ZippyforPresident

What makes one the Pat Nicely of Journalism per se? Is it completing around 40% of your stories? Writing some for a rival paper a couple times a year (comparable to an INT)? Or is it knowing that there's a reserve that should at least get a chance instead of you? Having untalented readers (receivers) around you? Having a poor editor (coach)? I'm not making the connection here... My apologies to Mr. Hixenbaugh. . . After thinking back a little ways, it was actually another columnist that some of us were not a fan of because the column was pretty unoriginal most weeks, Mike was just the most recognizable face from the Buchtelite at that time I think. Anyway.. I know that many members of the Buchtelite staff have worked very hard to put their best product out there. The connection (for me anyway) is that when I was an undergrad at ol' UA, The Buchtelite showed a lot of promise with some very good columns, but now it seems like it has really been lacking the creativity and passion that once was there. The comparison to Pat was just that many people around the MAC were keyed up last season about how good Pat could be, but this year has been somewhat of a letdown (like the Buchtelite recently). I'm just hoping that both The Buchtelite and Pat meet or exceed their potential in the years to come. I really didn't want to come off as being totally negative about young writers. They need all the encouragement they can get, believe me, I was once one of them. I've just become old and bitter I guess. Also, I think you're doing a good job with ASN R4R. UA athletics can use all of the attention they can get. You're definitely doing your part for UA sports. I know you guys have been covering the city series and then some during football season, but I was wondering if you'd be doing the same for hoops? Lots of basketball talent in this area too!

Mike Hixenbaugh? The Pat Nicely of Journalism? No thanks. The Buchtelite desperately suffered terribly after Kadar and Rasor.

LeBron Donates 1,000 Computers to Akron Public Schools Not sure if this has been posted already, but like him or dislike him, you have to admit that's a genuinely nice thing to do for a school system that can really use the help.

Thanks for posting the link!

Anyone notice that our 12/22 opponent, Stetson, beat Wake Forest to open their season?

Just change "Bouncing Souls" to "Akron Zips" Ole, Ole, Ole, Ole... (Akron Zips) no one can beat us we drink beer and wear adidas anywhere we get the itch we're off to find a proper pitch Lace your sambas get on out off we go to kick it about Win or lose we're having fun we won't quit until we're done We got heart when we play Take you on any day! The Bouncing Souls always get me amped up while heading to Zips' soccer games! Hopefully that continues all the way up to the championship and beyond!

My thoughts exactly. I typically just type them into that Google machine.

Ummmm. . . Yeah, totally. . . That was really perceptive? That makes sense given your emboldened words. . . Hint: "whoever knows WHAT that quote came from."

I know that I've been as critical of Ianello as anyone, but I actually think I've come full circle at this point and after some observations I'm in the camp that Ianello needs more than one season to prove himself. Here's why: After ten weeks into the season, observing everything that has gone on, including Ianello's reactions to the losses, the numbers of players either quitting or being removed from the team and if there is even the slightest shred of truth to the content of both his and AD Wistrcill's interviews with the media, it leads me to believe one thing: I believe that they absolutely expected the season we're having. I think probably starting with Rob's interview for the coaching position he had it outlined in his "master plan" of building/re-building Akron football that he was just going to have to implode the entire thing and start from scratch. Sure, I bet Rob thought it probably would have been great if we could have won 3 or 4 games along the way, but this season is a result of the radical changes (both off the field and schematically on the field) and weeding out of whatever undesirable aspects Ianelllo felt still remained as part of the program. (just look at some of the talent in key positions that has vacated). I think he absolutely saw this coming and from what I've observed as far as his expectations of the players, their conduct, their academics, their respect for the community and the resulting mass exodus of players from the team, I think that goes a long way in supporting this hypothesis. The guy just isn't going to tolerate players that are unwilling to respect his rules and maybe those guys just couldn't hack it as far as what his demands are. Maybe that's a good thing? Take Senior Linebacker Mike Thomas's comments from the Fanhouse article (link posted in thread previous). - Mike said players had to adjust, but he said he respects Ianello's approach because it will help in the long run: "Having a strict system that we have to abide by every day," Thomas said "That's going to help out a lot. That's something that we kind of didn't have before. ... (Is he) tougher? Yes. Demanding? Yes. That's just his style. I respect him. I respect that." I also think that Ianello is really looking toward Al Golden as far as what he is trying to "build" here. After 10 weeks of suffering through this garbage I'll leave you all with this: "Well, you know what my dad always said, having dreams is what makes life tolerable." Ten "scene/fan" points to whoever knows what that quote came from. Hint: I'll be taking a road trip to that college town for a football game this weekend while the zips are on their 11 day "bye week" or whatever. I'm actually pretty stoked, as the Zips have never given me occasion to travel to this historic stadium. See y'all at the Basketball home opener on Friday!

The video of the game is being streamed on channelsurfing.net if anyone didn't know. Go Zips!

Last time I saw Tim on the court was a month or so ago at the Rec ruining the opposition. Just like this John Carroll game, you don't realize how talented Akron basketball is until you watch them play against guys who thought they were hot stuff in high school etc, etc... Yeah, I wasn't close enough to get in on that game... Although, it would be fun to see how one could fare against a legit Div. I basketball player. Tim is an awesome basketball player, just as any players are that can make it on Coach D's squad.

Last time I saw Tim on the court was a month or so ago at the Rec ruining the opposition. Just like this John Carroll game, you don't realize how talented Akron basketball is until you watch them play against guys who thought they were hot stuff in high school etc, etc... Yeah, I wasn't close enough to get in on that game... Although, it would be fun to see how one could fare against a legit Div. I basketball player. Tim is an awesome basketball player, just as any players are that can make it on Coach D's squad.

I was only able to make it to the JAR in time for the second half but, wow... I've never seen a Zips squad push the ball like they did to start the second half tonight. Talk about up tempo, I'm surprised they didn't put up 150 points tonight. That was just plain fun to watch. Of course I'm sure its not all that hard to run on a team like John Carroll but if one half of basketball against an NAIA opponent in a scrimmage that counts towards nothing is any indication (haha) this is a very different looking Zips team. It would be a huge advantage if we can be a balanced team like that. If this team can play great defense and run an effective half court offense and then just push the tempo like that at the drop of hat these guys could really catch some teams sleeping. It was really fun to get to see all of the new faces on the floor at the same time. I thought they all showed some good things. Judging from only being able to see the second half: obviously Abreu won't be redshirting not only because we need another PG but he looked the most polished out of the incoming class. I thought Egner probably looked the best out of the Freshman front court, even w/o a mohawk... (you should bring it back dude!). I never had a chance to watch Green in HS, so I had no idea what to expect. I liked what I saw from him. Maybe #32 is fitting? (only one scrimmage against an NAIA team, I know. . .). Definitely some potential. Looked like he has some range. Euton's a big dude and should be able to be a physical presence inside, especially in conference play. Doesn't hurt that he also has range. As for the transfer Diggs: If he can lock down on defense, I think he'll see a fair amount of playing time. He certainly looks like a really athletic wing but a little raw still. Of course, it is only the second scrimmage of the season. I think this new look team has a lot of upside and potential. It should be an exciting season. If this team can really gel and some of the new guys can make some contributions and start to get it all put together as the season progresses and just trust Coach Dambrot and his system as much as possible, I think we've got the arsenal to cause some upsets this year. I sure hope so, anyway. . .

Ianello Postgame Seems like even rob is starting to get a little frayed with this garbage. There is absolutely no excuse for getting destroyed as bad as we did by a mediocre to bad conference opponent like this. I don't know how you go from being at least competitive in our conference every year to this trash... This team needs to please show a glimpse of pride. If not for yourselves, at least for your teammates.

Mattocks was awesome! And to think he's only a freshman. That one goal off of the corner kick was crazy!

Well, I've really thought long and hard about all of the choices and after weighing each and every one and making an extremely painstaking decision I'm going to go with choice 'D' "Have Fun."

GoZips.com says there is a will call that is open an hour before each soccer game at the southeast gate of Lee Jackson, but I was wondering, as I've been asked a few times today about the game tomorrow, if in addition to the will call area, Soccer has a setup for walk up tickets? I know it probably sounds like a pretty dumb question, but as someone used to getting in for free to games as a student and grad student I never even really thought about walk up tickets for non students for soccer games. So if any ZN members happen to know if there's a place where fans can buy walk up tickets it would be much appreciated by some friends and colleagues of mine and myself as well. Apparently Akron soccer is all the rage these days within the community... Who knew? Thanks!

Emoticon of the year. I'll second that.

Just wanted to say GO ZIPS! I was at the game, DVR'd it, and then watched it again when I got home that night after the game. Just an amazingly awesome dominant performance by the Zips and I LOOOVE IT! tOFU is in for some real fun this week....

I agree as well. Good Post GP. I pretty much stated the exact same stuff in another thread. As long as this squad keeps showing improvement it's a good sign, especially with conference play on the horizon. i.e. we may not be able to beat a crappy big ten team now, but come bowl time we might be able to lay the wood to some big ten impostor if we keep improving each week. Here's to a good showing during MAC play!

In no way is the result of this game pleasing, but on the positive side we were able to move the ball, and especially we were able to run the ball. That is a REALLY good thing. Alex and Nate looked pretty good and they deserve the ZNO "Zipper of the game" award for their play today. I'm glad I can note some positives in this game. The offensive play calling was not terrible, the "wildcat" stuff with G. Pride was a good change that they installed for this game (I thought it showed that we legitimately wanted to win). I thought Nicely could have hit some nice deep passes and still failed on that, but he showed signs of improvement (the kid still has a big arm and no, Matt Rodgers doesn't need to start seeing reps with the first team unless we want to go 0-12). I think our receivers, some of them, had moments but this is a spot that needs BIG IMPROVEMENT. Go up and get the ball, don't wait on it, don't let it hit you in the hands, if it's anywhere in your kitchen go and snare the damn thing. The two biggest problems I had with the game tonight: (1) The secondary needs help! They've been getting eaten alive all season (although to be fair the play calling has sent blitzes that were totally picked up ala lacking coverage which has allowed us to be picked apart). (2) It is more like a 50/50 combination, but P. Nicely has to start putting the ball on target. And when he does, those receivers HAVE TO MAKE THOSE CATCHES. We have had SO MANY opportunities deep for a touchdown in the last two games that we probably should have won at least one of the last two games we've played. Also, I think our coaching staff is starting to learn on the job, although with some of the same plays I think it's easy to see that the execution has just plain been improving to a degree. As long as there is improvement from week to week I'm still holding out hope for a legit winner. But at the same time, Indiana is not a very good team and this was an easily winnable ballgame. NO EXCUSES. I don't care if we're playing an SEC, ACC, or Sun Belt team, we need to start stepping on their necks if we want any respect. I know it's now too late for any type of marquee win this season so lets at least just start punishing the rest of the MAC. Let's go Zips!

Well, he sure needs to do something... Although I was only able to watch the Kentucky game on the Fox Sports South feed that FSO picked up, I thought I saw a Zips team that was fired up in the first few minutes. I'm hoping that somehow that intensity can stay consistent throughout a game. Why not fire it up against the "who's yours?" (lame pun). Even if the team can't get the W on Saturday, it would be very reassuring to see a team that is pumped up for an entire game and has faith in a game plan to such an extent that they genuinely believe that they can win. That would be a very big positive for coach rob ianello if he can keep this team believing. I think that is a huge coup, especially on the verge of conference play. Lets start it up "warriors bold!" I have to believe that there is yet a "fight to behold" with this team. Lets dominate these wimps, afterall, we were favored in this match up but a season ago. Indiana stinks, it's time to grow a pair Zips. You should easily be able to compete with this team with the right focus and mindset. - Lets Go Zips!

Easily a no brainer. Congrats Coach D!

Good win tonight for the Zips. They seemed to pretty much dominate in all facets of the game. Definitely a nice sized crowd on hand tonight. Both reserved and GA stands were just about completely full.

Zach, I think you hit the nail on the head. I agree with you and you said it well. The players play with no leadership or passsion. Only Wagner does. They need leadership and a vision. It must come from the coaching staff. This was a terribly prepared team and that's on the staff. GW made brilliant adjustments in the second quarter, so why can't we? I have stated I will give coach I time, but please show you can coach. Well, at least there is no place to go but up from here (I hope)? Maybe Tommy Boy can make a youtube video to inspire and call all to arms after this disaster... Good luck with that one.