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It was an offer Greg Gillum couldn't refuse. After just a few short months as Wooster High School's athletic director, Gillum is expected to be named to a position on the football staff at Ohio State today. Gillum, who came to Wooster from Ashland University in earlyMay, was officially offered a newly-created position, one with an emphasis on recruiting, by OSU head coach Jim Tressel earlier this week. "Growing up in Ohio and playing and coaching high school football in Ohio, and then college coaching, it's an awesome feeling to get this opportunity," said Gillum, 43, a native of Plymouth in Richland County. "It's a dream come true." Gillum has been associated with current Ashland University and former Akron head coach and OSU assistant Lee Owens throughout his career. He was recruiting coordinator and wide receivers coach at both places, and also served on Owens' staff at both Galion High School, where he came after graduating from Ohio State, and Massillon Washington. He also spent three seasons as head football coach at Lyndhurst Brush High School near Cleveland. At Akron, Gillum was on staff with Luke Fickell and John Peterson, both former OSU players now on Tressel's staff. Peterson is the recruiting coordinator/tight ends coach, while Fickell is the co-defensive coordinator/linebackers coach. "Ohio State recruiting has been effective with the top kids in Ohio, but Coach Tressel thinks it's important to start identifying those kids a little earlier, both in the state and nationally," said Gillum. Although his tenure at Wooster High was brief, it wasn't without controversy. Hired after a search that drew applicants from across the country, one of Gillum's initial moves was a decision not to renew the contract of long-time girls head basketball coach Mike Gallagher, winner of almost 400 games in 19 seasons, replacing him with 24-year-old Amy Sexton, a freshman coach at GlenOak. Gillum also hired boys basketball coach Chris Stokes, and has been working on filling vacancies in boys and girls lacrosse, golf, and softball. "Coach Jim Tressel has been courting Greg for some time and Greg stated that this was a bittersweet decision for him," Wooster Superintendent Dr. Dan Good said in a press release Thursday morning. "Certainly, we wish Greg the best as he pursues this career path." Good announced his recommendation that Brad Warner, 36, become the new AD at Wooster High. Warner, a 1987 Wooster graduate and currently the athletic director at nearby Smithville High, was a finalist from among 80 applicants when Gillum was hired. "Brad is a graduate of our school system and has experience in coaching, teaching, and providing oversight to the athletics program of (Smithville)," Good said. "Brad's energy and experience will allow for an immediate, seamless transition." Pending approval by Wooster's Board of Education, Warner will takeover for Gillum in mid-July.

Gozips.com lists Army as a home and home in 2008 and 2010. The 2006 home game is still open. Anyone know who we got?

I saw that he is on the Cavs summer league team. Probably just to fill out the roster, but I hope he does well. He was not my favorite Zip but I still wish him well.

So 27 games this year? I was hoping for extra games with the San Juan shootout. Do you only get extra games for playing in Hawaii or Alaska? I like renewing the YSU rivalry. I am disappointed with no Xavier. If we could not get a 2 for 1, then F them. I am surprised about getting another Bracket Buster game at home. Beat Louisville and we get on TV. Also surprised that there is no playback game with Niagara. Disappointed in the Denison game. Playing a more marquee team would only help RPI. But then again, we could be in the top 10 in RPI and still not get an at large bid. Overall, a decent schedule but one that if we are a top tier MAC team, Akron should go 8-3 with this schedule or better.

Good post Captain. A couple other thoughts 1. Is the team practicing FTs this summer?? 2. With the NCAA adding a 12th game and the MAC and Big 10 setting up a more close knit relationship, do we get a Big Ten team at home in the new stadium? 3. Did everyone make it through unscathed grade wise in bball? Go Zips!

Berea OL Bob Gulley has flown under the radar, but he has been tearing up the summer camp and combine circuit this summer thus far and has collected a few offers along the way. We have been informed that he currently holds offers to Miami (OH), Toledo, and Akron and will camp at Iowa this weekend. JJHuddle.com first noticed Gulley at the Scout.com combine in Akron last month and we were impressed once again at the Miami camp earlier this month. The following is our summary of his performance following the Miami Camp (originally published 6/7/2005): BOB GULLEY: BEREA HIGH SCHOOL – OL For the second week in a row Gulley, showed why he is the most underrated linemen in the state of Ohio. Look for offers to start coming in on this kid very soon. I know Miami coaches were keeping an eye on him during one-on-one drills and he was placed in a group of top defensive linemen on purpose. He didn't let them down with his top showing. We will keep the Huddle Nation updated as this talented lineman continues to impress college coaches this summer.

Should it say -responsibility win MAC title else need not apply? HEAD BASEBALL COACH. The University of Akron, a Division I school and member of the Mid-American Conference, is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Head Baseball Coach. Responsibilities: Direct the day-to-day practices and activities in which team and individual skills are developed and coaching techniques are administered. Manage the recruiting process involving the search, evaluation and recruitment of talented student-athletes. Perform various administrative duties including managing budgets, scheduling/arranging travel, procuring umpires, enforcing University/NCAA/MAC rules and regulations, ordering equipment and overseeing fundraising activities. Assume game-day coaching responsibilities by implementing game plans and strategies to satisfy the public and increase the team's likelihood for success. Provide direction and support to the program's personnel while guiding and evaluating assistant coaches. Cultivate positive relationships with the campus and surrounding community to encourage external involvement and community pride. Qualifications: Bachelor's degree required. Master's preferred. 4-6 years experience coaching baseball at the Collegiate level is required. Incumbent should possess an understanding of recruiting procedures and the technical fundamentals and principles of baseball. Strong motivational and organizational skills are necessary. Knowledge of NCAA rules. Salary: To commensurate with experience. Interested applicants should send a letter of application, resume and three references to Michael J. Rodriguez, Associate Athletics Director, James A. Rhodes Arena, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325-5201. Position is open until filled.

I agree, a very good change. The whole week has the potential to be a bonanza for the league with 4 good rivalries lined up each day. I hope the city gets behind this game. And hopefully it is the last one in the Rubber Bowl to make it even more special.

It's better than playing Oakland. Good to renew rivalries. Maybe CSU, Can't, Akron and YSU play for some kind of trophy each year. Only count one of the Akron-Can't and CSU/YSU games.

Looks like Dru is back to playing 35 minutes a night. Any word on the schedule yet?

I think Heisel hired the womens coach. Starting womens soccer was his baby. BZ said about 2 years ago that golf was horrendous. I have no problems with the firing. If you look at the programs today . . . Football - JD looks like the real deal. MT hire Men BB - I love Dambrot. MT hire Wom BB - I hope Kennedy turns it around soon. If the incoming FR aren't players, she is in trouble. MT hire Baseball - Finally made some progress this year. I expect a little more. MT hire Men Soccer - the most successful of Akron sports. Hopefully football and mens bb supplant soccer in the near future due to their hoped success. A Jim Dennison or Mike Bobinski hire? Wom Socc - You still give her 5 years to win - Heisel hire? Swimming - great start and now pretty mediocre. Can they move up to the next level? I think Mike Bobinski hire Golf - always underperformed, Heisel hire? Softball - 1 year in the program too early to tell - MT hire. Prior coach was Bobinski hire? Womens track/CC - probably the biggest turnaround from where they were 10 years ago. Mitchell is awesome. Maybe a Bobinski hire? Men track/CC - used to be horrible and at least now competitive Wom tennis - the worst program in the dept even more so than Wom BB. Not sure if this was a MT hire. Tony is probably the next to go. Rifle - They kick a$$. Hired by Red Cochran? Newt has been around a long time. Wom volleyball - Very good program, always top tier in the league. I like Sweitzer a lot. I think a Bobinski hire.

I am not a big fan of this game. I would much rather have a bunch of 2 for 1s like KY and Syracuse or 3 for 1s rather than a bunch of 0 for 1s.

West KY makes a lot of sense. Very solid basketball program. Not much support for football yet, but I like them. If we get W KY, MTSU makes sense for a natural rivalry. Mid Tenn is no worse in terms of support for football than 4-5 schools in the league. Temple can't even outdraw Can't. When they came to Akron in the past they brought about 25 people. It would be a slap in the face for the league to take them. Kicked out of the Big East so they "drop" a level to the MAC. The MAC is about as good as the Big East now and this would be a huge blow to national perception. Makes no sense at all.

I just saw that Scott Cutley is transferring to Cal State Fullerton. The guy played a lot of minutes so that one has to be a surprise.

#14 was my top choice. Heck, I have that picture hanging up on the refrigerator.

This is the most idiotic thing that the league could do. Is it just me? I don't see any sense in all in doing this other than every other team getting an automatic victory.

No inside knowledge here just wishful thinking, but David Lighty from VASJ tore his ACL last month. He was ranked one of the top players in the country. If schools back off, you never know.

Great comments. I worry bout OL the most. The receivers are small but solid. With the OL being questionable, we really need a strong blocking back. Not sure if McDaniel is ready to step up or not. On D, I worry about the size of the line. I was pleasantly surprised with them at the spring game but worry about teams overpowering us. But we should be able to pressure the ball. Akron did all the little things right last year, not many penalties, created turnovers, great special teams, good field position. That goes a long way into having a successful season.

I am not too worried about the size, 30K with the grass is fine. If we consistently start selling out, we can expand. But it is the right size for now. I like your idea about the closed end.

Dennis Mitchell quietly continues to build a power. Great job winning the Ohio Classic on Columbus State's home turf. Way to go Zips!

Thanks for the info Hugh Cregg. I heard Basch on the radio as I was coming in. He said that he would be ready to go for the Fall. Is that just wishful thinking on his part? He is a good TE. He and Kasparek make a great 1-2 punch. And the Basch family have been great supporters of UA Football. I hope he is healthy, but glad that he is taking care of himself.

Just got back from the spring game. My thoughts 1. Team is small but quick. 2. Getsy and Arthur was a draw to me. Ferguson also looked like he belonged with those 2 as well. Gesty is smoother with play actions and hand offs. Jabarri has a stronger arm and can run. Per the radio, it seems that Getsy is the guy. Not sure if I agree but I don't see practice every day. 3. Kennedy looked good. He may play is way into the #2 spot. 4. OL was better than I thought. Pass blocking is better than run blocking. The D will be the strength of the team. 5. Secondary looks good, a lot of depth. Antonio Samuels is a new name that impressed me. Anothony Showers may get some PT. Wasn't he a QB originally? 6. Looks like Rohr and Crouch are taking over as vocal leaders. I saw Crouch going off a few times after they kept sputtering. Too bad Rohr wasn't 10 lbs heavier, but he is a playmaker. Stokes looked good as well. Names missing on the roster Myron Howard - walk on from Glenville who had a track scholarship. Guess he stayed with track? Jamail Jackson - the 1st JD recruit to leave? Matt Pichardo - He was rated higher than Kasparek coming in. Kasparek looked tough by the way. Gary Frisby - one of the 5 initial recruits before JD took over. It would have been nice to see Benjamin, but it looked like he did not play. Did not see Donte Cloud either Overall, a lot of work to be done over the summer. A 500 season is definitely within reach.

General thoughts - from a crowd standpoint I was Can't was first. That would be a guaranteed 30K. 2 home games in Nov at the end of the year on weeknights, I don't know about that. NIU should draw well as the opener. After that, it will be a crap shoot. The good is the team can settle in for the 1st 2 weeks before MAC play. If the Zips somehow beat NIU, they have a chance to be 3-0 heading into Miami and no worse than 3-1 heading into BG for a possible shot at the MAC East lead. If Nov 23 turns out to be the last game ever at the Rubber Bowl, it may draw well regardless. But who is going to go on a Tuesday night vs OU? Regardless, glad to see the schedule is out.

Thanks Captain. Would the capacity be 30K with the grass seats or are there 30K seats with grass seating?

I thought Crenshaw had talent. The Johnson boys underachieved in college. I always thought that Sonny was the best. Christian seems to have the KD philosophy - if you don't want to be here, no one is stopping you.