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Monarch Brew 7/1: Inching Closer
Monarchs Moving Closer and Closer To Kickoff
Monarch Brew Crew
July 01, 2026
Good Morning, ODU Fam. So Fresh and So Clean!
What all do we have stirring in today’s Brew? Check it out below!
🏈 Inching Closer
👏 Three’s Company
✍️ A Hero Among Us
🦁 And much more!
🏈 COUNTIN’ DOWN: 6️⃣4️⃣ DAYS TIL KICKOFF
Throughout the summer, we will be counting down the days
to the return of ODU Football this fall. The Monarchs will host
Norfolk State on September 5 at 6 p.m.
He may have only been a Monarch for two seasons, but #6️⃣4️⃣ Zach Barlev’s impact at ODU was immeasurable.
Arriving in Norfolk after two seasons at Illinois, Barlev immediately earned a starting spot up front for the Monarchs.
The Bolingbrook, Ill., native was a two-time All-Sun Belt honoree, including a First-Team accolade last season. He started the 22 games of his collegiate career at left tackle for the Monarchs and was a force for the Monarchs running game last season.
He graduated this past May with a degree in mathematcis and earned NFF Hampshire Honor Society accolades after posting a 3.41 GPA.
📈 STOCK UP
🔼 Three’s Company. Late last week, the the 70th Annual Norfolk Sports Club Jamboree was held in Chartway Arena’s Big Blue Room and it had a distinct Monarch flavor.
Dr. Wood Selig, ODU’s long-time director of athletics, Head Football Coach Ricky Rahne and Ray Wittersheim, a long-time Monarch fan and booster were all recognized at the event.
🔼 True Resilience. We all have co-workers whose life stories we don’t really know. Most are just people trying to make a living and take care of their families.
But then on a rare occasion, you chance to hear the life story of someone you know, and you realize you’re working with someone far stronger and braver than you could ever be.
Annette Manley is that person. Annette Manley is a hero.
🎥 BEHIND THE REIGN: JJ HARRELL
On this episode of Behind the Reign on Monarchs+, ODU football wide receiver JJ Harrell opens up about his journey from Saucier, Mississippi, to Norfolk, Virginia, and the lessons that have shaped him along the way.
Harrell discusses family, faith, football, and the challenges of being far from home, while sharing how his upbringing, close-knit support system, and personal growth have helped him find his purpose both on and off the field.
🦁 MONARCH TRIVIA
We are now just 43 days away from the official start of the 2026-27 athletic calendar for ODU when the women’s soccer squad hits the field for a new season.
Who do the Monarchs play in the season opener on Thursday, August 13th?
Got a guess?
Scroll to the bottom to find the answer!
* All Times are Eastern
Saturday, September 5th
🏈 Football vs. Norfolk State @ 6 pm l ESPN+
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Simply forward them this email and they can sign up to receive the brew by clicking the link below to subscribe. The Brew is sent every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and is completely free!
🎉 TRIVIA ANSWER
Answer: Virginia Tech (in Blacksburg at 6 pm)
🦁 Have a great one, y’all!