Z.I.P.

Anybody want to bet that Dead Horse is the nom de plume of a certain Kangaroo? For the record, this thread (and discussion) has been beaten like one, Cap'n.

How sad it is that you have such a low opinion of the world's most popular cultural, political and spiritual activity: football, or soccer. The University of Akron is an American collegiate power in The Beautiful Game. That by itself places Akron U. ahead of every school in its own conference, and most of those who continue struggling to succeed in internationally irrelevant athletic competitions.Have a great new year.From abroad,The Zip in Paradise

Andy Robinson is a senior. He's the one who used facebook to try to pay someone $40 to write a book report for him...Yeah, you're right. The guy I was trying to describe is UB freshman Titus Robinson -- from Charlotte, NC. He's already an impact player, as is the guy from Phoenix, whose name I think is Mitchell Watt. They're both about 6-9 and can move.In any case, Buffalo managed to scratch out another last second victory, their second in as many nights 62-60 against Colorado tonight. The Bulls did play much better than on Sunday versus Pepperdine. They led by double-figures at halftime, and though the lead was slowly chipped away, I don't believe UC ever led, though it was tied more than once. Buffalo got the ball with 8 seconds remaining after Colorado tied it up. Calvin Betts drove through an open top of the key, and pulled up and swished about a ten-footer for the go-ahead basket with 0.5 left. UB tipped the last-ditch pass to pick up their ticket to the Rainbow Classic championship game on Tuesday night against Colorado State. They will be favored, but its a wide-open final. I am impressed with Buffalo's experienced-looking offense, which makes few turnovers, allowing their strong half-court D to give them a chance to defeat bigger and more athletic teams. Got to shake Reggie Witherspoon's hand after the win. I'll pull for the MAC team, until Jan 13, at which time they'd better have learned the Humpty Dance. :blink: Zip in Paradise,Honolulu, HI

Well, I was at that game in the Rainbow Classic last night. UB looked like they were caught in a Buffalo snowbank mentally and physically last night against a very young but more aggressive Pepperdine team. Seemed like Bulls have very little senior leadership, at least last night. Rodney Pierce, who's supposed to be their star was totally lacklustre, getting relatively few touches offiensively. Calvin Betts (is he a junior or senior, not sure) at least played persistently, and led the Bulls in scoring with 18, and according to the paper had 14 rebounds! He was all over, though he didn't get that many good looks offensively. Bulls had little motion in their offense, so struggled against a very young but fairly athletic Pepp squad. Nice additions from two kids who I think are freshmen for Buffalo -- Andy Robinson and a forward from Arizona (forget his name, but gonna be a very good player). No way this team should be close to Akron at the JAR, but they could be favored at home vs UA. Reggie Witherspoon was very escited to get the 'W', as they lost all three overtime games they played last year. Tonite, UB plays another young but big and somewhat athletic Colorado team. I expect another close contest. Best team in this event is Vermont Catamounts. Best team UVM has put together -- better than their NCAA upset teams.

Okay, great idea. And it inevitably brings up the question: What should Can't State's tickets be shaped like?

In Ray Mernaugh's world, every coach will be a huge success. Come on Ray. Tell us how you REALLY feel!

Beat the Sweaters, Save the World! Let that be our rallying cry.

Some good thoughts, Char. I can imagine what it must be with all those great soccer programs -- and others like UNCGreensboro, JMU, etc in the region. At least those other schools have the chanceto compete in soccer against the ACC. No football, and they're even a further distance in the background for basketball. Don;t be afraid to post your comments about the Zips. We need more experienced footballers on this thread. Go Zipalistos!

That's because Keith is a native Akronite, not a Youngstowner or other varietal outsider, Cap'n Like KD, I grew up with everyone around me calling our university Akron U. In fact, I can't remember ever hearing anyone call it by that long, drawn out name in an actual conversation.However...in official publication, like that Cali paper, someone should tell the author it's THE University of Akron. In fact, let's remind all the folks down Bucknut way about that also. What I really hate is when I tell someone I'm from Ohio, and they respond, "Oh, you're a Buckeye". Aaaaaaahhh! Mele kalikimaka from ka pae 'aina 'o Hawai'i nei to all the Akron U fans in the audience.

not so fast...this is just the Soccer America POTY. Jan 9th is when the Hermann results come in.No, but we all know, failing to win the award in St Louis will be the upset of the century. As the article stated, the last three SA POTYs have gone on to win the Hermann. And I believe the two underclassmen returned to their schools the following seasons (O'Brian White and Joe Lapira). Lapira returned for his senior year before signing with a second division Norway club. White was injured late this season. Not sure if Garey was a senior or not.

Sounds like the intro to Ay Zippy Zoomba. But don't tell the BeeGees.

Captain, captain, captain. Now you and I both loved these players, and we know that it was not any lack of character, talent or desire that prevented them from winning the MAC. It was the lack of proper teaching and coaching strategy. I think Keith Dambrot would love to have players of this caliber on his roster. Well, Hollingsworth, I barely remember the name and never saw play, but hey, hey, hey Tarver, Bosley and Ball -- those guys could play on any MAC team and make it better.

I am still waiting for the ABJ, or UA Media relations to issue an official report that Steve Zakuani will leave school after his sophomore year to play for pay. It would also be nice to see where he plans to play, in MLS or Europe. "Planning to enter the MLS draft" doesn't limit his possibilities. I think he would be able to play in most European second divisions now, but I can't help thinking his real aspiration -- given his background with Gooners Youth (that's FC Arsenal for you non-aquainteds) is to play in the Premier League. What's the fastest route to that goal? Certainly not through Major League Soccer, not that I don't love the US league, but any player who can go the European circuit would be crazy to pass it up. Not many Clint Dempsey's who can jump from US to EPL.So, if you read between the lines here, I am not convinved that Steve will not be back next season in the Blue and Gold. Many college players make themselves "available" to MLS, but later pull their names out of the hopper.One thing is virtually a sure thing: The University of Akron will have a Hermann Trophy in its display case. That's incredible, and will be another test of this AD's ability to take advantage of what drops in their laps. I can do no more than cross my fingers, based on past and recent experience. Go Zips!

We just gotta get JD to write a book for Columbus State's website!

You're right in one sense GP1. It says what a chickensh__ idiot Hoke really is. I lived on the West Coast for many of the last 20 years, and yes the weather can be wonderful. Before I move on to Hoke though, for those of you who have never lived in a "one season" place, it can be great, but can also get tedious, boring, oppressive. I missed the seasons terribly while I lived out west, and other than February and March here, don't miss west coast weather at all.Now back to Hoke. There is no trading up in going to SDSU to be the head football coach. Of all of the college programs that came to mind for most football fans in that part of the country, SDSU is never mentioned, nobody cares about the program, it's a doormat, a running joke. Let's talk $$$ too. That 700K salary may not even buy him much of an increase in quality of life. It won't buy him much of an increase in exposure, it won't buy relevance to college football. Unless he's from California and just wanted to get closer to home, taking the "step up" (???) to SDSU is not a step up at all.Lastly, coaching is not a profession wherein the weather should dominate your decision-making. Many of the best coaching jobs in the country are in terrible places for weather. You tell me about a football coach who would run to a SDSU to take over the program because the weather is so beautiful, and I'll tell you about a complete d-bag. GO ZIPS!SeeTeeZip____________________________________________________Sorry, but I gotta side with GP1 on this one. SDSU may not come to mind among football powers to the residents of Akron. So, how about looking at it in reverse?!The city and SDSU are on the climb now, with excellent facilities (though still playing in the Chargers' stadium), with an excellent basketball program, and some football tradition. Does the name Marshall Faulk ring a bell?

And for you old-timers (though younger than me), I'm sure the name Arizona Western stirs memories. Ah, the Prisoners of Yuma! I wonder if Gerry Faust made any calls on this one. Tip o' the cap to my man Darren Johnson HC @ Kaimuki HS here on O'ahu, and his ol' thrower, Mike Johnson from AWJC.

Thanks Kid! My feelings exactly. That writer must be based in Boise.

I'm going to enjoy watching Reggie Witherspoon's team over here in the isles after X-mas in the Rainbow Classic. Reggie, I thought was on the proverbial "hot seat" coming into the season, but looks to have a real contender on his hands (they did lose to Niagara earlier). I still feel like the Sweaters are the most complete team this year though.

I remember when one of the Engineering Dept's elder professor's spoke to my Peace Studies class, and asked if there were any engineering majors in the room! I raised my hand and stated simply, "social". :lol:BA UA '81 SociologyMURP Port St/U HI 05

Nice that we have a villain to blame.Hopefully, Steve sees how close they came this year, and returns after his Hermann Trophy season. Please Steve, we need your leadership and abilities. With that, we could be where Wake has been all this season.

Evan makes a big save. Five minutes to play. Do it now, Akron!

Can you believe this? Second half, ten shots for Akron, one for Northwestern. One goal for NWU, none (yet) for UA. Twenty minutes + to go.

Well, there goes the one goal. Fallon from Hilgard. Let's hope we can even it up quick. 1-0 NWU. Go Zips!

So far NW has used nine subs, Akron just three. That's normal rate. Our guys are just tougher.

Play is in front of the Northwestern goal early in second half. Akron has four shots and about three equadros (corner kicks). Get one in the back of the net boys!