AkronAlumnus

Sad state of affairs

Probably not the greatest fit (third school in three years and probably a high asking price) but another 330 kid.

I ordered one for me and my wife mostly to support the collective—not so much because I’m crazy about the design. I did the same thing with the hat too, even though I don’t really wear hats. It does look pretty nice next to my 'Zippers in Seattle' hat from last year though.

New item - FTRC!! https://www.feartheroocollective.com/product-page/fear-the-roo-distressed-logo-t-shirt

I do see where you're coming from, believe me. My thing is players like Cheese, LCJ, X, wouldn't want to play under a first year HC that's why retention was crucial if we went the Ford route. Regardless of 18 years as a top assistant, I still think there's a pretty steep learning curve to becoming a D1 college HC.

He lost the players that really mattered. I'd rather lose the other 9 if it means keeping, Eric, Sharron and Bowen - then just plug the holes with Juniors and Seniors like we did the past two seasons. Sorry but that's just how I feel. A team centered around Halligan, Oggie, Barre, MMK doesn't finish much higher than a directional. Pretty rocky start IMHO, I still don't think anyone announced retuning yet. Edit: I don't really know the Freshmen, this is based off returning production

There's our fundamental point of disagreement. *^

It’s easy to play Monday morning quarterback when we don’t know who actually expressed interest or what they brought to the table. I’m also not convinced those players would have left under Groce—there’s really no way to know. In my opinion, retention was Ford’s biggest selling point, especially given that he has no experience as a college head coach. But just like we can’t say whether players would have stayed for Groce, we also can’t assume they would’ve been retained under a more experienced head coach with some national success maybe just slightly more likely.

Glad we got all the “what are they saying” graphics about Dustin out of the way—BC player retention tells a different story: now 0/3, and arguably those were the three worth keeping. So glad UA rushed him in!!

I already have reoccurring donations set to FTRC. $$ is better placed there IMO.

I'd like a signed one but season tickets would be hard to enjoy in Nashville.

Shooooot - Ford's 0-2. and retention was his biggest selling point IMO. Hopefully we can get at least one back.

UA Managers lost 49 - 24 to Arkansas Managers

I don't think it has to be iconic. A tee shirt would work, idk about the "built Ford tough" stuff bc I'm not a copyright attorney but it definitely would sell. And I'd sell them double what he's selling stuff for now.

Would be cool to see a Coach Ford related item on the FTR Collective store

Me - worse conference, same pay, higher COL, and he left a top mid-major for it. The only upside is Charleston is probably a better place overall. I'd like to play them 🤷‍♂️

I hear you—it’s frustrating to see, no doubt. But at the end of the day, he’s just one guy making a bad career move. That’s not worth us getting worked up over. The program’s bigger than any one coach, and it’ll be fine. I’m way more focused on the players we’ve got and what’s next for them than putting that kind of emotional weight on someone who chose to leave.

Top dodgeball school too!!

With the announcement of Coach Ford's promotion, is it safe to assume that our guys will run it back?

Looks like Coach Ford will continue the UA Hoops dynasty, as the HC. I'm happy for him and his family.

We don’t need a full national search to do this right—just quickly talk to a few strong candidates and see what’s out there. Akron is a top mid-major job, and there’s likely already interest behind the scenes.

100% agree about your first point. Anyway, support from former players and people around the program matters a lot, but it’s often based on relationships and familiarity—not an objective evaluation of who the best head coach is going forward. The hire should be about proven ability to lead a program, make tough decisions, and elevate Akron moving forward. I'm not hating on Ford whatsoever, I'm just trying to be open-minded.