zipper

Trust me when I tell you I am not ignorant on the subject. I just think people calling him out here are ridiculous and make Akron look ridiculous. Every good soccer coach who would be looking at this job as a step up are probably reading these boards, and those who personally attack Coach Lolla, a fine individual, for making what is surely a decision based on ALL the facts (not just those a bunch of fans can dream up) make all of us look pretty unappealing and idiotic. But hey, keep it up. Maybe we can get a DIII assistant to apply for the job. To Coach Lolla, on the off chance you subject yourself to these boards, a sincere THANK YOU for your years of service, dedication, and effort on behalf of our university. You deserve every good thing that comes your way. You have always represented Akron in the finest manner possible, both on and off the field. I, for one, am grateful for your years here, and wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

I'm just wondering why you think this is more than a job for any coach. What makes his profession different from yours? Or are you still just an idealistic student with no idea of what you want to accomplish in life, or setting and attaining your own personal goals? He may have made Akron soccer one of the top programs in the country, but that doesn't mean he owes the University anything more than his 110% effort, which he apparently gave. My God, maybe he's ready for a challenge. But no, he can't do that, because you would be offended that he left us. You act like he owes his employer more than he owes his family. You believe he owes the fans of UA soccer more than he owes his own life and career goals. You've got to be kidding. If that's selfish, then so are 99.9% of the posters on this board, including you I'd bet. You're a hypocrite.

You guys who are saying such demeaning things about Lolla have never met him. The people I know in the athletic department swear by not only his character but his sincerity and ethics. Knowing this, we can be assured he thought this one through carefully and, considering the needs of his family and his desired career path, made what he thought was the best decision. I am sure it was hard - I believe his wife's family is from this area. So, for WHATEVER reasons, Lolla decided he had to make a switch. We will never know all the facets that went into making this decision, but I can't believe how much we can sit here and demand loyalty to an employer when most of us would do the same thing. Are you working for the fun of it? Do you have career goals? Would you seriously turn down more money? Do you care what things you are able to provide your wife and children? Look, to me for Akron to excell we have to know who we are and then go be the best at it we can be. WE ARE IN A MID-MAJOR CONFERENCE. Period. There's nothing we or Kenny Lolla can do about that. We need to hire another up and comer - if he keeps us in the national spotlight and leaves for greener pastures in five years, so be it. Sad as we are, we should be thanking Lolla for staying as long as he did and for putting UA soccer on the map. It will enable us to hire a much more successful coach.

That's the first time I've ever heard about an eligibility issue at Akron being screwed up in house. I heard one of the kid's former schools messed this one up. A few months ago they changed the head of the academic advising - so maybe that will help. But anyway, isn't it true that that department is not in the control of the athletic department? Not sure if the old or new AD has control over it (although I know they just beefed up the facility and the staff, right?)

Why don't you buy the conference argument? You can't possibly be so blind as to say it doesn't make a difference. Let me help you out: level of play, national exposure, ability to recruit, just to start. I'm sure I could think of more. It is a compliment to Akron that they held on to Lolla this long. For you to think otherwise is not objective.

Running for the hills? The guy's been here 13 years or something like that. OVER A DECADE. You don't call that a commitment? He's been approached numerous times and has always said no. Even if Akron was willing to match whatever Louisville was giving him - they can't match the conference. It's the way it is. Ken Lolla is a class act through and through. I am sure he is doing exactly what he thinks is best for his career and for his family, something every one of us would do in his shoes. I cannot believe anyone here is criticizing the guy. You're the pussies.

Sorry guys, but Perception is right on this one. I saw this kid play, and the common feeling in the stands was surprise at his LOW level of play. He didn't have the heart of Delone Carter or Tyrell Sutton, which is a problem. I saw both of those kids in their senior years and they were players; Wells just didn't have it. Can JD get it out of him? Maybe, but it wouldn't surprise me at all if tOSU planted a bug in his ear to look around a little. The way he played THIS YEAR (after those ratings came out) was a disappointment. Ask the sports writers or any high school players. It's just a fact.

If you really want to see something amazing, check out what Fleming did as HC at Sacred Heart in two short years...

Without a doubt, we had more fans there than NIU. I still can't figure out where the idea that they had more fans there came from. I thought it was completely obvious. Maybe people are still just going along with the idea that we don't bring fans. It just wasn't so this time. I'm glad UAM is being congratulated, but I think it's important that we thank the guy who did this for us - Mike Thomas. I sincerely hope he made the game. We can appreciate UAM, JD, Keith, etc., but let's not forget to appreciate the man who brought them in (and ultimately Dr. Proenza for hiring Thomas! And the board for hiring Proenza ) We can only hope the next AD is as successful as Thomas - in hiring the right personnel, at least. We are on such a trajectory thanks to his expectations and belief in what Akron could be.

To all you Dome Lovers, domed stadiums cost like ten times as much as the one Akron wants to build on campus. I'm sure if any of us can come up with the donation, they'll build a domed stadium .

Oh this is too much fun. Wait, I've got one, too: http://mac-sports.collegesports.com/genrel/082505aad.html In this competition, the Zips are second in the conference (second year running). Toledo is NINTH. Toledo's campus also has not undergone the transformation of ours. This guy sounds jealous.

We are going to win a lot of games this year in the last five to ten minutes. I believe the strength of this team will be its depth - we just can outlast other teams with rotations.

I highly doubt if an EX-player has any limitations at all on what you can give him. Many ex-players become donors, and you certainly could take them to a game for free.

I just have a couple thoughts on the new AD... I've observed the same thing in watching Zips athletics in my lifetime. Whether a coach or an administrator, the public wants someone they KNOW. We do not like what we perceive to be an outsider coming into our group, because we don't trust them. So we always push for the inside candidate. Look how many people wanted Winters for FB coach. Nonetheless, MT was an outsider, as was JD. Keith was not, but MT was smart enough to recognize the talent he had sitting there on staff already. To me, that speaks to MT's flexibility and ability to hire and support good coaches, no matter where he finds them. I agree with several people here that Waddel has done a very good job, but I'm guessing there's more to the job than just marketing, which he is obviously extremely good at. Can he do the rest of the job? If the candidate pool produces sitting ADs who are already proven in all areas, shouldn't they look that way? Everyone needs a chance, but is Akron U at the point where they can give someone a chance, or is this an imperative time to get someone in there who has already sat in the chair and been proven? Just some questions. Just saying I hope they look around in a broad national search and get the very best candidate available. If they hire UAM, I'll assume he was the best man for the job, and I'm right behind him all the way.

Why, oh why can't they find an actual announcer-type to lead those cheers???? That was a joke. Embarrassment. Brutal. The Big Ugly. Please, never, ever subject us to that again unless you're going to get a real cheerleader to lead those things with some excitement in their voice. Or hire an actor, I don't care. Just please, I beg of you, never do that AGAIN. It is a huge turn-off.

That one's easy - because Akron is in a conference, and the conference office has a lot of say-so, I believe.

Big Zip, you are going to have to eat your words. Since when were you an Owens-lover? JD is the Real Deal; he can coach, he can recruit. You are such a naysayer. Tell you what - if in three years we're not a conference powerhouse, I'll take you to lunch.

Frye in no way shape or form expected MT to clear the coaching change with him beforehand. He was incredibly disappointed with the firing, but I never got the gist that he thought the admin should have checked with him before doing anything.

Tell you what, you smarta**, why don't you respond to my last two paragraphs? And as far as JD calling the plays, prove it. You can't, because it's a *message board*. So don't spout "facts" without a link to back it up.

You had no idea we even had an OC, and in the same breath you definitively pronounce that JD calls all the plays. How do you know this? Because Walt Harris did it that way? Personally, I think you're guessing. Our team is young, young, young. We redshirted a lot of our recruited talent this year. This is a building process, it does not happen in one year. If JD brings in another solid recruiting class, the wins will come. We all need to hang in there and not let our hopes get the best of us (especially you, Big Zip Man you wear your emotions on your sleeve). I highly doubt JD and Co read this board for the very reason that we fans are only as good as the last win or loss. JD clearly knows what to do with talent - Charlie said several times in the press that he was so grateful to have had the time with JD, even if it was for only one year. Our defense, for as young as it is, is much improved. Let's all just settle down a little, enjoy basketball season this year, and see what happens in the long run with football. Rome wasn't built in a day.

Link, please?

Way sweet. But we've still got a long way to go. Don't we play Indiana in the next couple weeks? Thanks for the update, Zipsrifle. I find myself excited over this team. This is big time and represents Akron U very well.

My God. Bulldog, you are clearly a Fergie family member or something. Try not to be so transparent. I agree it's time for a change, but if you think Brookhart is playing Getsy because he promised him the spot you are just not too bright. Nothing, NOTHING, Brookhart has said has ever been anything other than the best kid plays. I am sure nobody wants to win more than him. He may be wrong about continuing with Getsy, but for anyone to suggest a coach of his background would "promise" a kid something is ludicrous. Are you having backflushes of our recent high school staff? Please.

1) I said at the beginning of this year that we would be lucky to win five games. Others said it, as well. I stand by it. We all got jacked up after a better start than expected - this year looks like the opposite of last year with our 0-3 start and strong finish. 2) Leadership. JD has said several times that we need senior leadership and we apparently are struggling with it this year. Remember, LO fell down on the job recruiting towards the end of his tenure. We all talked about it, the current coaching staff is certainly aware of it, and it is (obviously) being fixed. 3) I heard that freshman QB from FL is a total stud on the field. Haven't seen him play - anybody know anything (Jackson)? Getsy does not appear to be the answer. Brookhart will do the right thing eventually. We are VERY young and green. All will yet be well and we should just hang in there and get through this season, just as several of us said pre-season.

I was always under the impression that KD wants to stay here and build a dynasty here. In basketball that's much easier to do at any school as long as you're Division 1. Of course, Akron U will have to pony up to keep Dambrot, but I think Dr. P and the BOT is wise enough to know that. Since MT's arrival they seem to have a much better grasp on what our programs should look like and how to play with the big boys on this stuff. I know someone who was on the search committee for Brookhart, and he was the overwhelming choice of all of them, I was told. Maybe the CSU connection got him an interview, but he did have two Belitnikoff (sp?) winners under his tutelage at Pitt. I remember when he was hired there was some quote from Mike Shannahan about JD. He definitely was qualified, I think.