Captain Kangaroo

I think they have written more regarding Zips football in the past 2 1/2 months than GoZips.com. The last entry...something about "Coaches Who Cook," is dated April 28th? The silence is deafening!!! Hope things pick up quickly!!

Penn State will open the 2004 football season against the Akron Zips, meeting for just the second time, at 3:30 p.m. Sept. 4 at Beaver Stadium. Makes for a late arrival home.

Nick is a good guy. I look forward to seeing him again sometime. Note: I could be wrong, but I do not believe Nick runs the bbs. He runs Vandelay Sports, and he sponsors the bbs (like Ashland Obsessed did) but that "Georgia Tech Swagger" guy runs the bbs. What are there...like 8 Saturdays until Penn State? Can't wait!

Why YSU? Because it is a slam dunk, no doubt, 100% guaranteed, gimme, 23K+ attendance game @ the Rubber Bowl. That's the only reason. Personally, I would like to wax their ass once, just to shut them up. All YSU fans are quick to point out their "recent" dominance of Akron..."recent" being Gerry Faust's teams and Owens' teams with Faust leftovers. Wax their ass 52-3 and cancel the series forever. That would be swell. Like you, I don't like listing my "sources." All I can say is...you know how the team drove down to YSU last summer on their own dime and practiced 7-on-7? They were requested not to do that this season due to pending scheduling of YSU. Fair enough explanation?

A.) Hey, we're in the running for these guys...that's better than we were before. B.) Claude Brown/JD relationship isn't as strong as we initially thought. C.) It's June 2004 recruiting...the kids haven't even played their senior year...so shut up. D.) We're doomed. JD can't recruit Akron City. E.) As long as Tyrell Sutton is a Zip, I could care less about Buchtel players going to Pitt...hell...Toledo beat Pitt last season. Recruiting: Pitt lands another DB from Ohio Wednesday, June 30, 2004 By Paul Zeise, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Bryan Williams, a 6-foot, 187-pound cornerback from Akron, gave a verbal commitment to Pitt yesterday, making him the second standout defensive back from Ohio in three days to choose the Panthers. And much like Brookhaven standout Dominic Jones, who committed to Pitt Sunday night, Williams said he was sold on the Panthers the first time he visited the campus. "I was just comfortable there from the minute I got there until I left," Williams said. "It is a wonderful campus, a great city, and I really liked what the coaches had to say to me." Williams, who had 31 tackles and five interceptions last season, was third-team all-state last year at Buchtel High School. He had offers from Illinois, North Carolina and Akron. The Insiders, a national recruiting service, rates Williams the one of the top 15 prospects in Ohio and one of the top 65 players in the Midwest. He runs the 40-yard dash in 4.35 seconds, has a 34-inch vertical leap and squats 350 pounds. Williams is the Panthers' fifth commitment for the class of 2005 and their second from Buchtel. Williams' teammate, defensive lineman Marlon Terry, made a commitment to the Panthers earlier this month. Pitt fullback Tim Murphy is a Buchtel graduate. "I liked the fact that there were already guys there who I know and that one of my teammates will be going there with me," Williams said. "I won't feel like a stranger and I won't feel all alone. That's important to me because going away is a big adjustment to begin with."

Dan's little brother, or what?

Seems like, if Dambrot is the coach we all hope for, we should expect 15 or 16 wins this season? #5: Myers is better than Hipsher gave him credit for, but still is slow on D. Futch regressed as 2003-4 wore on. I liked him in December, then it looked like he quit listening to the coaches, slacked off on conditioning, and became possessed by the ghost of David Falknor...becoming a 6' 8", 300 lb three-point shooter. I wonder which Futch will show up in 2004-4...if any? #4: Wood is awesome when in shape. His conditioning seemed to become a problem late in the season? If he can hit 65% from the stripe in 2004-5, we'll be a much improved team. BTW: I heard a rumor Wood is injured at the moment? Anyone have better info than me? Preston: Tough to say. Is he healthy? Are his grades ok? Has he bulked up at all? It wouldn't shock me if he had a break out 12 ppg, 6rpg 3blk pg season...it wouldn't surpise me if he had a stack of DNP's. Big wild card with Preston. #3: Peterson - Is he healthy? He's our #1 scoring option if he is. After sitting out a full season, how long until he gets back into form...assuming he can? Travis: Has he worked on his hands at all? Has he added a short-range jumper? Will he stop with the silly reach-in fouls? To me, he had a "nice" Fr. year. For the Zips to improve as a team, Travis needs to add something to his game. Like Futch, a 65% free throw percentage would be nice. Milum: The book on him seems to be: "Phenomonal athlete, marginal shooter." I don't expect much from him in 2004-5. #2: McFadden - Really came on last season. I look for him to have a senior year much like Schindewolf did...hitting big 3's and being a leader. Walther - The pic's I've seen of him remind me of a young Bryan Hipsher...shinny as a rail! I'm sure his "game" dwarfs Bryan's, but how many minutes can that skinny body log in MAC play? Goddard - Allegedly the dude can shoot. I saw the same type of player in Penno and Kowall under Hipsher...guys that could stick the 3 at will...and those guys rarely saw the court. It will be interesting to see how Dambrot utilizes such a player. #1: Collins - Should be good for 10-12mpg. Joyce- Has he added any bulk? Can he penetrate as dish? Can he keep up with the DeAndre Haynes of the MAC on D? I'm curious to see how his game has progressed over the summer. Middleton - Seems like the minutes are there for the taking? He has great HS accolades...hope he's the real deal. I'm happy with 16 wins and a trip to Cleveland in March. Anything beyond that is gravy.

Based upon Zipwatcher's post we're losing 3 seniors this year. If you add Goddard (assuming he's scholarship) and Dials, it would appear there are still 1 or 2 "free" scholarships remaining? Also...you can pretty much bank on someone not making grades or transferring every season. We'll see what happens...I'm still in shock that Bryan Hipsher didn't transfer to an ACC school or enter the NBA draft. Will he play the #5 or #4 spot at Capital?

Playing in Turkey? Click me

Tough call. Drew is a hell of a player...but the bitter taste of Tarver still lingers. Roll the dice on him? I would hope Dambrot asks him some serious questions regarding his goals and expectations before signing him on. If he's all about scoring 30 points...and not about winning a MAC championship and making the players around him better...then I agree with some of the others in wishing him well at another school and using the scholarship on a Fr. we can build on.

Whoa there Finkster...no one said anything about YSU joining the MAC. Also...if MT gets us out of the MAC, where do we go? In my opinion the MAC is exactly where we want to be. Football-wise, it is very competitive on a national scale. Even with Marshall leaving, BG, Toledo, NIU and Miami are legit Top 25 threats every year. If the Zips can get their act together like we all hope, the Conference can be very top-heavy. Hoops: Yes, it sucks that 4-out-of-5 years the MAC gets only on NCAA bid...but you can blame that to some extent on the Zips...who haven't fielded a tourney-worthy team in 15 years! We are a major contributor to keeping the league's RPI low, as we lose to every "major" team we play and are perennially below .500. The MAC tourney is in out own back yard and we've made it there ONCE...for a 40 game-minute stay. Hope KD can change things. Akron in CUSA? Blech. It's the MAC-lite, with higher travel expenses. Akron in the Big East? Yeah, I'm sure we're real appealing to them at the moment. Akron as an Independent? Maybe in 1974, but pretty stupid/suicidal in 2004. Akron in the Big 10? Let's consistently compete in the MAC before considering leaving the MAC.

Z-P: You gotta have faith! BTW: I saw Tim Crouch and Jim Borecci at the outing. Pretty beefy paper mache!

Don't ask me how...just trust me when I say something is in the works.

Spoke to Frank Stams at the outing. He seems pretty excited to be following Charlie and the Zips this season. He promised to practice objectivity while still being the "Akron Guy." I had never met him before...seems like a really nice guy. Disappointment of the outing: Thomas drove Dambrot around on a golf cart during the front 9. Dambrot waved "hi," and sped past. It would have been nice to meet the guy. Oh well... Also: No JD at the outing. He was at the Ohio State football camp along with 3 other coaches. Only Pry and Flemming were in attendance. Also...I wouldn't worry about Ringer getting his fair share of totes this year (if you read this site, Jerrel!). I just think it will be a bit different this upcoming season, where 3 or 4 guys will get carries, as opposed to 2003 when Hendry was the only one allowed to touch the ball.

I have is on good authority that, unless something has changed in the last 24 hours, you are wrong. We shall see...that's why I stated 80-85% chance... Your rationale seems pretty weak too...because of Dials, he won't attend Akron? What...like there isn't a player like Dials at Can't or MTSU? I would think playing next to a guy like Dials would take away a lot of double teams from Drew. Drew going to Duquesne? The team he jilted to attend WVA 3 years ago? I doubt it. Hope he chooses Akron...he's a hell of a player. If he doesn't...we'll roll on.

Here are a few random notes gleaned from the golf outing yesterday: Shippy is gone for good. Homesick. Chance of Drew Schifino becoming a Zip: 80-85% (maybe higher) Won't be eligible until 2005-6. Cornerback depth chart: Henry, Agyeman, Corner. Expect JUCO RB (Briggs?) to see significant PT in 2004. Supposedly pretty tough. Ditto McDaniels from Woodland Hills. Jabari is the solid #2 WR. Pry couldn't say enough positive things regarding his progress. Expect YSU on the football schedule in 2005. Charlie, Chase, et al working hard at the Rubber Bowl (7-on-7's) Per an OL: "The DL has a bunch of new schemes this year...they're a lot harder to block in practice." Great time, as always. If you weren't there, you missed out big time. More to come...

What? Has it been confirmed that someone "smirked?"

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.