Wally B

Who are you and what have you done with Zach?

I haven't posted over there in well..... forever. The problem I see is that while I'm interested in Akron moving to a better conference, I have seen nothing that demonstrates that the alliance is either a step up or will improve our general lot. There are a variety of factors that influence mobility. Location, fan base, etc.. UA is clearly investing in its athletic department, and the Cleveland metro area is enticing in that regard. We may yet get our shot, but I do not see that predicated by our inclusion in the abomination that is the alliance. So in effect they are right. I see no need to move for movings sake. Beyond that, the MAC board has become highly repetitive and nothing new has been shared in the last 3 years, at least. If you have spent any amount of time on there (especially the realignment board) you would be more than familiar with the incessant ramblings of KitKat/LousieKitton/OHFootball/etc... he's been preaching his dribble for some time and most now ignore it.... hence the idea that no one in the MAC cares, when in fact the issue is the proverbial dead horse. Projection - The notion that the thoughts within ones mind are collectively shared by everyone else.

I disagree. If we have learned anything over the past 10 years, the power of non-aq conferences is fluid at best, and AQ conferences will never allow one (see Mt.West) to "move up" as they pluck the best teams. Therefore, each conference is only as good as its best team. In the latest spat of realignment most came out of the Mtn.West, a few from CUSA and one from the MAC. This included Memphis, San Diego, UCF and Temple; each not known for their football prowess (see UCF's record in MAC, and Temples vs ones w/ winning record). As a result, the Alliance meerly represents the table scraps if you will. It's way too early to determine if inclusion in that mess would harbor any benefits for us AT ALL! I would further propose that the Allinace is probably closer to the MAC than either of its predecessors. There is no indication that moving there would improve our lot over staying within the stability of the MAC. The only sure thing about the Alliance is that AGAIN only its top tier members (see ECU) are positioned to move up. ECU -that in itself is wholly predicated on its location in N.Carolina not the overall quality of its athletic program, or its inclusion in the Alliance. Stadium, Arena, reknown soccer support, packed Q, T.Bowden, J.Tressell, Akron is doing everything it possibly can right now to improve it's potential. I don't see how joining the leftover Alliance helps at this point. Now, if both sides of this equation prove themselves over the next few years, and we are courted then it might be prudent to re-evaluate. Till then, I say sit tight and enjoy the ride....

Interesting topic, and one I too have been pondering recently. As such, several points come to mind. First, I find comments by NIU fans in this regard completely egregious given the woeful state of their athletic program and basketball in particular (ranked in 300's i believe). By the same token, Can't's football program has been equally pathetic over the same span, yet they've somehow avoided the clarion call. EMU has weathered calls for its dismissal by ignorant blowhards from programs that have yet to establish themselves as powers in any sport. In short my analysis is this, these flames are nothing more than fans trying to leverage what little success they've had in a vain attempt to justify thier own cause for "moving up". Very few are what I would consider, fans of the MAC. Recognizing the strength of our stability in a era of blind reorganization. Say what you want, the remnants of C-USA have little to offer a new league. ECU has developed a good football program, but little else. Marshall, for all of their thunder (pun not intended) has done little in C-USA. Although thier football is improving, they too are a 1 trick pony. I feel for them though. They suffered through sanctions imposed by the NCAA from violations that aided their dominance of the MAC. Only, they were surpassed by UCF (horrible in the MAC) who used similar but more timely violations to rise to the top of Cusa football and sneak a bcs invite due to their location in FL and regional proximity to USF which lobbied for their inclusion. If this conference reshuffleing has revealed anything, it's that any combination of market, location, alinaces, investment, and strength of program will aid your chances of "moving up". Looking at the overall picture of Akron, I like our chances in the distant future. Whether or not we, or anyone else, moves to the alliance will not enhance our chances. Thus, arguements about who has the best MAC football team in the last decade amount to who's the best cashier at Save-A-Lot. It's never the best indicator.....

Really?? iCoach jokes aside, I'm a Zip Alum that's in FL now. Would love to get my hands on one of those! Lemme know if you have any info....

the audio is a bit scrambled on my weak connection. Can anyone post the full transcript? Nice roo tie Jim!

the thought crossed my mind as well.... in a way, it certainly provides a huge insurance policy.

I know where you're comming from Dr.Z. I grew up in Akron w/ Denison, and survived the oust Faust era. Not sure I like the Tressel marriage. That said, in my travels back to Akron, when I talk to OSu fans this man is still somehow GOD. If I hear oe more "the ncaa is unfair and biased towards OSU i'm going to yawn in technicolor. On a national stage, it looks suspect. Within the state, incredible. ------ Spaeking of profiles, are we truly in Akron's golden age? Internationally recognized soccer program that wins championships w/ the best fans hands down. A basketball team that regularly competes in the NCAA's, and a newly formed who's-who football staff that speaks of things to come and is already making waves in the national press.. The iCoach era somehow seems so far and away doesn't it? Lemme just be the first to throw this one out (even if it's a pipe dream): Complete the stadium, wrap the north endzone!!!!

Side questions! Who's are the original Porky's 7? (Yes, I know who Porky was ) To that matter, whose member #1???

+1

Yeah, I've been following the can'ts on the MACbbs, but i refuse to be baited in by their 4 fans Win or lose, i will take the anger of the entire zipsnation of the last 2 years over the indifference of the portage potties anyday

I share the sentiment that Bowden was one of the best available. Correct me if i'm wrong, didn't he spend some time with the Zips as an assistant? Anybody that experienced the Rubber Bowl trough's has instant street cred in my book!! WOOT Go Zips!!! Ku*k Fent!!!

Great synopsis Cap'n.. Always lookforward to your insights!

Anyone know what's going on with Hartwick? They were once a legitimate power in MAC soccer. They seem to have dropped of the radar as of late...

Courtesy of Akron Sports Information BALLYMENA, Northern Ireland – Coach Caleb Porter and incoming freshman Bryan Gallego of The University of Akron men's soccer program played a pertinent role as the United States U-18 Men's National Team picked up a 2-0 victory over Israel to open the 2011 Milk Cup on Monday. Gallego – a highly touted midfielder/defender from Kinnelon, N.J. – started and played the full 90 minutes for the U.S. who used a pair of second half goals to get the result. Porter is an assistant coach on the team. The U.S. will next face rival Mexico on Wednesday at 8 p.m. local time (3 p.m. ET). The squad's final contest of the competition will take place on Friday. The Milk Cup is an annual Youth Soccer tournament held in Northern Ireland and comprising of an Elite, Premier and Junior division. The Elite division is comprised of six national squads. Each squad plays two group stage matches with the top two teams then competing for the Milk Cup championship. The other national teams in this year's tournament are Georgia, Northern Ireland, and Denmark. Porter Gallego Aid US. win in Milk Cup

That's nothing! Over the holidays, I met my GF's 10yr old nephew who lives just outside London, UK. He noticed the iconic picture of a packed Lee Jackson on my computer and asked... "Is that Chelsea?

It isn't luck. From the Clarrett "gettin' his goose on", to Troy Smith's $500 handshakes, to telling Erik Howard, a Zips commit, to back out and go to a Prep school, everyone knew Tressel would eventually get exposed in a big way. OMG, that is one of the funniest things I have seen in a LONG time! AWESOME! Now try a little light reading! SI: Tressel may be forcing OSU's Hand

Wiki - Akron Metro FC I saw the Orange uni's on wiki last week but they are gone now..... didn't like em... Green wouldn't be bad through!

Let's hope he's still a soccer fan!

Possibly, but wow, what's going on with soccer in Cleveland?????? I watched a couple of Carolina Dynamo matches in Greensboro, NC. I would guess attendance averages between 5-700/game but don't quote me on that, it's been a while. Point being, if AMFC lands a couple of Zips each year I'm sure the "Nation" will support the team

Sorry if this was mentioned before...... I was procrastinating on a project and somehow navigated to Wikipedia and found a new link for Akron Soccer.. Not the Zips mind you, but a new PDL team that will begin play at LEE JACKSON FIELD in 2011. Colors haven't been announced yet, nickname is the "Summit Assault" Looks like the first game will be at home on MAY14'th. WIKI - PDL league page We have been placed in the Great Lakes Division with the familiar Michigan Bucks, Chicago, Cincinnati, and Toronto among others... AMFC 2011 schedule Here's the Wiki page, looks like we already have a coach! An Englishman: Denzil Antonio WIKI - Akron Metro FC Here's their website. Appears they've been running the youth leagues for some time, so I guess the new PDL team is expanding thier reach. I like it, apparently somebody listens to my suggsetions AkronMetroFC.org

1 more! Alex p. Keaton ribs his fathers failed PBS documentary "Navigating the highways of Akron" - this was back when 76E, central, and 8 were known as the highways of death....

One of the ships in the que in Cedar Point's "Disaster Transport" crashes near Akron.... Eugene Levy and his wife visit a family in Akron, Ohio on their way to the competition in the movie "Best of Show". Working title for the Drew Carey show was "Akron Man" Theme song from Rugrats written by Mark Mothersbaugh, may explain pickles family reference. Movie "the Instrctor" was fimled in Akron. You-tube it for some great scenes of Downtown, South Akron/Waterloo and Portage Lakes n the early 80's.... Lesser known song by the Pretenders: Downtown Akron, voices the plight of the old Portage Hotel! Roughnecks: Mentions the demise of the Akron Pro's

Hey if we adopt "Mob" into our moniker we can have amusing nicknames as well! like: Joey Bag-0-Donuts newser.com - awesome nicknames from New York's Mafia bust!