Captain Mattocks?

[yazan07]

Okay so I tend to notice little details a lot, and Darren was definitely wearing an armband tonight. Has he been named a captain? That would be unusual for a player to be named a captain mid-season. It's also strange considering I think Darren has displayed attitude problems in the past. Maybe with his ability as a player maturing, so is his personality. Tonight in the post game interview, Porter said he wouldn't trade Darren for any kid in the country, so he is very high on Darren right now. Also, another random talking point, but the student attendance was garbage tonight. Absolutely awful. Not sure if everyone went home this weekend or what, but people need to step it up. I hope the excitement of our team hasn't just worn off to these new kids.

[tbozeglav]

Okay so I tend to notice little details a lot, and Darren was definitely wearing an armband tonight. Has he been named a captain? That would be unusual for a player to be named a captain mid-season. It's also strange considering I think Darren has displayed attitude problems in the past. Maybe with his ability as a player maturing, so is his personality. Tonight in the post game interview, Porter said he wouldn't trade Darren for any kid in the country, so he is very high on Darren right now. Also, another random talking point, but the student attendance was garbage tonight. Absolutely awful. Not sure if everyone went home this weekend or what, but people need to step it up. I hope the excitement of our team hasn't just worn off to these new kids.

noticed this as well. Not too sure either... I don't know if I would give Darren that distinguishment just yet - still feel there are too many character issues involved with him. Student attendance was garbage for sure. Rowdies are definitely having personnel issues, especially in the area of alienating other students. Them moving to the other goal, while definitely due to whatever-his-name keeper for Hartwick being a total b***h, really killed anything they had going on. Probably done standing with them at this point since theyre doing a terrible job at getting other students involved. Just my $0.02

[skip-zip]

Okay so I tend to notice little details a lot, and Darren was definitely wearing an armband tonight. Has he been named a captain? That would be unusual for a player to be named a captain mid-season. It's also strange considering I think Darren has displayed attitude problems in the past. Maybe with his ability as a player maturing, so is his personality. Tonight in the post game interview, Porter said he wouldn't trade Darren for any kid in the country, so he is very high on Darren right now. Also, another random talking point, but the student attendance was garbage tonight. Absolutely awful. Not sure if everyone went home this weekend or what, but people need to step it up. I hope the excitement of our team hasn't just worn off to these new kids.

Not just the students. Although, with the 2,500 "announced" for a marquis opponent like Penn State on Wednesday, what could we expect for an unknown school like Hartwick? I can't explain the downturn. The weather gets colder this time every year. Is the difference between a #1 (last year) and #5 national ranking really that big? Were the Zips fans who are not soccer fans only on board because of that top national ranking?In another earlier thread, I think I said that I expected maybe 3,500 to 4,000 average for the Zips this season. I sure hope it doesn't come in lower than that. Good thing OSWho was a home game this year.

[mes102]

noticed this as well. Not too sure either... I don't know if I would give Darren that distinguishment just yet - still feel there are too many character issues involved with him. Student attendance was garbage for sure. Rowdies are definitely having personnel issues, especially in the area of alienating other students. Them moving to the other goal, while definitely due to whatever-his-name keeper for Hartwick being a total b***h, really killed anything they had going on. Probably done standing with them at this point since theyre doing a terrible job at getting other students involved. Just my $0.02

What do you want them to do? Hold hands with every new student? The Rowdies can't get every student involved. You know why? Because the student has to be willing to get involved as well. You saying what you did basically means that you're not willing to get involved. If they see you trying to get involved, they'll put forward their effort. When I was a freshman, I didn't get that involved the first month of fall semester. I decided to try and get more involved, and now I'm as comfortable as I've ever been. You have to understand. The Rowdies isn't an organization to get a t-shirt and sometimes free food while watching a sporting event. You're there to support YOUR SCHOOL and not there for YOURSELF. Big difference there. There's a reason why we have a 46 game unbeaten streak at home in men's soccer.My last point I'll make is this. No one stopped you from going to the other side in the second half. The score was 0-0. It was a conference game. Trying to do everything in our abilities to give our team an edge. Stop complaining and start getting involved...

[UAZipster0305]

In my opinion, his antics against UNM that ultimately cost us a win preclude Mattocks from being captain. He's a great player, but his actions demonstrate that he should not currently be in a position of leadership.

[Doug Snyder]

noticed this as well. Not too sure either... I don't know if I would give Darren that distinguishment just yet - still feel there are too many character issues involved with him. Student attendance was garbage for sure. Rowdies are definitely having personnel issues, especially in the area of alienating other students. Them moving to the other goal, while definitely due to whatever-his-name keeper for Hartwick being a total b***h, really killed anything they had going on. Probably done standing with them at this point since theyre doing a terrible job at getting other students involved. Just my $0.02

What do you want them to do? Hold hands with every new student? The Rowdies can't get every student involved. You know why? Because the student has to be willing to get involved as well. You saying what you did basically means that you're not willing to get involved. If they see you trying to get involved, they'll put forward their effort. When I was a freshman, I didn't get that involved the first month of fall semester. I decided to try and get more involved, and now I'm as comfortable as I've ever been. You have to understand. The Rowdies isn't an organization to get a t-shirt and sometimes free food while watching a sporting event. You're there to support YOUR SCHOOL and not there for YOURSELF. Big difference there. There's a reason why we have a 46 game unbeaten streak at home in men's soccer.My last point I'll make is this. No one stopped you from going to the other side in the second half. The score was 0-0. It was a conference game. Trying to do everything in our abilities to give our team an edge. Stop complaining and start getting involved...

My problem continues to be with the alienating thing. I hear this often. You should work within your group to eliminate it. And here is the proof.... you just admitted as a freshman you were not that interested in getting involved but your involvement grew. It is impossible to join a group who intentionally alienates you. Moreover...you probably will make those possible future rabid fans stay home making the situation even worse.From what I can see....you are a great Zip fan. Can you help your fellow Zip students and fans??I was hoping to meet you today but with the chance of rain at 90%, I can't take my 3 year old daughter out in the cold rain. I like your passion and commitment.Go Zips

[Doug Snyder]

In my opinion, his antics against UNM that ultimately cost us a win preclude Mattocks from being captain. He's a great player, but his actions demonstrate that he should not currently be in a position of leadership.

Sometimes putting someone in position where people are counting on you and looking to you for direstion forces them to mature. I will leave that up to people close to the situation. Look at the Serb in Basketball...leadership matures people. Look at all the single parents and what effect it has on maturity and accountability (obviously not all).

[mes102]

noticed this as well. Not too sure either... I don't know if I would give Darren that distinguishment just yet - still feel there are too many character issues involved with him. Student attendance was garbage for sure. Rowdies are definitely having personnel issues, especially in the area of alienating other students. Them moving to the other goal, while definitely due to whatever-his-name keeper for Hartwick being a total b***h, really killed anything they had going on. Probably done standing with them at this point since theyre doing a terrible job at getting other students involved. Just my $0.02

What do you want them to do? Hold hands with every new student? The Rowdies can't get every student involved. You know why? Because the student has to be willing to get involved as well. You saying what you did basically means that you're not willing to get involved. If they see you trying to get involved, they'll put forward their effort. When I was a freshman, I didn't get that involved the first month of fall semester. I decided to try and get more involved, and now I'm as comfortable as I've ever been. You have to understand. The Rowdies isn't an organization to get a t-shirt and sometimes free food while watching a sporting event. You're there to support YOUR SCHOOL and not there for YOURSELF. Big difference there. There's a reason why we have a 46 game unbeaten streak at home in men's soccer.My last point I'll make is this. No one stopped you from going to the other side in the second half. The score was 0-0. It was a conference game. Trying to do everything in our abilities to give our team an edge. Stop complaining and start getting involved...

My problem continues to be with the alienating thing. I hear this often. You should work within your group to eliminate it. And here is the proof.... you just admitted as a freshman you were not that interested in getting involved but your involvement grew. It is impossible to join a group who intentionally alienates you. Moreover...you probably will make those possible future rabid fans stay home making the situation even worse.From what I can see....you are a great Zip fan. Can you help your fellow Zip students and fans??I was hoping to meet you today but with the chance of rain at 90%, I can't take my 3 year old daughter out in the cold rain. I like your passion and commitment.Go Zips

I understand your point. It's just hard to get all 1,000-2,000 students involved. It's really hard to do. I'm sure we're better at getting people involved now than we were last year, last year more than the year before, and so forth...That's fine. My 11 year old brother is in town today, and I'm taking him to the women's soccer match. Should be a good one. At least you and your daughter can still watch the game online...

[UAsoccerchamps11]

Okay so I tend to notice little details a lot, and Darren was definitely wearing an armband tonight. Has he been named a captain? That would be unusual for a player to be named a captain mid-season. It's also strange considering I think Darren has displayed attitude problems in the past. Maybe with his ability as a player maturing, so is his personality. Tonight in the post game interview, Porter said he wouldn't trade Darren for any kid in the country, so he is very high on Darren right now. Also, another random talking point, but the student attendance was garbage tonight. Absolutely awful. Not sure if everyone went home this weekend or what, but people need to step it up. I hope the excitement of our team hasn't just worn off to these new kids.

Darren was wearing an armband but he is NOT a captain.... During the pregame when the captains met it was only Scotty and Chad with the refs and other captains.

[yazan07]

Okay so I tend to notice little details a lot, and Darren was definitely wearing an armband tonight. Has he been named a captain? That would be unusual for a player to be named a captain mid-season. It's also strange considering I think Darren has displayed attitude problems in the past. Maybe with his ability as a player maturing, so is his personality. Tonight in the post game interview, Porter said he wouldn't trade Darren for any kid in the country, so he is very high on Darren right now. Also, another random talking point, but the student attendance was garbage tonight. Absolutely awful. Not sure if everyone went home this weekend or what, but people need to step it up. I hope the excitement of our team hasn't just worn off to these new kids.

Darren was wearing an armband but he is NOT a captain.... During the pregame when the captains met it was only Scotty and Chad with the refs and other captains.

Okay, so do you have any idea why he was wearing an armband? I guess it's really not that big of a deal haha

[yazan07]

noticed this as well. Not too sure either... I don't know if I would give Darren that distinguishment just yet - still feel there are too many character issues involved with him. Student attendance was garbage for sure. Rowdies are definitely having personnel issues, especially in the area of alienating other students. Them moving to the other goal, while definitely due to whatever-his-name keeper for Hartwick being a total b***h, really killed anything they had going on. Probably done standing with them at this point since theyre doing a terrible job at getting other students involved. Just my $0.02

What do you want them to do? Hold hands with every new student? The Rowdies can't get every student involved. You know why? Because the student has to be willing to get involved as well. You saying what you did basically means that you're not willing to get involved. If they see you trying to get involved, they'll put forward their effort. When I was a freshman, I didn't get that involved the first month of fall semester. I decided to try and get more involved, and now I'm as comfortable as I've ever been. You have to understand. The Rowdies isn't an organization to get a t-shirt and sometimes free food while watching a sporting event. You're there to support YOUR SCHOOL and not there for YOURSELF. Big difference there. There's a reason why we have a 46 game unbeaten streak at home in men's soccer.My last point I'll make is this. No one stopped you from going to the other side in the second half. The score was 0-0. It was a conference game. Trying to do everything in our abilities to give our team an edge. Stop complaining and start getting involved...

My problem continues to be with the alienating thing. I hear this often. You should work within your group to eliminate it. And here is the proof.... you just admitted as a freshman you were not that interested in getting involved but your involvement grew. It is impossible to join a group who intentionally alienates you. Moreover...you probably will make those possible future rabid fans stay home making the situation even worse.From what I can see....you are a great Zip fan. Can you help your fellow Zip students and fans??I was hoping to meet you today but with the chance of rain at 90%, I can't take my 3 year old daughter out in the cold rain. I like your passion and commitment.Go Zips

Look, no one was trying to alienate anyone. I know my decision to walk to the other side was fueled by the fact that A.) there was no one really on the East end, and B.) we were totally in charge of that game offensively. I knew that most of the action was going to be in their final third, and that really we did need to keep wearing that keeper down, because he was the only thing keeping that game from being a blowout. When we have 2,000 students at a game, of course we're not going to move to the other end, because there is no way that hardly any of them could come and it would be a waste to not have all of those student chanting together. Last night there really weren't many people participating and moving to the other end didn't feel like abandoning anything. Furthermore, the band wasn't there and that made being on the east end even more arbitrary. It's not like at halftime we handed out invites to move to the west end and some people didn't get them. Three years ago that was the norm, staying on the side of the other team's keep. It was a regular occurrence and it was possible every game because the number of students actually interested in cheering was low enough that they could easily move, and there was no drum band to cheer a long with. Last night was kind of a retro game for the rowdies; because of the lack of student involvement and because the drum band was not there, we were able to move and I think if you're looking at it big picture, we did our job in the most effective way possible.

[jem101]

Personally, I had no problem with the Rowdies moving. I didn't feel alienated at all by that. I could have gone with them if I felt like it. My biggest gripe and the reason I feel alienated by the organization right now is the lack of class associated with it. It's one thing to shout at him that his parents wanted a girl and they got one, and it's a totally different to say they should have aborted or used some form of birth control. You can get in the keeper's head and still be classy. Our soccer team doesn't resort to dirty play and our supporters shouldn't resort to dirty trash talk. We're better than that. Also, I'm going to sound like a prude here, but the language of the members, especially the head members, is for the most part appalling. I just don't get why that's necessary. I'm a really conservative guy whose faith is very important to me. I still stand with the ROWDIES, but I'm sure there are plenty of people like me who stay away from the group for this reason. I know I would never bring my little brother to a game to stand with the ROWDIES. Jus because I'm not your typical member doesn't mean I don't support my club. I might not swear at the keeper and take crude jabs at his parents, but I still contribute. I show up for every march, I sing louder than 90% of the students in the chants and I scream my head off during big plays and corners. Don't push away students like me who support their school through thick and thin just because you want to be a classless idiot at the games. Just a few of my thoughts. Go Zips!

[mes102]

Personally, I had no problem with the Rowdies moving. I didn't feel alienated at all by that. I could have gone with them if I felt like it. My biggest gripe and the reason I feel alienated by the organization right now is the lack of class associated with it. It's one thing to shout at him that his parents wanted a girl and they got one, and it's a totally different to say they should have aborted or used some form of birth control. You can get in the keeper's head and still be classy. Our soccer team doesn't resort to dirty play and our supporters shouldn't resort to dirty trash talk. We're better than that. Also, I'm going to sound like a prude here, but the language of the members, especially the head members, is for the most part appalling. I just don't get why that's necessary. I'm a really conservative guy whose faith is very important to me. I still stand with the ROWDIES, but I'm sure there are plenty of people like me who stay away from the group for this reason. I know I would never bring my little brother to a game to stand with the ROWDIES. Jus because I'm not your typical member doesn't mean I don't support my club. I might not swear at the keeper and take crude jabs at his parents, but I still contribute. I show up for every march, I sing louder than 90% of the students in the chants and I scream my head off during big plays and corners. Don't push away students like me who support their school through thick and thin just because you want to be a classless idiot at the games. Just a few of my thoughts. Go Zips!

Just want to clarify, that if that is towards me, that before I even brought him to Akron this weekend for the games, I told him that anything that is said at the games, stay at the games. None of the stuff gets said in your classroom, your own soccer games, and hanging out with friends. He understood. I'm sorry, but I feel today's society is a little too sensitive. Not trying to be offensive, just stating how I feel about it. My parents never had a problem with me going to events like this, just as long as I understood not to repeat some of them. It's just like video games(computer PC games when I was growing up). some games are just for the game itself. Not reality. You have to pick and choose what's reality and what to say where and when. It just comes down to the way you were raised, and the way you grow up with those values.

[ndzeigler]

The ROWDIES are struggling because they have lost a lot of class. Doing cheers that drop the F-bomb and other profanities turn people away.

[GoZips]

The ROWDIES are struggling because they have lost a lot of class. Doing cheers that drop the F-bomb and other profanities turn people away.

Point well made. Clean it up. I stand near the Rowdies at most games. Keep the insults coming; but make them clean and pithy.

[mes102]

Would anyone have a problem, if the chants with profanity in them, are replaced with the vuvuzela. For the chant of "Come on Akron score a goal", in the second half, where the one word would be said, they blew the vuvuzela real quick like a beep noise you would hear on TV? Or is it the thought of the word that people don't like of the chant as well? Just trying to figure what to make it better for everyone. That's all...

[zip37]

NO need for profanity, be funny, throw barbs but keep it clean. You'll alienate no one.

[zip37]

NO need for profanity, be funny, throw barbs but keep it clean. You'll alienate no one.

[Blue & Gold]

NO need for profanity, be funny, throw barbs but keep it clean. You'll alienate no one.

+1. Keep it classy, Akron.

[Doug Snyder]

Would anyone have a problem, if the chants with profanity in them, are replaced with the vuvuzela. For the chant of "Come on Akron score a goal", in the second half, where the one word would be said, they blew the vuvuzela real quick like a beep noise you would hear on TV? Or is it the thought of the word that people don't like of the chant as well? Just trying to figure what to make it better for everyone. That's all...

I think that would work. But I was in college and drank some beer...as I recall. It is impossible to keep everyone’s mouth clean. But I think the way to do it is to discourage profanity rather than encourage it. When you huddle up before the game/match...let everyone know that they should keep profanity to a minimum and show all Zip fans respect. The short-term goal is to impact the game and the long-term goal is to grow the organization. Everything else that happens is OK. Loud-OK. Rude to the other team-OK. Have fun-more than OK. I really think the Rowdies are great. Everything goes through an evolution. If you want it to remain a tradition and grow, be as inclusive as possible. I would encourage students to come to the games with you but NOT get involved the first few games. If they like it...they can join in. REDUCE the pressure...not increase it. People will join in because it IS cool and they will see the reaction of the team and other fans to the chants and passion of the group. The carrot...not the stick.

[Doug Snyder]

@mes102There was a poster during last basketball season who argued that your group (he is a member) should isolate and ridicule those who do not participate in making crowd noise. The idea was to run them off… they need not come back as they were not true fans.THAT ATTITUDE IS PURE _ULL _HIT. So I am pretty sure there are members of your group who are offended when they expend so much energy to help the Zips while others sit on their hands. But the truth is...we don't have sell outs. We need EVERYBODY. We want to be inclusive. Start with a crowd...then energize the crowd. Do not alienate anyone. So when you have one of your members advocating that anywhere….it hurts your group’s image.

[Dave in Green]

It's really pretty simple. The Rowdies claim to be pretty close to Coach Porter, and that he appreciates what they do. Just ask Coach Porter what he thinks about the Rowdies using profanity.End of story.

[ZachTheZip]

Try to avoid the misconception that every student at the game is an AK-Rowdy.

[jem101]

Personally, I had no problem with the Rowdies moving. I didn't feel alienated at all by that. I could have gone with them if I felt like it. My biggest gripe and the reason I feel alienated by the organization right now is the lack of class associated with it. It's one thing to shout at him that his parents wanted a girl and they got one, and it's a totally different to say they should have aborted or used some form of birth control. You can get in the keeper's head and still be classy. Our soccer team doesn't resort to dirty play and our supporters shouldn't resort to dirty trash talk. We're better than that. Also, I'm going to sound like a prude here, but the language of the members, especially the head members, is for the most part appalling. I just don't get why that's necessary. I'm a really conservative guy whose faith is very important to me. I still stand with the ROWDIES, but I'm sure there are plenty of people like me who stay away from the group for this reason. I know I would never bring my little brother to a game to stand with the ROWDIES. Jus because I'm not your typical member doesn't mean I don't support my club. I might not swear at the keeper and take crude jabs at his parents, but I still contribute. I show up for every march, I sing louder than 90% of the students in the chants and I scream my head off during big plays and corners. Don't push away students like me who support their school through thick and thin just because you want to be a classless idiot at the games. Just a few of my thoughts. Go Zips!

Just want to clarify, that if that is towards me, that before I even brought him to Akron this weekend for the games, I told him that anything that is said at the games, stay at the games. None of the stuff gets said in your classroom, your own soccer games, and hanging out with friends. He understood. I'm sorry, but I feel today's society is a little too sensitive. Not trying to be offensive, just stating how I feel about it. My parents never had a problem with me going to events like this, just as long as I understood not to repeat some of them. It's just like video games(computer PC games when I was growing up). some games are just for the game itself. Not reality. You have to pick and choose what's reality and what to say where and when. It just comes down to the way you were raised, and the way you grow up with those values.

It had nothing to do with your comment. Nothing at all. My little brother is seven. If he was older it would probably be a different story anyways.

[tbozeglav]

Ill say this...as a 5th year student (thanks to changing majors) and a 4th year rowdie, I can say that the group has lost its luster and its not what it used to be. I used to love cheering with them... now, I don't care. I noticed a shift in attitude when leadership changed over and I havent particularly liked where its gone since. They're just there, doing their thing and don't put forth much effort to get everyone else involved. Hell, even the leaders themselves aren't as authoritative and examples of what the rowdies should be anymore...The organization consists of nearly 2k members. I guarantee the vast majority are members because of the tshirt....