The University of Akron Athletics
Akron Athletics Hosts Seventh Annual Zippy Awards
April 26 | Cross Country, Football, Men's Basketball, Men's Golf, Men's Soccer, Rifle, Softball, Track & Field, Women's Basketball, Women's Golf, Women's Soccer, Women's Swimming & Diving, Women's Tennis, Women's Volleyball, Academics, Baseball, Women's Lacrosse
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VIDEOS:Â
Zippy Awards Show
Individual Sport HighlightsÂ
2019-20 All-Sport Highlights
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AKRON, Ohio – The University of Akron Department of Athletics held its Seventh Annual Zippy Awards, celebrating the achievements of the department's 500-plus student-athletes on Sunday evening with the award winners announced live online.
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Student-athletes and coaches from UA's 20 intercollegiate sports teams, along with online fans, tuned in to celebrate a memorable year of achievements for the Zips.
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Named the Caroline J. Pardee Female Athlete of the Year was track and field senior Lucy Bryan (Bristol, England). Men's basketball junior Loren Cristian Jackson (Chicago, Ill.) was named the James Horrigan Male Athlete of the Year.
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The Bob Linton Student-Athlete Awards, which recognize students for their hard work in their respective sports, in the classroom, and in the community, went to track and field senior Mackenzie Andrews (Toowoomba, Australia) and track and field senior Matt Ludwig (Chardon, Ohio).
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The Newcomer of the Year Awards went to swimming's Weronika Gorecka (Wroclaw, Poland) and track and field's Demetrius Jackson (Cleveland, Ohio).
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The Jim Schonover Award for the highest team grade-point average was given to the women's cross country team (3.68 GPA) for spring 2019 and (3.76 GPA) for fall 2019.
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The Zippy Cup for team community service went to the football program, which accumulated nearly 1,134 hours during the 2019-20 academic year. The Zips volunteered at events all over Akron, including the 2nd & 7 Foundation, Haven of Rest, Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, LeBron James Family Foundation, pen pal program with local elementary schools, Portersville Volunteer Fire Department, and Summit Christian Academy. The 20 UA teams combined for a total of 5,698 hours of community service in nine months.
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The Clayton Murphy Outstanding Achievement Award for going above and beyond was given to rifle head coach Newt Engle. Longest-tenured head coach at Akron, he just completed his 42nd season with the Zips. Named the 2020 Collegiate Rifle Coaches Association (CRCA) National Coach of the Year for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Engle guided his team to the highest national ranking in program history (No. 4), its best finish at the Great America Rifle Conference Championship (third), and its first appearance in the NCAA Championships.
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UA introduced its second class– a total of 39 Zips– into the Chi Alpha Sigma, the National Collegiate Athlete Honor Society, which recognizes student-athletes who excel both on and off the field of competition.
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Senior reflections were given by Haliegh Reinoehl (women's basketball) and Student-Athlete Advisory Council President Mitch McFarland (men's golf).
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The program included remarks by President Dr. Gary Miller, Director of Athletics Larry Williams, Faculty Athletics Representative Dr. Matthew Juravich, and Chi Alpha Sigma faculty advisor Dr. Laura Richardson.
In addition to honoring the student-athletes graduating in the spring and summer of 2020, the department also recognized seniors Mackenzie Andrews (track & field) and Matt Ludwig (track & field) for earning the 2020 Mid-American Conference Medal of Excellence Award. The award is presented annually to one male and one female student-athlete at each MAC member institution who participated on the varsity level in a conference-sponsored sport and shown evidence of academic success with a minimum GPA of a 3.5.
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2020 Zippy Award Winners
Caroline J. Pardee Female Athlete of the Year: Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
has given outstanding athletic performances within her sport over the past year and offered exceptional contributions to her team. Nominees can be from any class year and consideration is based mainly on athletic accomplishment.
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Lucy Bryan, Track & Field [Senior]
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James Horrigan Male Athlete of the Year: Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
has given outstanding athletic performances within his sport over the past year and offered exceptional contributions to his team. Nominees can be from any class year and consideration is based mainly on athletic accomplishment.
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Loren Cristian Jackson, Basketball [Redshirt Junior]
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Bob Linton Female Student-Athlete of the Year: Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
recognizes a female student-athlete who has earned a varsity letter, is in her final year of eligibility, has maintained a GPA of 3.5 or better, and who is a leader on her team and in the community.
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Mackenzie Andrews, Track & Field [Redshirt Senior]
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Bob Linton Male Student-Athlete of the Year:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
recognizes a male student-athlete who has earned a varsity letter, is in his final year of eligibility, has maintained a GPA of 3.5 or better, and who is a leader on his team and in the community.
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Matt Ludwig, Track & Field [Senior]
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Newcomer of the Year:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
is presented to the male and female student-athletes who have shown outstanding athletic skill in their first year of competition at UA.
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FEMALE
Weronika Gorecka, Swimming & Diving [Freshman]
MALE
Demetrius Jackson, Track & Field [Redshirt Freshman]
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Clayton Murphy Outstanding Achievement Award:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
is given to an outstanding individual who has not only gone above and beyond being a Zip in his/her athletic performances but has made exceptional contributions to his/her sport over the past year on a national/international level.Â
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Newt Engle [Rifle Head Coach]
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Jim Schonover Award                                                                                                                               Â
is presented to the team that sports the highest grade-point average each semester.
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           Spring 2019:              Women's Cross Country (3.68 GPA)
           Fall 2019:                   Women's Cross Country (3.76 GPA)
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Zippy Cup                                                                                                                                                    Â
is presented to the team that totals the most points from academics, community outreach and service, and SAAC communication.
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           2019-20:                     Football
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VIDEOS:Â
Zippy Awards Show
Individual Sport HighlightsÂ
2019-20 All-Sport Highlights
Â
 Â
AKRON, Ohio – The University of Akron Department of Athletics held its Seventh Annual Zippy Awards, celebrating the achievements of the department's 500-plus student-athletes on Sunday evening with the award winners announced live online.
Â
Student-athletes and coaches from UA's 20 intercollegiate sports teams, along with online fans, tuned in to celebrate a memorable year of achievements for the Zips.
Â
Named the Caroline J. Pardee Female Athlete of the Year was track and field senior Lucy Bryan (Bristol, England). Men's basketball junior Loren Cristian Jackson (Chicago, Ill.) was named the James Horrigan Male Athlete of the Year.
Â
The Bob Linton Student-Athlete Awards, which recognize students for their hard work in their respective sports, in the classroom, and in the community, went to track and field senior Mackenzie Andrews (Toowoomba, Australia) and track and field senior Matt Ludwig (Chardon, Ohio).
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The Newcomer of the Year Awards went to swimming's Weronika Gorecka (Wroclaw, Poland) and track and field's Demetrius Jackson (Cleveland, Ohio).
Â
The Jim Schonover Award for the highest team grade-point average was given to the women's cross country team (3.68 GPA) for spring 2019 and (3.76 GPA) for fall 2019.
Â
The Zippy Cup for team community service went to the football program, which accumulated nearly 1,134 hours during the 2019-20 academic year. The Zips volunteered at events all over Akron, including the 2nd & 7 Foundation, Haven of Rest, Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, LeBron James Family Foundation, pen pal program with local elementary schools, Portersville Volunteer Fire Department, and Summit Christian Academy. The 20 UA teams combined for a total of 5,698 hours of community service in nine months.
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The Clayton Murphy Outstanding Achievement Award for going above and beyond was given to rifle head coach Newt Engle. Longest-tenured head coach at Akron, he just completed his 42nd season with the Zips. Named the 2020 Collegiate Rifle Coaches Association (CRCA) National Coach of the Year for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Engle guided his team to the highest national ranking in program history (No. 4), its best finish at the Great America Rifle Conference Championship (third), and its first appearance in the NCAA Championships.
Â
UA introduced its second class– a total of 39 Zips– into the Chi Alpha Sigma, the National Collegiate Athlete Honor Society, which recognizes student-athletes who excel both on and off the field of competition.
Â
Senior reflections were given by Haliegh Reinoehl (women's basketball) and Student-Athlete Advisory Council President Mitch McFarland (men's golf).
Â
The program included remarks by President Dr. Gary Miller, Director of Athletics Larry Williams, Faculty Athletics Representative Dr. Matthew Juravich, and Chi Alpha Sigma faculty advisor Dr. Laura Richardson.
In addition to honoring the student-athletes graduating in the spring and summer of 2020, the department also recognized seniors Mackenzie Andrews (track & field) and Matt Ludwig (track & field) for earning the 2020 Mid-American Conference Medal of Excellence Award. The award is presented annually to one male and one female student-athlete at each MAC member institution who participated on the varsity level in a conference-sponsored sport and shown evidence of academic success with a minimum GPA of a 3.5.
Â
2020 Zippy Award Winners
Caroline J. Pardee Female Athlete of the Year: Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
has given outstanding athletic performances within her sport over the past year and offered exceptional contributions to her team. Nominees can be from any class year and consideration is based mainly on athletic accomplishment.
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Lucy Bryan, Track & Field [Senior]
- 2019 Outdoor first-team All-American honor, earning fifth All-American honor at the 2019 NCAA Outdoor Championship with a fifth-place finish registering a mark of 14-3.25 (4.35m)
- Five-time Academic All-MAC selection, four-time MAC Distinguished Scholar-Athlete, 2019 Â USTFCCA Great Lakes Region Field Event Athlete of the Year (Outdoor), 2018 and 2019 USTFCCCA Academic All-American
- Won her fourth consecutive MAC title in the women's pole vault with a meet-record mark of 14-6.75 (4.44m) at the 2020 MAC Indoor Track and Field Championships en route to being named the 2020 MAC Women's Field Most Outstanding Performer of the Year
- Holds MAC Indoor (14-6.75/4.44m) and Outdoor (14-2/4.32m) Championship records in the women's pole vault as well as the MAC and school records for the indoor (14-9.50/4.51m) and outdoor pole vault (14-9/4.50m), set at the 2020 Akron Invitational and 2019 LSU Invitational, respectively.
- Registered third-best bar in the NCAA going into the 2020 NCAA Indoor Championships (Championships canceled)
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James Horrigan Male Athlete of the Year: Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
has given outstanding athletic performances within his sport over the past year and offered exceptional contributions to his team. Nominees can be from any class year and consideration is based mainly on athletic accomplishment.
                                                  Â
Loren Cristian Jackson, Basketball [Redshirt Junior]
- 2020 MAC Player of the Year and earned Lou Henson All-America Team status while collecting first team All-MAC and All-NABC District 14
- Started all 31 games and averaged a team-high 19.8 points per game which ranked second in league scoring and 30th in the NCAA.
- Eclipsed the 1,000-point career scoring mark, becoming the 46th player in Akron history to post over 1,000 points. He currently ranks 40th on the Zips all-time scoring list with 1,075 points in 64 games played. In addition, Jackson earned the #LouHensonAward National Player of the Week honor along with four MAC East Player of the Week awards.
- Recorded double-digit points in 27 games, including a season-high 35 points three times. In addition, Jackson scored 30-plus points on five occasions.
- Led the Zips from behind the 3-point arc, draining 92 triples which ranked third in the league and 23rd in the NCAA. His 42.8 shooting percentage from deep was also a team-best and ranked second in the MAC and 14th in the NCAA, while the 2.97 triples per game ranked 23rd in the country and second in the league. At the free throw line, Jackson buried 135-of-154 for a 87.7 percentage and placed first in the MAC and 22nd in the NCAA.
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Bob Linton Female Student-Athlete of the Year: Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
recognizes a female student-athlete who has earned a varsity letter, is in her final year of eligibility, has maintained a GPA of 3.5 or better, and who is a leader on her team and in the community.
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Mackenzie Andrews, Track & Field [Redshirt Senior]
- 4.000 in (master's) Exercise Physiology ... earned bachelor's degree in physical education (3.878 GPA) in 2017
- 2018 and 2019 USTFCCCA Academic All-American ... 10-time Academic All-MAC selection ... MAC Distinguished Scholar-Athlete eight times ... two-time All-American, including honorable mention accolades in the 3,000-meter steeplechase at 2019 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships
- Five-time MAC Champion ... won the 1,500 meters and 3,000-meter steeplechase at 2019 MAC Outdoor ... named the MAC's Women's Most Valuable Performer triumphing in the mile, 3,000 meters and as part of the distance medley relay at the 2019 MAC Indoor Championships
- First-team All-MAC in cross country ... placed seventh at the 2019 MAC Cross Country Championships in a time of 22:07.2.
- Community service includes:Â Â Akron Marathon, Akron Food Bank, Thank-a-thon, various road races ... served as a volunteer coach for the Akron track & field staff during the spring semester.
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Bob Linton Male Student-Athlete of the Year:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
recognizes a male student-athlete who has earned a varsity letter, is in his final year of eligibility, has maintained a GPA of 3.5 or better, and who is a leader on his team and in the community.
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Matt Ludwig, Track & Field [Senior]
- 3.885 GPA in Biomedical Engineering
- Seven-time All-American, including five first-team citations, garnered second-team All-America honors in the pole vault at the 2019 NCAA Outdoor Championships after battling through late-season injuries to register a mark of 17-6.50 (5.35m) to place 13th.       Â
- Won the NCAA title in the pole vault at the 2017 NCAA Outdoor Championships with a mark of 18-4.50 (5.60m), while placing second, third, fourth and fourth at the 2018 Outdoor, 2017 Indoor, 2018 Indoor and 2019 NCAA Indoor Championships.Â
- A five-time MAC Champion in the pole vault, garnered All-MAC accolades for the sixth time persevering through injury to place second in the pole vault at the 2019 MAC Outdoor Track and Field Championships ... four-time Academic All-MAC and MAC Distinguished Scholar-Athlete ... 2019 MAC Most Outstanding Field Performer of the Meet (Indoor) and 2017, 2018 and 2019 USTFCCCA Academic All-American and 2020 USATF National Indoor title with a career-best clearance of 19-2.25 (5.85m) ... had the seventh-highest clearance in the NCAA during the 2019 outdoor campaign in the men's pole vault besting 18-7.25 (5.67m) at the Beach Invitational, before earning a qualifying mark of 17-5 (5.31m) at NCAA East Preliminary Round to advance to nationals
- Community service includes:Â Akron Marathon, OHSAA HS track meets
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Newcomer of the Year:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
is presented to the male and female student-athletes who have shown outstanding athletic skill in their first year of competition at UA.
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FEMALE
Weronika Gorecka, Swimming & Diving [Freshman]
- 2020 MAC Co-Freshman Swimmer of the Year ... All-MAC Second Team
- Member of the MAC champion the 400 medley relay and the MAC team champion
- Earned three top-four finishes at 2020 MAC Championships, including first in the 400 medley relay (3:35.13), third in the 200 back (1:55.82), and fourth in the 100 back (54.23)
- Placed first in the 400 medley relay (3:37.51) and the 200 back (1:55.75) at the Zippy Invitational, and swam three first-place B-cut times at the Zips Classic in the 400 medley relay (3:37.60), 100 back (54.64), and the 200 medley relay (1:40.88)
- Earned victories in the 100 back (55.54) and the 200 back (1:58.61) against Miami, and took first in the 100 fly (58.16), 200 back (2:00.79), and the 400 medley relay (3:49.54) against Ohio.
MALE
Demetrius Jackson, Track & Field [Redshirt Freshman]
- Earned All-America honors at the NCAA Indoor Championships on the strength of posting the ninth-fastest qualifying time (20.75) in the NCAA in 2020 for the men's 200 meters
- Four-time MAC champion, earning three MAC titles at the 2020 MAC Indoor Track and Field Championships ... won the 60 and 200 meters, along with running on the winning 4x400 relay ... tabbed the MAC Most Valuable Performer and Freshman Track Performer of the Year
- Named the MAC Freshman Track Performer of the Meet at the 2019 MAC Outdoor Track and Field Championships after running on winning 4x100 relay, while also garnering second-team All-MAC honors placing second in the 100 meters and third in the 200 meters
- Twice set school-record time in the indoor 200 meters (20.75) at the 2020 MAC Indoor Track and Field Championships, the time is the third-fastest in MAC Indoor Championship history
- Posted No. 9 and No. 68 marks in the NCAA in 2020 in the 200 and 60 meters, respectively
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Clayton Murphy Outstanding Achievement Award:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
is given to an outstanding individual who has not only gone above and beyond being a Zip in his/her athletic performances but has made exceptional contributions to his/her sport over the past year on a national/international level.Â
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Newt Engle [Rifle Head Coach]
- Longest-tenured head coach at Akron [just completed 42nd season]
- Named the 2020 Collegiate Rifle Coaches Association (CRCA) National Coach of the Year (for the second consecutive year)
- In 2020, Engle guided his team to the highest national ranking in program history (No. 4), its best finish at the Great America Rifle Conference Championship (third), and its first appearance in the NCAA Championships.
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Jim Schonover Award                                                                                                                               Â
is presented to the team that sports the highest grade-point average each semester.
Â
           Spring 2019:              Women's Cross Country (3.68 GPA)
           Fall 2019:                   Women's Cross Country (3.76 GPA)
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Zippy Cup                                                                                                                                                    Â
is presented to the team that totals the most points from academics, community outreach and service, and SAAC communication.
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           2019-20:                     Football
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Players Mentioned
/ Cross Country
Pole Vault
/ Track & Field
Back
/ Women's Swimming & Diving
Sprints
/ Track & Field
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/ Men's Basketball
Pole Vault
/ Track & Field
Distance
/ Cross Country
F
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2025 Akron Zips Football Post-Game Press Conference vs. Wyoming - with Student-Athletes - 8/28/2025
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