Durham Sports Club

Our guest speaker for this meeting will be Dave Odom, Former Head Basketball Coach at Wake Forest, University of South Carolina and others. After graduating from East Carolina in 1969, Odom took a job at Durham High School, coaching there for seven years (1969–1976),where he was voted his league’s coach of the year five times. Odom began his collegiate coaching career as an assistant at Wake Forest University in 1976 under head coach Carl Tacy. After three years at Wake Forest (1976–1979), Odom became the head coach at East Carolina University, where his squad compiled a 16-11 record, the university’s best since 1965. In his 12 seasons as Head Coach at Wake Forest, Odom compiled a record of 240-132, making him the second-highest winning coach in Wake Forest history, as well as the second highest winning percentage in school history. During this time, Wake Forest earned 7 straight NCAA Tournament appearances and one NIT championship. Odom was named ACC coach of the year in 1991, 1994 and 1995. Odom left Wake Forest to accept the job as head coach of the University of South Carolina in 2001. During his tenure at South Carolina, his team earned one NCAA tournament bid, and made three appearances in the NIT, winning the championship in 2005 and 2006. He was named SEC Coach of the Year in 2004. On January 2, 2008, Odom coached his 400th collegiate victory as a head coach. Later that month, on January 18, he announced that he would retire at the end of the 2007-2008 basketball season, his seventh at South Carolina. He coached his final game for USC on March 14, 2008, in the SEC tournament.    

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4/2/25 – Mike Archer, Former Head Football Coach, LSU
4/16/25 – Special Guest Speaker
5/7/25 – Special Guest Speaker

Our guest speaker for this meeting will be Manny Diaz, Head Football Coach at Duke University. Diaz was named Head Coach in December, 2023, and led Duke to 9 wins in his first season, including wins over UNC, NC State, and Wake Forest, and an invitation to the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl. Known for his aggressive and attacking defensive style, Duke finished 2nd nationally in tackles for loss per game (8.9), second in fumbles recovered (18), fourth in sacks per game (3.3) and seventh in turnovers gained (27). Diaz also led 15 Blue Devils to All-ACC honors, the most in one season in program history.

Diaz’ coaching career began as a Graduate Assistant at Florida State, which won a National Championship team in 1999 while he was there. In 2000, Diaz went to NC State, serving as linebackers coach, special teams coach, and more. Following stints at Middle Tennessee State University and Mississippi State University, Diaz landed at the University of Texas in 2011 as Defensive Coordinator and linebackers coach. In 2016, he left to go back to his hometown of Miami, taking the Defensive Coordinator job at the University of Miami before being promoted to Head Coach in 2019, where he led the Hurricanes to three consecutive Bowl games. After Miami, Diaz went to Penn State, again as Defensive Coordinator and linebackers coach. In 2023, he left Penn State for the opportunity of Head Coach at Duke.

Diaz was born in Miami, where his passion for the football developed at a young age. He attended Miami Palmetto Senior High School, where he excelled academically and played football. Following high school, Diaz pursued higher education at Florida State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in 1995.

Diaz and his wife, Stephanie, are the parents of three sons: Colin, Gavin, and Manny.

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3/19/25 – Dave Odom, College Basketball Guru
4/2/25 – Mike Archer, Former Head Football Coach, LSU
4/16/25 – Special Guest Speaker

Our guest speaker for this meeting will be Mike Archer, former Head Football Coach at Louisiana State University (LSU).  In 1984, Archer joined LSU as an assistant coach and was promoted to defensive coordinator in 1985, a role in which he significantly improved the Tigers’ defense. In 1987, Archer was named Head Coach, becoming the youngest head coach in Division I-A football at the age of 34.

Archer’s inaugural Head Coach season in 1987 was remarkable. The Tigers achieved a 10–1–1 record, their first 10-win season in over 25 years, finishing ranked No. 5 in both major polls. The only blemishes were a tie against Ohio State and a loss to Alabama. Despite these setbacks, the season was considered a significant success.

The 1988 season saw the Tigers share the Southeastern Conference (SEC) title with a 6–1 conference record, ending the season at 8–4 overall. A highlight of that year was the “Earthquake Game” against Auburn, where the crowd’s reaction to a last-minute touchdown was so intense that it registered on a seismograph in LSU’s Howe-Russell Geoscience Complex.

After departing LSU, Archer continued his coaching career, primarily focusing on defensive roles. He served as the linebackers coach at the University of Virginia from 1991 to 1992, and then at the University of Kentucky from 1993 to 1995, where he was also the assistant head coach in his final year.

In 1996, Archer transitioned to the National Football League (NFL), joining the Pittsburgh Steelers as their linebackers coach. During his seven-year tenure with the Steelers, the team consistently performed well, making multiple playoff appearances.

Archer returned to college football in 2003 as the defensive coordinator for the University of Kentucky, a position he held until 2006. He then moved to North Carolina State University, serving as the defensive coordinator from 2007 to 2012. In 2014, he rejoined the University of Virginia’s coaching staff, initially as the safeties coach and later as the associate head coach and linebackers coach.

Expanding his coaching experience internationally, Archer joined the Canadian Football League’s Toronto Argonauts in 2017 as their linebackers coach. He was promoted to defensive coordinator in 2018. His tenure with the Argonauts was highlighted by a Grey Cup championship in 2017.

In 2020, Archer became the linebackers coach for the Tampa Bay Vipers of the XFL, further diversifying his coaching portfolio.

Archer was born in State College, Pennsylvania and played football and graduated from the University of Miami prior to transitioning into coaching.

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3/5/25 – Manny Diaz, Head Football Coach, Duke
3/19/25 – Dave Odom, College Basketball Guru
4/2/25 – Special Guest Speaker

Our guest speaker for this meeting will be Chrystal Rowe, Assistant General Manager, Sales & Marketing, for the Durham Bulls since January, 2023.

A native of Hickory, North Carolina, Chrystal has built a distinguished career in sports management, culminating in her current role as the Assistant General Manager of Sales and Marketing for the Durham Bulls, a position she has held since January 2023.

Rowe’s journey in the sports industry began with the Carolina Panthers, where she dedicated 18 years of service. Starting as a Ticket Operations Assistant, she progressively advanced through various sales and marketing roles, ultimately achieving the position of Director of Ticketing.

In her current capacity with the Durham Bulls, Rowe oversees the organization’s sales and marketing initiatives. Reflecting on her appointment, she expressed enthusiasm about joining a team deeply embedded in the community and committed to excellence both on and off the field. She stated, “I look forward to continuing to build on the foundation that has been set for the organization by the Goodmon family and Mike Birling and work alongside the tremendous team of front office personnel.”

Beyond her professional endeavors, Rowe is actively involved in community service. She serves as a Board Member for North Carolina Amateur Sports and acts as the Competition Manager for the State Games of North Carolina High School Baseball Tournament. Additionally, she volunteers for Cycle North Carolina and has been a dedicated member of the Kiwanis Club for over 25 years.

Rowe’s educational background includes a degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, further solidifying her deep-rooted connection to the state.

In her personal life, Rowe is an avid traveler and concert enthusiast. She describes herself as a “Carolina girl” and “road trip lover,” passions she often shares on her social media platforms.

Rowe’s extensive experience and commitment to community engagement have significantly contributed to the Durham Bulls’ ongoing success and their strong relationship with fans and partners.

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2/19/25 – Mike Archer, Former Head Football Coach, LSU
3/5/25 – Manny Diaz, Head Football Coach, Duke
3/19/25 – Dave Odom, College Basketball Guru

Our guest speaker for this meeting will be Jones Angell, play-by-play announcer for UNC football and UNC Men’s basketball. Angell was appointed to this position in 2011, following Woody Durham retirement after 40 years as the “Voice of the Tar Heels.” This prestigious position placed him at the forefront of one of the nation’s most storied collegiate athletic programs. Angell approached this role with a deep sense of responsibility, aiming to honor the legacy of his predecessors while bringing his unique style to the broadcasts.

Throughout his tenure, Angell has been lauded for his clear and enthusiastic commentary, his ability to vividly describe the action, and his insightful analysis. His commitment to providing listeners with an immersive experience has endeared him to fans and solidified his reputation as a trusted voice in sports broadcasting.

Beyond his play-by-play duties, Angell has been involved in various aspects of sports media, including hosting coaches’ shows, engaging in public speaking engagements, and contributing to sports journalism. His comprehensive understanding of the game and his personable demeanor have made him a respected figure both on and off the air.

Angell attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he majored in journalism and mass communication. During his time at UNC, he began interning with the Tar Heel Sports Network (THSN) between his sophomore and junior years, gaining invaluable experience that would shape his future career.

In 1999, while still an intern, Angell’s broadcasting career commenced with play-by-play commentary for high school football and baseball games in Jacksonville. His first assignment with THSN was calling a Little League Baseball game for WIZS, a station owned by the family of John Rose, then engineer for THSN.

After graduating, Angell’s role within THSN expanded. He began covering a variety of sports, including baseball, football, and men’s basketball, showcasing his versatility and deep knowledge of athletics. His dedication and talent did not go unnoticed, and he gradually became a central figure in UNC sports broadcasting.

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2/6/25 – THIS IS A THURSDAY MEETING!!  PLEASE MAKE A NOTE
2/19/25 – Special Guest Speaker
3/5/25 – Special Guest Speaker

This will be our annual “Christmas Party” meeting. Our guest speaker for this meeting will be Luke DeCock, sports writer with the News & Observer, who will be giving us a 2024 “Sports Year in Review.” Over his career, DeCock has covered major sporting events such as the NCAA Final Fours, the Summer Olympics, the Super Bowl, and the Stanley Cup Finals. His work primarily focuses on college basketball, hockey, and regional sports teams, including the Carolina Hurricanes. He has earned recognition for his insightful commentary and analysis in the sports journalism field.

DeCock has received notable recognitions in sports journalism. He won first place in the 2021 Associated Press Sports Editors (APSE) contest for Division B Column Writing, showcasing his skill in delivering compelling and insightful sports commentary. Additionally, he earned the prestigious National Headliner Award in 2020, being named the country’s top sports columnist. These accolades highlight his influence and expertise in covering major sporting events and regional sports stories.

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HAPPY NEW YEAR!
1/1/25 – no meeting
1/15/25 – Special Guest Speaker
2/6/25 – THIS IS A THURSDAY MEETING!!  PLEASE MAKE A NOTE

Our guest speaker for this meeting will be Chris Pollard, Head Baseball Coach at Duke.  Pollard has transformed the Blue Devils into a national powerhouse since his arrival in 2013. Under his leadership, Duke has achieved historic milestones, including their first-ever NCAA Super Regional appearances and a record-setting 45-win season in 2018. Pollard’s impact is evident in five 30-win seasons and three NCAA Tournament bids, ending a 55-year postseason drought for the program. Known for his strategic acumen and consistent player development, he has seen over 30 players drafted into the MLB during his tenure, reflecting his dedication to cultivating top-tier talent. With a career marked by success at every level, Pollard continues to elevate Duke Baseball’s reputation on the national stage, emphasizing discipline, teamwork, and a winning culture.

Pollard is renowned for his transformative impact on collegiate baseball programs. Before joining Duke in 2013, he revitalized Appalachian State’s baseball program, leading them to a Southern Conference championship and NCAA postseason berth in 2012.

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12/18/24 – Durham Sports Club Christmas Party featuring Luke DeCock’s “Sports Year in Review”
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
1/1/25 – no meeting
1/15/25 – Special Guest Speaker

Our guest speaker for this meeting will be Cliff Godwin, Head Baseball Coach at East Carolina University.  He has been a part of 14 NCAA Regional and two College World Series appearances coaching at the Division I level, completed his 10th year as head baseball coach at East Carolina University in 2024.

During his 10 years at ECU, Godwin, a four-time American Athletic Conference Coach-of-the-Year honoree, has guided ECU to eight NCAA Regional berths, four Super Regional appearances, five American Athletic Conference regular season and three AAC Tournament crowns while posting a 397-187-1 (.679) overall record. Under his direction, 14 players have earned All-America status while 25 have been named to NCAA All-Regional Teams. Additionally, 46 student-athletes have garnered all-conference status, and 28 players have been drafted by Major League Baseball teams.

Under Godwin, a two-time Academic All-American as a player at ECU, the Pirates have had over 400 student-athletes earn a spot on the East Carolina Director of Athletics Honor Roll (3.0 GPA or higher) while upwards of 200 players have earned AAC All-Academic Team honors – including all 39 members of the 2024 club.

Thanks for the info, ecupirates.com

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12/4/24 – George Lewis, Author (Bucky Waters’ memoirs)
12/18/24 – Durham Sports Club Christmas Party
HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Our guest speaker for this meeting will be Kacie Wallace, Athlete Ombuds for Team USA Athletes since 2015. As an attorney with an advanced degree in dispute resolution, Wallace spent the prior 10 years mediating disputes for the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee. She has taught negotiation, mediation and international conflict management at Duke University and North Carolina Central University School of Law, as well as in Hong Kong and Thailand through the Rotary Center for International Peace and Conflict Resolution. The Office of the Athlete Ombuds and its staff (the Athlete Ombuds) is a resource available to Team USA Athletes in the Olympic and Paralympic Movement. Their focus is to serve athletes who represent the U.S. in international competition.

Wallace was a swimmer at Duke University and now paddles for the YOLO Board Standup Paddle team, competing in the 2013 World Championships across the Molokai Channel in Hawaii, and recently paddled 304.6 miles from South Carolina to Virginia to raise awareness about ocean sustainability. She now resides in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and plans to become a sprint paddler in the not-so-open waters of Colorado.

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11/20/24 – Cliff Godwin, Head Baseball Coach, East Carolina University
12/4/24 – George Lewis, Author (Bucky Waters’ memoirs)
12/18/24 – Durham Sports Club Christmas Party

Our guest speaker for this meeting will be Lewis Bowling, speaking on the history of Duke football. Bowling is an author of numerous local and sports history books, including Duke Basketball: A Pictorial History, Alabama Football Tales, North Carolina Central University Athletics – A History of the Eagles, and Wallace Wade: Championship Years at Alabama and Duke. He has also written books about the history of Granville County and Oxford in particular – part of the “Images of America: North Carolina” series of books.