zippy-claws Posted November 5 Report Share Posted November 5 I was disappointed with the results from Muncie in the Cross Country meet, although two of our men went 2nd and 3rd. A 6th and an 8th place finish men/women was not what I expected, and I'm sure it's not what the coaches expected either. Pretty strong field this year in the MAC, Toledo women win 4th straight, men won as well, and they do not field a track and field team! It got me interested, so I checked out the upcoming schedule for Indoor track & field. This would have been our year to host the annual Zips/Kent State dual meet, but it's not on the schedule. Anyone know why? Second, I know it was on the schedule last season as the opener, but does anyone ( if anyone would know it would be @Hilltopper )know who the Haynes Lancaster Open meet is named after, or is it a sponsor? Just curious. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zippy-claws Posted December 12 Author Report Share Posted December 12 Glad to be back in chilly FLA, but not freezing in Akron. Saw the results on-line of the Zips first home meet, and a few standouts popped up. Joy Nwokike, I'm assuming the sister of Adaeze,, popped the 3rd fastest indoor time in school history in the 400 and the 5th fastest in the 200, and this is really early in the season. Can't wait to see how she progresses as the year unfolds. Also Brook Boes had the 5th best weight throw in school history. Coach Bojalad and Overby producing results so far. Looked at the schedule, and just like my un-answered question about who the Haynes Lancaster Open is named after, I ask this question: No dual meet on the schedule with Kent State? That's a first.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adzip Posted December 12 Report Share Posted December 12 i believe Lancaster is the last name of the first black member of University of Akron track team. First name might be Elmer? Dont know who Haynes is Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adzip Posted December 12 Report Share Posted December 12 Emmer Lancaster was the first African American graduate of the Municipal University of Akron. Dr. Lancaster began his education at @uakron in 1918 and was a member of the baseball, track, and debate teams. He graduated with an A.B. (Bachelor of Arts) in 1921. While his education experience at UA is remarkable in its own right, it is his career after he graduated and his commitment to small and minority owned businesses in Akron and across the country is why we are celebrating him and his accomplishments. From 1940 to 1968 he served as Special Advisor to the Secretary of Commerce concerning blacks in small businesses. While he was in Washington D.C., he would travel to New York City once a week to attend classes at NYU, where he earned his Masters of Science in Retailing. Also during his time in Washington D.C., Dr. Lancaster instituted “business clinics” around the country to help African American business persons construct business plans and expand profitable enterprises that created jobs. Under the auspices of the Commerce Department, Lancaster organized several national conferences to help African American businesses in America. The conferences helped with strengthening business curriculums at historically black colleges and universities; communicating detailed information about government services available to them; assisting with submitting proposals for government contracts; and providing opportunities to meet and learn from the more successful black entrepreneurs in the country. Due to his work, many African Americans became entrepreneurs who might not have otherwise; many existing entrepreneurs became larger and more successful; and many African Americans became gainfully employed who may not have had opportunities otherwise. After retiring, Dr. Lancaster returned to Akron and became active in the community until he passed away in 1984. In 1971, The University of Akron awarded Dr. Lancaster the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws “in recognition of his significant leadership in legal and social progress and understanding.” (📷 - UAkron Libraries) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
72 Roo Posted December 12 Report Share Posted December 12 Thanks for this post adZip. Emmer Lancaster made Akron, the university and African Americans in business all better because of his service. Your story comes at a good time to be reminded that UA produces many great individuals whom we should be proud of and celebrate. Now give us a football program to match them. 😀 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zippy-claws Posted December 13 Author Report Share Posted December 13 That is so cool! Where did you find all of that info? Like @72 Roo, I thank you for this. I think we need to do a better job of publicizing this for next season, great story. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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