Hodag History - 2000
The Hodags returned 80% of the team after a devastating defeat to Iowa in the game to go to Nationals the prior year. The Hodags opened the year at Mardi Gras with a tournament win, including a victory over defending National Champions NC State. The Hodags played in a number of other tournaments that year hoping they could breakthrough and advance to Nationals. After defeating regional rival Carleton early in the season, the hodags felt they had a legitimate shot at winning the region and advancing. The Hodags did not prevail in the finals that year and instead faced Winona St. in the second place game. Jonathan "Opie" O'Connell, team captain, caught the game winner to send the Hodags to Nationals in Boise, Idaho for the first time since 1996. The Hodags continued their solid season with a win over eventual National Champion Brown University during Pool Play and an undisputed win at the party. The Hodags would end the season with a tenth place finish.