What Is 2009 Old Dominion Monarchs football

Overview

The 2009 Old Dominion Monarchs football team represented Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, marking the rebirth of the school's football program after a 69-year hiatus. The Monarchs had not played a season since 1940, making the 2009 campaign a historic return to intercollegiate competition at the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) level.

Under the leadership of first-year head coach Bobby Wilder, the team exceeded expectations, finishing with a 9–2 record and quickly establishing a competitive presence. Playing as an independent at the FCS level, the Monarchs drew large crowds to Foreman Field and demonstrated strong offensive and defensive performances throughout the season.

• First game: The Monarchs played their inaugural game on September 5, 2009, defeating Chowan University 36–21 in front of a sold-out crowd.
• Offensive output: ODU scored 377 total points in 11 games, averaging over 34 points per game during the 2009 season.
• Defensive strength: The defense allowed only 187 points, holding opponents to under 17 points per game on average.
• Home field: All home games were played at Foreman Field, a historic stadium on ODU’s campus with a capacity of over 20,000.
• Independent status: As an FCS independent, ODU did not belong to a conference and scheduled a mix of regional and mid-major opponents.

Season Performance

The 2009 season showcased the Monarchs’ immediate competitiveness, with standout performances against both NCAA Division II and FCS programs. The team demonstrated balanced offensive execution and disciplined defense, laying the foundation for future success in subsequent years.

• Quarterback development: Redshirt freshman Thomas DeMarco started 10 games and threw for 1,791 yards and 14 touchdowns.
• Running game: Running back Lawrence Garner rushed for 736 yards and 12 touchdowns, leading the team in scoring.
• Key victory: A 35–18 win over Liberty University on October 17 was one of the team’s most significant performances.
• Close loss: The Monarchs lost 35–34 to eventual FCS semifinalist Appalachian State in a hard-fought road game.
• Final game: The season concluded with a 45–7 victory over VMI, showcasing dominance in their final home game.
• Attendance: ODU averaged over 18,000 fans per game, among the highest in FCS independent programs.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2009 Monarchs compared to other notable FCS teams that season:

The Monarchs’ 9–2 record compared favorably with many established FCS programs. Despite not being ranked, their point differential of +190 and strong attendance signaled a promising start. The team outperformed several programs with longer histories at the FCS level, indicating a successful relaunch.

Why It Matters

The 2009 season was pivotal in reestablishing Old Dominion as a football-playing university and set the stage for future conference affiliation and growth. The immediate on-field success helped build momentum for the program, culminating in joining the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) in 2011.

• Program foundation: The 2009 season laid the groundwork for ODU’s transition to FBS just five years later in 2014.
• Recruiting boost: Strong performance attracted higher-caliber recruits in subsequent classes.
• Community impact: Football games revitalized campus spirit and strengthened ties with the Norfolk community.
• Conference future: Success in 2009 helped ODU gain credibility when joining the CAA in 2011.
• Facility upgrades: High attendance justified investments in stadium improvements at Foreman Field.
• National attention: The Monarchs’ rebirth was covered by ESPN and other national outlets, raising ODU’s profile.

The 2009 Old Dominion Monarchs football team was more than just a return to the field—it was the launch of a modern era for ODU athletics, demonstrating that a revived program could compete immediately at a high level.