Captain Kangaroo

I hope Stams brings some decent, objective insight to the commentary. Joe P was very good at that. If Stams turns out to be Joe Dunn II, I'll kill myself. *********************************************************************** Stams Signs On As Football Color Analyst Former Cleveland Browns standout and Notre Dame All-American to call all Zips football games on radio June 23, 2004 AKRON, Ohio - Former Cleveland Browns linebacker and Notre Dame All-American Frank Stams has been hired as the new color analyst for University of Akron football radio broadcasts, the UA department of athletics announced Wednesday. Stams, who enjoyed a successful collegiate and professional playing career, will join play-by-play man Steve French, now entering his 16th season as the "Voice of the Zips." They'll be joined on the Zips Sports Network broadcasts by sideline reporter Joe Dunn and studio host Tommy Gelehrter. After attending Akron's St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, the 38-year-old Stams went on to star at Notre Dame under Gerry Faust, also a former UA head football coach (1986-1994), and Lou Holtz. Stams was a consensus All-American in 1988 when he helped lead the Irish to the national title under Holtz. As the defensive MVP in the 1989 Fiesta Bowl, he led the Irish to a 34-21 win over West Virginia, punctuating a perfect 13-0 season. A second-round choice of the Los Angeles Rams in the 1989 NFL Draft, Stams played three seasons with the NFC West squad before moving on to Cleveland in 1992. He closed out his professional career in 1995 with the Kansas City Chiefs and Browns. "I'm happy to be aboard," said Stams. "Most of my family went to school at Akron and I've followed the program closely over the years. Having seen the improvements that are underway on campus and with athletics, it's certainly a great time in Akron sports and specifically football. "I'm thrilled for the opportunity and looking forward to watching (senior quarterback) Charlie Frye up close and personal in his last season. I think he is going to make things happen for the Zips this season." Stams replaces Joe Palmisano, a former UA defensive coordinator, who spent the last two seasons in the radio booth with French. Palmisano moves to the television booth for any Zips telecasts in 2004. The new-look Zips Sports Network is in action on Saturday, Sept. 4 when UA travels to Penn State to face the Nittany Lions in the first game under first-year head coach J.D. Brookhart. Zips football, as well as basketball, broadcasts can be heard locally on flagship station FOX Sports/WTOU (1350-AM), as well as WERE (1300-AM) in Cleveland and 95.9 FM WNPQ in Canton.

1.) I like the fact that his dream is to play in the NCAA tourney, and he felt the Zips are his best avenue to do so. 2.) It is funny that the column writer actually took the time to call Nick's dad and get some insight to the whole thing. If David Lee Ann Morgan or Ellen Alexander (you know them...they're the beat writers for the Zips basketball program) had any journalistic skills they would have done the same. Instead...they cut-n-pasted the info from GoZips.com. How do they keep their jobs? They must have caught their editiors their secretaries?

W. Virginia Suspends Schifino Indefinitely Associated Press MORGANTOWN, W.Va. - West Virginia leading scorer Drew Schifino was suspended indefinitely Friday for violating unspecified team rules. "I haven't talked to him since he walked out of here yesterday ... that's all I can say about it right now. The players aren't going to comment on it and I ask that you don't pry and ask for comments on it," coach John Beilein said Friday. Schifino, a junior from Pittsburgh, is averaging 17.6 points and 5.1 rebounds through 11 games. Schifino's playing time had decreased significantly during the season. He played less than 35 minutes in just one of West Virginia's first six games. His 48-game streak of scoring in double-figures, the nation's longest and a school record, was snapped Wednesday in West Virginia's 63-52 loss to Notre Dame. Schifino played just 27 minutes Wednesday and was on the bench for the final minutes. The Mountaineers (7-4, 0-1) are scheduled to play Georgetown on Saturday

It would be a scholarship "shell game." I'm sure there's some way both could be Zips, assuming that's what they both want.

That was speculated here several months ago? It would be interesting if it pans-out. I believe he would be elegible in the spring of 2005, since he was kicked off the team in the winter of 2003...but I'd need to check. I think he'd have 1 to 1 1/2 years eleg. remaining. Dude can score...but is he "Tarver Part II?"

I guess on the "glass-half-full" side, Owens never even recruited Buchtel unless the kid's last name was McCray. I'm sure JD's efforts will bear fruit in the near future... Panthers land third recruit By Kevin Gorman TRIBUNE-REVIEW Sunday, June 20, 2004 The Walt Harris Football Camp has been a productive resource for Pitt's recruiting, and the Panthers coach received a verbal commitment Saturday from its latest star. Marlon Terry, a 6-foot 1/2, 278-pounder from Akron Buchtel who can play multiple positions, accepted Harris' scholarship offer and became Pitt's third recruit from the Class of 2005. Hejoins Burrell offensive tackle John Brown and Johnstown running back LaRod Stephens. "I just went all out to show them what I had, what I could do," said Terry, who chose Pitt over offers from Akron and Indiana. "I wanted to be the best. They offered me and I committed." Terry is the latest in a pipeline of players from Buchtel to choose Pitt, following the likes of fullback Tim Murphy and incoming cornerback recruit Steve Walker, to name two. What separates Terry is his combination of size, strength and speed. He runs the 40-yard dash in 4.7 seconds -- an incredible time for someone his size -- and bench-presses 300 pounds. "Not to put myself on a pedestal, but I feel I'm up there to be blessed by God to have that type of speed. Usually, guys my size run a 5.0," Terry said. "I played running back growing up, so I've always had speed and good feet. It stuck with me ever since. I just kept getting bigger." Terry started at tight end last season for Buchtel, but also can play anywhere from fullback to defensive end to linebacker. He doesn't know where he is projected in college, but is open to playing anywhere the Panthers want him. "They told me I'm so versatile I could play a couple of positions," Terry said. "I really don't care where they put me. I've never really played on the defensive line, but if they need me to play defensive end or defensive tackle, I'll do it. It's wherever they need me. It's not where I want to be. It's a team thing."

I've wanted to reply to this one, but things have been too damn busy...still are. The "quickie" response is: JD is walking into Shangrila compared to Owens. Faust's team went 1-10 prior to Lee's arrival (only 2 seasons prior, he went 7-3-1?) The team was outscored something like 400-145! No loss was even by single digits. The loss to YSU (1-AA) was by 34 or 35!! He also was coming off the heels of Mike Clark's arrest for selling crushed aspirin as coke, and Marcus Reliford breaking ito an off campus apartment. The best players he handed to LO were: Nate Boyd (lb), Jason Taylor and Mack Warren (who sold crack our of his dorm, and subsequently had to transfer where all felons transfer....to Jim Corrigal at Can't State.) Gotta go.!

In 5 years no one will believe how crappy the University landscape used to be... Note: Someone sent this to me...I steadfastly refuse to give the Beacon my personal info in order to read their shitty site. Zippy may reign over updated McDonald's Sculpture would mark new restaurant site at UA By Katie Byard Beacon Journal staff writer Ronald McDonald, move over. A nearly 10-foot-tall sculpture of Zippy the Kangaroo may beckon customers to a new McDonald's restaurant proposed for East Exchange Street near the University of Akron. This supersized version of UA's marsupial mascot would be made of stainless steel and reside on the corner of Sumner and Exchange streets outside the new restaurant. As the new McDonald's slogan goes: UA officials are ``lovin' it.'' That's because there's more than Zippified hamburger sales at stake, they say. The new fast-food joint would replace the existing McDonald's a few blocks to the east on Exchange Street. The 40-year-old building is outdated and its parking lot is difficult to exit, the company said. The university would get that site at the edge of its campus and said it eventually might use the land for student housing. At the very least, some of the property would be landscaped and become part of the school's effort to create a better-defined campus. The new McDonald's could give a boost to UA's vision of a rejuvenated East Exchange corridor adjacent to campus, said Ted Curtis, the university's vice president for capital planning. The University Park Alliance, an offshoot of UA, has an ambitious concept that involves public and private investment, and blends retail business, entertainment and new housing to create a destination place. The university is spending more than $200 million on a campus rebuilding plan. University officials say the off-campus redevelopment will help protect the school's investments in on-campus properties. With a red-brick exterior and no sloping roof, the new McDonald's would be a departure from the traditional Mickey D's. Curtis said this week the design would mesh well with campus buildings. John Blickle, president of Heidman Inc., a local McDonald's franchisee, said plans for the new restaurant still need approvals from UA trustees and the state (because university funds would be involved.) But, he said, ``Nobody says, `we don't want to do it.' '' Heidman Inc. and McDonald's corporate would spend $1.5 million on the new building and outside areas. The restaurant would replace the vacant Mitch's Lounge and Shortstop Inn, and the Summit County Board of Elections office, which moved to nearby Grant Street. McDonald's already owns the Mitch's building. The county would sell the former elections office for a price to be determined. In a land swap, the university would get the current McDonald's site while Heidman Inc. would end up with the Shortshop Inn property UA owns. Blickle said he would like to start construction in September for a possible opening in February. John Comunale, owner of Comunale Sculptural Concepts, in Akron, has agreed to create the big Zippy. He said the sculpture will be well-secured to the ground. That way, Blickle said, it won't end up in a fraternity house.

North squad prepares for Foothills Jim Paul and his coaching staff rushed his team from Spartan Stadium to Hempfield Area High School's gym this week, dodging the raindrops. "If it clears up, we're going back out," Paul said. Typical football coach. The North squad began practice Monday to prepare for the ninth annual Foothills Classic, set for 7 p.m. Saturday at East Allegheny High School. "These are a nice bunch of young men," said Paul, who coaches at Derry Area. "We have three from Greensburg Salem, a guy from Jeannette, and one from P-T. It adds some local flavor. It really is a nice group." The North squad features four players from Greensburg Salem, Gateway and Derry. "They are wonderful in practice," Paul said about the Greensburg Salem players. "This is fun to coach. All of these kids love football." The team has two senior running backs in Brandon Sticca from Greensburg Salem, who rushed for 1,134 yards and 14 touchdowns; and Joe McDaniel from Woodland Hills, who put up 392 yards rushing and 88 receiving. Both will be playing in the East-West game held in Altoona on June 26. "It's an exciting opportunity," Sticca said. "It's going to be the same thing up there. It's better to play in two games rather than one. But it doesn't bother me. It will prepare me for college." Sticca will go on to play at Marshall University, and McDaniel will play at the University of Akron, which has former WPIAL standouts wide-out Jeff Garrison (Greensburg Central Catholic) and defensive-lineman Dorian Beard (Penn Hills). "It's an honor for the kids for such an outstanding season they had," Greensburg Salem coach George Kemerer said. "Being the conference champs, it gave the kids some recognition. They can now go back and tell their kids that they played in an all-star game." Five players were featured from that Woodland Hills' squad that finished second in the Quad East behind Pittsburgh Central Catholic. "It really says something about the players on the team," McDaniels said. "The record we had reflects on the players." Paul said he is looking at three quarterback prospects in Dennis Sellman from Woodland Hills, Dewey Schmitt from Derry and Zak Jenniches from Burrell. On defense, the team includes Jeannette linebacker Anthony Matt, who racked up 204 tackles, including 19 for loss, and 13 sacks this past season. The team wanted to practice at Penn-Trafford's field instead of Hempfield, but it was restricted because of renovations to P-T's stadium. Paul wanted to thank Jason Ross and Hempfield for letting them use their facilities. This is the second time that Paul has coached the North squad, the last time being three years ago. Both squads are practicing on artificial turf throughout the week to prepare for East Allegheny's Churchman Field. "More players are used to it," Paul said. "It's more of a convenience. Players don't have to worry about spikes and stuff like that." The game showcases the seniors from the area teams, split on to North and South squads, dependent on where the school district falls in comparison to Route 30. For example, Greensburg Salem players are on the North squad, but Greensburg Central Catholic and Hempfield players are on the South squad. Some players still have to get in the football mind-set after not putting on pads for nearly eight months. "Athletes are athletes," Paul said. "You would think they would be out of it, but most of them are saying 'Wow! This is great.' " "It feels kinda weird," Greensburg Salem wideout and defensive back Jacob Zeoli said. "I'm used to a wrestling mats. This is definitely an honor." Even this game is only a showcase, Paul guaranteed the game will provide for its share of competition. "You have athletes competing and you have coaches competing," he said. "It's not win at all costs, but I'd like to get a win. The North hasn't won in a while." Paul brings his Derry coaching staff into the game, giving the players only a week to learn a system of plays. "It's weird to work will all different formations," said Zeoli, who is wrestling at Slippery Rock next year. "It's all the same though. This is fun. It should be a good time."

I couldn't care less. Physically...it is impossible to care less than I do regarding that topic.

Happy Valley Seems More Like Trepidation Valley?

A Y-town Kid

Ringer and Sutton and Others

:blink: Cribbs takes plea bargain Can't State football star guilty possessing pot Allen Moff -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- By David Carducci Record-Courier staff writer Can't State University football quarterback Joshua Cribbs and the Portage County Prosecutor’s Office reached a plea agreement to change a fifth-degree felony charge against Cribbs from trafficking in marijuana to possession of marijuana, which is still a fifth-degree felony. The amended charge, which Cribbs pleaded guilty to Tuesday morning in front of Judge Joseph P. Kainrad Portage County Common Pleas, will allow Cribbs to return to the football field for all but one game of his senior season. “I accept full responsibility for my actions, and I’m being punished because of them,” Cribbs said. “I’m eager and excited to get back to the game of football and hopefully put this all behind me and learn from my mistake.” Cribbs was arrested Jan. 17 after police discovered eight bags containing a total of nine grams of marijuana on a closet shelf during a domestic disturbance call to his home. The small amount of marijuana would have been considered a minor misdemeanor, the equivalent of a speeding ticket, had it been packaged in one bag. But because it was found in multiple bags, implying an intent to sell, police charged Cribbs with a fifth-degree felony for trafficking. “I didn’t traffic at all,” Cribbs said. “It was nothing like that. I had marijuana. That’s what I’m guilty of. I was going to smoke it, but I didn’t.” “It was a one-time thing. It was stupid.” Cribbs said he was given the marijuana on New Year’s Day. When he decided not to smoke it, he said he put the bags on the closet shelf and forgot about them until they were found by police. A pre-trial hearing had been scheduled for next week in Portage County Common Pleas Court in Ravenna. “We had some discussions (with Cribbs’ attorney, Lawrence Smith of Akron) over the past several weeks, and we made it clear we were going to pursue the matter as a felony,” said Portage County Prosecutor Victor Vigluicci. “From his statement (to Can't Police), I believe it was clear that (Cribbs’) intention was to sell. However, since he had not actually sold, we took that into consideration,” he said. Amending the charge from trafficking to possession “made no difference from a legal standpoint,” Vigluicci said. “Both statutes were felonies of the fifth degree.” A trafficking conviction, however, would have made it difficult for Cribbs to return to Can't State under university rules. The plea to a possession charge allowed Can't State Athletic Director Laing Kennedy to reinstate Cribbs to the football team Tuesday afternoon. “I honestly believe that Josh’s mistake was a one-time mistake,” Kennedy said. “He is not a user. We randomly test our student-athletes. Josh has been tested, and it’s never been a problem. Josh was drug tested prior to the incident and he has been tested twice since. On every occasion he has tested negative.” “Once Josh was arrested and charged Jan. 17, he was immediately suspended from all football activity,” Kennedy said. “The suspension has included all of spring practice, including the spring game, team meetings, and strength and conditioning workouts, and it’s been going on for six months. Consistent with our athletic disciplinary policy, Josh will miss playing time this fall.” Cribbs will not play in Can't State’s Sept. 4 opener at the University of Iowa. Sophomore Antwan Smith and freshman Tom Sitko are the early candidates to start in his place. “Obviously this has been a very difficult time for Josh, his wife Maria, and his entire family,” said Can't State head football coach Doug Martin. “I have a very close relationship with Josh and Maria, so we are very happy to see this come to a close for them. We look forward to their being able to put this behind them. Our football team looks forward to putting this behind them and to Josh returning to our program.” Assuming Cribbs completes his sentence and has no other offenses, he will be eligible to have the felony expunged from his record in three years. “We have made no agreement as to his sentencing,” Vigluicci said. “We have made no recommendation. That is up to the judge.” The sentence, which is expected to be announced some time next week, can range from community sanctions - including probation or local jail time - to a maximum of one year in state prison.

Strange but true: While work is nearly complete on the University of Akron's new football practice facility, the Zips won't be the first team to use it. That honor goes to the NFL Denver Broncos: they'll use the Akron site as they prepare for their Aug. 9 Hall of Fame pre-season game against Washington. Zips football, part 2: Insiders whisper new Akron head coach J.D. Brookhart has the same disease caught by many coaches who leave assistant jobs at major football programs and take head-coaching positions at smaller schools: They're so intent on quickly imposing "their" system on the program they fail to realize they don't have the necessary talent to carry out their grand vision. Brookhart, a former University of Pittsburgh assistant, is intent on installing a complex, "pro-style" offense at Akron, led by star quarterback Charlie Frye. But Brookhart has already had to switch two defensive backs to wide receiver because the latter position has so little talent.

Received a call from the University yesterday. The media guide will be included with my tix.

Placed my $145.00 order for season tix today. I wanted a media guide tacked on...why isn't that "standard operating procedure" to offer a media guide with the season tix? Wonder if I'll get it... Looks like Ricky McKenzie didn't stick with the Montreal Alouettes...in fact, there are no former Zips playing in the CFL right now? The last football-related entry on GoZips.com is dated April 28th, 2004? Hey...can someone walk down the hall and see what's happening on the football end of things? The last roster update was 3 months ago...what's the deal? Do we still have a football team? The Beacon and GoZips.com seem to be neck-and-neck in Zips football coverage over the past 2 months...that's pretty bad...Has there been anything on the Ohio State Football Web Page regarding their football team in the past 2 months? My guess is, "Yes." Still no free agent signing of Nick Sparks? I'm baffled. Maybe he pops up in NFL Europe next year? Konrad Dean on the losing end of the Euro Bowl. He's with the Jaguars. Why do NFL teams in Florida love the Zips so much? (Cherry/Dean with Jacksonville, Taylor with Miami, Dwight with TB)? Why is Schifino so far north (Tennessee)? Schifino is playing for a contract this summer. As with his Zips career..."Can he stay healthy?" is the only question....ability is there. Victor Greene to return for a 13th NFL season? Unlikely, but we'll see... Still waiting for that onslaught of Zips players to leave for Ashland, as reported by Roger Brown. F The Beacon. I'm out.

Stull gets offers Seton-LaSalle quarterback Bill Stull thought he might have to prove himself more to colleges this season because the Rebels didn't make the WPIAL playoffs last year. But a number of Division I colleges have apparently seen enough. Wisconsin was the latest school to offer a scholarship to Stull (6 feet 3, 190 pounds). He has seven other offers from Can't State, Akron, North Carolina, Duke, Bowling Green, Indiana and Miami (Ohio). Don't be surprised if Stull ends up at an Ohio school or somewhere in the Midwest. "My parents are close to retiring and they'll move to where I go to college," he said. "Plus, most of my family is back in Ohio."

The woman that provided the free housing to the 'Slavs also said she was told to go the the school and have grades changed. She also claims to have written papers for players. IMO...Huggins would never have had a shot at the OSU job anyhow. The next guy OSU gets will be the most squeaky-clean m-f'er on the planet. If you're facing NCAA sanctions you don't want any part of a guy Huggins. Larry Eustachy...save yourself 34 cents and don't send a resume either.

I doubt buckeye hoops fans are laughing at anything now-a-days. Your coach driving drunk won't get you put on probation...paying Yugoslavian kids cash to play on your college team and faking their test scores will.

Brion Stokes is playing in the East/West Game in NC July 21st. Click for Roster

Jamail Pic Similar Jamail Jackson Info

Zips Recruit Joe Daniels is playing in the Foothill's Classic next saturday and the PSFCA All-Star Football Game the following week: PSFCA Roster Foothills Roster

Garrett Info

Bryan Hipsher was seen exiting this car outside the JAR yesterday. Has Dambrot "pulled an O'Brien" and tossed a few extra "G's" Bryan's way to ensure B Hip's return in 2004-5?