Zips Illustrated

Table of Contents

Inside

6

Football

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?

Football announces fall schedule and ticket packages. Don’t miss the excitement at InfoCision Stadium!

12

Men’s Track

KINGS OF THE TRACK The men’s track team captured its first MAC Indoor Championship in dramatic fashion last month.

Cover design by Marshall Fey; Images courtesy of Butch Risma

The Rotation 3 4-5 11 12 13 15-17 27 28-29 30-31

Message from the Director of Athletics UA Athletics News and Notes MAC Basketball Tournament Central Winter Sports Updates Zips Illustrated Spotlight: Mike Uhle 2010 Sports Hall of Fame Induction Class Fall Sports Recaps Z-FUND Donor Roster Spring Season Previews: Baseball/Softball

14

Women’s BAsketball

KARA’S COURT

Senior Kara Murphy overcame a career threatening injury to become the Zips’ all-time leader in points and games played.

18

Zips Illustrated March 2011 Volume 1, Issue 1

Editorial Content: The University of Akron

Athletics Communications Staff Photos provided: Ernie Aranyosi Butch Risma Mike Wise Cover Design by: Marshall Fey

Men’s Soccer

ALL HAIL THE CHAMPS Sights and sounds from the Zips’ historic championship season; plus a look at UA’s 2011 signing class.

Zips Social Media

Click Here for the Zips Social Media Directory

facebook.com/AkronZips 2 | Zips Illustrated | March 2011

twitter.com/GoZipsUpdates twitter.com/FollowTheRoo

youtube.com/ZipsAthletics

A Message from the Director of Athletics

Tom Wistrcill Tom Wistrcill

UA Director of Athletics

Have a question or comment?

This is for you.

Welcome to the inaugural edition of Zips Illustrated, our exclusive, inside look at Akron Athletics. One of our priorities is finding fun, new and creative ways to directly reach you – our fans, donors, season ticketholders, letterwinners and alumni. We have eagerly jumped into the world of social media, and hopefully you already follow, friend and watch us on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube, respectively. We also launched our athletic department’s online video guide this fall. All of these are great ways for us to share with you quick news or videos.

Click here now or at any time on this button located on the homepage of GoZips.com.

Save these Dates

MAC Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament March 9-12 (Cleveland – Quicken Loans Arena) Baseball Home Opener vs. Central Michigan March 25, 3 p.m.

(Canal Park – downtown Akron) Tennis MAC Schedule Home Opener March 25, 1 p.m. vs. Western Michigan Women’s Soccer Exhibition March 26, 10:30 a.m. vs. Duquesne, Miami (Ohio), Ashland Softball Home Opener April 1, 1 p.m. vs. Miami (Ohio) Men’s Soccer Exhibition April 2, 2 p.m. vs. Maryland Football Spring Game April 16, 1 p.m. at InfoCision Stadium – Summa Field MAC Women’s Golf Championships April 22-24 (Nashport, Ohio – Longaberger Golf Course) Softball vs. Eastern Michigan April 23, 2 p.m.

(Strike Out Cancer) MAC Men’s Golf Championships April 29-May 1 (Mason, Ohio – TPC at Riverbend) Men’s and Women’s Track May 6-7 Hosts Campbell/Wright Invitational Men’s and Women’s Track May 12-14 at MAC Championships (DeKalb, Ill.) Baseball vs. Kent State (Diamond Classic for Kids) May 19, 6:35 p.m.

(Canal Park – downtown Akron) Football Season Ticket Renewal Deadline June 3 888-99-AKRON (25766) – GoZips.com/tickets Football Home Opener vs. Temple Sept. 10, TBA at InfoCision Stadium – Summa Field

But that’s not enough.

On these web pages, which we intend to bring to you at least four times a year, we want to introduce you to the people who make The University of Akron such a special place. For example, you probably already know that on a sunny December day in Santa Barbara, Calif., our men’s soccer team captured the athletic department’s first team national championship (check out our full spread of photos inside, as well as a special video on the final page). What you may not know is that last weekend in Bowling Green, our men’s indoor track and field team earned its first Mid-American Conference championship. Congratulations are in order to both teams – led by head coaches Caleb Porter and Dennis Mitchell – for bringing more hardware back to Akron.

In this edition both squads are covered, as are all of our 19 varsity teams – and many of our studentathletes and coaches. Don’t miss the story behind how senior Kara Murphy, now our women’s basketball all-time leader in points and games, almost never played a game for UA. We also pay tribute to our newest class of Hall of Fame inductees, including 33-year rifle head coach Newt Engle. And we have a page ready with all of the information you need to know about this year’s MAC Basketball Tournament.

Senior Mike Uhle is featured in our first Zips Illustrated Spotlight. If you ever have seen him (or anyone) compete in the pole vault, you may have asked yourself, How does he do it? What does he think about when he’s getting ready to jump or soaring through the air? Is he ever scared? What technical skill is involved? Mike takes us through his entire routine, step by step. This technique has served him well: He just won his fourth consecutive MAC indoor individual championship in this event.

Literally and figuratively, Mike – along with all of our 450-some other student-athletes – is raising the bar for Zips Athletics. And for you.

Go Zips!

March 2011 | Zips Illustrated | 3

UA Athletics News and Notes UA Ranked Third in Capital One Cup Thanks in large part to the men’s soccer team’s first ever national championship, The University of Akron (40 points) is currently ranked third among all Division I institutions in the race for the Capital One Cup behind leaders Auburn and Eastern Washington, who are each tied with 60 points.

The Capital One Cup is a new program rewarding NCAA Division I athletics programs for their cumulative on-field performance across multiple men’s and women’s sports. Throughout the academic year points will be earned based on teams’ top 10 finishes in NCAA Division I championships and in final official coaches’ polls across a total of 13 men’s and 13 women’s sports, with the scoring structure ensuring that championship performances are rewarded the most.

In July, the two athletics programs with the highest aggregated point totals across the represented men’s and women’s sports will be crowned winners of the Capital One Cup. The winning schools will be presented with the Capital One Cup trophy and a $200,000 scholarship each on behalf of Capital One at the ESPY awards televised live by ESPN in July 2011.

Cross Country Garners All-Academic Status The men’s and women’s cross country teams have earned 2010 Division I All-Academic Cross Country status, as announced by the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) last month.

The UA women’s team earned the distinction after posting a cumulative GPA of 3.50 while the men’s team had a GPA of 3.09. To qualify as a USTFCCCA All-Academic Cross Country Team, teams must have had a cumulative team GPA of 3.00 or better and have started at least five regional at their respective NCAA regional championship.

Swimmers Earn Scholar All-American Honors The swimming and diving program has earned Team Scholar All American honors for the fall semester, the College Swimming Coaches Association of America announced.

The Team Scholar All American award is presented to college and university swimming and diving teams who have achieved a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher. The award is presented to teams achieving this standard in the fall semester and in the semester of the NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships. Akron’s team GPA for the fall semester was 3.38.

UA HOsts BIG EAST Indoor Championships For the first time since 2007, the Stile Athletics Field House was once again the host site for the BIG EAST Indoor Track and Field Championships last month.

The Field House, which is home to The University of Akron men’s and women’s indoor track and field programs, is considered to be one of the premiere facilities in the nation. In all, it was the third time the BIG EAST has hosted its championships in the facility after doing so for the first time in 2006.

4 | Zips Illustrated | March 2011

UA AThletics Honors Three Basketball Standouts The University of Akron Department of Athletics officially honored a trio of hardcourt stars this winter for their contributions to the basketball program.

• Alex Adams, who was one of the first African American student-athletes Akron recruited, was named a Basketball All-American by the United Press (Little All-America Team) during the 1960-61 season as a senior on the men’s team and ranks among the top 10 in program history in points (1,442 - currently ranks No. 9) and rebounds (872 - currently ranks No. 7). Adams was awarded an athletics scholarship and was a two-year letterman (1959-61). He is the ninth player in the history of the men’s program to have his jersey honored.

Two former All-Americans, Cheryl Bowles and Pam Arnold, became the first two athletes to have their jerseys honored on the women’s side.

• Bowles (1997-2001), who had held the Zips’ all-time scoring record for the past nine seasons, became the Zips’ firstever first-team all-conference honoree as a junior in 2000. Bowles became the seventh player in Akron history to surpass 1,000 points in a career and was a Kodak Honorable Mention All-American, one of two All-Americans in program history.

She was also a member of the 1998-99 squad that played in the Women’s National Invitation Tournament.

• Arnold (1984-88) was UA’s first-ever women’s basketball All-American when she earned Honorable Mention honors in 1987. That same year, she was named to the All-Ohio Valley Conference Second Team. She led the Zips in scoring and rebounding for three seasons and finished her career averaging 14.3 points per game and 8.5 rebounds per game.

Her 916 total rebounds still stands as the Zips’ all-time record, and she ranks third all-time in scoring behind current UA senior Kara Murphy and Bowles.

Women’s Basketball Hosts Alumnae Weekend The women’s basketball team’s 78-65 victory over Ball State at Rhodes Arena on Feb. 12 brought a celebratory close to The University of Akron women’s basketball program’s Second Annual Alumnae Weekend. Over 20 former letterwinners were in town over the course of the previous two days to participate in the festivities.

The highlight of the nostalgic weekend came on Friday, Feb. 11, with the playing of the Alumni Game, which was held at Rhodes Arena. In the end, the Blue Team scored a 53-44 win over the Gold Team. A postgame dinner for the former student-athletes, their families and guests was held in the arena’s Tommy Evans Lounge.

UA ATHLETICS NEWS AND NOTES WELCOME New Coaches and Staff The University of Akron Department of Athletics wishes to welcome its new personnel: Amanda Aller, Men’s Basketball Administrative Assistant; Kevin Cosgrove, Football Defensive Coordinator; Greg Cypret, Assistant Baseball Coach; Sam Dixon, Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach; Marshall Fey, Assistant Director for New Media; Rob Heuer, Assistant Athletics Director for Compliance; Jamie Liles, Assistant Director of Strength and Conditioning; Alicia Mackey, Assistant Director for Marketing and Promotions; McKenna Maertens, Assistant Director for Communications; Brandon Padgett, Head Tennis Coach; Brian Peters, Assistant Tennis Coach; Dolores Pope, Administrative Assistant for Academic Services; Julie Roberts, Facilities Administrative Assistant; Craig Sowers, Director of Strength and Conditioning for Football; Charles Thomas, Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach; Meredith Zaffrann, Athletics Business Manager.

Zips Salute Seniors The University of Akron men’s basketball program recognized the contributions of its 2011 senior class – Mike Bardo, Brett McKnight, Steve McNees and Darryl Roberts – on Feb. 26 prior to its 69-60 win over Buffalo at Rhodes Arena.

The group has helped the Zips to a 90-45 record over the last four years, earning the program’s first-ever MAC Tournament Championship and first NCAA Tournament appearance in 23 years during the 2008-09 season. Additional, during their time on campus, the Zips appeared in the 2008 NIT, scoring a first-round win over Florida State, and in the 2010 CBI. Bardo, a consumate team player, will complete his career in the top-10 in games played and blocked shots.

Appearing in 130 games (as of Feb. 26), Bardo made his first collegiate start against Portland State at the BP Top of the World Classic as a freshman. Among his list of career games played are two MAC title games, two NIT games and the 2009 NCAA First Round game against Gonzaga.

McKnight became the 38th player in program history to score 1,000 career points, hitting that total against West-

ern Michigan last month. He is currently ranked 33rd in scoring overall in 119 games on the Zips’ all-time list. McKnight has played in 10 MAC Tournament contests, including three title games, two NIT contests and one CBI game. McKnight earned All-MAC Honorable Mention honors in 2010 and was the MAC Sixth Man of the Year in 2009.

McNees has appeared in 135 games (as fo Feb. 26), including 72 starts, and has been in the starting lineup for the past 57 games. McNeese is three games shy of the alltime games played record at Akron and ranked among the top-10 for career assists as well. McNees has been honored as a MAC Scholar Athlete of the Week, a member of the 2009 MAC All-Tournament Team and the 2008 MAC AllFreshman Team.

Roberts will close his career as one of the better shooters in program history, highlighted by a career-high 19 points against Gonzaga in the 2009 NCAA Tournament.

He currently is shooting close to 90 percent from the free throw line and has connected on better than 40 percent from 3-point range. Roberts will be one of three members of this senior class to surpass 900 points.

LArge in LOndon Former University of Akron All-American, Stevi Large, who won the 2009 NCAA Championship in the Hammer Throw, has started a fundraising campaign called “Large in London 2012” to help her qualify for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London.

Specifically, money raised will help offset the costs associated with training as a world-class athlete, including travel expenses and a host of other fees associated with the opportunity to represent The University of Akron and the U.S. on the world’s largest stage.

If you would like to follow Stevi on her journey, please visit her website, largeinlondon2012.blogspot.com. Large in London t-shirts ($20) and wrist bands ($5) are available for those interested in supporting Stevi in her quest to become The University of Akron’s first Olympian. The shirts are white with the “Large in London” logo on the front and “Team Large” on the back. Sizes range from S-2XL. Please send payment, name, address and shirt size to: Large in London 2012

c/o The University of Akron Stile Athletics Field House, Suite 296

Akron, Ohio 44325-6302 Large finished fourth at the 2010 USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships held last June. In order to make the U.S. Olympic team, which will be heading to London, England, she needs to finish in the top three at the 2012 USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships. The native of Somerset, Ohio, was a four-time All-American at UA and a five-time Mid-American Conference Female Field Performer of the Year (twice in indoor, three times in outdoor). She is the school’s all-time record holder in the indoor and outdoor shot put, weight throw, and hammer throw and a three-time recipient of UA’s Female Athlete of the Year.

Zeke’s Block PArty University of Akron sophomore center Zeke Marshall added his name to a third school record as he broke Romeo Travis’ single-season blocks record on March 1 against Ohio University.

Marshall swatted a layup by OU’s DeVaughn Washington at the 18:21 mark for his 66th block of the season, setting the single-season school record. The block moved him past Travis’ mark of 65 blocks during the 2006-07 season.

He currently has 68 total blocks.

March 2011 | Zips Illustrated | 5

Football 2011 Schedule

Zips Announce 2011 Schedule Football

Six Saturday home games, including Kent State on Nov. 12, highlight docket

Rob Ianello

S

ix Saturday home games, including a Senior Day showdown against neighborhood rival Kent State, highlight The University of Akron’s 2011 football schedule.

A change to the previously announced non-conference schedule allows MAC opponent Temple to open what will be UA’s third season at InfoCision Stadium - Summa Field on Sept. 10. Originally scheduled for that date was Florida International, who now will visit on Oct. 8. The FIU game will be part of UA’s Homecoming weekend, which will feature an entire slate of campus-wide programming, to be announced at a later date.

Akron’s home MAC schedule also consists of contests against Ohio on Oct. 22, Central Michigan on Oct. 29 and the annual Wagon Wheel contest versus Kent State on Nov. 12. The Zips also have a home nonconference meeting with Virginia Military Institute on Sept. 24.

Along with previously announced nonleague road games at intrastate rivals and BCS opponents Ohio State on Sept.

3 and Cincinnati on Sept. 17, UA will visit MAC schools Eastern Michigan on Oct. 1, Miami (Ohio) on Nov. 3, Buffalo on Nov. 19 and Western Michigan on Nov. 25.

The Miami game is scheduled for a 7:30 p.m. ET start and will be televised nationally on ESPNU, while the WMU outing will be carried on either ESPNU or ESPN3 with a to-be-determined kickoff time. Game times and television coverage for the remaining games will be announced later.

“I’m pleased with this schedule, in which we play nine of our 12 games in the state of Ohio,” Ianello said. “Our coaches and players hope that Zips fans take advantage of having every home game on a Saturday and every away game within driving distance of campus.”

Also of note, UA’s schedule features four teams that competed in a bowl game last season, with three of those programs earning a victory in that postseason appearance.

Ohio State scored a 31-26 win over Arkansas in the Allstate Sugar Bowl, and FIU, which is a member of the Sun Belt Conference, topped MAC member Toledo 34-32 in the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl. Miami (Ohio) got the best of Middle Tennessee 35-21 in the GoDaddy.com Bowl and Ohio lost 48-21 to Troy in the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl.

Additionally, Miami was the MAC East Division champion and defeated Northern Illinois 26-21 in the Marathon MAC Championship game.

Two other 2011 UA opponents - Temple and Western Michigan - concluded their 2010 season bowl eligible. The 2011 Marathon MAC Championship game will take place at Ford Field in Detroit on Friday, Dec. 2 at 8 p.m. on ESPN2.

Up Next: Spring Game

Akron fans will get their first opportunity to watch the new Zips at the annual Spring Game on Apr. 16 at 1 p.m. at InfoCision Stadium–Summa Field.

When: April 16, 1 p.m.

Where: InfoCision Stadium– Summa Field Cost: Free

UA Football Head Coach

2011 Akron Football Schedule Day, Date Sat., Sept. 3

Opponent at Ohio State

Time (ET) (TV) TBA

Sat., Sept. 10 Temple*

InfoCision Stadium-Summa Field

TBA

Sat., Sept. 17

Cincinnati, Ohio

TBA

InfoCision Stadium-Summa Field

TBA

at Cincinnati

Sat., Sept. 24 VMI Sat., Oct. 1

at Eastern Michigan* Ypsilanti, Mich.

TBA

Sat., Oct. 8

FIU (Homecoming)

InfoCision Stadium-Summa Field

TBA

Sat., Oct. 15

OPEN

Sat., Oct. 22

Ohio*

InfoCision Stadium-Summa Field

TBA

Sat., Oct. 29

Central Michigan* InfoCision Stadium-Summa Field

TBA

Thu., Nov. 3

at Miami (Ohio)*

Oxford, Ohio

Sat., Nov. 12

Kent State*

InfoCision Stadium-Summa Field

TBA

Sat., Nov. 19

at Buffalo*

Buffalo, N.Y.

TBA

Fri., Nov. 25

at Western Michigan* Kalamazoo, Mich.

Fri., Dec. 2

MAC Championship

* - Mid-American Conference game 6 | Zips Illustrated | March 2011

Location Columbus, Ohio

Detroit, Mich. (Ford Field)

7:30 p.m. (ESPNU)

TBA (ESPNU/ESPN3) 8 p.m. (ESPN2)

2011 N O I T A M R O F N I SPECIAL S T E K C I T N O S A E ON S Renew by June 3 for great benefits, including:

• Free Parking • Access to Away Game Tickets at Ohio State Sept 3 at Cincinnati Sept 17

• Great Zips Prizes Soccer memorabilia, special tickets and more!

2011 Home Schedule Six Saturday home games

Sept 10

Sept 24

Oct 8

Oct 22

Oct 29

Nov 12

UA Football 2011 Signing Class

Football

IANELLO INKS NEXT CLASS OF ZIPS Football signs 23 to National Letters of Intent, including 10 from the state of Ohio

T

he University of Akron football program signed 23 student-athletes to a National Letter of Intent on Wednesday, including 10 from the state of Ohio, second-year head coach Rob Ianello announced. The class also features five players who hail from the neighboring state of Pennsylvania.

“We are thrilled to welcome these young men to the Akron football family,” Ianello said. “Our class is a culmination of over one year’s work by a lot of people. This truly was a team effort by our faculty, our administration, coaches and support staff, and most importantly our players, who feel strongly about the direction of Zips football.”

The class includes five offensive linemen, four defensive backs, four defensive linemen, three running backs, three quarterbacks, two linebackers, one wide receiver and one placekicker. Included in this breakdown are two players who enrolled in class at Akron in January - QB Clayton Moore (transfer from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College) and OL Vinnie Rizzo (transfer from Nassau Community College).

“Akron’s having an outstanding year,” CBS College Sports Network analyst Tom Lemming said. “They’re doing an excellent job in their area. Rob Ianello is an excellent recruiter. It’s going to take him three or four years to get to the top of the Mid-American Conference, but they’re going to do it. I was really impressed with the way they went about their recruiting. They really attacked it, beating Bowling Green, Ohio and Toledo to a lot of top players.”

UA football also announced today the inclusion of nonscholarship punter Zack Paul, an initial member of the school’s “12th Man” program.

“We have met several needs in this class that should help us build upon the foundation we have established,” Ianello said. “These young men come from excellent programs and backgrounds and we can’t wait to get them on campus, as they join in the work of building our championship program.”

2011 Football Signing Class Player Profiles

Andrew Bohan Pos: OL; Height: 6-3; Weight: 260; Hometown: Avon Lake, Ohio; High School: Avon Lake HS at Avon Lake HS: All-Ohio Third Team honoree and a team captain ... was a two-way starter as a senior ... winner of Lombardi Award (most valuable offensive lineman) in Avon County ... selected to play in the Ohio North-South Game ... recorded 36 tackles, two sacks and four fumble recoveries (one for a touchdown) ... won conference championships as a sophomore, junior and senior ... was named the county’s most outstanding offensive player as a junior and was the Mike Medders Outstanding Offensive Lineman recipient as a senior ... returned an interception for a touchdown as a freshman ... coached by Dave Dlugosz ... also played basketball and ran track ... led the Shoremen basketball team to a district championship and a State Sweet 16 appearance as a junior ... also placed third in the conference in the discus ... member of the honor society and president of the Spanish Club ... was named to the Academic All-Ohio team as a senior ... member of the National Honor Society 8 | Zips Illustrated | March 2011

Rob Ianello

UA Football Head Coach

Karl Bostick Pos: RB; Height: 5-9; Weight: 200; Hometown: Englewood, N.J.; High School: Bergen Catholic HS at Bergen Catholic HS: Finished his high school career with 675 rushing yards on 99 carries and eight touchdowns; including 40 carries for 334 yards and two rushing TDs during his senior season ... also had 10 receptions for 177 yards and caught two TD passes as a senior ... helped team to a 10-2 record during his senior year, when he was named to the Star Ledger All-County Team ...also earned Star Ledger All-State Second Team ... coached by Nunzio Campanille.

Dylan Brumbaugh Pos: OL; Height: 6-4; Weight: 270; Hometown: Green, Ohio; High School: Green HS at Green HS: All-Ohio Third Team honoree as a senior... starter on the defensive line as a sophomore and junior ... starter on the offensive line as a senior ... recorded 49 pancake blocks to go with 44 tackles and 11 sacks ... also blocked one field goal and a pair of PATs as a senior ... ranked the ninth-best DT in the state of Ohio by JJ Huddle after his junior year ... Scouting Ohio Top 100 ... invited to play in the North-South game and Big 33 game ... as a senior named All-Suburban League, All-Northeast Inland AllDistrict and all-state third-team ... coached by Tom Stacy.

Bryce Cheek Pos: DB; Height: 6-0; Weight: 176; Hometown: Lewis Center, Ohio; High School: Olentangy HS at Olentangy HS: A three-time letterwinner and team captain ... was the team’s defensive MVP, as well as a First Team All-OCC and second team all-district selection as a senior ... invited to play in the Ohio North-South Game ... made 40 tackles as a senior and also picked off three passes, and recovered one fumble ... blocked a pair of kicks and scored two defensive touchdowns ... one of the top kick and punt returners on the squad ... coached by Ed Terwilliger ... also competed in track and field and earned all-district and all-state honors.

John Clay Pos: OL; Height: 6-3; Weight: 340; Hometown: East St. Louis, Ill.; High School: East St. Louis HS at East St. Louis HS: A three-time all-conference selection ... ranked the No. 23 center in the nation by ESPN. com ... captained the team as a senior and was selected to the St. Louis American’s All-American Team as a junior and senior ... named to the EA Sports Sophomore All-American Team as a sophomore ... East St. Louis won the 2008 Illinois state championship and captured three-straight Southwestern Conference titles ... three-time first-team all-conference, first-team all-metro and first-team all-area selection ... coached by Darren Sunkett.

Bre’ Ford Pos: DB; Height: 5-11; Weight: 200; Hometown: Bethel Park, Pa.; High School: Bethel Park HS at Bethel Park HS: Graduated as the program’s all-time leading rusher (3,653 yards) and set a new school record for touchdowns (52) ... rushed for 1,300 yards and scored 22 TDs as a senior, and ran the ball 1,400 yards and recorded 20 TDs as a junior ... first-team all-conference, Fab 22 South and Terrific 25 All-Star as a senior ... third-team all-state and first-team all-conference as a junior ... coached

by Jeff Metheny.

A.J. Fox Pos: PK; Height: 5-10; Weight: 200; Hometown: Youngstown, Ohio; High School: Cardinal Mooney HS at Cardinal Mooney HS: As a senior, was selected allstate, First-Team All-Northeast Ohio and Third-Team Division III ... played on the Division III state championship team as a junior ... set a school record for most PATs in a season (56) as a junior and highest season punting average (47.4 yards per punt) as a senior ... coached by P.J. Fecko.

UA Football 2011 Signing Class Tyrell Goodman Pos: QB; Height: 6-2; Weight: 210; Hometown: Yonkers, N.Y.; High School: Archbishop Stepinac HS at Archbishop Stepinac HS: Three-year letterwinner ... as a senior was named Class A New York State Player of the Year, Madison Square Garden Player of the Year, Journal News Player of the Year, first-team all-state, first-team all-borough, first-team all-CHSFI and first-team all-city ... as a junior was tabbed an offensive player-of-the-year finalist and all-CHSFI ... led program to a 20-3 record as starting quarterback, including a 12-0 record and a division and conference championship during his senior year ... finished his interscholastic career with 3,012 passing yards and 1,867 rushing yards ... 1,686 passing yards during his senior campaign was the most in a single season at Stepinac ... coached by Michael O’Donnell ... same high school as Akron head coach Rob Ianello.

Cody Grice Pos: FB; Height: 6-0; Weight: 240; Hometown: Akron, Ohio High School: Firestone HS at Firestone HS: Four-year letterwinner ... a three-time all-city performer who was also a second team all-district selection and a member of the Touchdown Club his junior and senior season ... rushed for over 1,000 yards in both his junior and senior seasons and combined to score 29 touchdowns as an upperclassmen (15 TDs as a senior) ... added eight scores during his sophomore campaign ... also a stand-out on defense, recording 195 career tackles and 10 career sacks ... named Firestone’s offensive MVP in his sophomore, junior and senior seasons ... coached by Tim Flossie ... also an all-city selection in track and field.

John Griggs Pos: DE; Height: 6-5; Weight: 260; Hometown: Piscataway, N.J.; Previous School/High School: Nassau CC/ Piscataway HS Originally signed with Iowa. at Nassau CC (2010): Responsible for 50 tackles, 18 tackles for loss and eight sacks ... team finished 11-0 and closed out the season ranked as the No. 4 JUCO in the nation ... All-Northeast Conference and played in the Governor’s Bowl ... teammate of fellow Akron signee Vinnie Rizzo ... Coached by: Jermaine Miles. at Piscataway HS: As a senior helped the team to an 11-1 record and runner-up finish in the New Jersey state championship ... all-state ... all-area ... coached by Dan Higgins ... also earned all-state and all-area honors on the basketball court.

Justin March Pos: LB; Height: 6-0; Weight: 207; Hometown: Danville, Ill.; High School: Danville HS at Danville HS: Four-year letterwinner ... during his senior season was named first-team all-conference, first-team all-area and all-area player of the year... team captain ... competed in the state East-West All-Star game ... recorded 153 tackles as a senior and 203 stops as a junior ... nine career sacks (six as a junior) ... coached by B.J. Luke ... team won the conference championship in both his junior and senior season ... three-year letter-winner in basketball and a two-year letter-winner in baseball.

Ron Powlus

UA Quarterbacks Coach

Clayton Moore Pos: QB; Height: 6-1; Weight: 210; Hometown: Louisville, Miss.; Previous School/High School: Gulf Coast CC (Miss.)/Louisville HS Originally signed with Mississippi ... enrolled at Akron in January. at Gulf Coast CC: Clarion-Ledger’s 2011 Junior College Top 25 Prospects List ... completed 155-of-257 passes for 2,395 yards and 23 touchdowns at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College last season while leading the Bulldogs to the JUCO state championship ... earned MVP honors at the Mississippi Bowl ... coached by Steve Campbell. at Louisville HS: 3A Offensive Player of the Year as a junior after throwing for 3,036 yards and 30 TDs, while rushing for 744 yards and 10 scores as part of a state championship season ... was named one of the 12 best players in the state as a senior.

Devonte Morgan Pos: DB; Height: 5-11; Weight: 180; Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio; High School: Glenville HS at Glenville HS: During his senior season, made 55 tackles, forced three fumbles, recovered three fumbles and scored one defensive touchdown ... All-Senate League ... team went 11-1 and was conference champion during his senior year and was state runner-up when he was a junior, going 14-1 ... teammate of fellow Akron signee Johnny Robinson ... coached by Ted Ginn ... also ran track.

DaJour Morris Pos: DT; Height: 6-2; Weight: 285; Hometown: Johnstown, Pa.; High School: Greater Johnstown HS at Greater Johnstown HS: As a senior named secondteam all-state and Tribune Democrat All-Area Team ... also was a Laurel Highlands All-Star and a Southern Alleghenies Coaches Association All-Star in his senior season when the squad was District VI champion ... program garnered a District VI championship during his junior year as well ... coached by Tony Penna, Jr. ... also competed in wrestling, baseball and track ... won over 20 matches as a wrestler ... considered a minor league pitching prospect until he decided to focus on football.

Zach Paul Pos: P; Height: 6-4; Weight: 215; Hometown: Broadview Heights, Ohio; High School: Padua HS Initial member of Akron’s “12th Man” program for nonscholarship players. at Padua HS: Converted 13-of-16 field goals and 56of-58 point-after attempts in his final two seasons of high school ... scored 95 total points and maintained a 39.7 yards-per-punt average ... All-North Coast League First Team ... All-Sun News Team ... team posted a 7-4 record during his junior year and went 8-4 when he was a senior ... team was a regional semifinalist during his senior season ... converted a 54-yard field goal versus Elyria Catholic as a senior ... coached by Tony Shuman ... also competed for the basketball team.

Kyle Pohl Pos: QB; Height: 6-3; Weight: 205; Hometown: Farmersville, Ohio; High School: Valley View HS at Valley View HS: Four-year letterwinner ... selected to the North-South All-Star game ... as a senior, earned honorable mention all-district, first-team all-league and was the team MVP and captain ... graduated with a 4.0 grade-point average... threw for over 3,000 yards and had 25 touchdown strikes ... closed out his high school career listed in third place in the school record book for most receptions in a season (43 as a sophomore) ... coached by Jay Niswonger ... also played basketball ... was a 1,000 point career scorer and two-time all-league selection on the hardwood.

A.J. Price Pos: WR; Height: 6-4; Weight: 190; Hometown: Reston, Va.; Previous School/High School: Dean College (Mass.)/ South Lakes HS Originally signed with Penn State. at Dean College (2010): Competed in both football and basketball ... all-conference and Honorable Mention All-American on the football field ... led conference in receiving yards per game and ranked fourth in the league in all-purpose yards ... team posted a 6-4 record ... Coached by: Todd Vasey. at South Lakes HS: All-Virginia Second Team ... AllLiberty Conference ... all-region ... coached by John Ellenburger ... also competed in basketball and track ... all-region on the hardwood and all-state in track.

March 2011 | Zips Illustrated | 9

UA Football 2011Director Signing of Class Letter from the Athletics Nick Rossi Pos: FB/LB; Height: 6-0; Weight: 230; Hometown: Moosic, Pa.; High School:: Riverside HS at Riverside HS: Helped lead team to the PIAA Class A Eastern Conference Championship and a berth in the state title game during his senior season ... rushed for over 1,200 yards and scored 23 touchdowns in 2010 ... also during his senior year, added 352 receiving yards and five receiving touchdowns; registered 116 tackles, 7.5 sacks, and two interceptions ... was a two-year captain ... selected to the Pennsylvania Big 33 Game and the Chesapeake Bowl ... named to the all-state first team as a linebacker and was a two-time all-league selection ... was the 2010 all-regional defensive player of the year ... WNEP-TV Dream Team Player of the Year ... coached by Harry Armstrong.

James Price Pos: DT; Height: 6-2; Weight: 285; Hometown: Braddock, Pa.; Previous School/High School: Woodland Hills HS at Woodland Hills HS: A three time all-conference selection who was twice named to the first team ... led Woodland Hills to a conference title in his junior season ... recorded 51 tackles and four sacks in 2010 ... made 32 stops as a junior ... coached by George Novak ... spent his freshman, sophomore and junior years at North Las Vegas High School in Las Vegas, Nev. Vinnie Rizzo Pos: OL; Height: 6-3; Weight: 275; Hometown: Manhasset, N.Y.; Previous School/High School: Nassau CC/ Manhassett HS Enrolled at Akron in January and will participate in spring workouts. at Nassau CC (2010): earned JUCO all-conference recognition ... team finished 11-0 and closed out the season ranked as the No. 4 junior college in the nation ... teammate of fellow Akron signee John Griggs ... coached by Jermaine Miles. at Manhasset HS: all-conference lineman ... team captain ... three-sport athlete in high school, also competing in track and field (shot put and discus), and baseball ...

Coached by: Bill Jerry.

Johnny Robinson Pos: DB; Height: 5-10; Weight: 180; Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio; High School: Glenville HS at Glenville HS: Three-sport athlete, competing in football, basketball and track ... tallied 86 career tackles (41 unassisted), 11 pass breakups and eight interceptions in his high school career ... posted 65 tackles (31 unassisted), six PBUs and five INTs during his senior season when he was a Second-Team Defensive Associated Press Northeastern Lake County All-District pick ... team went 11-1 and was conference champion during his senior year and was state runner-up when he was a junior, going 14-1 ... coached by Ted Ginn ... chosen to play in the USA game in Germany as a senior ... honor roll student ... was picked to attend a leadership seminar at West Point Military Academy during his junior year ... ranked No. 1 in his class all four years.

10 | Zips Illustrated | March 2011

Travis Switzer Pos: OL; Height: 6-3; Weight: 265; Hometown: Lancaster, Pa.; High School:: Conestoga Valley HS at Conestoga Valley HS: Three-year letterwinner ... named to the All-Section 11 team in both his junior and senior season, and earned the honor at both offensive guard and defensive end in 2010 ... also earned all-league honors in 2009 and 2010 ... named the team’s offensive, defensive, and outstanding lineman of the year in 2010 ... recorded 52 tackles and eight sacks during his senior season ... a PA Football News Honorable Mention All-State selection ... coached by Tom Nichols ... also was a two-year starter on the basketball team and competed in track and field (shot put).

Isaiah Williams Pos: DE; Height: 6-3; Weight: 250; Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio; High School:: John Adams HS at John Adams HS: A three year starter who was named to the all-state team ... as a senior, posted 30 tackles (18 unassisted), seven tackles for loss and five sacks ... named to the East-West All Star Game ... also participated in basketball and track ... coached by Gary Jackson.

Tyler Williams Pos: ATH; Height: 5-7; Weight: 155; Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio; High School:: Colerain HS at Colerain HS: Four-year letterwinner ... named Greater Miami Conference MVP, All-Southwest District Second Team and Cincinnati Enquirer Division I Player of the Year as a senior ... played in the North-South All Star Game and the Big 33 Game ... three-time first-team all-city selection, and was twice selected all-league ... rushed for 3,815 yards and 48 touchdowns in his career, both numbers set a new school record ... also threw 11 TD passes ... helped the program win three conference championships ... coached

by Tom Bolden ... regional finalist on his track relay team.

Basketball

MAC TOURNAMEnT Heats Up for Akron men’s and women’s teams Men’s Basketball

No. 6 Akron Zips vs. No. 11 Eastern Michigan Eagles

Date: March 8, 2011 Time: 7 p.m. (ET) Location: Rhodes Arena Ticket Info: $10 per ticket

GoZips.com/Tickets –1-888-99-AKRON (25766) Did you know?

• Akron is 18-19 all-time vs. Eastern Michigan, including 2-0 in the MAC Tournament • This is the Zips’ 15th MAC Tournament Appearance where they are 13-12 overall and 11-6 under head coach Keith Dambrot.

• UA is 2-0 in the opening round under Dambrot and 3-6 overall.

With a win...

The Zips would advance to face No. 3 seed Miami (Ohio) at Quicken Loans Arena on Thursday, March 10, at 2:30 p.m. (ET)

WOMen’s Basketball

No. 8 Akron Zips vs. No. 1 Toledo Rockets

Date: March 9, 2011 Time: 5 p.m. (ET) Location: Quicken Loans Arena (Cleveland, Ohio) Ticket Info: $10 per ticket

GoZips.com/Tickets –1-888-99-AKRON (25766) Did you know?

• Akron is 7-36 all-time vs. Toledo, including 0-3 in the MAC Tournament • The Rockets defeated the Zips 58-49 at Rhodes Arena during the regular season. Kara Murphy paced UA with a game-high 18 points.

• Akron is making its fourth appearance all-time in the quarterfinals of the MAC Tournament after advancing to the semfinals last winter.

With a win...

The Zips would advance to face the winner of No. 4 seed Kent State and No. 5 seed Eastern Michigan Friday, March 11, at 2:30 p.m. in the MAC Tournament semifinals.

Letter from the Director of Athletics

11 | Zips Illustrated | March 2011

Men’s Track Wins 2011 MAC Indoor Championship

KINGS OF THE TRACK

Track and Field

The men’s track team captured its first team Indoor MAC Championship last month in dramatic fashion

A

host of championship efforts from key individuals and a clutch performance from the pole vault trio of Mike Uhle, Joe Wesley and Dan Garrett led The University of Akron men’s track and field team to its first ever Mid-American Conference Indoor Championship at Perry Field House.

Mike McCall cleared 6-08.75 to win his third consecutive MAC title in the high jump, Phil Ferguson ran 21.54 to win the 200 for the second straight season and Willie Brown clocked a time of 1:51.77 to earn his first crown in the 800 but it almost wasn’t enough as the men’s team, which had led for the majority of the day, found itself trailing 134-129 to Kent State with just two events to go.

But Uhle, Wesley and Garrett were at their best when it mattered the most, sweeping the top three spots to rally the Zips to the dramatic victory. As a result of the tandem’s performance, the Zips earned 24 points, while also shutting out the Golden Flashes. Uhle and Wesley tied for first place with a clearance of 16-08.75 with Uhle winning the jump off and earning his fourth-consecutive MAC Indoor title. Garrett completed Akron’s sweep with a clearance of 16-02.75.

“It was a very gutty effort for our men’s team and something that they’ve worked so hard for,” said UA head coach Dennis Mitchell. “They had been in the shadow of our women’s teams for a long time and they just did a fantastic job today. This is by far the best men’s team we’ve had here and the biggest difference this year has been how balanced the team is. While there are certainly a number of strong individuals, we have so many people who can contribute and that proved to be the case today.”

In the end, the men’s team, which scored in all 13 events Saturday and in 16 of 17 events overall at the MAC Indoors, won their first indoor title by 17 points, 161-144, over Kent State. Moreover, UA won six events while also finishing Dennis Mitchell UA Head Track Coach

second in six others. The Zips’ total of 161 points at the MAC Indoor was the most ever recorded by the program.

Cassie Schenck, who also scored in the 3000-meter run, was UA’s fifth MAC champion on the day, winning the women’s mile with a time of 4:50.20. It was the second-fastest time in school history and a personal record. The Zips women battled admirably among the competitive field, finishing sixth out of 12 teams with 51 points. Eastern Michigan’s women won their third MAC championship – and first since 2000 – with 118 points.

“After being so strong for so many years, we’ve had to replace a lot of people on the women’s side and that’s been tough,” Mitchell said. “Cassie really took control of that race and did a great job and Brittany Cheese did a great job competing in a number of events. Overall, I thought a lot of our young athletes performed well and got some valuable experience, which should help us in the future.”

Mitchell Earns 13th Coach of the Year Honors Mitchell was named the MAC Men’s Indoor Coach of the Year after guiding the men’s team to its first indoor league championship.

In all, it is the 13th time the 16-year coach has earned the league’s highest designation and the first time he has

been recognized following a men’s indoor season. Mitchell won five consecutive indoor coach of the year honors on the women’s side from 2005-09 and has also won the award seven times (five for the women and twice for the men) following outdoor seasons.

Winter SPorts Updates Swimming and Diving Placed sixth at the Mid-American Conference Championships, held Feb. 23-26 at Ohio University. At the MAC meet, Catherine Carr broke the school record in the 400-yard individual medley, with a time of 4:23.03. The Zips claimed three of the top-five spots in the 3-meter springboard and will send four divers – Amanda Angeloff, Leeanna Hoover, Carla McNamara and Katie Miles – to the NCAA Zone Diving Championships on March 10-12.

The program earned Team Scholar All-American honors from the College Swimming Coaches Association of America for the fall semester.

Tennis Earned a team national ranking of No. 72 in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association’s March 1 poll announcement. The Zips opened the regular season with a 6-0 dual-match record, including wins at Big Ten opponents Penn State (4-3 on Jan. 22) and Michigan State (4-3 on Jan. 28). UA’s No. 1 doubles team of Zara Harutyunyan and Angelina Jogasuria is ranked 23rd nationally by the ITA. The team was picked to finish second in the league race this season in a preseason poll of the conference’s head coaches.

Rifle Closed out its season on Feb. 26, competing in the Western Intercollegiate Rifle Conference (WIRC) and Mid-Atlantic Rifle Conference (MAC) championships.

The Zips competed in the WIRC event at Michigan State and scores were electronically submitted for the MAC event, which was held in Annapolis, Md. Akron finished in third place in the WIRC event, behind first-place Ohio State and second-place Morehead State. The Zips cam in second, behind Navy in the MAC event. Sophomore David Brummond was named the MAC Smallbore Shooter of the Month in October.

12 | Zips Illustrated | March 2011

UA Senior Mike Uhle

Illustrated SPOTLIGHT

S

uperman was known for leaping buildings in a single bound. But who needs a cape when you’re University of Akron senior pole vaulter Mike Uhle?

Uhle, a self-described thrillseeker, has become synonymous with MAC Championships during his time at UA with seven individual pole vault titles to his name (four indoor crowns and three outdoor). The native of Powell, Ohio, recently sat down with Zips Illustrated to give some insight on what goes through his head with a step-by-step breakdown of one of college athletics’ most challenging sports in this ZI video exclusive.

The

Mike Uhle

Mike Uhle

UA Senior Pole Vaulter

Uhle Profile

POLE VAULT PERSONAL RECORDS

Indoor: 17-09.25 – Virginia Tech Last Chance (Mar. 6, 2010) Outdoor: 17-07.00 – MAC Championships (May 13, 2010)

as a Senior (2011) • Won the MAC Indoor Pole Vault Championship with a clearance of 16-08.75 • Finished first in four or five indoor meets prior to the MAC championship ... cleared 17-04.50 at the Akron Opener, which was the top vault in the country at the time as a Junior (2010) • Earned NCAA Indoor Pole Vault All-American honors ... Cleared 17-06.50 to tie for fourth at the NCAA Indoor Championship • Secured his berth to the NCAA Indoor Championships, clearing a personal-record 17-9.25 at the Virginia Tech Qualifier, a mark which ranked second on the UA and MAC all-time lists • MAC Indoor and Outdoor Pole Vault Champion; cleared 17-04.50 to win the MAC Indoor title • Recorded a MAC Championships Meet Record, clearing 17-07.00 to capture the MAC Outdoor championship • Posted an NCAA provisional height of 17-07.25 ... Was later named MAC Male Field Performer of the Week for his effort • Won the indoor pole vault a total of six times in nine meets ...

Two non-victories came as he placed behind the same noncollegian at the Penn State National and Virginia Tech Qualifier ... Cleared an NCAA provisional mark in all seven meets • Captured first place at the All-Ohio Championships, clearing 16-02.75 as a Sophomore (2009) • Both the MAC Indoor and Outdoor Pole Vault Champion ...

Cleared 17-05.50 to win the MAC Indoor title, the third-best height in UA history and was an NCAA provisional qualifying mark (just missed an NCAA Indoor Championships at-large bid, ranking 16th (tied)-best in the nation) ... Cleared 1610.75 to win the MAC Outdoor title • Qualified for the NCAA Mideast Regional and tied for ninth at the meet (16-07.25) • Earned Academic All-MAC honors during the indoor and outdoor seasons, posting a 3.321 GPA in biology • Won the indoor pole vault at the Akron Invitational with an NCAA Provisional mark of 17-00.75 and the Zips Invitational (16-08.75) ... Added an outdoor win in the pole vault at the Campbell/Wright Invitational (16-06.75)

Dennis Mitchell UA Head Track Coach Uhle’s Pole Vault Coach

as a Freshman (2008) • Both the MAC Indoor and Outdoor Pole Vault Champion ... Cleared 17-0.75 to win the MAC Indoor title an NCAA provisional qualifying mark ... Cleared 16-10.75 to win the MAC Outdoor title, also the third-best height in UA history • Qualified for the NCAA Mideast Regional, but posted a no height • Placed third at the US Junior Nationals and was be the first alternate for the 2008 World Junior Championships ... Uhle cleared 16-4.75 (5.00) and passed on the next two heights before bowing out at 16-10.75 (5.15)

• Named Akron’s Co-Paul Werner Newcomer of the Year • Earned Akron’s Scholar Baller honor for posting at least a 3.0 GPA for the academic year • Won the pole vault at the Roo Town Invitational (16-6.75) Prior to Akron • 2006 Ohio Division I State, regional, district and conference champion in the pole vault • Won his region, district and conference championship as a junior at Olentangy Liberty High School • Set his school pole vault record clearing 16-3.50 and set his region’s meet record with a height of 15-8 March 2011 | Zips Illustrated | 13

UA Senior Kara Murphy

Women’s Basketball

Kara’s Court Hoops star battles back from serious injury to become Akron’s all-time leading scorer, but Murphy and the Zips aren’t done yet

Kara Murphy UA Senior Forward

O

n Feb. 16, University of Akron senior forward Kara Murphy stepped to the free throw line at Alumni Arena in Buffalo, N.Y., and calmly made two free throws in the closing seconds of the Zips’ contest versus the University at Buffalo Bulls. Those critical tosses from the charity stripe sealed a 71-67 victory for UA, but also made Murphy the program’s all-time leading scorer.

Additionally, Murphy will also close her collegiate career owning school records for games started, points in a season, free throws made, free throws attempted and field goals attempted.

Murphy took to the court for her last regular-season game wearing a Zips uniform on March 3 and earned her 121st start in the process. She has amassed 1,745 points and 620 rebounds during her UA career. That rebounds number also ranks her within the top-10 all-time in program history.

It has been an amazing career – one of the greatest in Zips women’s basketball history. What’s even more amazing is it was a career that almost wasn’t.

In a playoff game during Murphy’s senior year of high school at Akron’s St. Vincent-St. Mary High, she was knocked to the ground while attempting a layup. Before she could get back on her feet, another player landed on her, causing Murphy’s head to strike the floor.

Falling in and out of consciousness, she was rushed to Akron Children’s Hospital, where she was diagnosed with a spinal cord concussion as well as a grade 3 concussion.

Over the next few weeks Murphy struggled to walk, creating doubt as to whether she would be able to return to the game of basketball. However, over the next few months, she worked with specialists on Akron Children’s Hospital Head Injury Team. A neurologist helped with Murphy’s headaches and mood swings, while a neuropsychologist helped with her memory problems and need for more sleep.

Sports medicine physicians, physical therapists and athletic trainers made sure Murphy could get back to the court safely and gradually. She was eventually able to do so and has since started in every game at the collegiate level for the Zips.

“I have to give credit to my family and friends, the coaching staff at Akron and the community,” Murphy said.

“I had so much support. I owe it all to God. He’s the one that got me back. It took hard work and patience.”

Murphy has been an All-Mid-American Conference selection each of the last three seasons, including earning first-team honors in 2008-09. In 2009-10, she helped the Zips in achieving the most wins in program history.

14 | Zips Illustrated | March 2011

The

Murphy Profile

as a Junior (2009-10):

All-MAC Second Team honoree ... started every game ...

MAC East Division Player of the Week (Nov. 24) after averaging 18.5 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.5 assists in three games ... reached double-digits in scoring 23 times ... scored 27 points and grabbed eight rebounds to lead the Zips to a win against Western Michigan (Jan. 23) ... posted a season-high 28 points while playing all 40 minutes at Robert Morris (Nov. 19) ... led UA to a win over Buffalo (Jan. 9) with a game-high 21 points ... scored 27 points in a win against IPFW (Dec. 2) ... notched 21 points against Tulsa (Nov. 28) ... led all scorers with 18 points – on 7-for-10 shooting – and four assists in a win against Ohio (Mar. 2) ... scored 17 points in 25 minutes – while shooting 8-for-8 from the free throw line – to guide the Zips to a win over Northern Illinois (Feb. 6) ... scored a game-high 17 points in a win against Central Michigan (Feb. 4) ... recorded a career-high five steals against Youngstown State (Dec. 5). as a Sophomore (2008-09) All-MAC First Team honoree ... became the youngest player in program history (10th overall) to record her 1,000th career point, accomplishing the feat in just 61 games ... broke the school’s single-season scoring record with 580 points during the campaign ... ranked 19th in the nation and tops in the league with a 19.3 scoring average, the secondhighest single-season mark in school history ... tallied 166 makes from the free throw line, matching a program high, while setting the standard with 211 attempts ... matched a career high with 32 points vs. Central Michigan at the MAC Tournament, marking the most points recorded by an Akron player in postseason play and the 11th-highest total in MAC Tournament history ... paced the league with 16 20-point games ... led UA in scoring in all but five contests ... set the school’s single-game free throw record with 16 makes (in 17 attempts) as part of a 32-point effort vs. St. Bonaventure (Nov. 22) ... named MAC East Division Player of the Week twice (Nov. 24 and Dec. 29) ... recorded her third career double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds at vs. Troy (Nov. 29).

as a Freshman (2007-08) Recorded one of the most prolific freshman campaigns in school history ... named to MAC All-Freshman team while also claiming All-MAC Third Team honors, marking the highest all-league designation by a first-year player in program history ... her 14.5 points per game average was tops on the team and the ninth-highest mark of any Division I freshman ... was the only UA player to start all 31 games ... led the team in a host of categories, including scoring (6th in MAC), rebounds (5.6 rpg), minutes played (993), field goals (148), free throws (121) and steals (40) ... was fourth in the league with 15.9 ppg in league play ... recorded double-digit points in all but six games, hitting the mark in 18 of her final 20 games ... scored 11 points and grabbed five rebounds in her collegiate debut at Michigan (Nov. 10) ... paced the Zips’ attack with 26 points in a win against Saint Louis (Nov. 14) in her first home game ... scored a season-high 31 points, behind 15-for-16 shooting from the free throw line, while also grabbing eight rebounds against Miami (Mar. 1) ... posted her first double-double with 11 points and a seasonhigh 13 rebounds at Miami (Jan. 16).

Prior to AKron Division II second team All-Ohio as a senior at St. VincentSt. Mary High School ... named Akron Beacon Journal first team and Cleveland Plain Dealer “Best of the Best” ... Women’s Tri-County Basketball Coaches Association (WTCBCA) and All-Northeast Inland District first team ... averaged 19.0 points, eight rebounds, five assists and four steals over 87 career games ... three-time team MVP ...

WTCBCA Player of the Year in 2006 ... All-Ohio honorable mention in 2005 and 2006.

Personal Daughter of Mark and Pam Murphy ... father was a defensive back for the Green Bay Packers from 1980-92, earning Pro Bowl honors in 1983, after playing collegiately at West Liberty State College ... mother is an Akron alumnus ... has two older sisters, Kellyn and Kate, and one younger brother, Mark.

Varsity A Hall of Fame inductees

Class of 2010 Sports Hall of Fame louis arko ’50 This athlete was a busy student as an undergraduate. While majoring in electrical engineering he earned nine letters in three sports, four each in basketball and track and one in tennis.

However, it was in basketball that Arko excelled. As a 17-yearold freshman in January 1945, he enrolled at UA. Although Arko had a high school athletic career that would earn him induction into the Barberton Sports Hall of Fame in 1983, he was an unknown to Head Coach Russ Beichly. Still, Arko sought out and earned a spot on a squad that would compile a 21-2 record and win the 1945 Ohio Conference (OC) title. However, in June he was drafted into the U.S. Navy during World War II. After the war ended Arko returned to UA in September 1946 and helped the Zippers to a 15-9 record during the 1947-48 basketball season. He was a starter on the 1948-49 squad that compiled a 16-6 record and captured the first OC Basketball Tournament crown. The other four starters, Hank Vaughn, Bobby Walker, Earl Wolfe and Bill Mohr are all in the UA Hall of Fame. The 5-foot-11 playmaking guard finished on a high note in 1949-50 as UA’s number two scorer with careerhighs of 380 points and a 15.2 average. In that campaign, which saw Akron finish with 16-9 record, Arko, the Senior Class President, had his peak performance, especially in his last collegiate game. Before a standing room crowd of 4,500 in Goodyear Gym, Arko and his UA teammates went up against nationally-ranked and National Invitation Tournament-bound Duquesne with a 22-1 record. With Arko leading the way by scoring a career high 20 points UA came away with a 51-49 upset. Despite being drafted by the Syracuse Nationals, Arko went to work at Goodyear, where he played one season with the Wingfoots. He left Goodyear in 1957 to spend 33 years with Clark Controller. He has nine children, 13 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Now, an avid golfer, Arko has competed in many senior amateur tournaments, including winning a North and South Carolina Seniors Tournament in 1987.

Widowed in 1982, Arko and his wife of 25 years, Peg, now reside in Rock Hill, S.C.

Front Row (l to r): Dr. Thomas Nash (inductee - Kenneth “Red” Cochrane Meritorious Service Award), Katie McCumiskey Orlando (inductee - tennis), Christi Smith (inductee - track), Stacey Burrier Fischer (inductee - basketball). Back Row (l to r): Tom Wistrcill (Director of Athletics), Brian Fisher (Varsity “A” Association President), Robert Yanko (inductee - Mike Krino Achievement Award), Louis Arko (inductee - basketball, tennis, track), Newt Engle (inductee - rifle), John Massarelli (inductee - baseball), Dr. Luis M. Proenza (University President).

Marling “Newt” Engle ’79 Marling “Newt” Engle, who is among the most respected rifle coaches in the nation, is currently in his 33rd season as head coach of the Akron rifle team and is the longest serving head coach in UA history. He earned four letters in rifle at UA and was the top shooter in the Lake Erie Intercollegiate Rifle Conference (LEIRC) as a sophomore, and helped lead the Zips to LEIRC Championships as a junior and senior in 1976-77 and ’77-’78. That ’78 team went undefeated with a 36-0 record. As an undergraduate, Engle was named Akron’s head rifle coach and he promptly directed his first two squads to LEIRC championships, including another 36-0 campaign in 1979-80. During 10 seasons that UA competed in the LEIRC under Engle, his Zip shooters compiled a record of 238-33. Currently, the Zips compete in the Western Intercollegiate Rifle Conference (WIRC) and in the Mid-Atlantic Conference (MAC), the nation’s largest

rifle conference. His teams have continued to have success and captured WIRC smallbore championships in 2004-08 and ‘09-’10. In 2008-09, the program captured both the smallbore and air rifle WIRC Championships and won a smallbore championship in the highly competitive MAC in 2009-10. Among the hundreds of exceptional athletes Engle has coached, two were named All-Americans, senior Mark Beres, in 1978-79 and freshman Jenna Compton, who captured the 2009 NCAA National Championship in air rifle. Engle also had the grand experience of coaching his two daughters, Angie and April, both first team All-WIRC shooters. In 2006, Engle was presented the National Rifle Association’s Outstanding Service to Collegiate Shooting Sports Award. The award is given to a collegiate coach or instructor who has worked toward the growth and development of a collegiate shooting sports program. Engle, who has two degrees from the University, one in criminal justice and the other in political science, has been with the UA Police Department since 1979 and currently serves as assistant chief. He and his wife, Sandy, reside in Mogadore, Ohio.

Newt Engle UA Rifle Coach Varsity A Inductee

March 2011 | Zips Illustrated | 15

VArsity A Hall of Fame INductees

Class of 2010 Sports Hall of Fame stacey burrier fischer ’92

john massarelli ’87

katie Mccumiskey Orlando ’93

This 6-foot-2 center/forward’s four-year performance during the 1988-91 seasons indicates that she is one of the best woman’s basketball players to ever don the UA blue and gold.

Her 1,044 points placed her in fifth position on Akron’s all-time career list and her 599 rebounds ranked her seventh all-time. As a senior, Burrier became the program’s first player to earn conference honors when she was voted All-North Star Conference in 1991. Recruited out of Louisville High School by Head Coach John Street, Burrier asserted herself immediately as she played in all 27 games, was a starter in nine and contributed 5.2 points and 3.7 rebounds a game. Her 48 percent field goal shooting was the best on the team. Included among UA’s 12 wins was a 76-72 victory at neighborhood rival Kent State. Burrier kept improving as she adjusted to the college game by starting in 16 of 29 games in 1988-89 and upped her averages to 6.1 points and 4.3 rebounds. While starting in all 52 remaining games of her career, Burrier established herself as one of the top players in the North Star Conference her last two years. She netted career and team highs of 412 points (15.3 avg) (sixth highest in the conference) and hauled down 194 rebounds (7.2 avg) (eighth best in the league) to earn AllNSC honors. Included was a career high 29 points scored against Northern Illinois. In 1990-91, Burrier again led UA in scoring and rebounding in her senior campaign as team captain, averaging 12.8 points and 7.3 rebounds, including a career high of 17 boards versus both Detroit and Valparaiso. Parents of five children – Robert (12), Gretchen (10), Sophie (9), Reece (7) and Brock (5), she and her husband, Tom, reside in Charlotte, N.C. A stay-at-home mom, she is heavily involved with the YMCA of Greater Charlotte and its investment in local youth.

He parlayed a three-year college playing career into the longest professional baseball career of any other University of Akron athlete. John Massarelli lettered three years as a catcher in 198587. Although he began his UA career rather slowly, batting only .204 while playing in 35 games his sophomore season, Massarelli displayed remarkable improvement in 1986. The native of Canton, Ohio, batted .283 in 55 games and showed good speed on the base paths as he stole 23 of 26 bases. However, Massarelli’s breakout year came in 1987 when he batted a team-leading .419 with 70 hits (14 doubles, two triples, seven homeruns), had 50 RBI and stole a UA record-breaking 38 bases to earn the team’s MVP award. That outstanding senior campaign earned Massarelli first team All-Ohio Valley Conference honors and a professional contract with the Houston Astros baseball organization. He spent 10 seasons playing in the minor leagues, including five in the AAA level, while carrying a .271 career batting average. He played on two AAA championship teams in 1991 and 1993 as well as on another that captured the Taiwan Major League Championship in 1997. The following year found him earning the team’s MVP Award as the Canton Stallions captured the national championship of the American Amateur Baseball Congress Stan Musial Division. He then launched a very successful managerial career with several Houston Astros’ minor league clubs, making stops in the New York Penn League, the Class A Midwest League and the Carolina League. Of late, he has managed six seasons in the Frontier League.

Currently, Massarelli is in his third season of managing the Lake Erie Crushers. The Crushers were an expansion team who he guided to the 2009 Frontier League Championship.

Massarelli’s managerial career has earned him seven divisional championships, twice manager of the year honors and 611 wins. He also owns and operates the Massarelli Baseball School in Akron. In 2005, he was inducted into the Stark County Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame and the Greater Akron Baseball Hall of Fame in 2010. Massarelli and his wife, Kelly, a 1990 UA graduate, have a daughter, Noel, and reside in Massillon, Ohio.

After an outstanding four-year career during the 1989-93 campaign, Katie McCumiskey Orlando becomes the first UA women’s tennis player to be nominated for and voted ino the Hall of Fame. As a freshman she compiled a singles record of 2512 and doubles mark of 25-7 to earn UA’s MVP Award, and then preceded to earn All-North Star Conference First Team honors while capturing the No. 5 singles and No. 3 doubles championships. In 1990-91, McCumiskey helped UA to its best season ever in tennis, 26-6, while posting a 20-16 record at No. 2 singles and 22-9 at No. 2 doubles – finishing as runner-up in both at the North Star Championships. As a junior, McCumiskey captured 17 of 23 No. 2 singles matches, 13 of 20 No. 2 doubles matches and helped the Zip netters compiled a 15-2 record and again earned All-North Star Conference First Team by winning the No. 2 singles title and runner-up honors in No. 2 doubles. UA joined the Mid-American Conference for McCumiskey’s senior campaign, when the team posted a 17-5 mark. She promptly became the first of only four UA players to ever earn first team All-MAC honors. Her 79 career wins in singles surpassed the previous mark of 74, her 73 doubles victories topped the previous school mark of 68 and her 152 overall wins bested the previous high of 138 victories. She turned her love for tennis into her profession and in August 1993 became the youngest United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) Certified Tennis Professional in Ohio. In 2007, she was named the USPTA Pro of the Year. She currently continues to serve the Akron tennis community as the director of tennis at the Towpath Tennis Center and resides in Kent, Ohio, with her husband, Scott.

16 | Zips Illustrated | March 2011

Varsity A Hall of FamE INductees

Class of 2010 Sports Hall of Fame Christi Smith ’02 Without a doubt, Christi Smith is one of, if not the most outstanding female athlete to ever put on an Akron uniform. Smith became the most decorated student-athlete in school history, while lettering four years in track. As an undergraduate from 1997-2000, she was the first NCAA Division-I national champion in school history and the first multiple All-American in UA track history. Smith made an early impact on the UA track program by setting six new school records as a freshman, that included a 20’ 4 1/2” effort in the long jump that provisionally qualified her for the NCAA Championships. She established five more school records in 1998 and in addition scored 29 points to earn the Most Valuable Performer at the Mid-American Conference (MAC) Indoor Championships. As a senior in 2000, Smith captured the heptathlon (shot put, 100 meter hurdles, high jump, javelin, 200 meter dash, long jump and 800 meter run) with a school and MAC record-breaking 5,797 points at the NCAA National Championship in Durham, N.C. She also earned All-America accolades by finishing ninth in the NCAA heptathlon as a sophomore, second in the event at the 1999 national championships and ninth in the long jump at the 1999 NCAA Indoor Championships. In addition, Smith, who captured 11 wins in the long jump, triple jump, pentathlon, and heptathlon events at the MAC Indoor and Outdoor Track Championships between 1998-2000, earned first team All-MAC honors seven times. As a result, the Columbus, Ohio, native became the first female athlete in school history to be voted the Caroline Pardee Female Athlete of the Year three times from 1998-2000. In 2000, Smith, who carried a 3.36 grade-point average in physical education, earning first team All-MAC Academic honors, was the first UA female athlete to qualify for the U.S. Olympic Trials and was a finalist for the NCAA’s James E. Sullivan Leadership Award.

After graduating in 2002, Smith entered the collegiate track coaching ranks, first at Ohio University, then Kent State and for the last three seasons at Iowa. She resides in Iowa City, Iowa.

Kenneth “Red” Cochrane Meritorious Service Award Honoree

This award is presented as merited, to an individual who has made major contribution or service for the betterment of The University of Akron Department of Intercollegiate Athletics.

Dr. Thomas L. Nash Here is a good trivia question for fans of The University of Akron soccer program: Who is the longest serving coach in Zips soccer history? The answer given by most would be Stu Parry, the “Father of UA soccer”, who served the first 15 years as the program’s head coach. That answer is only partly correct. A little known fact is that Tom Nash also served 15 seasons as an assistant to head coaches from 1976 to 1990. Better known to the players as “Doc Nash”, served six years as an assistant to Robert Dowdy and for nine seasons (1982-90) under Steve Parker. And just like Parry, Nash served as a coach without pay during all 15 seasons.

Over that span of time the UA soccer program was extremely successful, capturing nine Ohio Collegiate Soccer Association Championships (1976, ‘80-87) and earning five NCAA Tournament berths (1976, ‘83-86). The 1986 Zips squad compiled a record of 17-4-3, the most all-time wins in a season at the time, and were edged 1-0 by Duke for the NCAA National Championship. UA’s overall record during Nash’s coaching career was 174 wins, 74 losses and 28 ties for a .681 winning percentage.

Along his coaching career he had the most fulfilling of opportunities to coach his three sons, all midfielders, Tim (198184), Pat (1984-87) and Michael (1987-90). All three sons and daughter, Jill, of Tom and his wife, Jan, who he refers to as the “original soccer mom”, are UA graduates. Nash was introduced to soccer while studying in England. He first began coaching in the CYO and then attended several coaching schools in Ohio, Delaware and Florida before earning his United States Soccer Federation coaching license in 1978. He also served as a staff coach for Ohio’s Olympic Development Program from 1979-94

DENNIS MITCHELL

UA Track Head Coach Former coach of Christi Smith

and was a coach and lecturer at the Ohio Youth Soccer Association (OYSA) Coaching School from 1980-90. In 2002, he was inducted into OYSA-North Hall of Fame. Nash’s love for UA soccer has continued, so much so that the berm on the east end of the renovated Lee R. Jackson Soccer Field was named in honor of the family. Needless to say, he was in Santa Barbara, Calif., as the Zips captured the University’s first team national championship in any sport in December 2010. Nash, who resides in Akron, earned all of his degrees from Kent State – his BA in 1962 and his MA in 1963, before joining the UA faculty in the geography department in 1968. In 1973, he earned his doctorate from KSU, became a full professor in 1983 and retired from UA, after 27 years, in 1994.

Mike Krino Varsity “A” Achievement Award Honoree

This award is presented as merited, to any former University of Akron varsity letterwinner who has reached a high level of achievement in their occupational field.

Robert Yanko ’71, ’80 As an undergraduate at The University of Akron, Robert Yanko lettered four years in golf from 1967-70 on four winning teams. As a freshman, Yanko was UA’s number three man with a 78.4 average over 11 matches as the Zips won six of 10 matches. Better known as Rob, he improved to become the number two man for his final three seasons. In 1968 he averaged 77.7 in 11 matches as UA compiled a 7-3-1 record. Yanko served as team captain his final two seasons on teams that compiled records of 9-1-1 in 1969 and a record-breaking 21-2 mark in 1970, that would earn the sport’s first invitation to compete in the NCAA Tournament. He enjoyed his best average as a junior, 76.8, and earned his best honor when he was voted the team’s Most Valuable Player his senior campaign, despite his average slipping to 77.3. After graduating, Yanko was hired in 1971 to teach social studies at nearby Hudson High School. Two years later he was named the school’s head golf coach. By the time Yanko retired 34 years later, he had coached his golf teams to 436 dual-meet wins and 186 losses. Over that time his teams captured 16 sectional titles and eight district championships. Thirteen of his teams were ranked in the top 10 in Ohio and his 1992 and 1998 squads were runner-up for the Ohio Championship. Yanko was voted District Coach of the Year in 1989 and again in 2004.

By 1992 Yanko’s golf coaching career was so impressive that he was inducted into the Ohio High School Golf Coaches Hall of Fame. In 1998 and 2004 Yanko was voted the Ohio High School Athletic Association’s Sportsman of the Year and in 2006 he was voted Teacher of the Year by the Council of Social Studies. Sixty of his golfers went on to play in college and 20 of them are, in some way, still in the golf business. In August, 2008, Yanko finally got a chance to heed some of the advice he had been giving his young high school players for years by winning his first ever golf tournament. He fired rounds of one over 73 at Barberton Brookside and a one under 70 at Good Park to capture the Summit County Senior Amateur Tournament.

Since 2006, he has continued his teaching career at his alma mater, Hoban High School, and is an active volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House and the Greater Akron Touchdown Club. A life-long resident of Akron, Rob and his wife, Mary, are parents of daughters, Kristin and Beth, and son, Nathan.

March 2011 | Zips Illustrated | 17

Men’s Soccer National Championship Reflection

Men’s Soccer

ALL HAIL

THE

The men’s soccer program won the school’s first team NCAA championship in any sport last December in California

CHAMPIONS

T

he University of Akron men’s soccer team captured the school’s first team national championship in any sport on Sunday, using a late goal to defeat Louisville 1-0 at Harder Stadium in the NCAA College Cup. The thirdseeded Zips closed out their historic season with a 22-1-2 record, while the top-seeded Cardinals suffered their only loss of the year, finishing 20-1-3.

Akron, which was appearing in the national championship game for the second time in as many seasons, broke a scoreless tie in the 79th minute with a corner kick goal by Scott Caldwell. Anthony Ampaipitakwong provided service from the left side of the field. After a volley, Caldwell had his first shot deflected off a wall of defenders. But the sophomore collected the rebound and sent the ball into the upper righthand corner of the net from 15 yards.

Lousiville, which was playing in its first national title contest, threatened to punch in the equalizer with a flurry of attempts in the final 1:30 of regulation.

One shot was blocked by UA defender Chad Barson and Zips’ goalkeepr David Meves stood strong as the final seconds ticked away and the celebration began.

“I’m not usually at a loss for words, but in some ways I am,” said UA head coach Caleb Porter. “I am proud of my team. It’s been a long journey. It started Dec. 14 (2009) after a bitter, painful loss to Virginia last year, which ended on one kick. For these guys to recover from that; move on and work even harder is an absolute tremendous credit to these guys. They have been hungry all year; dug deep, kept going, kept fighting and refused to lose.

“This team has a rare combination of talent and winning qualities. When you put the two together, it’s a powerful thing. That’s why we won the national championship - the combination of those two things.”

DID YOU KNOW? • With a career record of 90-13-10 (.841), Caleb Porter is the NCAA most-winningest active coach. He will begin his sixth season with the Zips next fall.

• While defensive efficiency has been the hallmark of

18 | Zips Illustrated | March 2011

“ This team has a rare combination of talent and winning qualities.

When you put the two together, it’s a powerful thing. That’s why we won the national championship...

”

~Caleb Porter, UA Head Coach Porter’s teams at UA - the Zips have led the nation in goals-against-average in two of the last three seasons ­- it has been this balanced and dominant style of soccer that has elevated the program to its lofty status. In fact, over the past two seasons, Akron is the only program in the nation to finish the year ranked in the top five for both scoring offense and goals-against-average. The Zips were the second-highest scoring team in the country in 2009 (2.35 goals/game) and were ranked fifth in 2010 (2.56) despite scoring six more goals during their national championship campaign.

• This rare and dangerous combination has spurred UA, which has lost just once during the regular run of play over its last 50 matches. During that time, the Zips have posted an overall mark of 45-2-3 while becoming the first school to advance to the national championship

game in back-to-back seasons since Indiana accomplished the feat in 2003 and 2004.

• For his efforts, Porter was rewarded with a 10-year contract extension last December that will keep him as the Zips’ head coach through the 2020 season.

• In all, Porter has guided UA to five Mid-American Conference regular season championships, four consecutive MAC Tournament titles and to the NCAA Tournament each season since 2007. Akron advanced to the NCAA second round in 2007, the Round of 16 in 2008 and all the way to the national title game in 2009 and 2010.

• Under Porter’s watch, the Zips have produced a Hermann Trophy winner in each of the last two seasons - including Teal Bunbury, who became the first UA player to win the prestigious award in 2009, and 2010 winner Darlington Nagbe - and a finalist each year since 2008. Akron is just

Men’s Soccer National Championship Reflection the fifth school in the history of the men’s player of the year award to record consecutive winners all-time and the first since Virginia in 1995-96.

• Thirteen Zips have been selected in the Major League Soccer SuperDraft under Porter’s watch, including 12 in the last four seasons alone. For more on UA record-breaking day at the 2011 MLS SuperDraft, click here.

• Associate Head Coach Jared Embick was named the 2010 NSCAA National Assistant Coach of the Year for his contributions to the program. Embick’s primary responsibilities on the staff include recruiting, scouting, game-day preparation and video analysis. He also serves as the team’s academic liaison and compliance coordinator and assists with daily training. In 2009-10, the Zips landed four players on the Academic All-America Team, including Academic All-America of the Year Kofi Sarkodie, and posted the eighth-highest cumulative team GPA in the nation with a mark of 3.33.

• Thanks to a completely renovated home facility and the most-challenging non-conference schedule in the country, the Zips attracted a the second-highest average attendance (3,213) in the country.

• UA was one of just four schools (Santa Barbara, 5,873; Connecticut, 3,126; Cal Poly, 3,013) to average more than 3,000 fans per home contest.

UA MEN’S SOCCER TEaM

Honored at the Ohio state house in Columbus

UA MEN’S SOCCER TEaM

Recognized at a Cleveland Cavaliers’ game

MAJOR KUDOS The Zips received a championship welcome when they returned to Akron with a couple thousand fans on hand for the University’s official celebration at Rhodes Arena.

There, a host of state and local dignitaries applauded the team’s accomplishments, capped off by Akron mayor Don Plusquellic presenting the coaching staff a key to the city.

But that was just the beginning as the team was recognized at a host of events across the state. They were invited to the Ohio state house in Columbus to receive recognition from the state senate, honored by the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission as the organization’s “Collegiate Athlete of the Year” and saluted during a Cleveland Cavaliers’ game in Cleveland, just to name a few.

A Show off your Akron men’s soccer pride with one of four desktop wallpapers. Click on the graphic below to access the free download.

Zips Announce Spring Exhibition Schedule

nine-day trip to Madrid and a trio of home matches - including an April 2nd contest against NCAA quarterfinalist Maryland - highlight the spring schedule for the 2010 national champion University of Akron men’s soccer program.

From March 11-20th, the Zips will be guests at the “The City of Football”, the Spanish national team training center, where they will train and play against reserve teams of Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Getafe.

“This is an opportunity of a lifetime for the Akron soccer program to spend our spring break in Spain, the top soccer country in the world right now,” Porter said. “To be able to immerse ourselves in the game as well as take in the Spanish culture will make for a unique experience unlike anything our team has done before.”

A split-squad match-up against College Cup participant Michigan (17-5-3) and Summit League champion Oakland (7-11-3) at the Ultimate Soccer Arena in Pontiac, Mich., await the Zips upon their return on Mar. 26. Akron will face the Wolverines in a slightly abbreviated rematch

of last year’s NCAA semifinal at 1:30 p.m. before taking on the Golden Grizzlies at 3:15 p.m. Both games will feature two, 35-minute halves.

The Zips will then host ACC Tournament champion Maryland (19-3-1) at 2 p.m. on Apr. 2 in their first of three home matches of the spring. The Terrapins were the No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament a year ago before being upset by the Wolverines in a 3-2 double-overtime defeat in the quarterfinals. All three home games on the Zips’ schedule will be full, 90-minute matches and are open to the public at no charge.

Akron will stay in state when it heads to the Athletes in Action Showcase in Xenia on Apr. 10. There, the Zips will play three, 45-minute games against Wright State (412-1), Notre Dame (10-6-4) and Cincinnati (7-5-7) starting at Noon on Apr. 10. UA will conclude its spring schedule with a pair of home games against Atlantic 10 champion Xavier (10-7-4), starting at 2 p.m. on Apr. 16, and Valparaiso (9-8-2), starting at 7:30 p.m. on Apr. 27.

March 2011 | Zips Illustrated | 19

Men’s Soccer National Championship Reflection

What They’re Saying About Akron A

kron’s national championship run and the way it went about capturing college soccer’s greatest prize have drawn raves around the country. Check out what people have been saying: • “There’s a difference between being motivated and haunted. The Akron men’s soccer team saw a national championship slip away on penalty kicks last year in the College Cup. It was the only loss in what was otherwise a near perfect season, and in the postmatch agony, Zips coach Caleb Porter got his point across: It hurts, but don’t let this crush you.

We’ll come back and finish the job next year.

Which is exactly what Akron did at sun-drenched Harder Stadium near the Pacific Ocean on Sunday afternoon. Chilly as the weather may have been in Ohio, the Akron community probably felt the warmth all the way from the West Coast after the Zips’ 1-0 championship-game victory against Louisville.” ~ Mechelle Voepel, ESPN.com • “Ask any one of ... Akron’s current talent, and they’ll likely all give the same reason for going to Akron: coach Porter. Add to that the style Akron plays, favoring a possession-oriented passing game that emphasizes attacking soccer, and the school has become the premier destination for talented young soccer players across the nation.

That style was on display in the final against Louisville and throughout the entire tournament. And it’s the way that many purists around the world believe the game should be played: always entertaining, attacking, looking to seize the initiative and score plenty of goals.” ~ Travis Clark, MLS.com

20 | Zips Illustrated | March 2011

• “In the last three years alone, Akron has supplied 11 players to MLS, more than any other school. Eight of those players were picked within the first 10 picks of the draft and five of them were picked among the first four.

While the easy conclusion might lead you to believe that Akron is little more than a pro-soccer player factory, the reality seems to be far more nuanced. Akron head coach Caleb Porter is undoubtedly creating professional athletes, but he’s doing it in a way that belies the conventional image of what that means.

His teams are regularly among the nation’s academic leaders. In 2009-10 they posted a team GPA of 3.33, eighth best in the country, and the semester the Zips won the 2010 College Cup they posted a 3.51 team GPA. In Porter’s five years at Akron, seven Zips have been named Academic All-America and 16 have been named Academic All-Conference.” ~ Jeremiah Oshan, SBNation.com • “Using the Catalan power as the template, Porter takes great pride in his team’s ability to hold the ball through quick, short and precise passing. One YouTube video highlights this kind of play perfectly. Called “Akron Tiki Taka: Death By A Thousand Passes,” it features sequence after sequence of Akron stringing together long series of passes, and several closer to 20. The nearly nine-minute video doesn’t even feature its first goal until the 7:19 mark, and that only comes after a nine-pass sequence that takes about 25 seconds to develop.

The visually pleasing style has helped make Akron one of the top scoring teams in the nation, as well as one of the hardest to score upon. In 2010, they were the only team to rank in the top 5 in both goals scored (2.56, third) and goals allowed (.62, fifth) per game. Only Maryland had a better average goal-difference than Akron’s 1.94.” ~ Oshan, SBNation.com • “Plenty of colleges have student rooting sections, but few of them have embraced soccer to the degree they have at the Akron. The AK Rowdies regularly pack “The Hill” behind the east goal at Lee R. Jackson Field, oftentimes numbering more than 1,000, and have earned a reputation for being among the most devoted college soccer fans in the country.

For a road match against cross-state rival Ohio State, they filled six buses. After his team managed only a tie, Porter felt compelled to deliver a first-hand apology to the hundreds of Akron fans who made the approximately 125-mile trip.

Prior to matches, the AK Rowdies escort the team into the stadium. During matches, they stand and cheer throughout. But it’s during their post-victory celebrations that they really shine.” ~ Oshan, SBNation.com

Men’s Soccer National Championship Reflection

ZIPS DOMINATE POSTSEASON AWARDS

Whether on the field, in the classroom or the community, no group of athletes were as heralded as the NCAA Champion men’s soccer team

A

kron’s historic campaign paved the way to a host of college soccer’s premiere individual awards. Following the season, Darlington Nagbe (above left) was named the winner of the prestigious Missouri Athletics Club Hermann Trophy – college soccer’s equivalent of the Heisman Trophy, Kofi Sarkodie (middle) was named Soccer America’s Player of the Year as well as the Academic AllAmerica Player of the Year, and Anthony Ampaipitakwong (right) was the receipient of the Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award.

But these are just some of the awards UA individuals received in 2010.

• Nagbe and Sarkodie each earned All-America First Team honors from the NSCAA. It was the second consecutive year Nagbe achieved All-America status after being named to the second team in 2009. He became just the 11th player in school history to receive All-American recognition in multiple years. It was the first honor for Sarkodie Moreover, it was the third straight year the Zips have landed at least two players on the All-America list, following Teal Bunbury, Anthony Ampaipitakwong and Nagbe in 2009; and Ampaipitakwong and Steve Zakuani in 2008. In all, UA has recorded eight NSCAA All-Americans in five seasons under head coach Caleb Porter.

• In addition to being the third straight UA player to win Soccer America’s Player of the Year in 2010 (following Teal Bunbury in 2009 and Steve Zakuani in 2008), Sarkodie became the first player in school history to be named Academic All-America of the Year.

• Sarkodie was one of four Akron players to earned Academic All-America status overall in 2010. Joining Sarkodie on the esteemed list were sophomore defender Chad Barson and sophomore goalkeeper David Meves, who each landed on the Second Team, as well as senior midfielder Anthony Ampaipitakwong, who garnered third-team status.

• Soccer America also named midfielder Perry Kitchen and striker Darren Mattocks to its All-Freshman First Team.

The Zips were the only school in the country to land two players on the first team.

• Four UA players earned first team honors and six were recognized overall when Top Drawer Soccer released its Team of the Season. Ampaipitakwong, Nagbe, Sarkodie and sophomore defender Zarek Valentin were each named to the 11-man first team while Meves and junior midfielder Michael Nanchoff each landed on the third team. UA’s four first-team honorees were the most by any school. Additionally, Kitchen and Mattocks were named to the All-Rookie Team.

• For the fourth straight season, Zips swept the MidAmerican Conference specialty awards as Nagbe was named Player of the Year, Mattocks was named Newcomer

of the Year and Porter was named Coach of the Year. Nagbe was the eighth Akron player to earn the league’s highest individual award since 1993 and follows Teal Bunbury (2009), Steve Zakuani (2008), Corey Sipos (2007), Sinisa Ubiparipovic (2006) and Ross McKenzie (2005) as the sixth consecutive Akron player to receive the honor. Mattocks became the ninth UA player to earn newcomer honors and the fifth in the last six seasons, following Zarek Valentin (2009), Nagbe (2008), Zakuani (2007) and Evan Bush (2005). It also was the fourth consecutive season Porter, the reigning NSCAA National Coach of the Year, was been named MAC Coach of the Year.

• A school record, nine Akron players were also named to the All-MAC First Team.

ANThony ampaipitakwong

Former UA midfielder talks about winning the Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award

March 2011 | Zips Illustrated | 21

Men’s Soccer Dominates MLS SuperDraft

Major LEague Soccer

AKRON

RUNS THROUGH The men’s soccer program made Major League Soccer history at the 2011 SuperDraft when five Zips’ were selected in the first round and eight were taken overall

Don Garber

MLS Commissioner talks about Akron’s impact on the MLS

H

istory was made at the 2011 Major League Soccer SuperDraft as seven members of the national champion University of Akron men’s soccer team had their names called – including five in the first round – at the Baltimore Convention Center.

UA landed five of the first eight picks of the draft to set an MLS standard for most first-round selections from a single school, surpassing Wake Forest’s previous mark of four in 2010. Moreover, with seven draftees on the day, Akron set another milestone for most selections by a team, which ironically had also previously belonged to the Demon Deacons, who had six players drafted in 2009. UA head coach Caleb Porter and his staff have now produced 12 MLS draft picks in the last four seasons, including eight players taken in the top 10.

Hermann Trophy winner and two-time NSCAA All-American Darlington Nagbe was the first of three straight UA selections on the day, going No. 2 overall to the expansion Portland Timbers. Nagbe finished seventh in the country with a career-high 13 assists, with six setting up game-winning goals, in 2010. The Mid-American Conference Player of the Year also found the net seven times, including a pair of gamewinners against then-ranked No. 9 Creighton and Western Michigan in the MAC Tournament championship match.

A pair of standouts from the United States U-20 National Team followed with freshman midfielder Perry Kitchen going No. 3 to D.C. United and sophomore defender Zarek Valentin going No. 4 to Chivas USA. Kitchen burst onto the scene as a true freshman and started all 25 games from his defensive midfield position. After finishing with six goals, including two beautiful long-range strikes in both the Zips’ NCAA quarterfinal match against Cal and the NCAA semifinal against Michigan, Kitchen was named to the all-freshman teams by Soccer America, College Soccer News and Top Drawer Soccer.

Valentin, a College Soccer News All-American in 2010, started every game of his two-year career and recorded his first career point by assisting the game-winner in UA’s 1-0 victory at Michigan State this season. Valentin’s selection reunites him with former Zips’ midfielders Blair Gavin and Ben Zemanski, who were each drafted by the franchise in 2010.

A couple of picks separated another run of Akron players as Soccer America Player of the Year Kofi Sarkodie and All-Great Lakes Region standout Michael Nanchoff went in successive order at No. 7 and No. 8 to Houston and Vancouver, respectively. Sarkodie, the Academic All-America of the Year, recorded a career-high eight goals and six assists in 22 games from his outside back position in 2010. In all, the junior defender finished with five game-winning goals, which was the second-highest total on the team. Sarkodie led the Zips to the national championship game with a header in the 74th minute to defeat Michigan in the NCAA semifinal (Dec. 10) after recording his first career hat trick against the Wolverines in a 7-1 rout during the regular season 24 | Zips Illustrated | March 2011

(Oct. 19).

Nanchoff was named to the All-Great Lakes Region team after netting a career-high 10 goals, including three game-winners last season. The junior midfielder also finished with nine assists on the campaign, though none was bigger than the cross that led to Sarkodie’s game-winning header that defeated Michigan at the College Cup and advanced the Zips back to the national championship game for the second straight year.

The fun continued in round two as two instrumental seniors had their turn. Defender Chris Korb got the call first, becoming the second UA player to be drafted by D.C. United with the 31st overall pick. Midfielder Anthony Ampaipitakwong, the 2010 winner of the Lowe’s Senior CLASS award and two-time Hermann Trophy semifinalist, followed shortly after going two picks later to San Jose.

Korb started every game of his UA career since transferring from Xavier in 2007 and provided a physical presence on the Zips’ back line. He logged 2,208 minutes last fall – the third-highest total on the team – and was a key contributer on a defense unit that set school records for goals-against-average (0.27) and shutouts (19) in 2009.

UA’s 19 shutouts that season represented the secondhighest, single-season total in NCAA history while its GAA and shutout percentage (.760) were ranked third all-time.

Ampaipitakwong, who was Porter’s first big-name recruit and a key building block on UA’s championship team, was an Academic All-American and a member of Soccer America’s Team MVP First Team in 2010. He finished his career as the school’s all-time leader in games played (93) and netted 17 goals and 30 assists as a fouryear letter-winner.

UA Men’s Soccer 2011 SIgning Class

Men’s Soccer

AKRON reloads with NIne-player signing class After losing seven starters to the professional ranks, Porter reloads with some of the nation’s top talent

S

is All-Americans and two national players of the year highlight the Zips’ 2011 signing class as announced last February.

In all, the Zips will welcome seven incoming freshmen and two transfers, including the NSCAA National High School Player of the Year as well as the NAIA National Player of the Year, following their historic 2010 NCAA National Championship season. Of the seven first-year players, three are ranked in the top 10 of Top Drawer Soccer’s Top 100 recruits while five were ranked in College Soccer News’ Top 150 overall. These rankings do not include international students or transfers.

Midfielder Wil Trapp (Gahanna, Ohio/Gahanna Lincoln HS), defender/midfielder Bryan Gallego (Kinnelon, N.J./Kinnelon HS), DeAndre Yedlin (Seattle, Wash./O’Dea HS), forward Diego Navarrete (Santiago, Chile/SSCC Manquehue), attacking midfielder/forward Luke Holmes (Oldham, England/ Our Lady’s R.C. HS/Notre Dame College), defender Kayvon Afsarifard (Chardon, Ohio/St. Ignatius HS/Loyola University Chicago), defender Kyle Culbertson (Olentangy, Ohio/Olentangy HS), forward Andy Chiu (El Paso, Texas/Cornado HS) and midfielder David Murrow (Cleveland, Ohio/Strongsville HS) will continue their careers with the Zips this fall.

“With the departure of seven starting players and five underclassmen, we certainly had some major holes to fill,” said UA head coach Caleb Porter. “However, I am confident that this group will help us maintain our standard of excellence on and off the field. This class offers a mix of very talented and experienced freshman, who have played at the youth international level, as well as some transfers and international players, who will bring much needed maturity to the group.

“When you build a team, having a variety of pieces and the right types of players is very important. Each of these young men were identified because they fit our style of play and also because they bring something a little different to the table. Due to losing so many underclassmen early, we also needed to be very diligent to remain a balanced team with quality options at every position. I believe we have done that with these players.

“Also, we will still look to add one, maybe two more recruits as the spring progresses; most likely coming from overseas. Regardless, I expect several of these newcomers to step in immediately. Combine that with an experienced group of returning players, and our expectation is to hopefully be competing again for a national championship next fall.”

Wil Trapp (5-8, 150) 2010 NSCAA National High School Player of the Year ... fifth-ranked recruit in the country by both Top Drawer Soccer and College Soccer News ... Top Drawer Soccer five-star recruit ... member of the U.S. U-18 men’s national team ... also competed with the U-14’s and U-15’s ... Columbus Crew Academy team captain for the U-16 and U-18 age groups ... two-time Columbus Crew Academy player of the year (2009, 2010) ... Ohio Gatorade Player of the Year (2009) ... compiled a 41-1-2 record over a two-year high school career at Gahanna ... clinched the Golden Lions’ first national championship in 2009 with the game-winning penalty kick in the shootout ... two-time high school All-American.

Bryan Gallego (5-10, 165) 10th-ranked recruit in the nation and a five-star prospect, according to Top Drawer Soccer ... captain of the U.S. U-18 Youth National Team ... also a member of the U-20s ...

Parade All-American ... four-time all-state honoree ... threetime team captain at the N.Y. Red Bulls Academy (U-16, U-17 and U-18) ... won three state cup championships, one regional championship and a national title ... also won three straight high school state championships at Kinnelon HS. DeAndre Yedlin (5-8, 150) Ranked seventh in the nation among all 2011 recruits by Top Drawer Soccer ... ranked 12th by College Soccer News ... NSCAA Boys Youth All-American ... invited to the U.S. Soccer U-18 Men’s National Training Camp and the 2010 SuperElite International Showcase ... named to USSDA 93 Academy Select Team in 2009 and 2010 ... ODP state team starter from 2006-2009 ... national U14 ID camp in 2006 ...

National Super Y Team invitee in 2007 and 2008 ... starter on the Sounders FC Academy team ... won the Washington state championship in 2005, 2008 and 2009.

Diego Navarrete (5-11, 158) Won three straight Chilean national titles with his club team, Universidad Catolica (2008, 2009, 2010) ... team also won the Nike Cup in 2008 ... totaled 35 goals in 30 games over the past two seasons ... placed second in the 80-meter hurdles at the 2006 South American Championships ... was a four-time Chilean national champion in the 80m and 100m hurdles ... mother, Monica Munoz, held the Chilean record in the 1500 and 3000 in track ... father, Victor, played soccer in Temuco for the Chilean Team ... brother, Mauricio, played professional soccer in Chile ... other brother, Pablo, is an NCAA All-American for the track team at Florida State.

Luke Holmes (5-7, 150) Transfer from Notre Dame College where he was the NAIA National Player of the Year (2010) and a First Team AllAmerican ... will have one year of eligibility remaining ... led the Blue Falcons to the their first national championship game with a 23-0-1 record last fall ... scored five goals and added two assists in five games at the national tournament en route to being named the National Tournament Most

Valuable Player ... ended his junior campaign as the program’s all-time leader in goals (70) and points (164), and second in assists (25) ... ranked third in the country in goals (24) and points (58) last season ... named to NSCAA AllAmerica Second Team as a sophomore after earning honorable mention honors as a freshman.

Kayvon Afsarifard (5-10, 175) Transfer from Loyola University Chicago ... will have three years of eligibility remaining ... appeared in nine games as a first-year player with the Ramblers ... led St. Ignatius to the state championship in 2008 and a runner-up finish in 2009 ... was named the Cleveland Plain Dealer Player of the Year as a senior ... ESPN Rise All-America Second Team.

Kyle Culbertson (5-10, 140) NSCAA Youth All-American ... 42nd-ranked recruit in the nation, according to College Soccer News ... All-District First Team honoree in 2009 ... ODP State Team ... won the Ohio South State Cup Championship in 2008 after being a finalist in 2006 ... Olentangy High School team captain and MVP ... Columbus Crew Soccer Academy.

Andy Chiu (5-8, 155) Real Salt Lake Academy ... 10th-best recruit in the state of Texas, according to Top Drawer Soccer ... all-state first team performer as a senior ... sister, Jenny (15), is a current member of the US U-17 Women’s National Team ... competed in the United States Soccer Federation National Academy League playoffs in 2008 with Andromeda SC ... Texas Fire 93 club team won the Texas State Championship in 2010.

David Murrow (5-7, 150) ESPN Rise first-team all-state as a senior ... graduated from Strongsville High School after transferring from Padua Franciscan following his sophomore season ... finished high school career with 13 goals and 32 assists ... participated in the ODP region II holdover camp and the region II pool ... plays for the Internationals Soccer Club under the direction of current UA associate head coach Jared Embick ... team won three state cup championships and one regional championship ... placed fifth in the nation for academy at finals week in California in July of 2010.

March 2011 | Zips Illustrated | 25

UA Women’s Soccer 2011 SIgning Class

WoMen’s Soccer

ON-THE-RISE ZIPS ADD EIGHT Chris Pfau

UA Women’s Soccer Coach

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he University of Akron women’s soccer program and coach Chris Pfau announced the signing of eight athletes to National Letters of Intent in February.

The recruiting class includes a trio of players from Las Vegas, Nev. - Hailey Kirkwood, Meghan Brascia, and Lexa Green - one player from Pennsylvania - Alexandra Frawley - and four athletes from Ohio - Carli Pimm, Karina Atkinson, Danielle Reymann, and Brianna Kanz.

“I’m very happy that these student-athletes decided to choose The University of Akron,” said Pfau. “The staff has done a tremendous job bringing this class together. Every year we have tried to build the program and improve it. This class will surely help us do that. I am very excited about this class and can’t wait to see them playing in our brand new stadium next fall. Each recruit comes from a great club and all have top level club experience.”

The 2011 recruiting class joins a UA women’s soccer program on the rise. The Zips qualified for the Mid-American Conference tournament for the second straight season in 2010 and compiled a MAC East record of 4-0-1. The Zips are 9-0-1 in the MAC East in the last two seasons. Akron returns a host of key contributors including co-leading scorer Rachel Phillip and All-MAC Freshman Team performer Kelly DeNiro.

Also joining the Zips side next season will be transfer Rachel Dennis. Dennis was a four-year starter at Jackson High School in nearby Massillon, Ohio.

“This class will add speed and athleticism to an experienced roster, and they will surely enjoy playing the blend of attractive and determined soccer we try to cultivate here at Akron,” continued Pfau. “Over the last couple of years, our team has learned exactly what it takes to compete at the highest levels.

This class comes in with the advantage of having already competed at the highest club levels - regionally and nationally - and have been exposed to top-notch coaching and to competition against some of the best players in the country.”

Karina Atkinson (5-3, MF) High School: Four-year varsity letterwinner ... scored 23 goals and added 26 assists ... Freshman Year - was named Southwest Ohio All-Academic Award ... FAVC Academic Award ... Sophomore Year - was named 2nd Team All-Conference ... served as the team captain ... Southwest

26 | Zips Illustrated | March 2011

Valley First Team, All-OVAC First Team and Team MVP ...

Ranked 9th in the region by TopDrawer Soccer.

Quoting Coach Pfau: Alex is a great athlete who can play in the midfield or in the back. She is a tough player who competes for everything. She is very good with the ball and is dangerous in the box scoring goals. Alex comes from a great club team, Beadling, and will bring that experience with her to Akron.

Lexa Green (5-6, D) High School: A Four-year varsity letterwinner. Freshman Year - was named Most Valuable Rookie and 4A All-City ... a First Team All-Southern Nevada, All-Sunrise Region, and AllSoutheast Division selection. Sophomore Year - was named 4A All-City ... First Team All-Southern Nevada, All-Sunrise Region, and All-Southeast Division ... also captained her side and was the team MVP... Ranked 9th in the region by TopDrawer Soccer.

Quoting Coach Pfau: Lexa is a tremendous athlete who can play anywhere on the field. Her experience with club and regional camps will benefit her right from the start. She has great speed and is very talented with the ball. I expect great things from her during her time at Akron.”

Ohio All-Academic team ... named to the FAVC Academic Team and received the Coaches’ Award. Junior Year - was 2nd Team All-Conference and the team captain ... named Southwest Ohio All-Academic and FAVC Academic, and received the Coaches’ Award .... Senior Year - was 1st Team All-Conference ... also an All-City Honorable Mention, Team MVP, and most valuable offensive player (most points).

Quoting Coach Pfau: Karina is a very technical player with great vision. She can control the tempo and the flow of the game in the midfield. Karina can attack and defend and brings a lot of experience from club and ODP to Akron.

Meghan Brascia (5-6, D) High School: Four-year varsity letterwinner whose team went 51-7-1 during her career (high school season is still in progress) ... Scored 4 goals and recorded 14 assists as a central defender. Freshman Year - was named to the AllSouthwest Division Team ... led her team to a Southwest Division Championship ... BGHS was also a Sunset Region Finalist. Sophomore Year - was named BGHS Best Defensive Player ... also named All-Southern Nevada, All-Sunset Region, and All-Southwest Division ... side was Southwest Division Champs and Sunset Region Finalists ... Ranked 10th in the region by TopDrawer Soccer.

Quoting Coach Pfau: Meghan is a very experienced and tough defender. She has played at a high level and on a great team and will bring that experience to Akron. She is a tremendous competitor and a tough 1 v 1 defender. Meghan is very technical on the ball and will be able to generate attacks from the back.

Alexandra Frawley (5-8, MF/D) High School: Four-year varsity letterwinner (spent 2 years in Iowa) ... Scored 37 goals and tallied 13 assists.

Freshman Year - Second Team All-Central Iowa Metropolitan League honoree. Sophomore Year - was named to the First Team All-Central Iowa Metropolitan League ... an Honorable Mention All-State honoree (Iowa). Junior Year - named First Team All-Ohio Valley Athletic Conference (OVAC) ... tabbed the OVAC Division 3 Player of the Year ... First Team AllState (West Virginia) ... was the West Virginia HS Soccer Coaches Association AA-A Midfielder of the Year named All-

Hailey Kirkwood (5-7, D) High School: A four-year varsity letterwinner and starter ... totaled 7 goals and 25 assists as a defender ... was named Captain her junior and senior year and was voted Soccer MVP her junior year. Currently competing in her senior season.

Quoting Coach Pfau: Hailey plays for one of the best clubs in the country. She is a very talented defender who is great at 1 v 1 and can attack out of the back. She has great speed, a great work ethic and a great desire to get better each day.

Brianna Kanz (5-7, MF/D) High School: A four-year varsity letterwinner ... helped the team to 52 shutouts in her four year career ... Walsh compiled a record of 66-8-11 in her career. Freshman Year - Helped her team to a regional championship. Junior Year - Led her side to another regional championship ... named Unsung Warrior. Senior Year - Captained Walsh to the a state championship ... Walsh was named ESPN Rise National Champions and Best Catholic Girls HS Soccer Team.

Quoting Coach Pfau: Brianna is a very tough competitor that has great soccer sense. She can play in the defense or in the midfield. She has a great instinct on the field and can make the players around her better. She will bring a great desire to win from her success with Cleveland Internationals and Walsh HS. Carli Pimm (5-4, F) High School: A four-year varsity letterwinner ... scored 20 goals and added 25 assists ... team was two-year OCC Champs and one-year district finalist ... 47-19-8 record in her career ... was MVP for her team during her senior season ... Super 12 All-Central Ohio Team.

Quoting Coach Pfau: Carli is a very dynamic forward.

She creates a lot of problems for defenders. She can score goals and has excellent speed. Carli is expected to play up front, where her great speed and work rate will put a lot of pressure on defenders.

Danielle Reymann (5-6, MF) High School: A four-year varsity letterwinner ... Kilbourne HS went 29-14-7 record during her career ... four year district semi-finalist ... was named First Team All-OCC and Team Captain her senior year.

Quoting Coach Pfau: Danielle is very experienced and can play in the midfield. She is a very good and tough defender that also has good vision on the field. Danielle reads the game extremely well and has a great work ethic.

Fall Sports Review

WOMEN’S GOLF CAPTURES FIRST Tournament title

Akron leads wire-to-wire to claim top prize at third annual Zippy Invitational

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he Zips captured the first team title in program history after taking top honors at the Third Annual Zippy Invitational on Oct. 12 at the par-72, 6,025yard Rosemont Country Club in Fairlawn, Ohio.

Since the program’s beginning during the 2008-09 season, the Zips had posted four runner-up finishes, the last coming at the First Market Bank Intercollegiate in Williamsburg, Va. (March 20-21, 2010).

Akron led wire-to-wire to post a four-stroke victory with a three-round total of 950 (314-308-328).

“The golf course was playing very tough today, but our overall play during the past two days is what made the difference,” said UA head coach Jenny King. “I am very proud of how we dealt with the conditions and were able to come out with the win.”

Junior Kristen Hill led the way for the Zips, taking runner-up honors after posting a final-round 75 to finish with an 11-over 227 (79-73-75). Hill’s round of 73 during

Jenny King

UA Women’s Golf Coach

round two tied for the top round of the tournament.

“I thought Kristen’s play was key and really helped us today,” King said. “To fight back and almost take the individual title will be a great confidence boost for her as we move forward.”

Junior Amanda Butler posted a top-10 finish after carding a three-round tally of 238 (80-76-82) to finish tied for ninth. Junior Katie Jenior finished the event tied for 12th place with a three-round score of 241 (75-79-87).

Tyler Etcheberry, playing as an individual, rounded out the Zips in the top-20 after carding an 83 on the final round to finish in a tie for 16th (81-79-83). Sara Chaves (80-82-84=246) and Hanna Ek (80-80-87=247) finished in 23rd and tied for 24th respectively to cap the scoring-five.

Natalie Sheerer and Whitney Graff, also playing as individuals, closed out the tournament tied for 32nd and 35th respectively. Sheerer posted a three-round score of 251 (85-80-86) while Gaff carded a 252 (80-79-93).

Fall Sports Review Cross Country The UA women’s team finished 17th and the men’s squad 20th at the NCAA Great Lakes Regional Championship in November, after the men’s program placed fourth and women’s team finished seventh at the Mid-American Conference Championships. Five of the Zips’ men’s runners finished in the top 30 at the conference meet, including junior Andy Knapp’s 10th-place time of 25:05.3 to earn allconference honors.

Following the season, Kim Lorentz (3.96, Biology), Gus Dudek (3.83, Mathematics) and Andy Knapp (3.50, General Studies) were named to the All-MAC Academic Team.

While both the men’s and women’s teams were awarded All-Academic Cross Country status by the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association.

Men’s Golf The men’s golf team posted five top-10 finishes in six events during the fall season, highlighted by a season-best second-place finish at the Memphis Intercollegiate. At the annual Firestone Invitational, the Zips saw some of the best teams in the country converge at Firestone Country Club, with Akron finishing eighth in the 13-team field.

Senior Lucas Murray led the way for the Zips, carding three top-10 finishes and posting a 73.47 average. Murray finished the season with the lowest round (68, -3) and lowest tournament score (210, -3) on the squad.

Women’s Golf On the women’s side, the Zips carded five top-10 finishes in five events, highlighted by a victory at the Third Annual Zippy Invitational at Akron’s home course, Rosemont Country Club. The victory was the first team title in program history.

Juniors Kristen Hill and Hanna Ek led the way for the Zips, posting a combined four top-10s. Hill lead all players with a 75.47 season average while Ek earned her first individual medalist honor with a victory at the 2010 MidAmerican Conference Preview at Longaberger Golf Course.

Ek earned Mid-American Conference Golfer of the Week honors following her victory at the MAC Preview.

Volleyball Under third-year head coach Ron Arenz, the Zips finished the regular season in second place in the Mid-American Conference standings, thanks to a 7-9 league record (15-17 overall mark) – the most wins in either category since the 2003 campaign. Junior middle blocker Tina Dimitrijevs was named to the All-MAC Second Team. The Zips posted a 10-match win streak, stretching from Sept. 10-Oct. 7.

March 2011 | Zips Illustrated | 27

Z-FUND DONOR ROSTER

Donor Roster INDIVIDUALS Director’s Mr. and Mrs. Carl Albright Dr. and Mrs. Anthony J. Alexander Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth W. Beach Mr. Michael R. Beck Mr. and Mrs. Vincent A. DiGirolamo Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Gill Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Gill Mr. and Mrs. Martin Hauser Mr. and Mrs. Carl J. Johnson Mr. and Mrs. John F. Klein Mr. and Mrs. Dale A. Normington Mr. and Mrs. Joseph P. Petracca Mr. Pete Piglia Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. Saxon Mr. and Mrs. William A. Scala Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Strauss Mr. and Mrs. Gary Taylor Mr. Apostolos N. Thomarios Mr. and Mrs. Kevin O. Thompson Mr. and Mrs. Frank A. Wahl, Sr. ScholarShip Dr. Raymond Acus, III Mr. and Mrs. Anthony DiDonato Mr. and Mrs. Rudy DiDonato Dr. Timothy J. Myer Dr. and Mrs. Henry Nettling John W. Heisman Mr. Edward L. and Francis Yates Bittle Mr. and Mrs. Buster Bowsher Mr. and Mrs. William H. Considine Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Dankoff Mr. George L. Farris Dr. and Mrs. David L. Hoff Mr. Chris J. Martin Mr. and Mrs. Philip H. Maynard Mr. James M. Pulk Mr. and Mrs. Edward A. Russell Mr. and Mrs. James P. Tressel Mr. Carl H. Young Mr. and Mrs. Willis Zeigler, Jr. Executive Dr. and Mrs. Roland H. Bauer Mr. William Bishop* Mr. and Mrs. Mark T. Clark The Honorable Deborah Cook and Mr. Robert F. Linton* Mr. Chaker J. Fadel Mr. Richard G. Foss Mr. and Mrs. Richard L. Hansford Mr. and Mrs. Thomas M. Orr Mr. and Mrs. Ralph J. Palmisano Mr. and Mrs. Thomas E. Rawlings Drs. Roger and Judith Read Mr. and Mrs. Karl Schwarzinger Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Sheeks Mr. and Mrs. John Stephenson Mr. and Mrs. Michael A. Szabo Drs. Thomas and Diane Vukovich Mr. Mark Watkins Dr. and Mrs. Jon L. Weingart Champion Mr. and Mrs. Richard L. Bednar Ms. Jo L. Dangel Mr. and Mrs. David R. George Ms. Patricia L. Graves Mr. and Mrs. Richard Hite Mr. and Mrs. Wayne M. Jones Mr. Peter Kostoff Mr. and Mrs. Harold T. Laube Jr Ms. Beatrice McDowell Mr. Jerome E. Nairne Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Pete Mr. John Shutsa Mr. and Mrs. Glenn L. Stephens Mr. Tom Thompson

Mr. and Mrs. David Towell Ms. Constance A. Truax Mr. Mark A. Watkins Gold Zips Mr. James H. Adams Mr. Stephen T. Albrecht Mr. and Mrs. James A. Alkire Mr. Nick Antonino Drs. Jonathon and Dorene Ash Mr. Ronald Evan Bender Mr. and Mrs. Frank P. Bevilacqua Mr. and Mrs. Martin A. Bezbatchenko Mr. and Mrs. James M. Bowen Mr. Jeff Cathey Mr. Jim Chadima Mr. David Croston Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Campbell Mr. and Mrs. Peter A. Carroll Mr. and Mrs. F. John Case Mr. and Mrs. Drew Cooke Mr. Mike Cawood Ms. Peggy L. Dobbins Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. Dowling Dr. John A. Fink and Dr. Deborah L. Owens Mr. David E. Fish Mr. Lou Fisi Mr. and Mrs. David P. Garcia Mr. Joseph M. Genaro Mr. and Mrs. Stuart Glauberman Mr. David Haller Mr. Mark Hamad Mr. Dan T. Hayes Mr. Frank Horn Mr. Gerald Howley Dr. Clifford Isroff Mr. and Mrs. Robert D. Jorgensen Mr. Jerry Krakowski Mr. and Mrs. Larry E. Lann Mr. Raymond Latiano Mr. and Mrs. Dean Leonakis Mr. and Mrs. Job H. Lippincott, III Mr. and Mrs. Vincent D. Maculaitis Mr. Anthony S. Manna Dr. and Mrs. Joseph T. Mellion Christopher P. Meyer Mr. Frederick J. Mourey Mr. and Mrs. William M. Oldham Mr. and Mrs. Michael F. Paparella Dr. and Mrs. Richard D. Patterson Mr. and Mrs. William B. Raff, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Gerald M. Reeves Mr. and Mrs. Mack Rhoades Mr. and Mrs. Daniel R. Riemenschneider Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. Rodriguez Mr. and Mrs. James L. Sage Mr. Robert Scoular Mr. Joe Siegferth, Jr. Mr. David Smith Ms. Linda Smith Dr. Nicholas Spirtos Mr. and Mrs. John S. Steinhauer Ms. Lorraine Gates Stitzlein Mr. Steven J. Swedler Dr. and Mrs. John D. Sutton Ms. Debbie Tuzze Mr. Larry J. Thompson Mr. and Mrs. Edward S. Toth Mr. and Mrs. Carl D. Vaughan Mr. and Mrs. David G. Wasik Dr. and Mrs. Scott D. Weiner Mr. and Mrs. H. Edwin Welch, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Whitfield Mr. and Mrs. Ron Wray Mr. and Mrs. Peter T. Zackaroff Mr. and Mrs. Anthony M. Zaratsian Mr. A. William Zavarello Blue Zips Mr. and Mrs. Paul F. Adamson Mr. and Mrs. Rickie E. Archer

28 | Zips Illustrated | March 2011

Mr. Randall L. Arehart Mr. Donald W. Askea Mr. and Mrs. John S. Bader Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth P. Bechtol Dr. and Mrs. Robert H. Bell Mr. and Mrs. Matt Birkbeck Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Boggs Ms. Joan Putman Bowles Mr. and Mrs. James D. Boyes Mr. and Mrs. Armond A. Boyes Mr. and Mrs. David L. Brennan Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Brubaker, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Michael A. Burgess Mr. James F. Burns Mr. and Mrs. Franklin D. Canterbury Mr. and Mrs. Thomas A. Clevenger Mr. Dennis Clute Mr. and Mrs. Stephen A. Comunale Mr. Theodore E. Crosier Mr. and Mrs. Robert Culp, Jr. Mr. James M. Dannemiller Mr. David J. DeVitis Mr. and Mrs. Samuel M. Dudich Mr. James Durkin Mr. John N. Economou Mr. Thomas Enright Mr. Todd Evans Mr. and Mrs. Paul Facemire Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Flaker Mr. Richard Flaksman Mr. and Mrs. David W. Gardner Mr. Joseph D. Gardner Mr. Robert Gessel Dr. L. Irene and Mr. Charles M. Glanville Mr. and Mrs. Norman H. Green Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Gribschaw Dr. and Mrs. Gary R. Hamed Mr. and Mrs. Patrick J. Hart Dr. and Mrs. Jon M. Hawes Mr. George Housos Mr. Dave Ingalls and Ms. Mary Beth Kase Mr. and Mrs. Gary W. Johnson Mr. Gerald P. Jones Mr. and Mrs. Peter Kalgreen Mr. Lawrence Kannel Mr. and Mrs. Robert K. Kane Mr. and Mrs. Raymond C. Kelly Mr. Edward J. Kouri, Jr. Ms. Autumn S. Kukta Mr. Gary J. Langley Mr. and Mrs. Ronald J. Lederman Mr. Louis D. Maglione Mr. and Mrs. Frank P. Martin Mr. and Mrs. Eric D. McClenaghan Dr. and Mrs. Eliot Mostow Mr. and Mrs. Harvey S. Nelson Dr. George R. Newkome and Dr. Mary Jane Saunders Mr. and Mrs. John W. Owen Mr. and Mrs. Gregory W. Peacock Ms. Mary Lucinda Pecota Mr. Thomas J. Petrosek Mr. and Mrs. Andrew G. Platt Mr. and Mrs. Caleb Porter Mr. James E. Redmond Mr. and Mrs. Thomas M. Reed Mrs. Kathleen M. Rex Mr. Mark Scarpitti Ms. Norma Hochstetler Shaub Mr. and Mrs. William H. Skeeles Mr. and Mrs. Kim A. Smith Mr. Mark W. Spangler Mr. Steve Stutz Mr. Gary S. Traicoff Mr. and Mrs. Leo G. Walter, III Mr. and Mrs. Hunter Yurachek Coaches Mr. and Mrs. Richard F. Addis Mr. and Mrs. David G. Arango Mrs. Cynthia J. Ball

Mr. Eric W. Ball Mr. and Mrs. Mark Belgya Mr. and Mrs. Charles Bell Mr. Dennis Bentley Mrs. Marilyn Boyle Bowman Mr. Carl Bridenbaugh Mr. and Mrs. Edward Buehrle Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Casto Mr. and Mrs. Steven Cloud Mr. and Mrs. Bruce A. Clough Mr. and Mrs. Pat D’Andrea Mr. and Mrs. C. Carl Dangel Mr. Peter Datoma Dr. and Mrs. Donald E. Demkee Mr. Jeramiah G. Dickey Mr. and Mrs. David Dimengo Mr. and Mrs. Steven A. Dimengo Mr. Kevin E. Donaldson Mr. Frederick W. Elliott, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. James Kurtland Ewing Mr. John A. Fedorisin Mr. and Mrs. Donald E. Fergusson Mr. and Mrs. Thomas P. Freeman Mr. and Mrs. John D. Frisby, Jr. Mr. Joseph A. Gabriel Mr. Richard A. Gamertsfelder Mr. Matthew Gibson Mr. and Mrs. Roy P. Graham Mr. James D. Heiman Mr. Greg Helmick Mr. Robert W. Higham Mr. and Mrs. Walter H. Hower Mr. and Mrs. Kevin L. Hudak Dr. and Mrs. John N. Hutzler, Jr. Mr. Michael A. Jones Mr. Mick Kalahar Mr. and Mrs. Michael S. Karder Mr. and Mrs. Matthew J. Kaulig Mr. and Mrs. Richard L. Kemph Mr. Timothy Klinger Mr. and Mrs. James D. Kraus Ms. Margaret Kreiner Mr. and Mrs. Aaron M Kurchev Mr. and Mrs. Richard H. Lang Mr. and Mrs. John T. Large Mr. Frank La Rose Mr. Louis J. Lasko Dr. and Mrs. John Lazor Mr. and Mrs. Raymond K. Lee Mr. Roy Lewis Mr. Ted A. Mallo Mr. and Mrs. John D. McDonald Mr. and Mrs. Donald McMillan Mr. Raymond Merle Ms. Patricia L. Miller Mr. Charles G. Moore Mr. Ryan Moreland Mr. Steve Mutersbaugh Mr. John M. Nau Mr. Kenneth Orihel Mr. Michael Owens Mr. and Mrs. Michael R. Pancoe Ms. Michelle Patrick Mr. John F. Pawlikowski Mr. and Mrs. Raymond P. Prunty Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Rabbitt Mr. and Mrs. Gary M. Rosen Ms. Leslee Salhany Mr. and Mrs. Eric A. Sampson Mr. Dave Shaw Mr. Mark Sobnosky Mr. Michael J. Stein Ms. Vickie L. Stone Mr. Gary Thomas Dr. and Mrs. Francis B. Thomas Mr. and Mrs. Harry A. Tipping Mr. Michael Tomin Ms. Judy Valatka Mr. Paul Varga, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph P. Watters Dr. Kimberly C. and Mr. Kurt A. Winebrenner Mr. Russell E. Wormald Mr. and Mrs. James Wright Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan E. Wright Mr. Edward D. Yannayon Zippy Drs. George W. and Yvonne Abatso Ms. Hazeljean Cheeseman Adams Mr. Lee J. Adams Ms. Amanda M. Aller Mr. and Mrs. Isavelt Amison

Mr. Brian D. Archimbaud Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Arenz Mr. David N. Astman Mr. Milton E. Atwood Mr. and Mrs. Arthur E. Bailey Mr. and Mrs. Martin T. Banks Mr. Thomas Basco Mr. Ronald R. Baskin, Jr. Dr. and Mrs. Edward T. Batman Mr. R.J. Bauer Mr. Kelly O. Baumer Mr. David A. Beahn Mr. William Benyon Mr. Daniel Bennett Mr. Thomas Berle Mr. and Mrs. Richard A. Biege Mr. Robert L. Bogdany Mr. and Mrs. Joseph E. Boles Mr. John Bolovan Mr. and Mrs. Peter Borza Ms. Alberta J. Boughton Mr. Paul A. Boughton* Mr. Christopher Bowes Mr. Tim J. Boyer Mr. Raymond M. Brahler Ms. Elizabeth Brinkman Ms. Shannon Brodbeck Mr. and Mrs. David J. Brubach Mr. and Mrs. Michael Bruno Mr. Keith E. Bull Ms. Eileen E. Burg Mr. Kenneth F. Burkins Ms. Melanie A. Bushey Mr. Johnnie W. Byrd III Mr. and Mrs. Brian E. Callahan Mr. and Mrs. Gino T. Calcei Mr. John Carris Mr. J. Dean Carro and Mrs. Wendy Rockenfelder Ms. Rita Catalanotto Mr. Cary Chatelain Mr. and Mrs. Milo E. Chelovitz Mr. Jason C. Chitwood Mr. Milton E. Christner Mrs. LuAnn Coldwell Mr. and Mrs. Keith E. Collett Mr. Lewis E. Cottrill Mr. and Mrs. Anthony E. Cox Mr. Keith N. Cropper Mr. Edgar W. Crosley, Jr.* Mr. Erik L. Cross Mr. Daniel B. Csaky Mr. David T. Culp Ms. Jo Ann Cunningham Mr. Edward W. Cutcher Mr. Blair J. Danner Mr. Donald A. Darlington Mr. and Mrs. Victor G. Davis Mr. Edward C. Delaria Jr Mr. and Mrs. James L. Dennison Mr. Ed Denholm Ms. Colleen A. Denholm Ms. Sandra Denison Dr. Galvin DePompei* Dr. Roberta DePompei Mr. Jim Dietrich Mr. and Mrs. Samuel J. Di Meo Mr. Stephen D. Dishauzi Ms. Daniela Djuric Mr. and Mrs. Charles M. Domonkos, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Leon A. Downing Mr. Douglas A. Doyle Mr. David H. Draiss Mr. Donald Dressler Mr. John Duby Mr. and Mrs. Dennis M. Duhon Ms. Belinda J. Duncan Mr. and Mrs. Charles R. Dunaway Mr. Ronald A. Durbin Mr. and Mrs. Luke Eliadis Dr. and Mrs. Daniel L. Ely Mr. Douglas L. Endsley Mr. and Mrs. Michael F. Enright Mr. and Mrs. John G. Evrard Mr.s Dana L. Ewing Ms. Bobbi J. Fair Ms. Jan P. Falcone Mr. and Mrs. Thomas S. Feola Ms. Giavonna J. Ferraro Mr. Thomas Firestone Dr. Frances C. Flower Mr. and Mrs. John L. Frola, Jr. Mr. Jeffery C. Fusco

Z-FUND Donor Roster Mr. and Mrs. Lonny M. Gabel Mr. Paul S. Galati Mr. Scott A. Gale Dr. and Mrs. Robert N. Gandee Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Garnett Mr. and Mrs. Kim Gary Mr. and Mrs. Chad Gerrety Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence D. Gerzina Mr. Louis J. Giffels Mr. Craig Gillenwater Mr. and Mrs. Donald Glessner Ms. Jennifer Glor Mr. Dale E. Gooding Jr Ms. Megan Gossens Mr. Raymond A. Gradisher Mr. Albert A. Graf Ms. Felita A. Grice Mr. Michael J. Griffiths Mr. Peter G. Guthrie Mr. and Mrs. James I. Hadley Ms. Michelle R. Hagen Mr. Dwayne Haines Mr. Christopher J. Hamad Mr. and Mrs. Bart P. Hamilton Mr. Earl Hamlin Mr. and Mrs. Paul Hammond Mr. Jennifer Lynn Hanna Mr. and Mrs. David W. Harding Dr. Mary J. Haritos Dr. George K. Haritos Mr. and Mrs. David A. Harris Mr. and Mrs. Marvin G. Haught Mr. James M. Hausman Mr. Kenneth W. Haver Mr. Robert P. Haydu Mr. Robert Heffern Mr. Kevin Heilmeier Mr. John E. Herhold Mr. Scott J. Hills Mr. and Mrs. Roy F. Hogan Dr. Robert M. Holland Mr. Jeremy E. Hollander Ms. Sandra J. Horner Ms. Rosemary Houlihan Ms. Sally Howard Ms. Patricia Ann Rair Hrina Ms. Sherri L. Hrusovski Mr. and Mrs. Bryan Huettmann Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth P. Hummel Mr. David A. Hunt Mr. Tim Jolly Dr. and Mrs. William S. Jordan, III Mr. and Mrs. Michael D. Kalan Mr. John T. Kalogeras Dr. and Mrs. Jeffrey A. Kase Mr. Thaddeus Kee Mr. Paul Kelly Mr. Gary W. Kendron Ms. Joan M. Kennedy Mr. Scott Kerekes Mr. and Mrs. John Kilway Ms. Nittaya M. Klim Mr. Kevin M. Kline Mr. Gerald Konn Mr. James P. Kouri Mr. Paul D. Kovach Mr. and Mrs. George F. Kriska Mr. Bill Lambacher Mr. Greg Landis Mr. Frederick C. Langguth Mr. and Mrs. James A. Laria, Jr. Mr. Terry G. LaViers Mr. Bob Leonard Mr. James Lewis Dr. Dale M. Lewison Dr. Timothy H. Lillie Mr. and Mrs. Gregory A. Liptak Mr. Philip A. Lombardo Dr. and Mrs. Thomas R. Lower Mr. and Mrs. Charles V. Lynn Mr. James Lynn Ms. Barb Luck Mr. Kenneth E. MacDonald Mr. and Mrs. Wade C. MacManus Mr. and Mrs. Louis A. Maglione Mr. Michael Maloy Ms. Kathleen Maynard Mr. Francis J. Marr, Jr. Mr. Jim D. Martin Mr. Christopher L. Martin Mr. Dennis Matheny Mr. Brian A. McBurney Ms. Meghan C. McCarthy

Mr. Jeffrey R. McElhinny Mr. and Mrs. Bernard D. McGrath Mr. Patrick McGrath Mr. Mike McKenzie Mr. Glen Mears, Jr. Mr. Michael D. Meditz Mr. and Mrs. Kevin E. Medved Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. Meeker Mr. and Mrs. Raymond D. Meyo Mr. Howard Mehigan Mr. William Meyers Mr. and Mrs. Peter L. Mier, Jr. Mr. Andrew E. Milks Ms. Alice Ruth Miller* Mr. William J. Miller Mr. Mark A. Mitchell Mr. and Mrs. James S. Monahan Mr. William M. Montalto Mr. Robert A. Moore Mr. Mark R. Moreland Ms. Karen M. Murphy Mr. Alfred P. Musci, Sr. Mr. Lawrence L. Musselman Mr. Mike Neag Mr. Keith A. Nordquest Mr. Edwin L. Novinc, Jr. Mr. Adam D. O’Connell Mr. and Mrs. Thomas E. Olechnowicz Mr. and Mrs. Christopher W. Orange Mr. and Mrs. Fred J. Ost Mr. Don Ostapowicz Mr. and Mrs. Edward J. Palisin Mr. Jared R. Pankowski Mr. Lamont E. Paris Mr. and Mrs. James M. Parish Mr. and Mrs. Stu Parry Mr. John Pekar Mr. Timothy E. Perry Mr. and Mrs. Paul D. Petit Mr. Ken Peters Ms. Janice G. Peyak Mr. Robert A. Piks Mr. John Piscitelli, Jr. Mr. John Pollack Mr. and Mrs. Richard Pollock Ms. Barbara K. Primovero Dr. Michael L. Pryce Mr. Edward Rasnick Mr. Perry Reghetti Mr. Ronald C. Reichert Mr. Robert A. Reis Ms. Elizabeth Robinson Dr. Larry G. Rodgers Mr. and Mrs. William F. Romano, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Paul A. Rose Mr. Jack Ross Mr. Matt P. Ruffing Mr. Kenneth and Mrs. Nora Rudd Mr. Richard M. Ruhlin Mr. and Mrs. Mario Russo Mr. Raymond P. Saccoccia Mr. and Mrs. Daniel J. Sapanaro Mr. and Mrs. Jacques R. Sardas Mr. and Mrs. Rick Sattler Drs. Michael and Helen Savage Mr. Scott R. Scharnott Mr. Richard A. Schrader Mr. and Mrs. Page C. Schrock, III Mr. and Mrs. Charles M. Seeley Mr. Michael Segal Mr. and Mrs. Louis E. Seiler Mr. and Mrs. John E. Semonin Mr. and Mrs. Ken Shillingburg Mr. Stan Silverman Ms. Connie Maibach Sims Mr. and Mrs. William D. Singhaus Mr. John E. Skidmore Mr. E. Anthony Slimon Mr. and Mrs. Duane L. Smith Mr. Douglas R. Smith Mr. Robert W. Stachowiak Jr Mr. Dennis D. Stafford Mr. Peter J. Stanoch Mr. Charles S. Steidl Mr. Joe Stevens Mr. Edward E. Stinnett Ms. Vickie L. Stoll Mr. and Mrs. Harold E. Stroll Mr. Alan H. Sunukjian Mr. Jeffrey W. Sweitzer Mr. Mark R. Swope Mr. Adam E. Taylor Mr. Todd E. Theurer

Mr. David R. Thomas Mr. Frederic C. Thomas Ms. Maureen Thomas* Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Thomas Mr. Ted L. Thome, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Orville E. Ullman Mr. and Mrs. Marcel P. Ulrich Ms. Donna C. Vanchoff Dr. Anne and Mr. Donald S. Varian, Jr. Mr. Nicholas Varvaro Mr. Andrew Vitullo Mr. Dale N. Vermilya Ms. Sarah C. Vojtek Mr. Martin Vronick Mr. Paul Warner Mr. and Mrs. David L. Wyatt Mr. and Mrs. Ralph R. Wearsch Mr. James P. Weber Mr. James R. West Mr. and Mrs. Hugh B. West Mr. Ronald E. Whisler Mr. and Mrs. John L. Wiener Mr. and Mrs. Steven R. Wilson Mr. David G. Wilson Ms. E. Elaine Wilson Ms. Candace L. Wilson Ms. Jacquelyn M. Windon Ms. Brenda Winslow Mr. David R. Wobser Mr. and Mrs. Leland C. Wolf Mr. Michael G. Wolfarth Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence W. Wormald Mr. Patrick W. Wyman Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey T. Wyshner Dr. and Mrs. Walter H. Yoder, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. David Yonto Ms. Tracy Young Mr. and Mrs. Frank J. Zelasko Mr. and Mrs. Fred E. Zumpano Mr. Robert Zwisler

Welty Building Co., Ltd. Champion Acro Tool & Die Bell Music Company Bil-Jac Foods, Inc. Dave Towell Cadillac Inc. Kinko’s Pier Associates, Inc. Roetzel & Andress Russell Standard Corporation SeibertKeck Insurance Agency, Inc. UA Research Foundation Gold Zips Chevrolet - Programs Headquarters Lincoln Financial Group Foundation Morgan Stanley Northwestern Mutual Foundation Teraphysics Corporation Blue Zips Davey Company Foundation JUMPTV USA Holdco, Inc. Coaches Karman Rubber Company Key Bank LLC, ASC Manufacturing OMNOVA Solutions Foundation Serv-Ice Delivery University Innovation Ventures Zippy All Aboard Promotions Genesco, Inc. JP Morgan Chase Bank Legacy Strategic Asset Management

Organizations Director’s AFD Industries, Inc. Firestone Country Club FirstEnergy Corp.

FirstMerit Foundation The House of LaRose InfoCision Management Corporation J.M. Smucker Company Kenmore Construction Montrose Auto Group National Machine Co., Inc. PNC Polymer Valley Chemicals, Inc. Suarez Corporation Industries Summa Health System Thomarios Towpath Credit Union Wentz Financial Group W.L. Tucker Supply Company Scholarship Akron Felt & Chenille Mfg. Co., Inc ComDoc, Inc. John W. Heisman Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund Imperial Machine & Tool Co. MAS, Inc. Executive Apv Engineered Coatings, Inc. Barnes and Noble Bookstore Bober, Markey, Fedorovich & Company Brouse-McDowell Geostar Lighting Illumetek Corporation Imperial Machine & Tool Co. International Sports Properties, Inc. J. Rayl Transport McDonald’s-Rubber City Arches, LLC O’Savage BioMechanics, Inc. Pepsi-Cola Metropolitan Bottling Power Media Swenson’s Restaurants UA College of Polymer Science / Polymer Engineering Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease, LLP

March 2011 | Zips Illustrated | 29

Spring Sports Preview: Baseball

BAseball

Zips to rely on Arms in 2011 Pitching will be paramount as Akron guns for return to MAC Tournament

T

he University of Akron baseball team will look to a deep pool of returning pitchers and a couple of key bats in the lineup to lead the way in 2011.

“Our 2011 team has an extremely experienced group of returning pitchers with all of our starters and top relievers returning from last season,” coach Pat Bangtson said. “On offensive, our lineup is young, but has a lot of potential. We are excited to begin the season and start competing for a Mid-American Conference championship.”

Leading the way for the Zips in 2011 will be co-captains Drew Turocy and Kevin Kumazec.

Turocy, a junior centerfielder, returned to the field in 2010 after missing the 2009 season after having tommy john surgery and had one of the best offensive seasons in Akron baseball history. The Canfield, Ohio native broke the season records for hits (95), at-bats (265), and singles (69) in a season. Turocy also led the team in batting average (.358) and runs scored (62), while tying for the team lead in RBIs (57). After making 18 relief appearances last season, Turocy is expected to be used as on outfielder only in 2011.

Kumazec, a senior right-handed pitcher, was the top reliever on the Zips’ pitching staff in 2010, making 25 appearances. The senior from Euclid, Ohio totaled 31.1 innings of work and struck out 24 while walking just 11.

Three veteran hurlers will comprise the starting pitching rotation. Junior Andrew Brown held a team-low earned run average of 4.50 over 14 starts and 98.0 innings pitched, while junior Alex Loftin also recorded an ERA under 5.00 in 13 starts and 96.1 innings pitched. Senior Zach Yike is projected as the team’s third starter. Yike made seven starts and 14 appearances out of the bullpen in 2010 compiling a 2-1 record over 47.0 innings.

Senior Benjamin Danziger and junior Scott Foster will serve as both starters and key relievers in 2011. Danziger started 11 games and made 10 relief appearances, also throwing two complete games in 2010. Foster made 10 starts last spring and also made 12 appearances out of the bullpen.

Pat Bangtson UA Baseball Coach

30 | Zips Illustrated | March 2011

Joining Kumazec in the bullpen are two relief pitchers who appeared in 10 or more games last season. Bobby Simone and Danny Fawcett each made 11 appearances.

Freshmen Myles McVeigh and Jon Pusateri should also contribute out of the bullpen and as midweek starters. Junior Chris Bassitt will serve as the team’s closer.

Returning in the outfield is senior Brandon White, who started all but one game in left in 2010. White drove in 30 runs last spring. Also expected to start in the outfield is Jared Turocy who made appearances off the bench in 23 games last season.

On the infield, junior Jason Corzine will begin the year as the club’s third baseman. Corzine appeared in 20 games last season and made 12 starts. Sophomore Samuel Trecaso will also see action at third base, as well as being the primary designated hitter. Sophomore James Sheltrown will handle second base after starting 14 games a year ago.

Junior Sam Watkins will be a key utility player in 2011 and will also see action at the designated hitter spot. A pair of freshman will begin the year at the other two infield positions, with Brendan Liberti starting at first base and Brandon Winter getting the nod at shortstop.

Seeing time at catcher in 2011 will be junior Dan Burant and sophomore Ivory Alexander. Burant will be returning to action after missing the 2010 season due to injury and Alexander made a few appearances behind the plate last spring while also seeing time at designated hitter. Brandon White will also see time behind the plate.

Baseball Spring Schedule

Date Opponent Location Time/Result Feb. 18 Lamar at Starkville, Miss.

W, 2-1 Feb. 18 Mississippi State at Starkville, Miss.

L, 0-11 Feb. 19 Mississippi State at Starkville, Miss.

L, 1-10 Feb. 20 Lamar at Starkville, Miss.

L, 0-1 Feb. 25 Texas State at San Marcos, Texas L, 1-2 Feb. 26 Texas State at San Marcos, Texas L, 3-6 Feb. 27 Texas State at San Marcos, Texas L, 2-12 (7 inn.)

Mar. 04 W. Carolina^ at Forest City, N.C. L, 8-9 Mar. 05 Army^ at Forest City, N.C. W, 4-1 Mar. 06 Ohio State^ at Forest City, N.C. CCD Mar. 11 Xavier# at Winter Haven, Fla. 9:30 a.m.

Mar. 12 Michigan State# at Winter Haven, Fla. 4:30 p.m.

Mar. 13 Indiana# at Winter Haven, Fla. 5:00 p.m.

Mar. 14 Butler# at Lakeland, Fla. 3:00 p.m.

Mar. 16 North Dakota St.# at Lakeland, Fla. 11:00 a.m.

Mar. 17 Dartmouth# at Babson Park, Fla. 2:00 p.m.

Mar. 18 Bradley# at Winter Haven, Fla. 10:00 a.m.

Mar. 19 Chicago State# at Auburndale, Fla. 10:30 a.m.

Mar. 22 Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh, Pa. 3:00 p.m.

Mar. 25 W. Michigan* Akron, Ohio (Canal Park) 3:00 p.m.

Mar. 26 W. Michigan* Akron, Ohio (Canal Park) 1:00 p.m.

Mar. 27 W. Michigan* Akron, Ohio (Canal Park) 1:00 p.m.

Mar. 29 Malone Akron, Ohio (Canal Park) 3:00 p.m.

Apr. 01 Toledo* at Toledo, Ohio 3:00 p.m.

Apr. 02 Toledo* at Toledo, Ohio 1:00 p.m.

Apr. 03 Toledo* at Toledo, Ohio 1:00 p.m.

Apr. 05 Youngstown St. Akron, Ohio (Canal Park) 3:00 p.m.

Apr 08 Central Michigan* Lee R. Jackson Field 3:00 p.m.

Apr. 09 Central Michigan* Lee R. Jackson Field 1:00 p.m.

Apr. 10 Central Michigan* Lee R. Jackson Field 1:00 p.m.

Apr. 13 Ohio State at Columbus, Ohio 6:35 p.m.

Apr. 15 E. Michigan* at Ypsilanti, Mich.

6:00 p.m.

Apr. 16 E. Michigan* at Ypsilanti, Mich.

3:00 p.m.

Apr. 17 E. Michigan* at Ypsilanti, Mich.

1:00 p.m.

Apr. 19 Malone% at Canton, Ohio 6:00 p.m.

Apr. 22 Miami* Lee R. Jackson Field 3:00 p.m.

Apr. 23 Miami* Lee R. Jackson Field 1:00 p.m.

Apr. 24 Miami* Lee R. Jackson Field 1:00 p.m.

Apr. 26 West Virginia at Morgantown, W.Va. 7:05 p.m.

Apr. 29 Buffalo* at Buffalo, N.Y. 3:00 p.m.

Apr. 30 Buffalo* at Buffalo, N.Y. 1:00 p.m.

May 01 Buffalo* at Buffalo, N.Y. 1:00 p.m.

May 04 Pittsburgh Akron, Ohio (Canal Park) 6:00 p.m.

May 06 Bowling Green* Lee R. Jackson Field 3:00 p.m.

May 07 Bowling Green* Lee R. Jackson Field 1:00 p.m.

May 08 Bowling Green* Lee R. Jackson Field 1:00 p.m.

May 10 West Virginia Akron, Ohio (Canal Park) 3:00 p.m.

May 13 Ohio* at Athens, Ohio 6:00 p.m.

May 14 Ohio* at Athens, Ohio 3:00 p.m.

May 15 Ohio* at Athens, Ohio 1:00 p.m.

May 18 Youngstown St. at Youngstown, Ohio 11:00 a.m.

May 19 Kent State* Akron, Ohio (Canal Park) 6:35 p.m.

May 20 Kent State * at Kent, Ohio 1:00 p.m.

May 21 Kent State * at Kent, Ohio 1:00 p.m.

Key ^ - Western Carolina Tournament; # - Spring Break Trip; * - MidAmerican Conference game; % - played at Thurman Munson Stadium in Canton, Ohio.

Spring Sports PReview: Softball

Softball Spring Schedule

Julie JOnes

UA Softball Coach

Softball

Akron Looking to Benefit from Veteran-Rich Roster Six seniors and six juniors expected to lead the Zips’ charge in 2011

E

ntering head coach Julie Jones’ fifth season, the Zips return six starters in the field and all three starting pitchers on an experienced squad that boasts six seniors and six juniors. Last season, Akron posted a 20-34 overall record and a 7-15 mark in the Mid-American Conference. This season, Akron will take part in four tournaments in the warmer weather of Louisiana, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida in order to prepare for Mid-American Conference action that begins in April.

Senior Alex Feltes returns at third base as the Zips’ leading hitter, averaging .373 at the plate in 2010 and recording a team-best 57 hits, 12 doubles, and 34 runs. Manning first base, sophomore Alissa Birkhimer had a team-high 29 RBI and five home runs while hitting .298 at the plate last year.

She will also be available as a pitcher, as she made eight appearances last year and posted a 3.41 ERA. Senior Sarah Earley is back as a utility player whose versatility allows her to play multiple positions. As one of only three left-handed batters on the roster, Earley ‘s baserunning skills are a valuable asset. She stole 16-of-23 bags and scored 17 runs last season. Another lefty is junior Alex Helfrich, who was second on the team with 19 stolen bases and also scored 19 runs.

Also returning is senior Heather Bauer, who started all 54 games last season either in the outfield or on the mound.

She led the squad with 30 stolen bases on 36 attempts and also added four home runs, tying for second-most on the team. As a pitcher, she notched a team-best 94 strikeouts, threw 10 complete games, and finished with an 8-7 record in 17 starts.

Washington native Alex Riedeman is another senior on the mound for Akron, who led the team with a 3.20 ERA in a team-high 32 appearances and 133.1 innings pitched.

Behind the plate, senior Sarah Stromack returns as a rock in the Zip defense, as she posted a .991 fielding percent-

age last year, one of the best defensive seasons in program history. She recorded 202 putouts, 27 assists, and just two errors at catcher.

Future is Bright Additionally, the Ohio Softball Recruiting News has ranked the Akron softball program’s recent recruiting class the best in the state. Jones announced the addition of four signees who will join the team for the 2012 season: Taryn Allmon, Keelia Nester, Rachael Ratcliffe, and Kellie Roudabush in late December. Akron’s class beat out Ohio State and Toledo for the No. 1 ranking.

In the individual rankings, Roudabush is listed as the top recruit in Ohio. Allmon is not far behind, ranked seventh, followed by Ratcliffe at ninth. Rounding out the talented group is Nester, who is also listed in the top 25.

Date Opponent Location Time/Result Feb. 11 SE Louisiana at Hammond, La. W, 5-1 Feb. 12 St. Louis at Hammond, La. L, 4-11 Feb. 12 Jackson State at Hammond, La. W, 4-3 Feb. 12 Southern at Hammond, La. W, 9-8 Feb. 13 Nicholls at Hammond, La. L, 4-5 (L) Feb. 18 Towson^ at Charleston, S.C. L, 1-3 Feb. 18 Coll. of Charleston^ at Charleston, S.C. W, 6-3 Feb. 19 E. Tennessee St.^ at Charleston, S.C. W, 6-3 Feb. 19 Canisius^ at Charleston, S.C. W, 10-3 Feb. 20 Morehead State^ at Charleston, S.C. L, 4-6 Mar. 04 Connecticut# at Woodstock, Ga. L, 4-9 Mar. 04 Jacksonville St.# at Woodstock, Ga. L, 1-4 Mar. 05 Mercer# at Woodstock, Ga. CCD Mar. 05 Niagara# at Woodstock, Ga. CCD Mar. 06 Drexel# at Woodstock, Ga. CCD Mar. 14 Houston Baptist% at Orlando, Fla. 3:00 p.m.

Mar. 14 St. Peter’s% at Orlando, Fla. 5:00 p.m.

Mar. 15 Lafayette% at Orlando, Fla. 3:00 p.m.

Mar. 15 Manhattan% at Orlando, Fla. 5:00 p.m.

Mar. 16 Eastern Illinois% at Orlando, Fla. 1:00 p.m.

Mar. 16 Bucknell% at Orlando, Fla. 3:00 p.m.

Mar. 17 Houston Baptist% at Orlando, Fla. 9:00 a.m.

Mar. 17 Butler% at Orlando, Fla. 1:00 p.m.

Mar. 26 Winthrop at Rock Hill, S.C. 1:00 p.m.

Mar. 26 Winthrop at Rock Hill, S.C. 3:00 p.m.

Mar. 27 Presbyterian at Clinton, S.C. 12:00 p.m.

Mar. 27 Presbyterian at Clinton, S.C. 2:00 p.m.

Apr. 01 Miami (Ohio) * Lee R. Jackson Field 1:00 p.m.

Apr. 01 Miami (Ohio) * Lee R. Jackson Field 3:00 p.m.

Apr. 02 Ball State * Lee R. Jackson Field 2:00 p.m.

Apr. 03 Ball State * Lee R. Jackson Field 1:00 p.m.

Apr. 05 St. Francis (Pa.) Lee R. Jackson Field 3:00 p.m.

Apr. 07 Niagara at Niagara Falls, N.Y. 3:00 p.m.

Apr. 07 Niagara at Niagara Falls, N.Y. 5:00 p.m.

Apr. 09 Ohio * at Athens, Ohio 2:00 p.m.

Apr. 10 Ohio * at Athens, Ohio 1:00 p.m.

Apr. 12 Robert Morris Lee R. Jackson Field 3:00 p.m.

Apr. 12 Robert Morris Lee R. Jackson Field 5:00 p.m.

Apr. 15 W. Michigan * at Kalamazoo, Mich.

1:00 p.m.

Apr. 15 W. Michigan * at Kalamazoo, Mich.

3:00 p.m.

Apr. 16 Northern Illinois * at Dekalb, Ill. 2:00 p.m.

Apr. 17 Northern Illinois * at Dekalb, Ill. 1:00 p.m.

Apr. 19 Youngstown St. at Youngstown, Ohio 3:00 p.m.

Apr. 19 Youngstown St. at Youngstown, Ohio 5:00 p.m.

Apr. 22 E. Michigan * Lee R. Jackson Field 1:00 p.m.

Apr. 22 E. Michigan * Lee R. Jackson Field 3:00 p.m.

Apr. 23 C. Michigan * Lee R. Jackson Field 2:00 p.m.

Apr. 24 C. Michigan * Lee R. Jackson Field 1:00 p.m.

Apr. 26 Dayton at Dayton, Ohio 3:00 p.m.

Apr. 26 Dayton at Dayton, Ohio 5:00 p.m.

Apr. 29 Kent State * at Kent, Ohio 1:00 p.m.

Apr. 29 Kent State * at Kent, Ohio 3:00 p.m.

Apr. 30 Buffalo * at Buffalo, N.Y. 2:00 p.m.

May 01 Buffalo * at Buffalo, N.Y. 1:00 p.m.

May 06 Toledo * at Toledo, Ohio 1:00 p.m.

May 06 Toledo * at Toledo, Ohio 3:00 p.m.

May 07 Bowling Green * at Bowling Green, Ohio 2:00 p.m.

May 08 Bowling Green * at Bowling Green, Ohio 1:00 p.m.

Key ^ - College of Charleston Cougar Classic; # - Georgia Tech Buzz Classic; % - Rebel Spring Games; * - Mid-American Conference.

March 2011 | Zips Illustrated | 31

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Zips Illustrated; Vol. 1, Issue 1 – March 2011