Akron Alum Matthew A. Cherry Earns Oscar Nomination

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AKRON, Ohio — The University of Akron football alumnus Matthew A. Cherry [2000-03] has earned an Academy Award nomination, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced on Monday morning.

Cherry's nod is for his animated short film "Hair Love", which tells the heartfelt story of an African-American father learning to do his daughter's hair for the first time.

The 92^nd Academy Awards ceremony is slated for Sunday, Feb. 9, at 6:30 PM ET at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. ABC will televise the ceremony live.

Cherry, a second-team All-Mid-American Conference selection at wide receiver in 2003, still holds two punt return records at Akron. His 305 punt return yards are the most for a season (2003), while his two punt return touchdowns are tied for the most in a season (2003). The Zips' team captain was a two-time recipient of the team's Harry "Doc" Smith Award. Following his senior season, he participated in the Las Vegas Classic.

Cherry studied mass media, radio and television at Akron.

A native of Chicago, Ill., Cherry played three seasons in the NFL– Jacksonville Jaguars (2004), Cincinnati Bengals (2005), Carolina Panthers (2006). He retired from the Baltimore Ravens in 2007 following an injury.

Under the guidance of second-year head coach Tom Arth, Akron opens the 2020 season with Youngstown State (Sept. 5).

Season ticket plans are now available for purchase by calling or texting 888-99-AKRON (25766) or visiting The C.P. and Cornelia S. Chima Athletics Ticket Office at InfoCision Stadium-Summa Field (located at 375 E. Exchange Street, near Gate 1 at the southwest corner of the venue, at the corner of E. Exchange and S. Union streets).

The University of Akron Athletics

Akron Alum Matthew A. Cherry Earns Oscar Nomination

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