Z.I.P.

Just so we don't have to play them in women's BB!

One returning player who you have neglected, but who could find himself in a starting role on top: Thomas Schmitt. He simply has a nose for the ball and is a finisher. Something like Darlington. Time will tell. Also, there is a camp coming up in January at Stiles Center, where I believe a number of foreign players will be attending, and some could become 2011 Zips, ala the Irie Brothers of this team. A national championship does lead to a certain international interest in a program. You know how it is said some players can "write their own ticket"? Well at some point, coaches can also do that. John Wooden could pretty much have his selection of players at UCLA. I hate to jinx our program by naming names, but we aren't that far away now. Remember Zakuani's reading list?

Ha, I would guess based on political party that Brown has a much better shot at accomplishing this. If I'm not mistaken, I believe the NCAA Champs always receive the invite. Virginia was at the WH last year, I'm almost positive. Anyone else remember?

With regards to Kofi Sarkodie, I wonder how much Kofi's past experience with the U17 World Cup plays into Coach Rongen's decision about him. If you were following, three years ago Kofi received a chorus of criticism for his supposed poor play in the US team's 2007 World Cup, where I believe we were skunked in group play, losing to among others, Kazakhstan. This could have marked the image either of Kofi himself and/or US coaches regarding his international play. However, I feel pretty sure that Kofi HAS been part of US teams since joining the UA, so I am also rather miffed about his being left off -- and I think that Kofi will be joining names like Kitchen, Gavin, Ampaipitwakwong and eventually Andrew Souders the 2012 recruit from Amherst on future full US national teams.

Okay, I got a call within 30 seconds of the finish telling me my ESPN sign (Eventually ZipS Prove UNbeatable) was just featured on the network. Does anyone know where to find a replay of the game -- even the parts NOT featuring the illustrious Z.I.P.? Good to know that MDZip, and the possible future Mrs. MDZip got a deserved rest during the trip -- considering that his boss made him pull off the side of the road and finish his work before reaching Wine Country. That's another reason why I don't have WiFi.

Zach and Co., I knew the trip to UCSB was coming later in the month of September, however I had to find my earlier post (trouble linking, sorry) to find it is on Sept 30th. I guess NCAA Champions are allowed to accumulate frequent flyer miles. One trip over Labor Day weekend, another nearly a month later. Note to Caleb: Scout the Region 4 Playoffs (in Phoenix in 2011, for Bisbee's benefit) and other West Coast tournaments. The next Amobi Okugo could be OURS. As for Z.I.P., he may wait for the later visit, as he has made some friends in the SB area, referring to the Vino family.

First sighting: Sept 2008

When/where can I get a copy of the 2011 schedule? The "official" schedule won't be released before mid-Spring. That's why boards like this exist, to fill in the gaps. See you and the new Zips in September Biz.

I was still in the center of the stands, and with all the noise and excitement from the former players around me (they deserve to be given some credit for helping build a program that eventually won a national championship) I couldn't hear or understand anything being shouted by the Rowdie-Loco contingent. However, I hope by this point Akron people have learned how to pronounce the Prez's first name -- the accent is on the second syllable: (lu-EES). Although in Spanish, it's actually one syllable. Sorry if this sounds like more nitpicking. Let me also join in giving Tom W. some credit for giving our coach and program the resources needed to bring Akron it's first national title. Thank you sir! First, but hardly last. Santa Barbara says they're "Soccer Heaven". Akron could become America's Soccer Titletown.

I hate to say it but HAR may have put his finger on the prescient fact: #5 is the most skilled baller I have ever seen at the college level. He is simply magic with the football on his toe. And, he will soon be too good for American soccer. If the MLS wants this guy, I'm afraid they're going to have to put a lot on the table. Best of luck to the kid, he is not just an amazing athlete, but amazingly humble and easy going. I think when the team goes to the White House, BHO better get to know him. Perry has real leadership ability.

Amazing that apparently none of the Rowdies has chimed in -- on Friday night in Santa Barbara some dope from the Michigan U student section ran past the Rowdies with a sign reading "Lebron Hates Akron". I looked around at others and we all wondered -- "What has that got to do with futbol?" In any case, I'm glad that Lebron is also proud of Akron U. I know I am proud to have been a Zips soccer fan for 45 years.

I hope we've turned DiG into a soccer (i.e., football) fan for life. Get yourself a season ticket to see the best collegiate soccer in America at Lee Jackson Stadium. Yes -- Chad Barson taking that Louisville shot "off-the-line" late was a life-saver for the Zips tonight. What a great back line Akron has. It will be VERY interesting to see how we fill the holes of those who will depart this season until Andrew Souders arrives in 2012. But, believe me, this team will be re-armed (footed?) for battle in 2011. Caleb Porter is our coach, and we know what he's capable of. No one in Akron or for that matter, anywhere else should doubt that Akron produces champions. WE ARE CHAMPIONS.

A hundred +++s for that post. Chad Barson is the most underrated central defender in America. I hope we can manage to keep him another year. Same goes for our attacking mid, Perry Kitchen, who played an absolutely magnificent game. And Perry is one of the most soft-spoken players, who leads the team as a freshman with his play on the pitch. I want a chance to see these players again for another NCAA championship.

Exactly what I was thinking. This is the high point in Akron athletics history. I could not be more proud of Coach Porter and these players. These guys deserve one heck of a homecoming. Amen! Get started, Tom! When and where is the party? I think the first one is right now in Santa Barbara...be safe, Rowdies ! Not to worry, these guys are the ultimate class act. I watched most of the players depart for LAX in the past two hrs. The post-game "party" at the Doubletree was remarkably low key. The highlight was basically everyone in sight getting their chance to have their photo taken with the trophy. I hope the reception back in Akron is much wilder in nature. This team deserves to have the City Fathers throw a New York style ticker tape parade. Is the mayor and the city smart enough to make that happen?

One of the top searches on Bing too. Thanks for all who cheered from cold and blustery Akron. Those of us inside Harder Field were feeling your presence about the time the singing of "I Believe" got into high gear. Mahalo from one of those on the scene for your support back "home".

I've got a litttle secret for you pal -- I love Santa Barbara! Although the seats were a bit disappointing, everything else about my first trip to the Central Coast and the College Cup was enjoyable -- particularly the ending !!! Thanks to each and every one of the Gaucho Locos who chose the Akron Zips as your "Team of the Week". If I can make it back in Sept '11, I'll buy you guys a pitcher at Gio's. Hell, it's only six bucks. GauchoYoungin, you guys do it right. We'll be rooting for the Gauchos whenever they aren't on the same field as the Zips. Mahalo nui loa, me ke aloha pumehana.

Hey guys, good news! I just came from the Fess Parker Doubletree Resort, NCAA Championship home of the Akron Zips. I managed to confiscate materiel from several Akron players, and they will be showing up for sale on the webs very shortly. Does anyone know how much I can get for a lovely mahogany NCAA Champions trophy? Just wondering. Zip in Paradise When anyone gets the info on championship merchandise, it will be posted on www.zipsnation.org, I am quite sure. I will recommend to Caleb that there be a title winners scarf. edit: Thank you Akronnnnnn... You JUST beat me to it, by one minute.

Thanks for the post Zip37. Barb's spirit is in Harder Stadium today. Go Zips! On to our challenge

Tickets are GA -- and that realy p%@#*s me off, since the teams' fans were supposed to have designated areas -- but the UCSB/security appear clueless about seating. On Friday we were given special wristbands to enter our designated seating area, but before the first game even started they moved the CalSouth ODP teams in for the benefit of ESPN cameras. Then they decided that Akron's designated area was at the other end of the field after we'd all crammed in with the footballers. By that time, all the seating in "Akron's area" was muddy benches. We were supposed to get chairback seats, but get crummy 1960-era wooden benches, ala the Rubber Bowl. Elephant bar in Goleta (I think near Hollister) is supposedly the gathering place for brunch. Unfortunately, it doesn't open till 11:00 I'm told. Bad scheduling, frankly. But, we should have plenty of time to (knock on wood) celebrate after the match. Please, it's Sunday

I've heard there are 30 former Zips players here this weekend. Hope to meet some of them tonight if there's a Zip Fiesta. I did see the former GoZips blogger -- damn, I apologize for forgetting his name -- from Tucson. Good guy to say the least. GO ZIPS!!!! On to

http://ucsbgauchos.yuku.com/sreply/24088/t...he-weekend.html Zips fans, there were an equal number of Akron Rowdies and UC-Santa Barbara Gaucho Locos behind Akron's bench during the game. Someone apparently brought Rowdies T-shirts for the Locos -- I didn't realize how many of them there were (at least 30, nearly all plastered!) until well into the second half, when I noticed they all had yellow shirts under their Rowdies shirts. The Locos carried out their traditon of throwing tortillas on the field after goals by their favored teams -- Louisville in game 1 and Akron for the final. I gotta go to the store -- somehow I think cooking or toasting the tortillas would make them sail better. At about the 25 minute mark of the second half, the Rowdies (ours, that is) moved behind the Meechigan goalkeeper. The two sectons, started a "Z-I P-S" chant across the field a few times. All in all, I would say the Rowdies fairly held their own. I think it was the Locos who were largely responsible for the NCAA rep coming up midway through the first half and asking that we "restrain the rhetoric". I think maybe something about how when the UM keeper hit his place kick each time they would yell, "YOU SUCK", and then something about "Once a doosh bag, always a doosh bag", etc. etc. I imagine that that Gauchoyoungin will be reading this -- if he and his minions regain consciousness today, and can provide their perspective on events. Now, I gotta find out where the Final party is taking place tonight. If anyone here or in Akron finds out, please post it here!

I got to meet Anthony's mother and father and brother, and shake hands after the presentation. Hopefully I can send the photo(s) when I get home (no camera cables with me here).

Are you/the Buchtelite in Santa Barbara? Can you wear a kangaroo outfit?

First chant of the day Friday; WE WANT ZIPPY. WHERE'S OUR ZIPPY. WE WANT ZIPPY. WHERE'S THAT ROO? This is really unbelievable. Twenty years ago, the basketball team flew to HAWAII -- 3000 miles further -- and brought six cheerleaders AND Zippy. Well, you may have heard this story before: The girl who dressed as Zippy was outside the room where I was sitting with the SID, when we can all hear her shout to the cheerleading coach -- "I got Zippy's head, where'd you put his tail?" Of course she had, as all realized, left the tail in the closet at JAR so she could spend more time with her "pal" who was the trainer. Call me Wisty -- I'll throw a hundred bucks in the pot for your mascot to be at an NCAA championship tournament. Sheesh!

Que viva los Zips! Bienvenidos a la Costa Central. Estamos los Gauchos del Este, aqui' para ganar la Copa del Mundo, or por los menos, de NCAA.