Join us for a special conversation with Dr. Pat Baker, the 28th recipient of the Bud Metheny Award, longtime volunteer with Old Dominion Athletics, and lifelong supporter of ODU Baseball. Dr. Baker shares stories of playing for Bud Metheny, volunteering on the athletic medical staff, building youth baseball in Norfolk, and decades of service to Monarch Nation.

Whether you’re an ODU fan, baseball enthusiast, or someone who values the power of community, this episode is full of history, memories, and inspiration.

🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more Monarchists interviews and ODU stories!

📌 Chapters

00:00 – Intro & Welcome Dr. Pat Baker

02:00 – Growing up in Norfolk & ODU Connections

03:00 – Playing Freshman Year for Bud Metheny

05:00 – Baseball Fields Conditions & Life of a College Baseball Player in the 60s

07:00 – Transfer to William & Mary & Dental School

08:00 – Returning to Norfolk & Reconnecting with ODU

10:00 – Volunteering with Old Dominion Athletics

12:00 – From Dental Work to Dugout Club & Fundraising

14:00 – Stories of Coaches, Athletes, & ODU Family Culture

20:00 – The Importance of Asking for Support

21:00 – Favorite Athletes to Watch Over the Years

22:00 – Supporting Youth Baseball & Fleet Park

25:00 – Balancing Dentistry, Family, & Volunteering

27:00 – Unsung Leaders & Lasting Connections with Athletes

28:00 – Opening of The Bud & ODU Baseball Facilities

30:00 – Longtime Friendships & ODU’s Community Spirit

32:00 – ODU as a Big School with a Small Family Feel

36:00 – Chris Finwood’s Leadership & New Stadium Excitement

37:00 – ODU Athletes in the MLB & Growing Influence

39:00 – Monarchists Podcast Origins & Growth

42:00 – Full Circle: AJ Oliver Story

43:00 – Closing Thoughts & Inspiration

In this episode of The Monarchists, we celebrate another Victory Sunday as Old Dominion takes down Virginia Tech 45–26! 🎉

The crew is joined by ODU Football Alum and former quarterback Hayden Wolff, one of only three Monarch QBs to ever beat the Hokies. Together, they break down the win, share behind-the-scenes stories, and dive into the electric night of Old Dominion's first road P4 win.

This episode is packed with insights, fan energy, and postgame reactions — perfect for Monarch Nation and college football fans everywhere.

Monarch Nation, we’ve got a jam-packed episode!

We start with breaking news: Jason Henderson, the best linebacker in Old Dominion football history, announces his retirement. We reflect on his legendary career, share memories, and discuss what this means for the program.

Then, we recap ODU’s dominant win over North Carolina Central (54-6) — from Treyquan Jones’ record-breaking touchdown run to improved offensive line play and strong defensive depth.

Finally, we preview the huge matchup against Virginia Tech in Blacksburg. Can ODU take advantage of Tech’s struggles? We dive into key matchups, game planning, and what a win could mean for the Sun Belt race.

Special guest Jonathan Plisco joins us, plus Fade Gary’s Week 3 Picks, recruiting updates, and plenty of Monarch Nation energy.

👉 Don’t forget to like 👍, comment 💬, and subscribe 🔔 to support ODU Football coverage!

Chapters

00:00 – Breaking news: Jason Henderson retires

02:00 – Jason’s legacy at Old Dominion

06:00 – Remembering Jason as a Monarch

08:00 – Beer garden & concessions update

09:30 – Garrick’s fan call: defense, QB play, & penalties

12:00 – Growing the ODU fanbase

13:00 – Concerns with running quarterbacks

14:00 – Limiting third downs & offensive rhythm

15:00 – Previewing Virginia Tech atmosphere

18:00 – Tech’s injuries & offensive line issues

19:00 – Special guest: Jonathan Plisco joins

20:00 – ODU’s big win vs. NCCU

21:00 – Treyquan Jones’ record-breaking run

23:00 – Pass blocking vs. run blocking

25:00 – Balanced receiving attack

26:00 – Biggest hit of the game

28:00 – Concerns with mobile QBs

29:00 – Young linebackers stepping up

30:00 – Pressure & tackles for loss breakdown

32:00 – Defensive depth showing

33:00 – Crowd & student section recap

34:00 – Inside the new end zone suites

39:00 – Fan feedback on concessions & beer garden

44:00 – Basketball & women’s recruiting notes

45:00 – Football recruiting updates

46:00 – Fade Gary’s Week 3 betting picks

49:00 – Virginia Tech preview begins

50:00 – Could ODU hand VT another coaching change?

55:00 – What’s wrong with Virginia Tech’s offense?

58:00 – Tech’s lack of pressure & TFLs

59:00 – Containing Kyron Drones

1:01:00 – Blacksburg night game atmosphere

1:04:00 – ODU’s offensive explosiveness

1:07:00 – Game planning vs. VT defense

1:09:00 – Scoring 50+ points again

1:12:00 – Around the Sun Belt results

1:14:00 – Could ODU battle JMU for the East?

1:15:00 – Picks & score predictions

Aaron and Mike are joined by ODU Football alum Jarod Brown to talk about the loss to #20 Indiana Hoosiers, the sights and sounds of Bloomington and preview the home opener against North Carolina Central.

Coach Tennant McVea joins us in In the Lion’s Den to break down ODU’s win over George Washington, a tough road draw at Elon, and preview a huge home rivalry clash vs. VCU. We talk game strategy, player highlights, fan support, and dive into the rules of college soccer you didn’t know you needed!

Don’t miss this deep dive into Monarchs Soccer – and be there this Friday night to support the team!

Subscribe for more ODU Athletics coverage and behind-the-scenes insights!

CHAPTERS

00:00 – Intro & Welcome to Tennant McVea

01:00 – Breaking Down the George Washington Win

04:00 – Forcing Opponents Into Our Game Plan

06:00 – Jake Lane’s Big Impact Off the Bench

08:00 – Fan Support & Creating a Game Day Atmosphere

12:00 – Recap of the Elon Road Draw

17:00 – VCU Rivalry Preview: Why This Game Matters

19:30 – Building Rivalry Culture in College Soccer

21:00 – Understanding Substitutions in College Soccer

27:00 – The Reality of Offside Calls

30:00 – What’s Really “Out” in Soccer? Rules Explained

33:00 – Final Push: Friday Night vs. VCU – Be There!

Aaron and Mike are joined by Justice of the G5Hive to talk about the different position groups for this 2025 ODU football team and preview the game against Indiana.

Join the fellas as we sit down with Old Dominion legend Ryan Jensen, one of the best offensive linemen to ever suit up for ODU Football, to talk about the early days of ODU football, building a winning culture, and his thoughts on the current team.

00:00 - Introduction & Show Opening

01:00 - Welcoming Ryan Jensen

02:00 - Building ODU’s Early Offensive Line Chemistry

03:00 - Ryan’s Late Start in Football & Early Challenges

05:00 - JUCO to ODU: Recruitment Story & First Impressions

08:00 - Playing with Mobile QBs & Blocking Challenges

10:00 - Developing a Winning Mentality at ODU

12:00 - Current ODU Offensive Line & 2025 Season Outlook

14:00 - Maintaining Mentality Throughout the Season

16:00 - Favorite Memories at ODU (JMU & Chowan Games)

19:00 - Handling Adversity & Bouncing Back from Losses

24:00 - Locker Room Leadership & Stopping Finger-Pointing

27:00 - Playing Mean & Setting the Tone on the Field

30:00 - Dirtiest On-Field Moments & Rivalry Stories

31:00 - NIL & College Football Video Game Talk

34:00 - Indiana Game Preview & Keys to Victory

41:00 - NIL Reflections & What Ryan Would’ve Wanted

42:00 - 20-Year Reunion Plans for ODU’s First Team

44:00 - Pushing for Offensive Line Recognition & Hall of Fame

45:00 - Closing Thoughts & Go Monarchs!

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more ODU football content!

Own The Line was founded by Ryan. A passion project, the mission of this program is to increase the culture of the BIG MEN in Northern California. NorCal is deep with talent and is often overlooked in recruitment to collegiate football. By creating specialized training, camps, and establishing it is cool to be a linemen, we are shifting the culture of an often unloved and unsung community.

Learn more at https://owntheline.org/ and follow them at @ownthelinefootball on Instagram

Mikey Eberle and Evan Watt join the fellas In the Lion's Den this week. We chat with the two ODU veterans about the transition to playing under the current staff, changes for this season, this team's identity, play style and why fans should come out, fun questions, and so much more. Tune in today and get out to The Lion's Den Thursday at 7PM for the home opener vs. George Washington.

If you haven't subscribed, please smash that subscribe button to help us grow our YouTube channel and if you're not a member of The Pride of ODU yet, please consider joining at: https://theprideofodu.com/pages/memberships

CHAPTERS

00:00 Intro

00:40 Transition to the Current Staff and Why ODU

01:37 Changes This Season

02:45 Team Identity

03:45 Club Soccer Before College

04:56 Moment You Knew Soccer Was Your Sport

06:40 Play Style and Why Fans Should Come Out

09:25 Defense and Elite Goal Keeping

10:15 Academics and Career Aspirations (post playing careers)

11:20 Summer Pro Soccer Trials

13:30 Welcome to Wrexham and Ted Lasso

14:54 Cheat Meals

16:34 Weight Training Music

17:36 Zombie Apocalypse Crew (pick 3)

19:55 Team Chemistry

21:19 Message to Monarch Nation

Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator Paul Panik joins CB, Finny and Gary to talk about the incoming transfers, stadium updates and MLB Expansion.

The fellas kick off season two of In the Lion's Den with Tennant McVea, ODU Men's Soccer Head Coach. The crew wraps up last season, discusses off-season priorities, recruiting, both returning and incoming players, and much more. Tennant answers Aaron's question of whether he's a soccer simp because he likes Welcome to Wrexham and whether Ted Lasso is a smash or trash. Strap in, it's going to be a fun ride this season.

If you haven't subscribed, please smash that subscribe button to help us grow our YouTube channel and if you're not a member of The Pride of ODU yet, please consider joining at https://theprideofodu.com/pages/memberships

CHAPTERS

00:00 Intro

00:57 Last Season Wrap Up

03:30 Off Season Priorities

04:55 Returning Players

06:30 Spring Goals - Development

10:13 Incoming Class, Players to Watch For, and Recruiting Model

24:45 Facility Upgrades

30:00 Building Schedules

33:45 Diversity of Sun Belt Soccer Styles

41:30 Welcome to Wrexham and Ted Lasso

46:25 Tennant's Message to Monarch Nation