Z-P

ZW..............that was awsome.Glad that post (and replies) finally dragged you up on the board to dump your bucket. You always speak for the vast majority of we rabid fans, and are easily the most articulate member of The Nation.Also........... you said Well put, and needed on the board right the hell now.I'll see all you cats tomorrow and we can have a good cry together.As UAM ALWAYS SAID......................Go Zips!

I can't believe the silence here about the loss of such a significant guy.Are we all so shocked and pissed we just don't know what to say? Maybe we all understand and appreciate what he did.............and what he has meant to our program and we simply wish him the best personally, and are ready to let him move on to a well deserved "promotion"................the one he didn't get here but really deserved.I'm kind of happy for UAM, if it means a better opportunity (I guess) or does MT simply understand what UAM can do, and sees he needs his help to advance his own resume? Not to knock THE BOSS, because he's great too...............but I'm just "out of wind" on this dealio.Here's a scary note..............I got a call tonight from "soccer guy" thanking me for my support of Zips Athletics. That's a first. Maybe someone has hit the switch and decided they'd better get their asses in gear because "the guiding light" (marketing wise) is moving south. Coincidence? No..............Listen..................this is HUGE. Know what? A guy once told me this: "You're thru your best period before you know you are in it"................hope that's not the case here.

Best wishes personally and professionally to Mike and his family.You've done great things for our community. We will all cherish the opportunity to call you our friend, and watch in admiration as your career blossoms further.That's all I can really say out here..............I'll catch up with you thru the back door!Stay well!

You guys will fill Paninnis I'm sure..........Anyplace in Canton me and ZFF can go see it?

I've posted "my vote" on this before, but just to repeat.......Frechie's the best in the area for BB, but needs help from the booth in FB. Stams has really improved, and is helping...........on both counts, keep Steve right where he is. We're lucky to have him. (But get him some baby wipes for his glasses at FB games)Joe's great on the FB sideline when his equipment is working (but that's another problem for another thread) but not very strong at the table for BB. He's not bad, just weak. However, Joe is Joe and he should definately stay around.......he's an area "historian" and really knows his HS Stuff also..........I say we've got a pat hand, and it's not bad.

ZA said........... Well put!!! And totally agreed!!!

Hey UAM...............Want a turnout?Have Coors set up a beer garden like the Coors Bull Pen at the RB...............hell, you might even make some money..........and the event is outside of normal NCAA functions.What do you think guys?????? Cap'n & Z-P hoisting one!

My turn, so I'm up...............it's been a busy day!I've been on the fan board for better than 7 years now (first ZFF's infamous "Blue Board", the bbs and now the "Nation"), and have never posted about the ABJ..........but since Tim Gaffney called us out, here goes.I hear ya CK, but I like to "dwell in the present".............and I think the BJ has done a pretty fair job of advancing the bandwagon recently. Errors aside (the blow jobs are another issue altogether) they've been pretty good (compared to the past).I also think this article wasn't really that nasty after reading it a second time.You know how UAM's dragging the guys across town into the 21st century by sicking the Rowdies on them? This is kind of the same thing.And another thing, he's basically correct in his article..................yea, I know the past and the problems, but take a seat in the present, and he's right.However....................Tim you are kind of a butt for calling us out like you did. Butt that's OK, we're used to being crapped on and your dagger wasn't the worst we've ever seen thrown our way.While I'm at it Tom, I'd like to crack on you a little because you're mistaken on something. How many formers UA Students and UA Alum are in your SMSA? Don't you think they have any kind of passing interest in what the UA clubs do? You might surprise yourself by finding out. I'd bet my Pinto with the XM Radio on this...........the # of UA folks outnumber the OSU's by a wide margin...............and since you are in business at the BJ to make money, you might consider printing what they're more likely to have a passing interest in.............Another passing thought..........you guys at the BJ think you are a "National" paper in stature (never mind your comment about us being UConn ) and you are NOT. There's only one thing the BJ has, that comes close to being "National" in it's stature, and that's TP's column (easy Cap)..................he could take his act up 77 to the PD and you'd be in the crapper, even worser . So quit with the rant about us thinking we're UConn...............And another thing..................oh never mind. Whatever...........go Zips.Your article reminded me of something else: Props to the "Original" BOSS who's now a Nattie resident. Hope he's doing well!

For those of you who can't pull up the ABJ, here's the article:Zips don't deserve those empty seatsBy Tom GaffneyThe character Charlie on the hit television show Lost might have provided the series' signature moment when he stared into the camera and asked, ``Where are we?''A pointed -- but admittedly non-creative -- ripoff of that would be my own signature moment of staring into the stands at Rhodes Arena and asking, ``Where are the fans?''The Zips, who host Western Michigan tonight, are one of the best and most energetic teams in the Mid-American Conference, yet the crowds watching border on being statistically insignificant.Rhodes Arena has a seating capacity of 5,500, but the Zips have drawn an average of only 3,036 for nine home dates. That places UA seventh in MAC attendance for a team that is second in the standings.Only one game has drawn more than 4,000 (4,461 on Jan. 21 against Eastern Michigan).Three have reached 3,000 (3,106 on Jan. 26 against Miami; 3,056 on Jan. 14 against Northern Illinois, and 3,886 for the Nov. 26 opener against Youngstown State).That average is just 55 percent of capacity -- and trails last season (3,369) -- at a school with an enrollment of 24,000, and in Summit County with a population base of 550,000.It is hard to understand, given the makeup of the team and its accomplishments.The Zips have a charismatic, popular and knowledgeable coach in Keith Dambrot, who has deep Akron roots and a history of being one of the area's biggest boosters.And when the starting lineup is announced, the words ``from Akron, Ohio'' are mentioned three times, attached to the names of senior center Matt Futch, junior forward Romeo Travis and junior point guard Dru Joyce III.Not only that, but this team wins at home (9-0), and entertains at home, too, with double-digit margins in all but the Miami game.Part of the entertainment value comes in how the team plays. The Zips are old-school, emphasizing teamwork, balance, chemistry and defense. They shoot well, defend well and never back down. They can beat you playing all types of tempo. And they could be one of 65 out of 334 Division I basketball schools headed to the NCAA Tournament.In summary, they are fun to watch. And at a decent, if not spectacular, arena and at a price that shouldn't tax most household budgets.That changes the question from ``Where are the fans?'' to ``Why?''Certainly, the university has done its part to promote and market the team. Billboards and advertisements proclaiming ``Prepare for the fantastic'' and ``Fear the Roo'' are ubiquitous. Former athletic director Mike Thomas and associate athletic director Mike Waddell put together an advertising plan that seemed destined to succeed.It has succeeded, really, but many more fans are needed to put it over the top.(Caution: Danger ahead. The small percentage of Zips fans who blame the media for all woes and believe our area has a Duke, North Carolina or UConn in our midst should stop reading and spend your time elsewhere. This will ruin your day.)The Beacon Journal has provided preview stories on the team before every game this season. But media outlets are not in the business of promoting schools' sports teams. At UA, that is the job of new athletic director Mack Rhoades, Waddell and their capable crew.The media are in the business of providing information that readers, viewers or listeners not only want, but also demand.That being said, decision-makers in the media are not impressed when they see Rhodes Arena half-full. There is a bottom line, and a 3,036 average at a school and in a community this large does not dazzle.Get angry if you will, but it might help to channel it in the right direction. Fans who look around Rhodes Arena in dismay or blame external forces can do their part by encouraging as many people as possible to find their way to 376 Carroll St., for the final four home games. Word of mouth often is the best advertising.The newcomers will not regret going, and they will have fun.Maybe the question then will be, ``Where are the empty seats?''Your thoughtsWhy don't you go to University of Akron home basketball games?Please let us know and we will print the best responses. All identities will be kept confidential.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Naming Waddell and Mack! Wow...........Guess Tom reads the Nation...............More later, I'm sure

Quick notes from the MACC………….The game in a nutshell was a tale of two halves. The first half we looked clearly like the better team. The second half, we looked like the weaker of TWO BAD TEAMS.I’m getting concerned about our late game performances since the middle of January. What’s happened to our concentration after the break in these games? Is it that KD has scripted such a good plan we go to sleep after getting leads and lose it? Is it lack of depth and our guys get tired? Is it bad luck? Whatever it is, it’s sucking a great season down the drain.We were there for the game and I have to big time prop all the UA Students who showed up and gave it all they had to support the team. This is really turning into somewhat of a new sports culture…..I mean our kids backing their teams………I love it, and UAM should get all the credit for it (along with the coaches and players of course).Game thoughts……..we allowed at least 20 points off “switches†in m2m coverage………….I mean we’d be in the dribblers jersey, he’d drive into the top of the lane (or move sideways in the case of their big guys) then we’d run away from him leaving him open for the easy bucket as we made defensive switches………..all day long. KD will see this on the game films………and we have got to quit that crap. If we switch off in our man to man, do it cleaner with more intensity. Damn that got to us………….Cedric………..Ced is great, but he thinks he can beat anybody at any time off the dribble. These guys had some great young guards………Ced tried to break them down time after time and messed up. Sometime after learning it’s not going to work you have got to try another approach Ced………..17-3 run………….it was sick…………..this is from memory now……..Frenchie said they went 17-3 on us after our first buckets in the second half. That was bad enough, but to just tell you non listeners or cats who missed the game for some other reason………….at the time they did that to us, they shot less than 40%! Can you imagine that? We must have shot 10% during that run. In the run, we turned the ball over 4 or 5 times and coming down on defense committed 3 or 4 cheap fouls. That was the stretch that cost us the game. Ced, Dru, all of them were to blame………..and I have to credit their defense also………One last thing, and then it’s enough raggin for me………where was Nate the second half? It was like KD lost him on the bench. I know I called him “The Ghost†but what the hell?Oh, before I forget it……………I had my buds in for the game, as usual, and switched between radio coverage oftentimes. I know I get on Frenchie about his dirty specs at FB Games, and he deserves it……………but honest to goodness, I can’t imagine how a play by play guy could do a better job than he does inside a gym. He is fantastic!

Mods............I oopsed, sorry.Here we go again............just what we talked about last nite. Kill it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Noted at the BB game last nite season ticket packages are available. They're over at GoZips if you want to take a peek.There are premiums this year, so if you move before 2-15 you can pick one of them up.Nice job by Mktg Dept on the packages.

Strange game, really.As noted elsewhere, our guys came out "too layed back" it appeared (to the crowd). When we missed buckets or screwed up defending, it was like the players just "yawned" and kept on screwing up. Really surprised me. We had what, 10 minutes of that? In the post game, Coach D told Frenchy they "were trying to execute the plan" but it just wasn't happening.............my opinion...........he was covering for lazy play, and the team had an butt chewing at the half.I can see Coach D working..........he had everybody play. He's setting up for this looooong week by using every asset he has.Peterson was out of uniform with what Frechy and Coach described as a "sore" back. I hope it was just "sore" because we are going to need him down the stretch.Eastern's got some descent players..............their frosh point guard can really penetrate. He's going to be a big time player for the future. I thought our defensive adjustments after the half really shut down their big #42 beautifully. I didn't realize how physical Tavis could play until I saw him battling with that big guy. Officiating.............what can I say. It was very weak. Know what however? I'm getting used to weak officiating.............maybe the MAC gets the "green guys" and they graduate "up" to other leagues...........anyone know if that's true?Readers Digest on the game? We didn't play very well, but the guys and Coach D toughed it out and found a way to allow Eastern to "beat themselves".We'd better play "more seriously" and with a passion at OU.One more thing.........nice spending a few ticks with ZW, ZFF and Mrs. ZFF, and CK at the break. You mods do a great job in here.Go Zips!

CK, you gotta get a job................or did Doc do some of the work?

Opinions............glad we're in the USA!

This is a private message for Zone..........everybody else please cover your eyes Hey Z........how many opponents did we face this year when their starting QB's were out? Ever hear of Omar? How about NIU's stiff going down before our 1st game.What the hell, if I can't put this fire out, I'll just fan it a bit

I still say kill this stale ass thread. We've been down this road enough already.Frankly, ITZ makes some great points.................but kill this thread anyway before GP1 finds it.............gawd save us from his poison pen on this topic.

Mods!Please kill this stale ass thread! It embarrases us in a visitor eyes.

Hey bro's..............It's been bad, but you know what? How about we live in the current and future. It really hasn't been bad of late.nm

What a great TEAM effort by EVERYONE.For those of you who missed it, too bad...........IMHO, it was a TEAM effort for the ages by the Zips.I'm just getting my "BB face on" now.............but here are a few starter observations to get the board going..........For the first time in recent memory Matt F played the whole game just like he should.......deep and with intensity. He got no run on post game talk, but IMHO his minutes were key..............he really pushed the Rockets around, and owned his region of the base line...............and no launchs from outside! Yea!I've been AWOL for a while, so last night was the first time I saw Linhart on the floor. I've got gloss for him.............he's now "The Ghost" in my book...........this guy has a ton of upside, and he's already a playa. He's so unimposing looking, he "gets lost" (The Ghost) by the opponent and turns up exactly where he can put the dagger in them........great ball control skills from underneath, and super hands.I'm really glad to see Cedric getting more time. In my section of the extreme upper bleachers, he's a local fave..........all the guys around me are Ced boosters........there was a short time last night, he owned the game.............what did he have, 7 consecutive points with steals in the same run? He owned the florr during that 3 or 4 minutes........Dru was Dru, and that's a good thing..................he's going to make a great leader for young men and a super HS Coach, hopefully locally.Nick D was a monster. His motor is never "off" and only his bad wheel will keep him from dominating this season..........and along those lines, last night he was pulling on his ankle, not favoring his knee...........I wonder if he hurt the ankle now too????DP has really had to learn to become more a "roll player" than "a star" we have been used to seeing on previous Zips teams.............and it appears he's OK with it, and it sure helps the team.I don't know what else to say...............it was just a great offensive and defensive effort by the whole team.On last thing.............I should have posted this on the FB side so all the slugs could see it over there..............but if you do not have tickets for upcoming home games, you'd better get off your butt and get them now. We are going to fill the JAR for every game going forward, and it's going to be a GREAT winter for BB.KD is what? 19-1 at home? What a great coach..............

After this Saturday we'll all have something to say..............don't get discouraged IB, it just takes a little time for us FB junkies to switch hats.........

Hey Doc...........Did you expand those rankings?No 23 or 32..............Garrett Wolfe was ranked 27th among RB's..............wow.

Hey ITZ.........When is Pro Day? Is it going to be open to the public? Where is it?Who's trying to come out?Thanx..........The Sluggies

I don't know..............maybe I'm biased, but I think he's done a pretty fair job.Keep in mind he's running plays spoken into his ear...........and he's trying to be a coach pleaser........they all do at the start...........the only time I can remember him stepping on his johnson was that crappy shovel pass last Sunday.............but he won't do that again, guaranteed.I can see him being great, and I can see him being a bust. It all depends on what's around him..............he'll make the best of what he has to work with.I just wish ya'lld lay off..........it's way too early.

GP I'm ALMOST getting to like you How about that pregame interview...........the introduction to her was going along just fine, then the cat stuck the mic in her face and a fuse blew She yaked away and nothing came out.............is it just me or does she have the biggest stones since John "Horsehead" Elway ?