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New Strategic Direction?


Aaron

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I noticed in the last ZipsLine from TW that the University is set to announce a "New Strategic Direction" with regards to sports on Monday.

Has anybody heard rumors about what will be announced? Are we adding/dropping sports? Moving some sports to a new conference?

I'm very curious on this one.

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I noticed in the last ZipsLine from TW that the University is set to announce a "New Strategic Direction" with regards to sports on Monday.

Has anybody heard rumors about what will be announced? Are we adding/dropping sports? Moving some sports to a new conference?

I'm very curious on this one.

Yeah that was weird. It's all the way at the bottom, so maybe nothing major? Oddly vague though.

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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

On Monday, we are scheduled to make an important "strategic" announcement regarding the future of Zips Athletics. Be sure to follow our social media accounts and GoZips.com for all the details

The wording is vague enough that it could be anything from changing conferences to changing marketing companies. Sometimes it's hard to keep the lid on really major changes, but I've yet to find any insider hints anywhere. It could be related to the process started earlier this year:

Zips Athletics to Hold Public Forums as Part of Strategic Planning Process

AKRON, Ohio – The University of Akron Department of Athletics will continue its strategic planning process by holding a pair of public forums later this month (April 2013). ...

These forums will be a conversation with Director of Athletics Tom Wistrcill about the future of Zips Athletics, and is a follow up to an online survey that was sent to a variety of constituents in the University community and throughout Northeast Ohio in March. Over 1,200 responses were received and additional feedback is sought as the department prepares to unveil its plan in May. ...

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I noticed in the last ZipsLine from TW that the University is set to announce a "New Strategic Direction" with regards to sports on Monday.

Has anybody heard rumors about what will be announced? Are we adding/dropping sports? Moving some sports to a new conference?

I'm very curious on this one.

I'm expecting another fundraising effort.

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I think we can do better in the wild speculation department.

I say it's that we're switching colors to blue and silver.

Already happened.

Another possibility is that we are adding a new sport for Title IX, which would certainly be "strategic" in the context of keeping the athletic department in compliance. Gymnastics or Field Hockey would be the best bets.

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I can't promise anything because I don't have any details. But I've overheard that the announcement has enough good substance that it should spark a lot of discussion among Zips fans. Look for the announcement to be made late Monday morning, sometime before noon.

Do you know if there is an actual press conference scheduled?

Also, just a thought about adding a new sport... UA has been very busy developing the old Buchtel Field on Brown Street into something. I've noticed basketball courts, tennis courts, and soccer fields being put in, and there's room for even more stuff. Fits in if we're adding Field Hockey. Of course, Gymnastics doesn't require new facilities, since it would be in the JAR.

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Do you know if there is an actual press conference scheduled?

Also, just a thought about adding a new sport... UA has been very busy developing the old Buchtel Field on Brown Street into something. I've noticed basketball courts, tennis courts, and soccer fields being put in, and there's room for even more stuff. Fits in if we're adding Field Hockey. Of course, Gymnastics doesn't require new facilities, since it would be in the JAR.

GT just posted an article saying no new sports will be added. Its apparently more of an announcement as to what future goals are.

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@ZachTheZip, I do not know if there will be a formal press conference. "Future goals" could range from vague generalities to interesting specifics. I'm led to believe that there will be enough said to be of interest to many Zips fans. But my experience on this forum tells me that not all Zips fans will be satisfied with whatever is said. :)

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