I grew up in the Akron area (graduated from Norton). Akron seemed like a natural choice. I was a cadet in the Army ROTC and performed many of the color guards for the football, basketball, and volleyball games between 2000 and 2004. I really never gave Akron athletics much of a thought until after I graduated. Now I'm a captain stationed out in Texas and being an Akron alumnus has become more clear when around my peers. Probably half of my fellow officers went to West Point and a lot of others from big and small schools from around the country (Texas A&M, South Carolina, LSU, VMI, Berea College....). Being able to identify with my alma matter and Ohio sports in general has been extremely important. Bragging rights are very important, especially around the other A-type personalities of military leadership. My battalion executive officer (from Cincinnati) didn't let me hear the end of it while I busted the chops of everyone that went to West Point regarding this season.