Salem University Athletics

Born September 19, 1919, Ora Ted Underwood served Salem College as an athlete, coach, athletic director and instructor.
 
Underwood enrolled at Salem College in 1940 and immediately gained a starting role at guard on the football team. After World War II service, he returned to Salem College and became an All-WVIAC guard for the football team. He completed his undergraduate degree and continued his education at West Virginia University, where he received his master’s degree in physical education.
 
He served as varsity football coach at Salem from 1958 to 1964. Twice his teams won division titles in the WVIAC, and in 1965 he was promoted to Athletic Director and Head of the Physical Education Department. 
 
In 1967, he was called back to active duty in the United States Army with the rank of Lt. Colonel, retiring with the permanent rank of Colonel. Underwood served in both World War II and the Korean War. He also served the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York as the Liaison Officer of the state of West Virginia.
 
During his military career, Underwood attended several Armed Forces schools and was a graduate of the Command and General Staff School at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.