taxpayer

HillTopper - let's set the bar a little lower than $100,000. One of the few good things about the MAC is it is a regional conference. Busing does't take a huge toll on the team as the vast majority of trips are 6 hours or shorter. I don't believe the Zips need to charter all that much. For the OCC they could use a few of them, let's say 4 round trips each season. My first thought is to combine the team and fan base when traveling to and back from these TV created Thanksgiving season tournaments. If the Zip fans would commit in enough numbers it would lower the cost to the basketball budget. If fan interest is limited I suggest commercial flight in but charter home. Against PSU that would have made a huge difference as the Zips would have been in State College by midnight or 1am at the latest as opposed to the 12 marathon they experienced. They could have had a light workout and run through at PSU's facility, had some decent meals and two good nights of sleep.......I suggest to the powers that be that a projected cost of chartering to and from the OCC tournaments and a few selected games be mailed or posted so that the individuals or corporations that contribute to the Zips basketball program could decide to contribute to such a fund. This is the quickest and financially achievable way to assist the Zips on getting to the next level versus the big boys. Do you all think there would be sufficient interest and support to accomplish this goal?

PSU vs Akron travel - wow, what a contrast. In light of UA's financial black hole, I will drop my support for a new arena. I will bring up needed improvements to the JAR but after some years of inquiring and researching travel challenges UA deals with, especially early in the season, I will suggest to UA's athletic department that the best thing we can do for mens' basketball is to fundraise/appeal so chartering can be an option 4 or 5 times a year. It's almost embarrassing to hear how the Zips got to State College. Powers that be know what a problem it is to get into and out of State College and if you want our team to win these types of games give them some assistance. Beggars can't be choosers, man I hate that statement. Start the Charter fund! Wonder if you could have "bought" some seats on PSU's charter? Or offered to split the cost with them?

Didn't get to see/listen but this is disappointing for several reasons. First, I do not care for PSU's staff (PR torney incident couple years ago) and letting such a good first half go down the drain. I don't like excuses but in another thread it was mentioned that PSU had superior travel arragements than UA. If we wore down, that could be a reason. That is why budgeting more for travel like the Zips just experienced is so important. I guarantee that PSU chartered down and chartered back to State College immediately after their last game. I can only imagine the travel arrangements the Zips endured; anyone have some details? Bottom line, let a good win slip through our fingers; but hats off to the staff and players for a good showing considering the emotional roller coaster they've experienced recently. Time to rejuvenate, regroup and limit Big Dog's turkey consumption so he can get himself into playing condition in the next two weeks. Happy Thanksgiving!

It is very disheartening to read about this incident, the speculation about it and then the possible results which will come from it. Obviously, nothing good can result from such an event other than all of us realizing that none of us are perfect. Hopefully, we are thankful that most of us did not live in the fishbowl that these young student athletes do and that the overwhelming majority of them are great young men and women. With that said, I am in no way excusing what has happened in the past nor am I excusing whatever happened this past weekend. I have confidence that a complete investigation is being performed and that a just conclusion will be reached. We should stop speculating about this matter and let the situation play out. I was watching a college basketball half time blabberfest this weekend and I believe it was Fran Fraschilla that stated coaching D1 basketball isn't so much X's and O's rather it's about "crisis management"; no truer words have been spoken. Locker room leadership amongst the players will be even more important than it normally is. Some of our current players experienced the whole AA failure and hopefully replicate that years seniors mental and emotional toughness to win the MAC championship despite that debacle. Yes, this is another blemish on this program but it is also an opportunity for the team members and coaches, who had nothing to do with these incidents, to demonstrate their character and abilities while this situation reaches it's conclusion. Rise above the disappointment, Go Zips!

I am saddened to read this as Melo is one of the nicest young men that have played for the Zips recently. He has the ability to play in a pass first role and was a terrific on the ball defender but lacked one essential ingredient....self confidence. As stated, a really nice young man who I wish the best for, maybe a change of schools and heading to a D2 school would put a smile back on his face. Curious if this is the route he will follow or if the game has lost it's magic for him. Thanks for your efforts Melo, I, for one, will miss you.

I didn't "take my shot" as the beginning of the season could be dicey with so many inexperienced players appearing to having a shot at either starting or playing significant minutes. From what I've heard, Tree is becoming a leader as are some youngsters. Practices have been serious, competitive and productive with some of the drama missing that was present the last couple of years. I'm also hearing that the team is more in tune with "team" as well. KD and staff are very good at infusing new faces without losing his veterans due to their having to give up some floor time. IF this team stays healthy, plays defense like their physical abilities would suggest they can and rebounds with passion, I agree with the predicted MAC East regular season Championship. I'd love to be in attendance for an Akron vs Toledo MAC Championship in several months. Looking forward to seeing this group perform!

Prayers went up in belief and hope this day wouldn't come....but now that it has I must echo the comment above that Coach Peters was at peace with his Maker all the while fighting this terrible disease. He was "old school" in every way and I mean that as the highest compliment possible. He was a wonderful mentor, coach and friend to my son and all the other Zips who had the good fortune to know him and be coached by him. I'm praying for peace and grace for his wife and sons all the while relieved this difficult stretch of his life has ended with his entrance into eternity with his God where he will suffer no more. God's speed Dan, your smile, presence and positive impact will be greatly missed!

Different sport, same topic eventually shows up. Zips Basketball has been on a nice run for the last 6 years and hardly anyone cares including the UA students. The answer on the basketball board has been it's the bleachers, it's the JAR and it's the opponents who just aren't good enough to make the local sports fan show up. I've been reading this for the last 4 to 5 years and I've come to the conclusion that Akron is one of the most apathetic areas regarding their local teams I've seen. It's too bad that supporting the local teams/players is secondary to a life of couch viewer. Ticket prices are cheap as is parking and the bball team struggles to get 4-5,000 and with footballs recent success and a run of beautiful weather they draw 9,000. This type of attendance will result in the JAR still being sufficient for another 20 years. Maybe TB can schedule Tosu and the Crimson Tide to come to Akron and maybe, just maybe Joe Akron will get off the couch.

If the Hustle Belt article is true then compliments to the guy form the Cant Stater for caring enough to inquire about the details of this contract. If true, this article puts the MAC leadership in a very poor light for not immediately providing their members with a copy of such a contract. If true, this article puts UA's leadership in a very poor light since their interest was exceeded by someone from a student newspaper. Is the $670,000 payment alluded to distributed to each MAC member or does each receive a fractional share of said $670,000. Who at UA gets the $670,000? Does each MAC school receive their payment whether they can meet espn's broadcast standard or not? For an institution that seems to need money like we need oxygen, you'd think UA's alleged statement of "we haven't heard" would be drowned out by their banging on MAC's door for a copy of said contract.

Zippy5 - yes I've been to the Pete many times. The media allocated seats are in the corner by the visitor bench. Pitt puts their big boosters courtside and are able to charge a significant premium for those seats. As far as alienating the media, they are professionals and would understand about the need to maximize floor seats to earn more income for the program. The local newspaper reporters understand that scenerio better than most as their pay and budgets are shrinking as newspapers become less and less in demand due to the internet. I could be wrong, maybe UA doesn't have enough demand to make courtside booster seats worth installing. We need more revenue and then we need a better facility. With finances being what they are, the Zips HAVE to increase revenue before a new facility is going to appear.

Dr. Z - I've played in quite a few golfing fundraisers and run 6 of them, why do you ask? Zippy5 - we have a difference of opinion. I'm not a golfing purist, so was focusing on raising as much $ as possible. I never cared if a group could shoot a 50 and win as long as we could sell as many mulligans, string, tee busters, etc as they don't cost anything so it's pure profit. If you are a purist, I understand your position and would assume you don't like scrambles in general. Send your suggestions into the basketball office on how the event could be more enjoyable and profitable; they are receptive to suggestions from my experience.

No way does the NCAA grant a waiver for this young man. Hopefully, for him, he can rectify his issues. If he does, he is a nice get for them.

Zippy5 - Contradiction? Zip fans don't want the program to make $ or there aren't enough people who care about the program? I'd say the later is probably true unfortunately. As far as string and mulligans and at the end a lot of bummed out people.....when there is a winner all others are losers by definition, right? Most people participating in a fundraiser understand the point is to donate to the cause; if you happen to win the outing by outspending everyone on string and mulligans then good for the winner and the program. Those who didn't win coulda/shoulda spent more $ so they coulda won! BTW, at UA there isn't any amount of money to be considered miniscule.

Zippy5 & DrZ: The purpose of the golf outing are: 1. Zips basketball program to make $ 2. The more mulligan and string that is sold = more $ If you are a purist, send the program some $ & enter the US Open. 3. Have fun with people who care about the program 4. Ask questions of the coaches in attendance - just don't expect any inside information. 5. Appreciate the fact that KD is winning at a high percentage and trying to raise the level of the program at an institution with declining financial assets.

More spring sold = funds for the Zips program. Enough said. Nice event

I know that Brian has enjoyed his time as a Zip and believe he made a very positive addition as a student, player and grad assistant. Good luck B!

The Zips scheduling of PSU and Marshall are welcome additions to the schedule.

Zippy5 - http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/pitt/sports/m-baskbl/auto_pdf/2012-13/misc_non_event/MBBSeatingChart120711.pdf%C2'> Pitt's courtside seating chart. Media is allocated small section near visitor bench. All else is boosters and or students. UCLA - typically has a 8' table centercourt; balance of courtside is booster seating. Again, it doesn't matter to me what others are doing. It makes sense to have boosters who are willing and able to pay to sit courtside do so and get students down as close to the court as possible. Revenue and atmosphere. The limited media who cover the Zips would understand their move upstairs. If the students don't turn out in sufficient numbers to fill courtside seats then offer them for sale to the existing paying fan base. I'd hope they would sell out in one day. I contend this simple move would increase revenue and add some more flavor to the JAR's game environment.

Zipmeister - Cameron, Maryland & Pitt's facilities to name a few more. Who cares what others do; Akron needs to improve the JAR. I totally disagree with the thought that it's a waste of money because eventually it will be replaced. There isn't going to be a new arena in the 5-7 year time frame and improvements could be made that wouldn't break the piggy bank. I still haven't seen what the $375,000 feasibility study produced as far as options. GP1 - wow, what a statement towards UA's best & the MAC's most successful coach and program. I truly believe if the Zips have a year like two years ago and don't sustain the injuries and sickness that star crossed group did KD will get an offer or two and I believe he accept one and finish his career making the kind of money he hoped he could at UA. Loyalty is rare in today's world, especially in sports. You won't know what you've got until he's gone.

An opportunity to get some "name" wins. Hope the Zips get off to a great start.

IMO the elimination of the proposed partnership with local government & UA is a blessing in disguise and most members here seem to agree. That's the good news. The realistic news is the Zips will be playing in the JAR for a long time unless some benefactor(s) comes along which isn't probable. So.........does anyone know specifics regarding the feasibility study concerning the JAR? I know this isn't popular but if nothing is planned UA is missing an opportunity to grow the mens program. As stated previously, engage the student population and get some bodies into the JAR. The argument that the Zips have to win several NCAA games before the students will pay attention doesn't hold water for me. During the winter in Akron and elsewhere, students will show up for 2 hours if they can have fun, blow of steam and be entertained. I've only been a close observer of the Zips for 4 or 5 years but the lack of student morale or spirit is noticeably lacking on campus. It will take some creativity and some decisions like not giving the best seats up for the "media" table. Honestly, can the coverage of the Zips be more detached than it has been? Move them (10? 12?) upstairs like most arena's do and get some students down there on the floor. Or increase the number of booster front row floor seats as they are typically passionate fans of the Zips from what I've seen. It is time for a makeover of the JAR. Imagine where the program will go if KD realizes he can't keep growing the program and accepts an offer from a school that already has the facilities but not the program. To do nothing is a decision and it's a bad one.

GP1 is on the money, we have a MAC dominant program that is attempting to climb the ladder in terms of becoming a nationally visible program and attendance is less than good. I know all the excuses by now about how lousy it is to sit in the JAR and watch a game but until the JAR is selling out routinely, anyone with any financial understanding won't be motivated to building a new facility IN HOPES Joe Akron will show up; not to mention UA students. I guess I'll keep sounding like a broken record but improvements must be made to the JAR because an arena is at least 10 years down the road and KD will be at the end of his contract. I'm not sure how a campus develops some espirit de corps but that is needed more than a new arena. With all the huge new residential housing coming on line I would hope that will lead to more student attendance which will make for better energy from the crowd and a fun atmosphere. Akron is currently set up to continue it's dominance of the MAC but the program needs some assistance from the UA administration. Like every year, if the Zips stay healthy, I believe they can put last years stumble in the rear view mirror and be a fun team to support. Evidently, there weren't any tangible suggestions, recommendations put forth for the $375,000 other than tear it down and build a new one?

gmann17 - thanks for the info. I wasn't interested in the breakdown of the $375,000. Rather, I was hoping some options/solutions were put forth concerning the JAR for $375,000. Would the JAR be retained and re-purposed? Torn down? Did they estimate a cost of renovating the JAR to bring it up to modern standards with an extended life of 10 to 15 years?

gmann17 - I'm from out of town and get to the JAR on gamedays so I don't have great insight as to all the structural issues you bring up but I have seen the track level bleachers pushed back and all that is there is floor space, no classrooms. I'll guess there are rooms at the court endzones since I've not seen those bleacher ends pushed back. I have a hard time believing that changing the seating system would require taking the roof off the JAR. My thought would be to install chairback seating that would be suported on top of the existing track level with fan access from under the new seating structure. In short, the access to the new seating would be from under the new seating structure; some concession room would be available under these seats. Again, I imagine some capacity would be lost but getting creative in the corner design might keep the JAR in the 4800 - 5000 neighborhood. My point is that NOW is the time for UA to act; KD has momentum built up and I hope the leadership doesn't take it or him for granted. To keep the status quo with the JAR is a huge mistake in my opinion if the goal is to continue being a top mid level program. Each year the JAR remains as is puts the Zips further behind in being the program we all dream about. I'd love to see what a $375,000 feasibility study recommended; has it ever been made public?

Canton Fieldhouse capacity is 4,800 and is preferable to me than the JAR from what I see from a fan's perspective. Seating is much closer and other than wasted space behind one of the baskets and the little partioned off courtside areas across from the player benches it seems like a bandbox that would provide great sight lines and a home court advantage. Has UA ever performed a feasibility study to determine the cost and time frame of renovating the JAR and making it a high end facility for hoops and volleyball only?