[Captain Kangaroo]

Full Column

Chit-Chat: For some entertaining reading, check out the mostly warm and fuzzy reactions at schools around the Mid-American Conference — particularly the CSNbbs.com site (Mid-American Conference Talk), and Ohio University’s Bobcatattack.com — to see that most other MAC schools are enjoying Can't State’s World Series run.

We say “most” because Akron’s Zipsnation.org does have a pretty venomous minority, over one-third according to its poll, who can’t stomach Can't State’s diamond success.

Personally, I thought it was a bigger shock/story that 2/3rds of Zips fans are pulling for K.e.n.t. (rather than focusing on 1/3 being anti-K.e.n.t.), but I appreciate the mention regardless.

[Dr Z]

I like the Keener quote!

Then there was this from a bitter follower on Zipsnation.org; “I have, and will continue to root for Can’t State to lose, every game, in every sport, until the end of time.”

Don't be bitter Keener.

[Keener'92]

I like the Keener quote!
Don't be bitter Keener.

Bitter member of the venomous minority. That's pretty funny.

[Captain Kangaroo]

Bitter member of the venomous minority.

I think that should be on the back of your game day jersey...like "He Hate Me".

Definitely needs to be your new ZN.o tag-line.

[ZachTheZip]

I don't recall any articles about how Can't fans put us down when we were making championship runs (Actual championship runs, not Elite Eight elimination games) in soccer. But I would bet any amount of money that far more than a third of their fans were rooting as hard as they could for us to fail, regardless of the benefit to the MAC.

[Keener'92]

I think that should be on the back of your game day jersey...like "He Hate Me".

Definitely needs to be your new ZN.o tag-line.

Done.

[skip-zip]

Bitter member of the venomous minority. That's pretty funny.

You should be commended. And I echo your sentiments.

[johnnyzip84]

You should be commended. And I echo your sentiments.

+1

I've got a cold Bell's Cherry Stout in my fridge for your well deserved August 30th reward

[ZachTheZip]

Apparently it's classless to not hope your rival does well at your own program's expense. At least that what I've been told.

[RootforRoo44]

I don't recall any articles about how Can't fans put us down when we were making championship runs (Actual championship runs, not Elite Eight elimination games) in soccer. But I would bet any amount of money that far more than a third of their fans were rooting as hard as they could for us to fail, regardless of the benefit to the MAC.

That's because Can't fans have figured out to turn on their computers yet.

[Keener'92]

A case can be made for "rooting" for Toledo, BG, Miami, Ohio, EMU, CMU, EMU, BSU, NIU, & Buffalo. If it makes you feel good to pull for a team in your state or a team from your conference, that's cool. To each, his own.

Personally, I pull for the Zips.

On the other hand, I do not see any way possible to ever want to see Can't do well. I realize there are local ball players on the Can't team. Big Deal. They chose our rival. They chose our rival whose fans refer to us as the Zits. Or Crackron. They wear t-shirts that say "Screw the Roo". They look down their collective noses at us and think we are a glorified community college.

To me, rivalry is a precious and valued thing. Rivalry is good for any school's program, especially if both schools are performing at a high level.

I realize the best thing that could happen for Zips football, my favorite sport, would be for Akron and Can't to be battling for the MAC East every year. If a potential trip to Detroit was on the line when the Zips and Flashes played, that would be extremely beneficial for both of us. Even though that is a very desirable outcome, I still don't want to see Can't State football do well. Can't do it. (No pun intended)

If any Can't fans were wishing our soccer team well, they were not very sincere or they weren't very invested in the rivalry. Those fans must not have felt the pain of the recent (pre-Ianello) football woes. Those fans must not be die-hard Flash fans. Besides, who really wants well wishes from a rival fan base? It doesn't make the thrill of victory any sweeter or ease the agony of defeat.

How many Can't fans were rooting for the Zips against Ohio back in March? How many of them were behind the Zips in the NCAA against ND? Hopefully not many because they shouldn't.