Palmisano out, Stams in??

[Captain Kangaroo]

I hope Stams brings some decent, objective insight to the commentary. Joe P was very good at that. If Stams turns out to be Joe Dunn II, I'll kill myself.

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Stams Signs On As Football Color Analyst

Former Cleveland Browns standout and Notre Dame All-American to call all Zips football games on radio

June 23, 2004

AKRON, Ohio - Former Cleveland Browns linebacker and Notre Dame All-American Frank Stams has been hired as the new color analyst for University of Akron football radio broadcasts, the UA department of athletics announced Wednesday.

Stams, who enjoyed a successful collegiate and professional playing career, will join play-by-play man Steve French, now entering his 16th season as the "Voice of the Zips." They'll be joined on the Zips Sports Network broadcasts by sideline reporter Joe Dunn and studio host Tommy Gelehrter.

After attending Akron's St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, the 38-year-old Stams went on to star at Notre Dame under Gerry Faust, also a former UA head football coach (1986-1994), and Lou Holtz. Stams was a consensus All-American in 1988 when he helped lead the Irish to the national title under Holtz. As the defensive MVP in the 1989 Fiesta Bowl, he led the Irish to a 34-21 win over West Virginia, punctuating a perfect 13-0 season.

A second-round choice of the Los Angeles Rams in the 1989 NFL Draft, Stams played three seasons with the NFC West squad before moving on to Cleveland in 1992. He closed out his professional career in 1995 with the Kansas City Chiefs and Browns.

"I'm happy to be aboard," said Stams. "Most of my family went to school at Akron and I've followed the program closely over the years. Having seen the improvements that are underway on campus and with athletics, it's certainly a great time in Akron sports and specifically football.

"I'm thrilled for the opportunity and looking forward to watching (senior quarterback) Charlie Frye up close and personal in his last season. I think he is going to make things happen for the Zips this season."

Stams replaces Joe Palmisano, a former UA defensive coordinator, who spent the last two seasons in the radio booth with French. Palmisano moves to the television booth for any Zips telecasts in 2004.

The new-look Zips Sports Network is in action on Saturday, Sept. 4 when UA travels to Penn State to face the Nittany Lions in the first game under first-year head coach J.D. Brookhart.

Zips football, as well as basketball, broadcasts can be heard locally on flagship station FOX Sports/WTOU (1350-AM), as well as WERE (1300-AM) in Cleveland and 95.9 FM WNPQ in Canton.

[Z-P]

FYI.........

I bumped into Joe, Christmas shopping in December. As always, he was gracious and more than happy to share a few minutes with another Zip Fan.

He explained that his Rep Business in the Medical Field had really exploded to the point where he couldn't devote as much preparation time as he thought necessary to do the quality job in the booth every week for ZSN..........so at that time he was considering backing out for the 04 season.

I'm just glad to hear he'll be doing some TV for us.

He's one SUPER SUPER guy. I know I can speak for all of us when I wish him all the best in the future.

ILFSITF