Wood Plants Stake In Salisbury

Salisbury State Release

"I made the decision Wednesday night to move on to Salisbury State," said Wood, who returns to his alma mater. "The decision was a tough one to make because of the guys on the team, but I felt it was the right one for me to make at this time."

"Obviously Bowie State will be impacted by Coach Wood leaving," said Athletic Director David Thomas. "He has made tremendous contributions to Bowie State University and the students, and we wish him the best of luck."

Wood leaves on a high note as the Bulldogs' 6-3 record was their first winning season in a decade, and were in contention for the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association title until the season's end. In his six years at Bowie State, Wood amassed a 19-37-1 record.

Wood, who was a All-America defensive back at Salisbury in 1983, taught his defensive philosophies well as the Bulldogs have always been among the strongest defensive teams in Division II.

In 1998, the Bulldogs were ranked second nationally in pass defense allowing just 106.8 yards-per-game, and 10th in scoring defense as the Bulldogs surrendered a meager 14 points-per-game. Wood was heavily involved in community service, including helping mentor students in the Glenarden community and was a charter member of the advisory board of Bowie State's National Youth Sports Program.

While at Bowie State Wood stressed academics. He coached six Coca-Cola/Sportsview Scholar-Athlete award winners, a national Burger King Scholar-Athlete of the Week and an Arthur Ashe Sport Scholar. "I believe that success starts in the classroom. If we are successful in the classroom, I know we can be successful on the football field and in life," Wood has said in the past.

Thomas confirmed that the search process for a new head coach would begin immediately.

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