The University of Akron Athletics
athletics emails tom 2012 13 november 30 2012
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One of the best compliments I have heard paid to Caleb Porter and what he has done with our Men’s Soccer program is that every Zips fan who attended Sunday’s match vs. Creighton never considered that would be our final game this year. It’s a tribute to the type of a winning mentality that he has instilled in Akron Soccer that we all remain stunned that we’re not still playing soccer.
Penalty kicks are a cruel way for a season, or – in the case of seniors Chad Barson, Scott Caldwell, David Meves and Thomas Schmitt – a career to end. And while it certainly wasn’t the ending any of us wished for, having so many of you there at FirstEnergy Stadium – Cub Cadet Field to cheer on our team until the end proved once again the strength of Zips Nation.
Did you know that of the 40 games played during the first three rounds of this year’s NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer Tournament, we had two of the top four most-attended matches?
Speaking of thanks, we started a hashtag on Twitter – #ThanksCaleb – to allow everyone to pay a quick tribute to the Coach who has meant so much to so many of us. We also posted a photo on Facebook we would like you to share.
And please join us in person to thank Caleb and his family for seven wonderful years at The University of Akron. We will host an open reception from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 12 on the FirstMerit Foundation Club Level (fifth floor) of InfoCision Stadium. The social hour will begin at 6 p.m. and the program will start at 7 p.m. Please RSVP to Nancy Stott at nsstott@uakron.edu or 330-972-6895 – light hors d-oeuvres will be served, and a cash bar will be available. Click HERE for the event flyer.
WOMEN’S HOOPS OFF TO HOT START!
Our Women’s Basketball team is on fire, having won five of its first six games, its best start to a season since 1995-96! Coming off of a 46-point victory at Saint Peter’s, Coach Jodi Kest and our team now plays four of its next five at home, including:
-Tomorrow (Saturday, Dec. 1) at 2 p.m. vs. Canisius
-Saturday, Dec. 8 at 2 p.m. vs. Wright State
-Saturday, Dec. 15 at 2 p.m. vs. Cincinnati of the Big East Conference, when we invite Kids to Take Over the JAR. Click here to sign up a child (ages 6 to 12) by Dec. 11 to shadow our game-day staff, including our public address announcer, a band member, cheerleader, videographer, deejay, sound technician and marketing staff. Priority will be given to members of Zippy’s Kids Club.
-Tuesday, Dec. 18 at 5:30 p.m. vs. Top 25 Dayton – which will be followed immediately by our Men hosting Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Season ticketholders for both will be admitted to both games.
As for the Men, don’t forget that we host Middle Tennessee State at 2 p.m. Sunday at the JAR … in addition to it being a big contest, we have exciting news as a department that we’ll be sharing then …
ZIPPY INVITATIONAL
This weekend we host our biggest Swim Meet of the year, the Zippy Invitational, at Ocasek Natatorium. Today began at 9 a.m., and Saturday's preliminary sessions will as well, and tonight and Saturday night the finals start at 6 p.m. Sunday's morning prelim session will also being at 9 a.m. with the meet's last session set for Sunday at 4 p.m. Diving events will be contested in the afternoon in between swimming sessions today and Saturday.
If you can't make it to the pool, we're providing a live video stream and real-time results for free throughout the weekend.
WE RECEIVE AN “A” FROM THE BCA
The Black Coaches and Administrators organization just announced its annual Hiring Report Card for NCAA FBS and FCS Football Head Coaching Positions, and I am proud to share with you that The University of Akron received an A in the 2011-12 report. While we were among 15 BCS schools to earn that final grade, we were one of just four to earn As in all four categories (Communication, Search Committee, Candidates Interviewed and Time Frame).
MUST WATCH: #ZipsGameday FOR OHIO’S PRIDE
I wanted to share this special video so you could see all the preparation for each football game-day by our Band. Thanks to Bob Jorgensen, Galen Karriker and all of the members who play loud and proud each week at InfoCision Stadium – Summa Field!
ZIPS CONGRATS TO …
… Softball head coach Julie Jones for signing a three-year contract extension …
… Women’s Basketball junior guard Hanna Luburgh for being named MAC East Player of the Week …
… Football senior wide receiver Marquelo Suel for being named to the All-MAC Third Team …
… Men’s Soccer student-athletes Chad Barson, Reinaldo Brenes, Scott Caldwell and David Meves, who were named to the Academic All-America team by CoSIDA. It was the third time Barson and Meves received this honor, and the second for Caldwell. Barson, Brenes and Caldwell were named to the First Team, a program high for the Zips, while Meves earned Second Team honors.
… Men’s
Soccer senior Scott Caldwell for being named a semifinalist for
the Hermann Trophy …
ZIPS CLIPS
… Marla Ridenour of the Akron Beacon Journal on Caleb Porter pursuing his next “rush” …
… George Thomas of the ABJ on Terry Bowden’s focus already shifting to the 2013 season
… Lake Minnetonka Patch on Brenna and Callie Mack, twin sisters who will be attending Akron and playing Volleyball for the Zips …
ASK THE AD …
As always, if you have a question or want to comment about Zips Athletics, click here now or at any time on the “Ask the AD” button on the home page of GoZips.com.
Go Zips!
Tom Wistrcill
Director of Athletics
