ODU Athletic Director Reflects on Tenure, Tough Decisions

Wood Selig discusses his accomplishments and the difficult call to cut the wrestling program at Old Dominion University.

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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Wood Selig has served as the athletic director at Old Dominion University since 2010, overseeing the school's transition to FBS football and major facility upgrades. In a recent interview, Selig reflected on his tenure, including the difficult decision to cut the university's wrestling program due to budget constraints.

Why it matters

As a long-serving athletic director, Selig's perspective provides insight into the challenges and tough choices faced by university sports leaders, especially when it comes to managing tight budgets and making decisions that impact student-athletes and the broader community.

The details

When Selig arrived at ODU in 2010, the school had a fledgling FCS football team and outdated sports facilities. Over his 16-year tenure, he has overseen the transition to FBS football, the construction of a new football stadium and baseball stadium, and other facility upgrades. However, Selig also had to make the "gut-wrenching" call to cut the wrestling program due to budget constraints.

  • Selig became ODU's athletic director in 2010.
  • The decision to cut the wrestling program was made in 2026.

The players

Wood Selig

The athletic director at Old Dominion University since 2010, overseeing the school's transition to FBS football and major facility upgrades.

Old Dominion University

A public research university located in Norfolk, Virginia that competes in Division I athletics.

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What they’re saying

“What do you think you're going to do when you decide to hang it up as athletic director?”

— N/A, N/A (Daily Press)

The takeaway

Selig's tenure at ODU highlights the difficult balancing act faced by modern athletic directors, who must navigate tight budgets, facility upgrades, and tough decisions that impact student-athletes and the broader university community.