The unofficial online home for fans of the Old Dominion University Monarchs. Part of Collegiate Sports Nation (CSN).

From the Desk of Bobby Wilder:

Dear 12th Monarchs,

Our 2012 team slogan is "WE ARE ONE". No more is this true then in the 2012 football season. We are one team, one year, and one shot at the FCS National Championship! Our student-athletes are focused on returning to the national championship playoff tournament and working to advance to the national championship game in Frisco, Texas on January 5th, 2013.

Why is this our team focus for 2012? The CAA announced we are ineligible to win the CAA title and the automatic bid to the playoffs. We must all come together as one and earn an at-large bid to the tournament. Based on the fact we will stay at 63 scholarships and not officially declare our move to C-USA until after our season, we are eligible for the playoffs as an at-large team.

I am asking all the 12th Monarchs to remain positive with the news and be even "louder and prouder" when you cheer for your Football Monarchs starting September 1st at S.B. Ballard Stadium. The history of the powerful CAA has shown that as many as five teams will represent the conference in the playoffs. Your Monarchs want to be one of those teams in 2012.

We are currently having our best summer in the classroom and with our workouts. This is by far the hardest working group of student-athletes we have had in our five years and that is saying a lot based on our previous teams and student-athletes. Collectively, they are focused on becoming better people, better students, and better football players.

I am very proud of this group of young people and their positive mental attitude. In the face of all that has happened with league affiliation and the announcement by the CAA, they remain focused on being the best team they can be in 2012. I am proud to be their head football coach.

My best to all of you for a great summer and remember to "Aim High" in everything you do!

- Coach Wilder