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**** Shaka Smart and the horse he road in on.

Thank you very much for the kind words. I think is was roughly 18 years ago that we began ZipsNation.org. Seven of us met outside Porky's Shop and pitched in some money to get the site started. @Zip Watcher did the original heavy lifting to set up the server and work with Invision. He's also the guy that came up with the "ZipsNation.org" name. Now-a-days "XYZ Nation" is everywhere. Back then is was more novel...and pretty perfect. Although he doesn't post much anymore, he continues to help with the server updates and issues. And keeping the domain name valid. And probably some other stuff I'm unaware of. Beyond participating, @ZZZips helps fund the site, paying for the server. This is greatly appreciated. In addition to his stellar photography skills and posts, @Dr Z has taken over the technical side of things, installing the updates to keep the site modern and running smoothly. This is not his specialty...he has learned this side of the internet on his own and the site would not exist if he hadn't stepped up and volunteered to do this. I pay the bi-yearly Invision fees. And I am the "heavy" when things occasionally get out of control, or improper content gets posted. I'm happy that doesn't happen too often anymore. Which ties into the closing thoughts - At the recent March MAC tournament two different people whom I, at best, casually know approached me to say how much they enjoyed the ZipsNation site. And what a great community of members we have. This is a "community"...with are scores of "regulars" that keep the site fresh, informational and interesting. And there are several hundred "lurkers" who check-in daily. Keeping the discussions on a high/professional level is what I want. No "professional" like everyone should write like Grantland Rice, but that everyone should be civil and respectful. The class exhibited by this site's members allowed me and Dr.Z being able to work with UA on the athletics stories and photography up through the COVID era. Several coaches over the years have told me "I don't read ZipsNation, but I have people that do. And they tell me you run a nice site." Of course, when I asked newly-hired Rob Ianello if I could stop by his office and interview him, he stuck his open hand in my face and stated - "We had FIVE fans sites covering us at Notre Dame...FIVE!" In conclusion - thanks to everyone in this community for making the site fun and informational for 18+ years. Who knows how long it will continue, but those of us that fund and run it are grateful that so many of you enjoy it, and contribute to making it great.

As the following link indicates, the University of Akron made a startling announcement today that it's official colors are being changed from Blue and Gold to Brown and Orange. Apparently, the switch was made in hopes of attracting fans from Cleveland and Cincinnati, both of which have professional football teams with those colors. AP source

Did the players like Coach Jackson? Of course, or they most likely wouldn't have been here this past season with the way the transfer portal has been the past couple seasons. As for the timing, it's not like Guthrie let her go with any seasons left on her contract. He just simply said when her contract was up, it wasn't getting renewed. The personal situation with Coach Jackson was of course bad timing, but Guthrie can't let that get in the way if he believes that the program needs a change. I had to look at this from a different perspective because I know a ton of high school girls basketball coaches and have been on the sidelines for several years. I like Coach Jackson and hope she lands somewhere as an assistant coach and gets another head coaching opportunity again, but I had to look at this objectively. For those saying not renewing Coach Jackson was the wrong move, if a head coach of a men's basketball program would have a record of 55-56 through four seasons (with these conference seeds and tournament results below) and the 5th season went 17-13 overall (#6 seed in conference with a quarterfinal loss by 24 points), would anyone be upset if the AD didn't renew the contract for the men's coach? Year 1 - #8 seed and lost to #9 seed in First Round Year 2 - #8 seed and lost to #9 seed in First Round Year 3 - Did not qualify for conference tournament, Finished 11th in conference play (only top 8 in tourney) Year 4 - #3 seed, beat #6 seed in quarterfinals, lost to #2 seed by 39 points in semifinals. Expectations should be a part of every program, and it's evident here that Guthrie has high expectations for his programs. Even though I do like Coach Jackson the person, I have expected more out of her and the rest of the staff and have been disappointed most seasons, especially in conference play. I had to look at this objectively, and concluded I'm not sure how many programs would be content with those results above. If this was Groce, I'm sure plenty of people would be saying that we needed a change on the men's side after Year 3.

Looks like we might have a replacement for Wiley. Former 4 star at VT I believe with 2 years of eligibility. Seems like he started most of last season?

Glad Tortorella was able to go the complete game. He was masterful &, from the games I've seen, our bullpen is a bit worrisome. 1st pitch today is set for 2:00.

Faith Stinson now in the transfer portal. https://wbbblog.com/womens-basketball-transfers-d-i-2022-23/

Huge win, complete game from Sammy Tortorella!

https://www.instagram.com/p/CqbPDDFvnFO/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= Did Guthrie ever ponder for one second the fact that, ya know, the players loved Coach Jackson?