The University of Akron Athletics
Akron Softball Coaches, Alumni Honored by Akron Racers
June 25 | Softball
Akron Beacon Journal Special Insert
Akron Beacon Journal Story on Akron Racers Celebration
AKRON, Ohio – With the 40th anniversary of the enactment of Title IX on Saturday, the Akron Racers hosted a pregame ceremony before playing the Chicago Bandits at Firestone Stadium to celebrate on Saturday to celebrate the historic legislation.
As part of the pregame festivities, the Racers honored 40 of the most influential women to the game of softball in Northeast Ohio.
In all, 14 members of the Akron softball family, including 13 players and current head coach Julie Jones, were honored in the ceremony for their contributions to the game of softball in Northeast Ohio. Among those honored were six of Akron's former All-Americans and two Academic All-Americans.
The list of Akron softball alumni included: Becky (Bailey) Brant (1982-85), Kathleen Jordan-Holt (1986-89), Amy (Madrin) Mathia (1987-90), Tina (Mayreis) Smith (1982-85), Tiffany (McCoy) Yehle (1998-2001), Tracee McCoy (2000-03), Kay Piper (1982-85), Rose Marie Torma (1981-84), Cheryl (Vance) Nash (1980-83), Dani (Vance) Crookston (1981-84), Renee (Vance) Richardson (1983-86), Deann Viebranz (1981-84) and Jill Williams (1979-82).
Also, The University of Akron Department of Athletics announced on Monday a number of special activities to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Title IX during the 2012-13 season.
The highlight of the festivities will coincide with the football team's homecoming game on Oct. 6 against Bowling Green at InfoCision Stadium – Summa Field at 2 p.m. (ET). All former Akron female student-athletes and club sport participants will be invited to an on-campus reception, starting at 10 a.m., and be recognized at halftime.
Furthermore, in the days leading up to the event, GoZips.com will countdown the top 40 female athletes in Zips' history and fans will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite all-time program achievements on Facebook.
