Zip_ME87

What if he has no access to any money? Have you ever not had a dime to your name and no chance to go out and make any? I'm not saying that is the case with him, but there are guys playing college football around the country who grew up in shacks and have zero money. Universities are making millions off of these players and they don't have enough money to take a girl out on a date. There is something wrong with that in my mind. Yeah, let's start paying players and ensuring that the BCS has even more control over College sports. How are the universities whose Athletic Departments already struggle supposed to get the funding to compete with the BCS in paying players? I'm sorry, but given the cost of tuition these days, a scholarship is ample compensation for playing. Are any of the suspended players non-scholarship players?

I'm with you, w00t. I want an Akron player in Columbus so that I can drive less than 2 hours to see him play professionally numerous times throughout the year, or I can watch on ONN numerous times throughout the season from the comfort of my living room. The obsession on this board over OSWho (and Can't) astounds me. Don't we get enough in the newspaper and on tv. Why even bring them up? folks say they hate them, but then they give them accolades by even mentioning them.

Well said. Previously mentioned Stevenson will be in the mix as well. Not to mention Trapp, Gallego, and Yedlin who are coming in as Freshmen and should compete for time. Not only that but recall that Mattocks and Tulloch were both very late adds to last years class. Who knows what Porter has up his sleeve for this year's class. It's definitely not a matter of whether or not we will be good next year... just how good. As I understand it, David Murrow is still planning to attend UA in the Spring. That should be a huge help to him to get time in the Spring (exhibition) season and not be totally new in the Fall.

Just saw this as well...not a complete shocker but definitely good news for the younger Zips/incoming freshmen who will now get an earlier chance to prove themselves. Also, congrats to Kofi and Darlington. Generation Adidas is a great program, and unlike other sports' athletes that leave early, at least these two will still have scholarships waiting for them should they choose to return and finish school. Can you imagine if the NBA had a similar setup? Kofi and Darlington, We would love for you to play your senior years, but your departure is not unanticipated. You both are ready. Good luck with all endeavors! Long suffering Zips will not forget what you have done for us. You will never pick up the check in this town. Akron will always love you. Absolutely, CONGRATULATIONS to Kofi and Darlington. You will be missed in Akron, but I will follow you in the pros as I have done with Steve, Blair, Teal, Ben, and Sinisa. With Chris & Ampai being invited to the Combine, the list is getting long. I agree, Zarek, please stay at least 1 more year. We need you. GA will still be there next year, and you'll be closer to completing your degree. Even though the GA deal provide for completing your degree, it's still difficult to get back into completing your studies once you take an "extended break".

Zach, I'm not sure you know exactly what you're talking about. I believe that Hartwick competes in Division I [Men's] soccer, but is D-III for everything else. Perhaps I don't understand what you mean by "The NCAA doesn't not allow split-divisional institutions any more." Perhaps you should check your facts, especially ones close to home [MAC], before making"old guy" comments to anyone.

It really doesn't matter what any of us think as far as LeBron's tweet. He took a moment to recognize a great team that worked very hard to put Akron on the map. If the players appreciate it, then I'm glad he did it. Go Zips!

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? Sorry to burst your bubble, but I don't think it's automatic for the Soccer Champions. Virginia went as part of a larger event that included numerous NCAA teams. (EDIT: I don't think they do this every year, or at least I can't find evidence that they do.) UVA invited to WH

Great find. Here is a pdf of Senate Resolution 701 (111th Congress)...hope this works:

Awesome, well-deserved article. Thanks for posting.

Nice to read the positive comments. Also, interesting tidbit that the only other MAC school to have a team national championship (1964 & '65 Cross Country) is Western Michigan, in Kalamazoo, hometown of Coach Porter.

Thanks for the link GoZips. I've watched these guys a lot over the past 2 seasons, and they have always come across as outstanding people. A couple of things that really struck me during the time in Santa Barbara: 1) Nothing made me happier than seeing our players so happy holding that trophy and celebrating with each other. I thought about how they don't get much time off from their sport. There's our Spring exhibition games, some of them compete with the US Men's developmental teams, and most of them compete with other developmental teams during the summer. Lots of hard work which led to a well-deserved National Championship. I couldn't be happier for any team! 2) After the Zips defeated Michigan, many of our players and our players' families embraced a number of Michigan players as they exited the field. As Chad later pointed out after defeating Louisville, these guys play together at other levels of soccer competition and know and respect each other. It's a great feeling being the Champions, but it feels even better being Great (respectful) Champions. Kudos to our team and our fans who showed Louisville and Michigan respect following both games.

Thanks Meatwad. That's an awesome video! I can't get enough of seeing those guys celebrate.

Steve Zakuani Amazing! Well done Akron on winning the National Championship! Great school/team/coach - much deserved! 6:17 PM Dec 12th via web You're not wrong Drew! RT @DrewFromTV Akron, OH is Title Town USA now that the Zips are nat'l soccer champs. Steve Zakuani must be happy. 1:11 PM Dec 13th via web Proud of you Ampai! RT @AnthonyAmpai Still hasn't hit me yet that we are bringing Akron their first National Championship 2:01 PM Dec 13th via web Drew Carey (part owner of the Seattle Sounders) Akron, OH is now Title Town, USA now that the Zips are nat'l soccer champs. Steve Zakuani must be happy. 8:23 AM Dec 13th via Twitter for iPhone Ben Zemanski AKRON ZIPS ARE NATIONAL CHAMPS! Congrats boys! 6:21 PM Dec 12th via TweetDeck (I don't know how to link direct to the specific tweets; so, the links will likely only work for a few days)

And I couldn't say it any better, w00t. The most satisfying part of this weekend for me was seeing our players holding that trophy, smiling, and hugging each other, their coaches, their families, and their fans!

Headaviatorrowdie, you are awesome and you'll be missed. Thank you and all of the Rowdies who made the trip to Santa Barbara and made this event even more special. This Championship is something we should all savor and that should be celebrated on its own. I know the Can't game brings a big crowd, but the Men's Soccer Team deserves the complete focus of the celebration. I wish there was a way to personally thank the players who will be leaving (e.g., Ampai and Korb) for choosing to play for Akron. I didn't get a chance to thank them following their win. If any of them are reading this...THANK YOU!

+1 Zip_ME87 is happy and even more ecstatic that my team is so happy!

Another option is that Ian is so pro-Akron Zips that he is not going to air anything bad regarding them, not even iCoach. (Note that I have no inside information on what happened between the Rowdies and iCoach, but I'm confident in Ian's support of the Zips.)

I only attended 3 games (actually 2, when you count that I left the Syracuse & N. Illinois games at half-time), and I received a letter.

Awesome. Thanks for posting johnnyzip.

I e-mailed Andy Baskin at Channel 5 today asking for more coverage, specifically Akron Men's Soccer (among other things). He responded almost immediately and very positively. (Please note that I didn't get to watch news last night; so, I didn't see their coverage of the Send Off; I was disappointed that it was not on their website.) Here's Andy's response to my e-mail: "Never apologize for being a fan. I need you to keep pushing us. We need to know that we are heading in the right direction. If you are willing to spend the time to write, we owe it to you to give you an answer. Akron soccer really is great story. I love covering them because they are so easy to work with. Thanks again! Andy. I'll keep pushing our web guys. Sent from my iPhone" Please e-mail Andy at baskin@newsnet5.com if you want more coverage of our Zips, especially this weekend. ESPN and ABC are affiliated. So, Channel 5 should definitely have access to footage. EDIT: Please ask politely and in a positive way. I know how polite and positive we ZN.o members can be.

Thanks RootforRoo44...that's what they were referring to on their board when they stated they would give any Akron fans directions for the best route to chuck something in the ocean! I'm with you...awesome!

Buy those Gauchos' fans a beer! So far the Zips are leading in their poll of who they want to win.

Your focus is in the right place. I know I made more noise at the last game than any other (other than away at Wake Forest), as did numerous fans around me. The players actually pumped us up by their responses to our cheers and by signaling us to get up.

I agree...that's how we got where we are.

I agree the attendance was poor and "God bless the AK Rowdies!". However, as an 'old folk' who attended every home game and traveled to Wake Forest, Bowling Green, N. Illinois, tOSU, and Cleveland State, and have had my plane tickets for the College Cup since September 16th (faith in my team!), I take some exception with the original comment seemingly faulting all older folk for the poor attendance. As the Rowdie's say..."we love ya"^3 and "where ya go, we'll follow!"^3 Edit: I'll re-iterate that Meves came through in the "shootout" and deserves those kudos, but needs to get back to his game during regular run of play. Good post 72Roo