Old Dominion University (ODU) football fans are in for a treat this season as the team is set to don the iconic light blue uniforms, affectionately known as “Carol Hudson Blue,” for the first time in 12 years. This exciting announcement, revealed at the spring scrimmage by Head Coach Ricky Rahne, has ignited a wave of nostalgia and anticipation among Monarch Nation. For long-time supporters, this color evokes memories of ODU athletic legends like Nancy Lieberman, Dave Twardzik, Anne Donovan, and Wilson Washington, who proudly wore this distinctive shade.
The initiative to bring back Carol Hudson Blue was spearheaded by Coach Rahne shortly after his arrival at ODU. He recognized the significance of this color to the university’s history and its resonance with the fanbase. To build excitement, the unveiling was strategically kept under wraps until the spring scrimmage, creating a memorable moment for everyone in attendance. Adding to the buzz, former ODU star quarterback Taylor Heinicke, during a recent visit to campus, caught a glimpse of the light blue jersey and his enthusiastic reaction, “Sweet!”, further validated the uniform’s appeal. Heinicke even expressed his wish to have played in these jerseys, underscoring the color’s enduring popularity. Fans eager to sport the Carol Hudson Blue can look forward to game day attire becoming available soon at the ODU Bookstore.
While some might associate the light blue hue with “Carolina Blue,” a nod to the University of North Carolina Tar Heels, many within the ODU community, including passionate figures like former sports information director Carol Hudson and basketball Hall of Famer Dave Twardzik, firmly reject this comparison. They emphasize the unique identity of ODU’s light blue. Interestingly, Columbia University adopted this color decades before UNC, technically making “Columbia Blue” the more historically accurate name. However, Coach Rahne, a Cornell University alumnus and thus familiar with Columbia’s athletic rival, playfully sidesteps this debate. Instead, embracing the local connection, the color is being championed as “Carol Hudson Blue,” a name coined over a decade ago by Senior Associate Athletic Director Bruce Stewart, honoring a beloved figure in ODU Athletics. There’s even playful talk of trademarking “Carol Hudson Blue” to solidify its unique ODU identity.
Rahne emphasized his personal admiration for the Carol Hudson Blue, sharing, “Every time I watch our basketball teams, and baseball, lacrosse or field hockey teams wear it, it just looks so good. I think that’s a great look for us.” He confirmed that the Old Dominion Football Uniforms in Carol Hudson Blue will make their debut twice this season, with the inaugural game being against Buffalo on September 25th. Both the jerseys and pants will feature this distinctive color, promising a striking visual on the field.
However, fans eager to see the old dominion football uniforms in action will have to wait slightly longer than the home opener against Hampton on September 11th. That game is designated as a “white-out” event, a concept Coach Rahne experienced and appreciates from his time at Penn State. Rahne believes in the power of such events to energize both fans and players. “I love anything that’s going to energize our fan base which in turn energizes our players,” he stated, highlighting the intended impact of both the white-out and the Carol Hudson Blue reveal. He anticipates that the old dominion football uniforms will provide an extra edge, noting, “I think our fans are going to love them.”
Adding to the narrative, defensive end Marcus Haynes recounted the team’s enthusiastic response to the uniform reveal. In a team meeting, Coach Rahne presented a video titled “Code Blue” showcasing the new jerseys. Haynes described the players’ reaction as “crazy” and full of excitement, emphasizing the motivational boost that new uniforms provide. Upon learning about Carol Hudson’s significance to ODU, Haynes affirmed that he and his teammates would embrace the “Hudson Blue” moniker, further cementing the personal connection to the old dominion football uniforms.
Carol Hudson’s legacy at ODU spans over four decades, and his affinity for the light blue color is well-known. Coach Rahne believes that the return of Carol Hudson Blue will particularly resonate with long-time fans, bringing back cherished memories. This revival of the classic color is more than just a uniform change; it’s a tribute to ODU’s history and a strategic move to further connect with and energize the Monarch fanbase. The old dominion football uniforms in Carol Hudson Blue are poised to be a significant element of the upcoming season, blending tradition with renewed excitement.
