Z-Pouch

If KD brings us success in BB, I hope we have learned from our mistakes 20 years ago when Huggins built the program up, was let go without a fight, and we focused on a fledging football program. Personally, I throw the football program under the bus and ride a successfull BB program to greater things -- In other words, give KD what he wants - enough money, security, and committment to make HIS university a annual NCAA Tourney participant. I think he would stay. Is there anything better then putting your name on something you built ? Don't make the same mistake. Has anyone every wondered.... 20 years ago, we decided to put FB first and bypass an emerging BB program. What would have happened in those 20 years had we focused on BB ? I'd venture to say you would have your new on campus FB stadium by now...a strong fan base....definately an upgraded JAR (maybe an arena) due to 20+ years of BB success......and winning these MAC championships sure gets boring, what other conferences would be knocking on our door (Decisions, Decisions... Big East or Conference USA hmmm)......annual Gonzaga/Akron battle of the top mid majors...What? Ohio State won't play us this year again in BB......LBJ decides to play one year at Akron (To really be great, you must win championships at all levels like Jordan and Magic)....dare to dream, learn from history and change your future.

Game Article Army at University of Akron Learned Zips not looking past winless Army Akron wants to avoid repeat of upset at home By David Lee Morgan Jr. Beacon Journal sports writer Akron coach J.D. Brookhart experienced the uniqueness of coaching against an armed services football team while serving as an assistant coach. ``When I was at Colorado State, Air Force had the height restrictions where you couldn't be too tall to fly a plane so they had a lot of 6-foot-2 kids,'' Brookhart said. ``They didn't get a lot of big-bodied kids so the option (on offense) was the way to go for them.'' Brookhart had a similar experience this week as he prepared his Zips (3-3) to play Army (0-6) tonight at 6 at the Rubber Bowl. ``The biggest thing playing a team like Army is that you know what you're going to get for 60 minutes,'' Brookhart said. ``Those players are tough-nosed players who are relentless and won't stop until the final whistle.'' Akron director of football operations Reno Ferri is a 2000 graduate of Army and was a three-year letterwinner for the Black Knights. ``If you look at what J.D. is doing here, he's trying to create a culture of success, belief, expectations and performance,'' Ferri said. ``Up there (at West Point), you don't have to create that culture. It's a way of life.'' Army is led by coach Bobby Ross, who won three Atlantic Coast Conference championships as the coach at Maryland from 1983 to 1985. Ross has a 2-15 record in two seasons at Army. ``They have played a very good schedule,'' Brookhart said. The Black Knights only trailed Texas Christian, which opened its season with a stunning win over Oklahoma, 14-10 at halftime a week ago on the road before succumbing 38-17 to the 21st-ranked Horned Frogs. The Black Knights also played Boston College (44-7), Baylor (20-10) and Iowa State (28-21) in losses earlier this year. ``Iowa State was ranked at the time and Army was up 21-14 with eight minutes left and lost,'' Brookhart said. ``In all these games, they played very sound football. They're not flushy but there are always 11 guys running toward the football.'' Akron senior wide receiver Domenik Hixon knows the Zips can't be too overconfident. Akron did just that against Central Michigan earlier this season, and the Chippewas pulled an upset at the Rubber Bowl. ``To me, a team that is 0-6 is more dangerous than any other team because they are looking for their first win,'' Hixon said, ``Army is probably looking at our film from last week and thinking this is where we can get our first win. So we expect them to be a dangerous team and we will not take them light --------------------------------------------- Kickoff: 6 tonight. Broadcast: WTOU (1350-AM); WERE (1300-AM); WKDD (98.1-FM); WNPG (95.9-FM). Coaches: Bobby Ross is in his second season at Army (2-15); J.D. Brookhart is in his second season at Akron (9-8). Records: Army is 0-6; Akron is 3-3. Notebook: The Zips are coming off a 51-23 loss at Miami University last week. Senior running back Brett Biggs rushed for a season-high 153 yards. The Army defense is ranked No. 39 in the nation in yards per game (341.8). Akron is ranked 80th in total defense, allowing 400.5 yards. Army is tied with Rice for the longest losing streak in the nation at 11. Pick: Akron 27-17.

For those not getting the ABJ -- GameDay Articles. Zips highlighted over Buckeyes this week. Hixon right at home playing Army Zips star has affinity for service By David Lee Morgan Jr. Beacon Journal sports writer The Army way of life has been Domenik Hixon's way, too. So when the Cadets football team takes the Rubber Bowl field tonight at 6 to face Hixon and the University of Akron, he is already familiar with the culture. The senior wide receiver grew up on an Army base in Germany, where his father, Marvin, was stationed. Marvin Hixon worked in transportation, and his last job was as a unit assister. ``My job was to train transportation units in the reserves and national guard and prepare them to go to war,'' Marvin Hixon said. ``A couple of my units went to Saudi Arabia (during Desert Storm).'' Marvin Hixon retired from the Army after 21 years of service and now lives in the Columbus area with his wife, Birgit. ``That's 21 years and four months,'' Hixon was quick to point out. Marvin and Birgit never miss a Zips home game, and they are easy to pick out. They both wear jerseys with their son's No. 28 with ``Domenik's Mom'' and ``Domenik's Dad'' labels. ``Growing up, my dad and I always watched the Army-Navy game,'' said Domenik. ``We always pulled for Army, so when I saw them on the schedule this year, it was kind of different. I have a lot of respect for them, considering they are in the Army and playing football. That is a lot to do.'' Hixon has developed into one of the most productive players in the country. He is second in the nation in all-purpose yards per game (203), fifth in receiving yards (111.8) and 11th in receptions (7.2 ). Hixon has helped the Zips build a 3-3 record so far this season. Army comes into the game at 0-6. He's had an impressive career as an offensive player in a short amount of time. Just two seasons ago, Hixon was a starting safety for the Zips. Domenik's father always believed his son would excel in whatever career path he chose after high school. ``He knew he was either going to college or going into the military when he got out of high school,'' Marvin said. ``He knew he wasn't going to just hang around the house and do nothing. It was his choice, but he was going to do one or the other.'' In watching Domenik Hixon's demeanor and the way he performs on and off the field, it's apparent that the military upbringing helped in developing his maturity and leadership qualities. ``We always taught him to be a leader and not a follower,'' Marvin said. ``Without a doubt, Domenik has been influenced by me being in the Army. ``I met my wife in Germany in 1980 and we lived there until Domenik was 12 ½.'' Domenik speaks German and picked up a hobby while he was living in Germany -- motorcycles. It's the same hobby his dad enjoys. ``I've been riding all my life and Domenik has been riding since he was 10,'' Marvin said. ``I remember I got him a little bike when he was young and he would ride around. But when he was ready to get off, he'd have to call for me and I'd catch up to him and help him off because he was too small to get off by himself. It's in his blood. ``But I also preach to him that a motorcycle can be dangerous,'' Marvin added. ``Once you think you can master it, that's when you get into trouble.'' Domenik recently put his motorcycle away for the season because of the falling temperatures. ``Hey, if I wanted, I could still ride it,'' he said, proudly. ``I'd just get out the leather gloves and leather jacket.'' Zips coach J.D. Brookhart was relieved when he found out Hixon put away the motorcyle. ``I couldn't wait for that,'' Brookhart said.

I agree - It's Proenza that is key in continuing to move the University further along. Lose him, we should all be concerned. I'm confident that LP will find an equal or better AD then Thomas to keep this rolling. Proenza knows the promotional importance of the Universities athletic programs.

Prop 48 ? Wouldn't he be done for the year ? I guess if he passed this semester, he'd get his eligibility. I was hoping it was something else.

Agree with Dr Z on defense being able to control games but most defensive minded teams seem to have ball control offenses which are based on the run -- Ala DR Z's loser favorite team the Squellers. So, a good controlled offense (No T/O's, Maintain field position) helps the defense keep it's edge. Seems like everyone's really talking the same thing here. It's a Cowher, Tressel, Belichek, Big Tuna, ect. recipe for success. I think Tressel believes the punt is the most effective offensive play he has.......all about field position and shortnening the field for the offense with your defense.

Basketball related notes from the Premiere Event. It's just a lackluster scrimmage and showtime so for what it's worth............... - Nick Dials is incredible. The fact that he was out there 5 months after surgery is just amazing. He won the 3 point shooting contest and held his own in the scrimmage. Text book jumper. I think we are going to like this guy quite bit. - Woods looked fine. Maybe a little out of shape but knee seemed fine - he dunked a few times and was pretty mobile in the scrimmage. A little conditioning and he will be fine. We all have to remember that most players coming back from ACL surgery are not the same player and set our expectations accordingly. Luckily, Woods was not a leaper but more of a wide body and positioning player which should keep hopes alive that he can return to near form. - No Conyers ? Anyone know what's going on with our top recruit ? Sat the bench in warmups and did not paticipate. - Other Recruits looked solid. Aggressive, pretty big, active and mobile. - Futch still loves to shoot - from anywhere. Hope he learns his role on this team after a few practices. - Milum could contribute this year if Dambrot picks up the pace. He can get up and down the floor and of course he can jump. Put on noticeable weight but still not breaking any scales. - Wouldn't be right if I didn't mention Bubba. The kid is a player - much more then a shooter. He made some passes in the open floor that were unbelievable. His quickness against better competition always a question mark. - Roster on GoZips doesn't list the backup point guard to Joyce. I thought the kid that transferred in and was an All Ohio selection was there Friday. Maybe, I'm wrong - Could someone clarify ?

I also thought the Season Premiere event was fine. The free pop/hot dogs/popcorn and premiere theme brought in a larger crowd then Halloween Hoops last year and it was a little more organized. Overall, it was pretty entertaining and we had a pretty good time. I think these types of things will eventually be really successful as Dambrot moves the program forward. Two things I dont understand -- Why so cheap on the free Tee Shirt toss ? I think they threw out 2 to the crowd. Would it have hurt to throw out a few more? Geeeezz. And on the raffles, why not annouce the winners at the event and have the coaches hand them out ? It would keep fans there longer and would have been good interaction with the people who attended. Everyone likes to see people win free stuff.

Couldn't agree more. How long does Getsy get to struggle this week ? His leash has been very long from what I can see. An explaination could be Ferguson is a bigger dropoff in talent then we know. I have no idea of Ferguson's abilities - Drop back, mobility, throwing on the run ? and if he would do better behind this OL. If JD sticks to with his man, it could be along day in Oxford. Miami's D may be bad, but if you're missing open WR's or rushing things before they develop, does it matter ? My guess is that he stays the current path and this board's on fire Saturday. D keeps us in the game but they are just on the field way too much. With regrets - Miami 28 Akron 10

Agreed -- That was very well done and noticeable addition in the ABJ. That poster should be a lot better then last year's with KD. Season Premier event on Friday seems like a good time for all.

Another article for the BJ on the Remaining soccer schedule with comments on teams. Seems like a pretty tough schedule. Nice to see they are playing good teams. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ REMAINING SCHEDULE Oct. 7 at Buffalo The Bulls (10-1-0) are 20th in the NSCAA/adidas national poll, their highest ranking since becoming Division I in 1991. Oct. 12 at St. John's The Red Storm (5-1-3) are ranked third in the nation by Soccer America. Oct. 16 vs. Bowling Green The Falcons (3-8-1) ended a 25-match winless streak with a 3-2 double-overtime victory over Ohio State on Sept. 23. Oct. 21 vs. Northern Illinois The Huskies (7-2-1) have won four in a row -- all by a score of 1-0. Oct. 23 at Western Michigan The Broncos (3-5-1) are 2-0 in their only home games so far this season. Oct. 28 vs. Michigan The Wolverines (5-3-1) beat Akron 2-1 last November in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Oct. 30 vs. Kentucky The Wildcats (3-3-4) are winless in their last five matches. Nov. 3 at Indiana The Hoosiers (5-1-3) are two-time defending national champions. They are 22-4 in the all-time series against Akron but lost to the Zips 1-0 in 2003 in the teams' last meeting. Nov. 8 MAC Tournament Quarterfinals TBA

Beacon Journal Soccer Article ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Zips have plenty of goals in hand, none in by Bush No. 2-ranked Akron's freshman goalie has six shutouts, 0.41 goals-against average By David Lee Morgan Jr. Beacon Journal sports writer The University of Akron men's soccer team is proving to a growing national audience that it can do more than score goals. The Zips (10-0 overall, 1-0 in the Mid-American Conference) lead the country in scoring at 3.89 goals per game. But week by week, Akron is showing much more. There are plenty of other reasons why the Zips, whose next game is Friday night at 20th-ranked Buffalo, are ranked No. 2 in each of the four major college polls (College Soccer News, Soccer Times, Soccer America and NSCAA/adidas). Defense is a big one. So far, Akron has seven shutouts and is tied for first in the country with a shutout percentage of 0.78. The Zips also are third in the country in the category of goals-against average (0.33). The University of New Mexico is the No. 1 team in the country in all four major soccer polls. Akron and New Mexico are the only two teams in Division I that are undefeated and untied. ``Whenever you're not giving up goals, you're giving yourself a chance to win the game,'' said Zips coach Ken Lolla. ``Our goal at the start of the year was to be sound defensively, first. We do put a lot of emphasis on defending well and defending as a team.'' Redshirt freshman goalkeeper Evan Bush has done an effective job of keeping opponents' shots out of the net. In a 3-0 win against Ohio State last Friday at Akron's Lee Jackson Field, Bush registered a career-high six saves for his sixth shutout. He has a 0.41 goals-against average. Although this is Bush's first year as the starter, Lolla hasn't been surprised by his play. ``I've always anticipated him being a big-time college keeper,'' Lolla said about Bush, who has six shutouts. ``He has done tremendously well.'' But so has the entire defensive unit. Akron has had its share of injuries, yet the Zips haven't let the lineup changes affect team chemistry. ``Our two center backs (Ossie Michalsen and Corey Sipos) have been injured and at one point, we had them both out at the same time and we survived that,'' Lolla said. ``Even up the field, we had Dino (Campellone) miss the Penn State game but guys like (forwards) Sinisia (Ubiparipovic), Ross (McKenzie) and Yohan (Mauger) have been solid. And in the backline, we can take anyone and put them there defensively because they all have been so steady.'' With eight regular-season games to play before the conference tournament, the goal for the Zips is to finish strong. There is a lot at stake. Akron has qualified for the NCAA Tournament five times under Lolla, who is in his 13th season. The Zips want to make it six. ``The biggest focus we have is getting into the NCAA Tournament and in order to win it all, you have to start out with the highest seed possible,'' Lolla said. ``We're still working on making that happen and there's a lot of soccer left to secure that.''

Just a follow up and maybe an indication that the Beacon is listening. Sometimes you have to give credit where it is do, the Beacon has been all over the Zips this week. Mainly Football ( I think 5 or 6 articles since Monday - Even the DB's got an article/pic to themselves today) but also good coverage of soccer and pre season basketball. Actual player interviews and coverage this many consecutive days has not been seen for a long time It's great to see. Maybe it's just a coincidence with the all emails to the editors. You can't complain much about the amount of coverage unless you are going to dwell on the quality but beggers can't be choosers and it is a start. I know a number of people here have soured to some ridiculous extent on the Beacon but dont kid yourselves - the UA sports programs NEED their coverage. It is the quickiest way to the masses of casual local sports fans that can fill our arena and bowl. If you want to act like we dont need them and are content with Zipsnation (readership 300) and GoZips, you better be happy with 13k for football and 4k for basketball. Those internet sites just dont have the reach into an important paying fan base that can be developed thru a local paper. Fire away CK but you will see in the long run, Beacon coverage of a winning team will help generate interest and attendence. Will the Captain breakdown and renew his subscription ?

There were actually two articles in the Beacon alone. The other article was about Getsy's leadership and fast start. It also had a stat by stat breakdown with Frye

I bet we see more of Darnell Mayberry. I actually thought he had taken over for Morgan -He handled basketball coverage almost exclusively last year. If enough people speak up to the contacts above -- Morgan's job as beat writer for the Zips is going to end. Let him cover High School sports. Hopefully, they dont consider Morgan any sort of football expert.

That's awesome. Everyone should send nice little notes to Jim and Debra. As it's been said many times on the board, trying to work thru Pantages and Morgan to improve coverage will go nowhere. Now, we have some real contacts. Thanks to THOR.

Agreed -- Pantages is the one needs to go. Morgan's bad but he's ot the root of the problem.

The most dissappointing thing I saw in the Beacon today was that Darnell Mayberry covered the Can't game. Darnell did a good job of elevating the Zips Basketball coverage last winter. I was really hoping that he was taking over for Morgan as the Zips beat writer -- too good to be true I guess. If anyone writes to the paper, please push for Mayberry and ousting David Lee. He has to go. As for being on C11, no suprise there - same old staff article, no indepth coverage, no insight. Oddly enough, they will probably promote the heck out of the home opener this week with Northern Illinois. You'd think that someone over there would understand that smart coverage/promotion would start with the win leading into that game. Unfortunately, I dont think anyone has ever confused Pantages with a big time sport's editor. That's right Larry, keep playng it safe and using the same old formula -- OSU front page, cover UA and Can't State openers, back to OSU, throw in some Mount Union, back to OSU, and finally overwhelm us with Lebron. Covering OSU first is a no brainer, it sells papers but I'm not quite sure why there isn't room for covering two teams as the Zips progress to the MAC's elite ranks. Riding the coat tails of OSU coverage isn't all that bad if the Beacon would give the Zips some decent space and real reporting. People might just get interested in a consistently competitve MAC team and good football at bargain prices. I do think that playing your first home game three weeks into the season has not helped generate much excitement anywhere but here. A win this week and I think you'll see the Beacon on Z board searching for information and stories (Note to David Lee -- atleast you could give the Captain some credit one of these times for your material)

Long Live Frenchie -- There's a lot worse out there. Anyone ever heard the Can't State broadcasts ? or the guy that has sub'd for French ? Yes, French can get a little down but he makes some great calls when things are going well and the Zips are making plays. All the college announcers are tough on their teams to some degree - I've heard it at ND and OSU - after all, they are all big fans of their programs. I know he's made a lot of blowouts fairly entertaining and close games really exciting with his calls to me. For basketball, I don't think we can possibly do better. I hope French has the job as long as he wants it. Just another opinion - Hate seeing a good guy and announcer hung out to dry. It would be a really bad move by the UA.

Really well played and coached game by the Zips. I don't know about the 4th and 3, WR end around option play but I'll give them one on absolutely well played game. My hats off to them -- completely unexpected. Could we actually have a defense ? How nice would that be. You've got to be encouraged that we will be competitive throughout the rest of the schedule.

Ohio played a great defensive game. Wannastadt must be one of the worst all time coaches -- Failure just follows this guy around. Why does he keep on getting hired ? Too bad, the last thing we need is for the Pitt job to open up in a couple of years. As for the predictions - 65-7 is alittle harsh. I don't see Purdue's Tiller running it up to the 60's. It will probably be your standard 40 something to 7 with Purdue reserves playing the majority of the 3rd and 4th QTR. Still dont think the Zips cover because their offense and scoring is just too hard to predict. Great day for college football though -- ND/Mich and OSU/Texas are great matchups and games to watch for any college football fan.

I'm a huge Zip fan but reality is BuckZip is right. Think about the fact that odds makers need to GIVE us 35 points - 5 TDS - to make the game even and listed on the odds line. It's embarrassing. Right now, the score is 35-0 and the majority of bettors would take Purdue. How can you not cover a 35 point spread if you are a respectable football team !??!?!? I'm not even thinking realistically about winning (of course, play to win, pull out all the stops, anything can happen) but playing a close game and covering the spread earning a little respect. A 35 point spread is a Let's all hope that the odds makers don't know anything (although I think they do as money is on the line). It will be nice when the day comes that spreads like this don't exist for us. 35 point spreads really are an embarrassment. By the way, it is the largest spread on the line this week.

Good point but we are #99. Even thought SI has no clue on rating teams in the lower portion of the preview, it still says something that there are 37 teams between the Zips and TCU. If we were in the 60's and getting any respect, I'd share your optimism. And I've shared your optimism in the past (Penn State) only to be dissappointed. It's a 35.5 point spread. It seems like they should be able to cover, that's ALOT of points. I wonder which way Dr Z's money is flowing ??

He looks like he's thinking...but then you read the articles.

Up 3lbs to 178 and really becoming a banger/enforcer under the boards. Foust had no chance in th pickup game, might be out of basketball completely after that beating.