UAZip0510 Posted January 21, 2013 Report Share Posted January 21, 2013 as for the click thing it just seems to happen no matter what year we are in, the more "die hard" ones (go to othere sporting events outside soccer and basketball) just seem to well hang out more. Its non intentional at all. And again Ill be up in the upper section on Saturday, acouple ones that have graduated will be up there as well to try to get that going. I'd guess the more "die hard" ones probably form friendships outside of games as well, which can cause others to feel not included although not intentional. It happens within every group. Hopefully students aren't really yelling at others though, that'd turn off student involvement big time. Have you witnessed that at all headavi? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CincyZip Posted January 21, 2013 Report Share Posted January 21, 2013 Before I share this, I want to clearly point out that these are not MY opinions. Just what I've heard from others. I've heard the "AK-Nerdies", "AK-Rejects", and a few things far meaner than that. As wrong as is it is to judge people you do not know personally, people still do it, and they do it to the Rowdies. Look at Greek organizations on campus - there are the "cool" fraternities, the "smart" fraternities, etc. Fair or not, these groups are judged and a perception is created for them. The perception of the AK-Rowdies, on and off campus, is that they are great fans, but not a "cool" group, which is why I think the average UA student decides to sit on their own or just stay home. I find this very interesting. Especially since the AK-Rowdies are the largest student organization on campus. So I am assuming we are talking about the core group of ROWDIES, those who I consider to be very much one of. I have heard a lot of the reputation of the AK-ROWDIES. Although, uncool and/or misfit is a new one . I've heard us being jerks, punks, assholes, clique-ish, etc, but never uncool. I think we party just as much as the other guys, our female membership is up, although I'm sure there are more than a few weirdos in the group. Anyway, that perception should fall away after students see the stud ginger passing out wristbands and encouraging students to sit down low and be loud--wait, oh no! I think my main beef with everyone's beef is that people are staying away from games/student section because of the ROWDIES. As Headaviator dude said, we just broke an attendance record. Also, since that Ginger has passed out bands, we have filled the student section down low virtually every time since the last part of last year (Winter break not included for obvious reasons). If someone was going to have a beef, then it should be GameChangr44's. The non-core Rowdies are not being loud. That is the fault of them and the ROWDIES, and it needs to be addressed. Head Aviator is heading upstairs, and I am going to make a more effort to get those students involved down stairs. I maybe completely off base here, but I feel that the ROWDIES are moving in the right direction when it comes to student involvement. It has been a number one issue this year. As far as I am concerned, the student section will continue to be filled throughout the year. And improvements will continue throughout the season. I do want to thank everyone for their opinions and suggestions. I'll be honest that I was frustrated early on while reading this, but I realize that you guys only want the best for the university and student support. As do I. Peace! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UAZip0510 Posted January 21, 2013 Report Share Posted January 21, 2013 I find this very interesting. Especially since the AK-Rowdies are the largest student organization on campus. So I am assuming we are talking about the core group of ROWDIES, those who I consider to be very much one of. I have heard a lot of the reputation of the AK-ROWDIES. Although, uncool and/or misfit is a new one . I've heard us being jerks, punks, assholes, clique-ish, etc, but never uncool. I think we party just as much as the other guys, our female membership is up, although I'm sure there are more than a few weirdos in the group. Anyway, that perception should fall away after students see the stud ginger passing out wristbands and encouraging students to sit down low and be loud--wait, oh no! I think my main beef with everyone's beef is that people are staying away from games/student section because of the ROWDIES. As Headaviator dude said, we just broke an attendance record. Also, since that Ginger has passed out bands, we have filled the student section down low virtually every time since the last part of last year (Winter break not included for obvious reasons). If someone was going to have a beef, then it should be GameChangr44's. The non-core Rowdies are not being loud. That is the fault of them and the ROWDIES, and it needs to be addressed. Head Aviator is heading upstairs, and I am going to make a more effort to get those students involved down stairs. I maybe completely off base here, but I feel that the ROWDIES are moving in the right direction when it comes to student involvement. It has been a number one issue this year. As far as I am concern, the student section will continue to be filled throughout the year. And improvements will continue throughout the season. I do want to thank everyone for their opinions and suggestions. I'll be honest that I was frustrated early on while reading this, but I realize that you guys only want the best for the university and student support. As do I. Peace! I will definitely say I've heard far less of the "uncool" stuff this year and last, so I think that negative outside perception is starting to go away. The clique perception is one to keep an eye on - you never want people to feel like outsiders, even if it's not intentional. I do think the student section has improved as much as one could expect - now it's on UA to allow the student impact to grow (location, location, location). Keep up the good work in promoting Zips athletics! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jem101 Posted January 21, 2013 Report Share Posted January 21, 2013 I understand the clique thing being unintentional. Just think it's something for the die hard rowdies to keep in mind if they want to make people feel more welcome. A big thank you to CinciZip and headaviatorrowdie. I really respect what both of you guys do and I think the rowdies are heading in the right direction. It's not like there's a solution that will automatically make 1,500 screaming students to show up to games. It's a process, and unfortunately our arena layout isn't helping things either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plowerman78 Posted January 21, 2013 Report Share Posted January 21, 2013 in terms of the yelling, i think its more to fire up the students (hey lets go, this is a big game, we need u loud down here) not to de grade them at all. Atleast thats what i did, cant say about anyone else. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CincyZip Posted January 21, 2013 Report Share Posted January 21, 2013 I usually yell things at them like "You're stupid", "Your mom does not love you" "We don't want you down here" "Go Away" You know? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OZoner Posted January 21, 2013 Report Share Posted January 21, 2013 So though the numbers were good...their TRUE SUPPORT was non existent and that (for me) is UNACCEPTABLE for a 4-0 team! Just not cool at all! I see stuff like this all the time. What does "true support" mean? Do we go by your definition or the person next to you? And unacceptable? What does that mean? Are you going to punish them? Are you not going to let them in the building if they don't do what you want them to do? And I don't mean you specifically. I just see things like this all the time. People buy their ticket (or pick it up or whatever) and they're entitled to do what they want so long as they're not breaking the rules. Being quiet is not breaking a rule. Not everyone wants to make noise, and not everyone expresses their fanship that way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LZIp Posted January 21, 2013 Report Share Posted January 21, 2013 As a student, I just want to throw out that having head Rowdies up top, as well as down low is a great idea. No leadership (unfortunately that is whats needed) is the reason I feel the top is usually uninvolved. I have, however, saw the top very much involved during Can't and OU games. edit: I dont really put any blame on the Rowdies. I joined my first year in Akron, but havent since for no reason really. I still attend as many games as I can. The blame goes to the University on making this more difficult than it should be for not having a completely unified student section! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akzipper Posted January 21, 2013 Report Share Posted January 21, 2013 As a student, I just want to throw out that having head Rowdies up top, as well as down low is a great idea. No leadership (unfortunately that is whats needed) is the reason I feel the top is usually uninvolved. I have, however, saw the top very much involved during Can't and OU games. Agreed. I think that the best way to show that it is a unified section and encourage students to get involved. Just have to make sure they get a group of leaders up there, and not just one or two. I'll also add that my favorite year was when the Rowdies wore gold shirts, and maybe they could try that again. Way too many schools use blue these days and gold is much more unique. Not to mention most of the general Zips fans wear blue gear to games, so the Rowdies would stand out more. Similar to what Georgetown does with Grey and PennState with white. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RootforRoo44 Posted January 21, 2013 Report Share Posted January 21, 2013 We can all argue about what or who's to blame...but I still think #ParkerDidIt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RootforRoo44 Posted January 21, 2013 Report Share Posted January 21, 2013 Agreed. I think that the best way to show that it is a unified section and encourage students to get involved. Just have to make sure they get a group of leaders up there, and not just one or two. I'll also add that my favorite year was when the Rowdies wore gold shirts, and maybe they could try that again. Way too many schools use blue these days and gold is much more unique. Not to mention most of the general Zips fans wear blue gear to games, so the Rowdies would stand out more. Similar to what Georgetown does with Grey and PennState with white. Oh wow, finally someone who agrees with me that the gold shirts were the best. And it's not just the rowdies who have gone away from the gold, but the University as a whole. The team doesn't wear them and the school barely sells anything branded on the color. Screw that "jinx" talk and bring that stuff back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plowerman78 Posted January 21, 2013 Report Share Posted January 21, 2013 to clarify on the gold shirts, we would have gone with the gold shirts again but we cant find that "gold" anymore. As far as I know any gold we were shown was a Can't state yellow or in all honesty a diarrhea yellow....sorry u asked u got the answer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave in Green Posted January 21, 2013 Report Share Posted January 21, 2013 Read the first line Dave...not my opinion. It's silly, but many college kids judge things based on some pretty stupid/shallow stuff. Sorry if my response wasn't clear. I understood that it was not your opinion but that you were just reporting what others were saying. If being perceived as cool will help attract more students to join the Rowdies at games, then I guess some effort could be made to try to raise the cool factor. I just can't be any help in figuring out what college students consider to be cool these days, or what it is the Rowdies are doing that's considered uncool. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
taxpayer Posted January 21, 2013 Report Share Posted January 21, 2013 Some things I think I think: Gamechanger44 is right....the players and their families are hoping MORE STUDENTS COME and SUPPORT THEIR TEAM The players want an enviroment that is as loud as Can't was; it's great fun playing in and being part of such an enviroment. They are doing their best to win every game and WANT YOUR SUPPORT...come and have some fun for 2 hours Move the UA band back to the VISITOR end of the court. It's called a home court advantage for a reason. Bands are extremely loud and they can disrupt teams communication during timeouts. Every other university in America understands this concept; can we please make this happen? MOVE the media table to track level and have MORE STUDENTS down on the floor right behind the 1st row booster chairs. I know the scorekeepers and game officials must be between the two team benches but not radio & TV. Come on UA make more student seating available on the floor. TO THE UA STUDENTS WHO TRAVELED TO Can't AND MADE THEIR PRESENCE KNOWN & HEARD: THANK YOU, THANK YOU, !!!! EXCELLENT JOB!!! Your support can/did energize the players Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zen Posted January 21, 2013 Report Share Posted January 21, 2013 Sorry if my response wasn't clear. I understood that it was not your opinion but that you were just reporting what others were saying. If being perceived as cool will help attract more students to join the Rowdies at games, then I guess some effort could be made to try to raise the cool factor. I just can't be any help in figuring out what college students consider to be cool these days, or what it is the Rowdies are doing that's considered uncool. Kids are too cynical these days to fall for marketing ploys pushing the "coolness" of a product. What is cool is generally socially accepted and socially propagated, and these days, that means digital media as well as interpersonal communication. Of course, for some, that will instantly conjures the bright idea of social media marketing. That's not so bright. It avoids dealing with the premise first layed down here (which some might disagree with) that is that advertising, no matter how clever, does not override social phenomena. You need to change the perception, and that is very difficult to do in the sports world. What we have going for us is a history of consistent winning. What we have working against us (and the cynicism manifests itself) is that we don't win against big names, or in big games. There are few who care about Coppin State. The Rowdies are a great example of an exception. They promote the idea that you can participate, support, and have fun doing it, even though you aren't playing (and winning) against Columbus or Syracuse. Something more needs to be done like this, or something needs to be done to expand what has already been done so that it is broader and more inclusive, and more socially pervasive. I'm not saying that I have any genius ideas along those lines, but I do contend that these are the sorts of angles we need, rather than conveying the subtle browbeating that says "You may think that going to Zips ball games isn't fun or cool, but you're wrong", which I contend never works. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FromdaBurgh Posted January 21, 2013 Author Report Share Posted January 21, 2013 I see stuff like this all the time. What does "true support" mean? Do we go by your definition or the person next to you? And unacceptable? What does that mean? Are you going to punish them? Are you not going to let them in the building if they don't do what you want them to do? And I don't mean you specifically. I just see things like this all the time. People buy their ticket (or pick it up or whatever) and they're entitled to do what they want so long as they're not breaking the rules. Being quiet is not breaking a rule. Not everyone wants to make noise, and not everyone expresses their fanship that way. Valid point JSF...however, having gone to THOUSANDS of games (as 2 of my 4 sons were ballers both in high school and college)...there is NOTHING like hearing YOUR FELLOW STUDENTS, CLASSMATES, ROOMMATES, DRINKING BUDDIES whomever they are....cheering you on! It pumps the players up, it gives them an adrenaline rush, it pumps up the coaches and the truth of the matter..it is INTIMIDATING to our opponents. When the ENTIRE CROWD gets into the game..it literally changes the ATMOSPHERE of that arena and for someone like me...I LOVE THAT STUFF! However, you are absolutely correct in that people can react and/or response as THEY seem fit....BUT...it just "LOOKS" bad and its unfortunate! #ITSMYOPINIONANDI'MENTITLED2IT# Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RootforRoo44 Posted January 21, 2013 Report Share Posted January 21, 2013 to clarify on the gold shirts, we would have gone with the gold shirts again but we cant find that "gold" anymore. As far as I know any gold we were shown was a Can't state yellow or in all honesty a diarrhea yellow....sorry u asked u got the answer Fair enough...well at least the team should bring back the gold jerseys. That grey nonsense is about as awful as it can get. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plowerman78 Posted January 21, 2013 Report Share Posted January 21, 2013 i havent seen the gold jerseys since the bracketbuster loss to VCU back in 08 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue & Gold Posted January 21, 2013 Report Share Posted January 21, 2013 Love the gold jerseys. Beautiful & unique. My favorite jerseys of all time were the golds they used to break out when Dru, Rome & Wood were playing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akzipper Posted January 21, 2013 Report Share Posted January 21, 2013 Fair enough...well at least the team should bring back the gold jerseys. That grey nonsense is about as awful as it can get. I agree, I loved the use of gold much more than grey. Grey/silver is just the fad right now unfortunately... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue & Gold Posted January 22, 2013 Report Share Posted January 22, 2013 I agree, I loved the use of gold much more than grey. Grey/silver is just the fad right now unfortunately... I don't mind the greys. I just love alternate uni's. The grey is great as baseball has always incorporated grey visiting jerseys into whatever a team's color scheme may be. But I feel we should definitely have gold alternate jerseys as a mainstay. The whites are sharp, but we should wear gold at home. They'd just be very cool, simple as that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RootforRoo44 Posted January 22, 2013 Report Share Posted January 22, 2013 I don't mind the greys. I just love alternate uni's. The grey is great as baseball has always incorporated grey visiting jerseys into whatever a team's color scheme may be. But I feel we should definitely have gold alternate jerseys as a mainstay. The whites are sharp, but we should wear gold at home. They'd just be very cool, simple as that. I want legit gold jerseys with reflective 24 karat gold flakes in them. Make it happen UA! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RootforRoo44 Posted January 22, 2013 Report Share Posted January 22, 2013 not to get too off topic.... These were great jerseys, I don't see why we can't use our current design (which is so similar to these anyway) and just have a gold version? Cloning Darryl Peterson would be acceptable as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr Z Posted January 22, 2013 Report Share Posted January 22, 2013 Cloning Darryl Peterson would be acceptable as well.+1, that extra hand of his really helped. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FromdaBurgh Posted January 22, 2013 Author Report Share Posted January 22, 2013 not to get too off topic.... These were great jerseys, I don't see why we can't use our current design (which is so similar to these anyway) and just have a gold version? Cloning Darryl Peterson would be acceptable as well. OK...ssssoooo...I have 2 questions? 1. Is the jersey and the shorts 2 DIFFERENT COLORS? (It's the fashionista in me) and 2. My 4 eyes could really be playing tricks on me, but if dudes hands are on his hips..WHOSE HAND IS THAT I SEE DOWN BY HIS SIDE! UUUhhhmmm...now THAT IS CREEPY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! #Who ya gonna call?# Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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