Z-Pouch

The funny thing about this is that people will be or act surprised that this occurs at major colleges. At that level, the pressure to win and win now is so high and so much money surrounds these programs. Think about the gate of millions of dollars at an OSU football game (and that is only tickets) or the need to fill a 20k basketball arena for 14 games. It has to be almost impossible to resist the temptation to kick in alittle to get that coveted recruit. The fact that OBrien (who seemed to be a straight arrow) couldn't handle it makes you wonder who can at that level. I'd go as far to say would it actually surprise anyone if Tressel strays from the path at ome point after a couple of bad seasons and the need to get back on top. Who knows, some 5th or 6th place finishes and anything is posssible ? Then again, he did come out of the Clarett thing pretty good -- I guess you just dont notice the cars, the clothes and the money your star 19 yr old RB has. Hmmm. Back to OBrien, Did anyone else read the story, look at the timeframes and say to themselves " How the hell did this stay out of the news this long ? " and also wonder how many more of these stories just dont get covered because it's not in the best interests of all the people and business's making money off of them. Or the fans that bury their heads in the sand and would be happy to watch a National Championship game or Final Four no matter how they got there. Just my two cents.

Just received my Alumni Magazine this weekend -- nice articles (nothing really new but nice) on JD and Dambrot but there was this god awful article/advertisement for the University Plates. Right there, in the middle of the magazine -- the damn daisy plate. It's awful. No mention of any new plates coming available soon. I think the alumni association must be run by one of the blue hairs who sit on their hands and refuse to cheer taking up valuable seats at the BB games. I wish someone would introduce basic marketing concepts to the alumni director. I don't know of anyone touting those sleek daisy logos on the road - I can't remember the last time I saw one -- of course, today, I saw 3 of the gut punched flush. AND Can't State is a liberal arts college -- Marketing ain't supposed to be their thing. Someone, anyone, please stand up to the blue hairs and change the logo -- As revenues for your scholarship fund skyrocket, you will be a hero. Think about it - Which plate will students purchase ?? 30 and under ? 30-40 ? 40-50 ? When football and BB develop winning traditions ?? Oh then I'm sure everyone's going to jump in line to sport the sleek daisy. I've heard the argument that the daisy sells well. My guess is that if it were a flipping rubber shoe on the plate those people would still buy it. See, those are the easy sales - they just want something that says Akron on their license plate -- So what if nobody can identify with it, let alone - READ IT. Point -- You won't lose those sales. You are losing a lot of others.

Captain --- Pick-up Basketball game

Going with the NCAA basketball tourney. Why ? - Probable regular season championship - Sold out JAR - Can't State looking up at our in the standings - Finally, games at the Gund and 3 at that - ESPN and Kangaroos - Saturday night championship game and - Basketball Heaven -- Mini Vacation. Thur-Sunday of 1st/2nd round games at location probably better then Detroit

Dinner with team and sideline passes.......Package made in heaven for the Capt and Dr. Z. These auctions look like good ideas -- interesting to see how they go over.

I was talking about Williams@Western Michigan on adding weight to go to the next level. I was really impressed at the tourney with this guy's raw talent.

Tarver in the NBA ?!? Europe but NBA. Agree with Dr Z., going into the tourney, I thought Tarver was pretty high on the MAC list but some guys really stepped it up. Williams@WMU was a man. He's got some talent and with additional weight/muscle could play at the next level. Without adding weight, he probably also heads to Europe.

Unfortunately, I have not cancelled my ABJ subscription yet as I continue to hope they will wake up and realize a sizable University exists down the road. I have uneasy feeling that rather then giving significant press to Frye -- Proven senior, potential NFL draft pick -- that I will be seeing plenty Zwick in my morning reads. Is this possible ? Can it be avoided ? No matter what Akron's marketing team does will it make a difference ? What a shame. The Zwick/OSU press machine has already started to roll this week. What does it take for the ABJ to wake up, a potential NFL QB is down the road from you --- Cover it Is anyone there hearing me ? Maybe tommorrow, it will be Frye's turn (of course, that would probably do it until the season starts) or maybe I'll hear about Zwicks first tight spiral on a 5 yard out pattern -- the only pass he can throw accurately :blink: and the spiral wont be that tight :blink: I should just cut my losses now and ditch that paper. It just kills me the lack of originality they have.

13-14 I see why you have the "maybe" in your name. I think we can be alittle more optimistic then that. I'm not talking championship till I see how things come together at the start of the season but 13-14 with the amount of talent coming back would be a bit dissappointing. It is way too early for any serious predictions. If the right guy is still available -- I agree with a shooter/scorer -- use the scholarship, otherwise hold it so KD can bring in more of his type of players. Have a little faith and jump on board

Can't Read, Can't See The Writing on the Wall, Can't STATE Nice 4 game losing streak heading into the tourney......

Start the Moving Van.......Start the Moving Van.......Start the Moving Van... A very good effort on the road. Got to have that home 1st round game to get the calls. Life on the road in the MAC is not easy for anyone.

Don't rely on the Beacon........ Ball State Game Day Report

It is all out of my system now, no more BH for me.

I don't know about BH playing defense, I have seen the opposing teams player's eyes light up when BH is guarding them. BH has been schooled way too many times. Offense ??? There are always options and I think quite a few better then playing 4 on 5 for 7-10 minutes a game. -7-10 more minutes for Mario - Atleast he makes something happen with his quickness and brings a dimension to the game, not a lot of size at the PG in the MAC so his defense doesnt kill you. - Between Dru, Mario, RM, DT, there are plenty combinations at 1-2 - 3 - Work AH, RT, some RM, some DT - 4-5 - Plenty to rotate thru here -- Why is Meyers buried on the bench ? How can anyone possible be happy with one rotation of BH, DJ, MC at the Buffalo game ? In the second half when the game is on the line ? It makes no sense. It is a back on your heels move Yes, we are shorthanded, I've heard that excuse many times this year - even prior to JH leaving. But isn't a coaches job to be creative with the talent you have, put teams in a position to play your game rather then you playing into theirs.

Then Bryan wouldn't get any minutes................. Would Bryan get minutes at Wooster ? Only if.......(I'll let everyone finish the obvious)

Just one victory so the Zip freshman (and fans) can get a taste of being in Cleveland. This experiance could go a long way in the next couple of years...... I hope MT and staff dont allow any 1st round win to save DH's job, keep'em warmed up no matter what happens from here Imagine those Quality minutes that BH could be posting at the Gund next Thursday. Ahh, like a King in his Castle

MAC Tourney Pairings Not a bad draw for the Zips. I'd rather have Ball State then BG away in the first round and potentially looking at Miami on Thursday at the Gund. Which is better then a Can't State team due to break out of their 4 game slump (atleast for one game). Now if we only had a coach...... By the way, did anyone catch the post game show, DH guaranteed a 1st round victory -- Is that the kiss of death or what ?

These are very nice. Highly recommended.