Cleveland State Zips

[LosAngelesZipFan]

I have re-read the paragraph below 15 times but still don't quite get what he's implying-- simply a sarcastic remark about the stupidity of a merger with CSU or hinting that the merger would in fact kill the stadium project all together? Could that happen? My understanding is that expenditures like this get reviewed by a state board-- could they in effect put the stadium on hold until the merger discussions play out? This would be disastrous for fundraising in the near term, needless to say.Inside the Mid-American Conference with Elton AlexanderPosted by Elton Alexander November 01, 2007 12:01PMInside the Mid-American Conference with Elton AlexanderAfter being in and out of the Mid-American Conference race the last three weeks, count the Akron Zips back out following their loss at Buffalo.AP fileAkron coach J.D. Brookhart wants to see more big plays from his teamIncluding the 2005 season, coach J.D. Brookhart's Zips are 10-10 in league games, 16-18 overall and struggling with an offense averaging less than 20 ppg. This from a program that won the 2005 MAC Championship. "We have not had a lot of 'big hit' plays," Brookhart said. "We have not made those plays that hurt you."That's because, like most rebuilding teams, the emphasis is on "big plays" instead of "basic plays" -- those plays where a team lines up and says, "I'm better than you."Instead, many offenses are designed to find a way to trick the defense. The result is every big win is matched by a "How did that happen?" loss. It's a pattern that has held true at Akron from Gerry Faust to Lee Owens and now Brookhart.Highly touted recruiting classes at Akron have never fully developed on the field, and despite a high quality marketing program, a consistent fan base has not materialized in the stands. But don't worry about that. With talks of a Cleveland State-Akron merger looming, Akron president Luis Proenza's new football stadium due in 2009 won't be of much use for the Cleveland State Zips.

[UADavid]

and despite a high quality marketing program

Huh?

[you am i]

The stadium is a done deal. I'm not talking from inside knowledge, its just that its common sense that the project is too far along to back off on it now.That last sentence must be an attempt at humour, but I'm not sure what the point is. That the proposed merger will move the football team to Cleveland? I guess that's the "joke."

[LosAngelesZipFan]

The stadium is not a done deal until it is getting built. The site is not completely controlled and the funds are not fully raised. The state can still interfere which is why the merger discussion, and its timing, is disturbing on any number of levels.You know, if we can collectively get behind Zippy to kick every other mascot's ass, why don't we do an online petition for Fingerhut or something that demonstrates the demand that UA control its own destiny.

[zip81]

He's just being a smart-ass.A back-door insult.Believe me, Elton Alexander, someone who should be writing for the Solon Times (sorry Solon), has no inside info on this.

[ZippyRulz]

It definitely sounds like a jab at UA (as in CSU will take us over and the football program is expendable) and Dr. P ("his" stadium, like no one else wants it or cares about it). Ellen A. is probably poisoned by the Cleveland politics, jealousy of UA's progress v. CSU's and resentment of LP for standing up for UA against the politicians.If they try to railroad us with this merger I think it could become a big stinkbomb for Strickland across the state, possibly even further. Other schools will see the writing on the wall that they could be the next to be told what to do for better or worse.

[you am i]

Its a throwaway line by the PD MAC beat writer intended to be funny. That's all it is. There's no great significance to it. Things would not have progressed this far without rock solid plans, including (probably especially) funding, in place. The stadium will be built.

[Valpo Zip]

I never thought that those merger discussions were serious... now it is starting to bother me as it seems like it is seriously being considered.I don't know about you guys, but i feel sick when i immagine this cleveland state zips thing . If some one in the political ranks is testing the waters, we need to make sure they understand how we feel about this move.I personally did not go to CSU (or NE Ohio university, if that's what they will call the new entity), it is not my Alma Mater... i will never contribute a penny to it or attend its athletic events. I will never vote for anyone who is involved in such a merger, might i add.Let's see how stubborn politicians can be.

[Captain Kangaroo]

You guys rip on Elton Alexander, but the guy is awesome. How many other reporters can go to a Halloween party and simply wear their everyday outfit?

[zen]

I will never vote for anyone who is involved in such a merger, might i add.

Better yet, I think they need to be voted out as soon as possible. We have two more years of Stickland. I'm not even sure if Fingerhut currently holds an elected office or is just a washed up hack who has been appointed to a post... but I am going to look into it. These guys need to be removed before they can do some serious damage

[ziptrumpet87]

I will never vote for anyone who is involved in such a merger, might i add.

Better yet, I think they need to be voted out as soon as possible. We have two more years of Stickland. I'm not even sure if Fingerhut currently holds an elected office or is just a washed up hack who has been appointed to a post... but I am going to look into it. These guys need to be removed before they can do some serious damage

Fingerhut has an appointed position courtesy of Strickland.

[ZipAlumn]

I will never vote for anyone who is involved in such a merger, might i add.

Better yet, I think they need to be voted out as soon as possible. We have two more years of Stickland. I'm not even sure if Fingerhut currently holds an elected office or is just a washed up hack who has been appointed to a post... but I am going to look into it. These guys need to be removed before they can do some serious damage

The people on this board should be proactive and contact (respectfully of course) the people involved in this boondoggle. They are:Ted Strickland - Governorted.strickland@governor.ohio.govGovernor's OfficeRiffe Center, 30th Floor77 South High StreetColumbus, OH 43215-6108General Info: (614) 466-3555 Fax: (614) 466-9354Eric Fingerhut - Chancellor, Board of Regentsefingerhut@regents.state.oh.us.Ohio Board of Regents 30 East Broad Street, 36th floor Columbus, OH 43215-3414614-466-0887FAX: 614-466-5866Give'em hell ........ :mad_flame: