in Richmond

1992-93 Virginia wins , 90-68 in Charlottesville

1993-94 ODU wins in Scope, 76-69

1994-95 Virginia wins in pre-season NIT, 83-80

1995-96 Virginia wins, 87-49

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Chris Mecate Wins CAA Rookie of the Year

Written by media relations

Friday, 05 April 2013 21:38

April 5, 2013

RICHMOND, Va. – The Colonial Athletic Association announced that Old Dominion University’s Chris Mecate was named the 2013 CAA Rookie of the Year. Mecate becomes just the third ODU wrestler to win the award and first since 2008.

Head coach Steve Martin proudly exclaimed, “Chris had an outstanding year both on and off the mat. He has a 3.25 GPA and performed at a high level throughout the year. He has a strong work ethic and is determined to win NCAA titles. We are looking forward to guiding him on his quest to help chase down his dreams!"

Mecate finished the season with a 37-9 overall record and went 7-0 in CAA action. He also went on a 12-match winning streak, extending from January 11th to March 21st.

The redshirt freshman from Highland, Calif. qualified for the NCAA Championships as the 12th-seeded wrestler at 141 pounds and won the opening round match with a 6-3 decision over Brandon Nelsen of Purdue. Mecate eventually fell to the fifth and sixth place finishers at the NCAA Championships.

Mecate won the CAA title with a 7-1 victory over NCAA qualifier Frank Cimato of Drexel. Throughout this season, Mecate accumulated three CAA Rookie of the Week awards on 2/19, 2/12 and 1/15. Mecate placed fourth at the prestigious Southern Scuffle and was crowned the champ at both the Clarion Open and the Mat Town Open.

Jeff Rusak became the first Old Dominion wrestler to take home the CAA Rookie of the Year honor in 1999. In 2008, James Nicholson was the last Monarch grappler to harness this award.

2013 CAA Awards

Wrestler of the Year: Donnie Vinson, Binghamton

Rookie of the Year: Chris Mecate, ODU

Coach of the Year: Rob Anspach, Hofstra

Mecate also received national recognition for his success throughout his freshman season. Mecate finished the 2013 National Intermat Freshman of the Year voting in ninth place.

2013 InterMat Freshman of the Year

1st-5th-Place Votes: 9-7-5-3-1

Total Votes/(First-Place Votes)

1. Alex Dieringer, Oklahoma St., 80 (5)

2. Nahshon Garrett, Cornell, 78 (5)

3. Cody Brewer, Oklahoma, 42

4. Nathan Kraisser, North Carolina, 17

5. Taylor Massa, Michigan, 10

5. Connor Medbery, Wisconsin, 10

7. Jordan Conaway, Penn St., 6

7. Cody Walters, Ohio, 6

9. Chris Mecate, Old Dominion, 1

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