The University of Akron Athletics
In the News Archive: December 2015
Follow the Zips in local and national publications with "In The News," updated regularly with links to stories about Zips Athletics, the University and Mid-American Conference.
Saturday, December 26
FB: Coach Terry Bowden talks about Zips’ win at Idaho Potato Bowl (audio), by WAKR
MBB: Zips feed ‘Big Dog’ Isaiah Johnson to top Bulldogs, by Michael Beaven, Akron Beacon Journal
MBB: Akron Zips defeat Iona in South Point Holiday Hoops Classic, 78-64 
by Cleveland Plain Dealer
MBB: Eastern Michigan, Akron top five teams that pass the eye test: MAC Basketball 2016
by Elton Alexander, Cleveland Plain Dealer
FB: Rodney Coe closes career at Akron, by The Telegraph
FB: Stein, Brown lead Akron past Utah State in Potato Bowl, by Boston Herald
WBB: Warren Harding graduate, Anita Brown, has blossomed for Zips
by Steve Wilaj, The Vindicator
Wednesday, December 23
FB: Zips secure first bowl victory in school history, by Marla Ridenour, Akron Beacon Journal
FB: Akron kicker Robert Stein shines, by Dave Southorn, Idaho Statesman
FB: Akron celebrates first bowl win in 116 years, by Ron Clements, Sporting News
Tuesday, December 22
FB: Bowl appearance a first step for UA football program, but real test comes next season, by Marla Ridenour, Akron Beacon Journal
WBB: Zips roll past Penguins in final tuneup before MAC play, by Jimmy Miller, Akron Beacon Journal
MBB: Noah Robotham leads Zips to fifth consecutive victory, by Akron Beacon Journal
FB: On eve of record 49th start, nose tackle Cody Grice of Firestone leaves them laughing, by Marla Ridenour, Akron Beacon Journal
FB: Utah State vs. Akron: Famous Idaho Potato Bowl Preview, by Alex Nieves, Sports Illustrated
FB: Akron aims for 1st bowl win facing Utah State, by USA Today
FB: Pen Argyl grad Dylan Evans wrapping up his Akron career in Potato Bowl, by Mandy Housenick, The Morning Call
Monday, December 21
FB: Focus on local talent helped Terry Bowden build Zips into winners, by George M. Thomas, Akron Beacon Journal
WBB: Anita Brown’s buzzer-beater lifts Akron to 77-75 victory in overtime over Northern Kentucky in women’s basketball, by Akron Beacon Journal
FB: There’s more to a potato than a football bowl, by Akron Beacon Journal
FB: Akron football coach Terry Bowden talks about life, football and the Famous Potato Bowl
by Terry Pluto, Cleveland Plain Dealer
FB: Akron’s Lane breaks out after finally finding position, by Michael Lycklama, Idaho Statesman
FB: Famous Idaho Potato Bowl notebook: Bowdens in Boise, by Idaho Statesman
FB: Akron’s top defender driven by doubters, by Michael Lycklama, Idaho Statesman
FB: Terry Bowden turns Akron into a bowl team, by Steve Luhm, Salt Lake Tribune
FB: Akron defense provides big bowl obstacle for Utah State, by Steve Luhm, Salt Lake Tribune
MBB: Akron basketball departs for South Point Holiday Hoops Classic
by Pike County News Watchman
FB: Green duo have seen lows, enjoy highs of Akron bowl trip, by Joe Scalzo, Canton Repository
FB: Jackson's Buddenberg made key play in Akron's run to the postseason, by Mike Popovich, Canton Repository
FB: Transfer to Akron worth the wait for McKinley's Pittman, by Mike Popovich, Canton Repository
FB: Akron brings a never give up attitude to Idaho, by Dan Hawk, KIVI-TV
FB: Akron Zips and Utah State Aggies face off in Boise, by Mike Popovich, Canton Repository
Friday, December 18
FB: Mount Union's quest for a title has Terry Pluto talkin’ to Terry Bowden about impact
by Terry Pluto, Cleveland Plain Dealer
FB: Famous Idaho Potato Bowl and Albertsons Build on Annual “BOWL for Charity” Success to Create Meaningful Contributions for Local Charities, by FIPB
FB: Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: Akron Zips vs. Utah State Aggies, by Wager Talk
Thursday, December 17
FB: Development of quarterback Thomas Woodson is key to Zips’ success, by George M. Thomas, Akron Beacon Journal
FB: Voices of the game with Newy Scruggs, Special Guest: Coach Terry Bowden (audio), by NBC Sports Radio
FB: Coach Terry Bowden Previews Zips Bowl Game/ Jasen Sokol Show (audio), by WAKR
Wednesday, December 16
FB: Ten Zips football players, 12 Golden Flashes earn academic honors, by Akron Beacon Journal
FB: Akron-Utah St. Preview, by Fox Sports
FB: Utah State vs. Akron Prediction, Famous Idaho Potato Bowl Preview, by Pete Fiutak, Campus Insiders
Tuesday, December 15
MBB: Akron, Cleveland State, Kent State establishing their identities: College Basketball 2015
by Elton Alexander, Cleveland Plain Dealer
Monday, December 14
MBB: Return of Noah Robotham from knee injury gives Zips crowded, talented backcourt, by George M. Thomas, Akron Beacon Journal
MSOC: Zips eliminated by Stanford 8-7 on penalty kicks in NCAA semifinal, by Marla Ridenour, Akron Beacon Journal
MSOC: Zips live up to program’s reputation despite crushing night at College Cup, by Marla Ridenour, Akron Beacon Journal
MBB: Zips go behind the 3-point arc to take down Bethune-Cookman 81-60, by Ryan Lewis, Akron Beason Journal
MSOC: Akron Zips had their chances in College Cup 2015 semifinal loss to Stanford
by Elton Alexander, Cleveland Plain Dealer
FB: Greensburg Central Catholic grad enjoys breakthrough season at Akron
by Bruce Wald, TribLIVE
Friday, December 11
MSOC: Finally getting his due, Zips coach Jared Embick hopes to erase a summer of negativity with NCAA title, by Marla Ridenour, Akron Beacon Journal
MBB: Bethune-Cookman senior Ricky Johnson, a former St. Vincent-St. Mary standout, set to return to Akron for game against Zips, by Jimmy Miller, Akron Beacon Journal
MSOC: Jake Fenlason's strong play helps lift Akron soccer into College Cup 2015
by Elton Alexander, Cleveland Plain Dealer
MSOC: Akron, Stanford, Clemson, Syracuse battle for College Cup
by Skylar Rolstad, NCAA
MSOC: Amherst’s Souders hopes to spark Akron to NCAA title
by Chris Sweeney, Chronicle-Telegram
Thursday, December 10
MSOC: Richie Laryea uses fiery emotions to spur Zips, but sometimes sees yellow, by Marla Ridenour, Akron Beacon Journal
FB: University of Akron gets little love among bowl prognosticators, by Craig Webb, Akron Beacon Journal
WBB: UA women’s basketball team wins third consecutive game, by Akron Beacon Journal
MSOC: Akron most recent champion in College Cup 2015 soccer tournament
by Elton Alexander, Cleveland Plain Dealer
FB: Bowden brings belief, success to Akron football
by Chadd Cripe, Idaho Statesman
Wednesday, December 9
MSOC: Adam Najem unfazed by MAC slight, focused on bringing Zips another national title, by Marla Ridenour, Akron Beacon Journal
Tuesday, December 8
FB: Coach Terry Bowden on Zips at Famous Idaho Potato Bowl Part 1 (audio), by WAKR, Jasen Sokol
FB: Coach Terry Bowden on Zips at Famous Idaho Potato Bowl Part 2 (audio), by WAKR, Jasen Sokol
S&D: Sadie Fazekas leads UA swim team in Olympic time-trial dual, by Akron Beacon Journal
FB: USU, returning to Boise for the third time in five years, is excited to play Akron
by Steve Luhm, The Salt Lake Tribune
FB: UA football team heads west for bowl game
by Terry Rabbitts, The Buchtelite
Monday, December 7
MSOC: Akron defeats Creighton 3-2 in double overtime; Adam Najem’s golden goal just as he pictured, by Marla Ridenour, Akron Beacon Journal
MSOC: Akron to play Stanford at 8:30 p.m. Friday in NCAA men’s soccer national semifinal, by Marla Ridenour, Akron Beacon Journal
FB: Zips will play Utah State in Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, by George M. Thomas, Akron Beacon Journal
WBB: Hot-shooting Zips rout visiting Central Florida 74-54
by Richie Mulhall, Akron Beacon Journal
MBB: UA basketball coach Keith Dambrot hopes private plane will help him watch son in NCAA soccer semifinals, by Akron Beacon Journal
S&D: Luka Szynal sets MAC record in 200 backstroke, UA wins Zippy Invitational swim meet, by Akron Beacon Journal
MSOC: Akron soccer headed to the NCAA College Cup after 3-2 win over Creighton
by Elton Alexander, Cleveland Plain Dealer
MSOC: Akron Zips will take on Stanford on Friday in College Cup 2015
by Elton Alexander, Cleveland Plain Dealer
MSOC: Zips end Creighton's season with free kick in 2nd overtime
by Omaha World-Herald
MSOC: Akron defeats Creighton in double-overtime
by Lincoln Journal Star
FB: 2015 College Football Bowl Selections: 7 MAC teams are going bowling
by Alex Alvarado, Hustle Belt
FB: Famous Idaho Potato Bowl matchup set: Utah State vs. Akron
by Dave Southorn, Idaho Statesman
Saturday, December 5
MSOC: With Zips in elite eight, blueprint drawn up by Caleb Porter, Jared Embick again reaping dividends
by Marla Ridenour, Akron Beacon Journal
MSOC: After leaving a legacy at Akron, Portland Timbers coach Caleb Porter aims for more history in Ohio, by Will Parchman, MLS
MSOC: Former Akron Zips reflect on "surreal" return to Ohio for MLS Cup with Portland Timbers , by Nicholas Rosano, MLS
MSOC: Creighton soccer seniors know challenge of earning win in Akron
by Steven Pivovar, Omaha World-Herald
MBB: Akron pulls away late for 75-65 victory over Marshall, by CBS Sports
MBB: Zips shake off Herd
by Rick McCann, The Herald-Dispatch
Friday, December 4
MSOC: Akron soccer success has Terry Talkin' about the remarkable story of how it happened during a coaching change
by Terry Pluto, Cleveland Plain Dealer
MSOC: Akron enters rematch with Creighton having learned from letdowns
by Ryan Soderlin, Omaha World-Herald
MBB: Marshall seeks first win against Zips
by Rick McCann, The Herald-Dispatch
MSOC: Perfect fit from Zips to Crew
by Adam Jardy, The Columbus Dispatch
Thursday, December 3
MSOC: As pressure ramps up and his career winds down, Zips goalie Jake Fenlason focuses on revenge for 2012 seniors
Marla Ridenour, Akron Beacon Journal
MBB: Zips rally for 77-71 home win over Coppin State
by George M. Thomas, Akron Beacon Journal
WBB: Zips run past Rochester College 103-37
George M. Thomas, Akron Beacon Journal
FB: UA senior linebacker Jatavis Brown named Mid-American Conference’s defensive player of the year
by Akron Beacon Journal
MBB: Akron Zips hold off Coppin State, 77-71
by Cleveland Plain Dealer
FB: Bowling Green's Matt Johnson, Akron's Jatavis Brown lead All-MAC football teams
by Elton Alexander, Cleveland Plain Dealer
Wednesday, December 2
FB: Former Green teammates close out time with Zips
Andy Harris, The Suburbanite
MSOC: AU hires Akron assistant Oliver Slawson as new men's soccer coach, by Andrew Harner, Ashland Times-Gazette
Tuesday, December 1
MBB: MAC Men's Basketball Power Rankings: Akron remains at the top, Central Michigan falls
Brandon Hickey, Hustle Belt
MSOC: No. 3 Akron beats Southern Methodist University 2-1 on Sunday, advances in NCAA Tournament
by Terry Rabbitts, The Buchtelite
