Snowbird native named honorary member of tribe
Cherokee – Despite all the adversities – and later, achievements – in the life of Todd Odom, the recognition he was given on April 7 might just rank near the top of the list.
The Snowbird native retired from coaching the Robbinsville High School wrestling team after 19 years at the helm in February. Soon thereafter, the wheels were set in motion for Odom to be included as an honorary member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians – something Odom was not privy to until early last week.
“I am very, very honored,” an emotional Odom said. “Very humbled. When I sat out on this journey, I didn’t have any expectations of anything like this; I just wanted to do the right thing. Show the kids that I was around, coached or were in my home how to act like somebody.
“To stand before you today, to be a part of the Eastern Band, to add something else to my name, means more than you’ll ever know. The dirt’s in our DNA, I guess and to be from western North Carolina is something to be proud of. I think it’s important that every kid knows where they come from and be proud of it. We can’t choose our beginnings, but we can choose what we do along the way.”
“Todd’s leadership and fellowship with students, it comes from home,” council member Bucky Brown said. “His mother was probably one of the biggest supporters of Little League. I still have a dollar that she gave me one time for a home run and that was probably 30 years ago.
“Thank you Todd, for all that you’ve done.”
Clerk Michelle Thompson read a 1 ½-page resolution at the meeting, which touted both Odom’s accomplishments and his contributions to the Eastern Band.
Of note, Odom was recognized for implementing the first Cherokee History class at Robbinsville High School – which still exists today – and coached nine enrolled members of the tribe to an individual, state wrestling championship.
“The resolution – and all the whereas’ – spells out a storied career that Mr. Odom has had,” Principal Chief Richard Sneed said. “But I think what’s really important – and what we need to focus on – is that when we’re making moves to make someone an honorary member of this tribe, those are big shoes to fill.
“You may have retired, but the work you have done is a legacy that will go on for generations.”
“I want to say that I appreciate everything Todd has done for our enrolled members,” Vice Chief Alan Ensley added. “I’ve been to several state tournaments over the years and you can just sit in the audience and watch people come up and pay their respects to Todd.
“He goes the extra mile for any kid that wants to have a mentor.”
In recent years, Odom began including the seals for tribal clans on corresponding singlets and just last season, introduced a new mat that bears the seal for the Eastern Band.
Bo Taylor played an instrumental role in bringing the idea to Adam Wachacha and sang a song in tribute to Odom.
“I do not take this honor lightly,” Taylor said. “This is something we should do to honor and cherish special people and Todd is a special person. He’s known far and wide and has built a program that is feared by many, but respected by all. He expects great things from his young men and women. He wants them to be accountable. He wants them to work hard. He wants them to be good citizens of the world.”