By Jordyn Etling, Sports Editor
September 18, 2018
The Akron Zips football team played Big 10 team Northwestern on Sept. 15, 2018, at Ryan Field in Evanston, Ill. Leading up to the game, several online sources gave predictions that said Akron would lose to the Big 10 team. Most of the time by at least a fifteen to twenty-point difference. Prediction websites and passing fans could come together in the belief that Northwestern would have a relatively easy win. However, the Zips had other plans. Akron ended up beating Northwestern 39-34 after halftime, coming back from an 18-point deficit. Safety Alvin Davis Jr. had two interceptions: one of 97 yards and the other of 50 yards. Both interceptions resulted in touchdowns for the Zips. Linebacker Ulysees Gilbert III recovered a fumble in the end zone for a touchdown. Looking closer at the halftime deficit, Northwestern had twice as many first downs and Akron had 15 penalties for 140 yards. According to a statement on GoZips.com, head coach Terry Bowden understood all of the predictions...
By Jordyn Etling, Sports Editor
September 18, 2018
Due to the impending impact of Hurricane Florence, The University of Akron’s Cross-Country teams were unable to compete on Friday, Sept. 14 at the Virginia Tech Alumni Invitational. According to Women’s Head Coach Trey Brokaw, who is in his first season with Akron, this change in plans did not affect preparations for the team; but could ultimately end up helping. “Virginia Tech hosts a nice event but the uncertainty of the hurricane’s path and severity left us looking for better options,” Brokaw said. The Zips relocated to Indiana State in order to compete at the John McNichols Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 15, at 9 a.m. “Indiana State is a great alternative for us. They regularly host championship races there and later this season they will host the NCAA Great Lakes Regional competition,” Brokaw said. “It will be good for our athletes to see this course and gain valuable experience which will help them when we’re back for Regionals in November.” Akron...
By Jordyn Etling, Sports Editor
September 12, 2018
On Saturday, Sept. 1, the Akron Zips football team had their first official game against Nebraska canceled due to severe weather; which invokes questions over the contract released the following Monday. After spending $165,000 to get the players, coaches and anyone else involved to Nebraska, according to UA Athletic Director Larry Williams, Akron was ready to play. However, the weather turned severe and left both teams scrambling to find a solution. After pushing kickoff time back over two hours, administrative figures and coaches for Nebraska managed to find lodging accommodations for the visiting team. This decision would have left members of the Zips scattered in multiple locations across Lincoln, Neb. A potential start time was set for 10:30 AM Sunday. The players would have less than six hours of rest before being expected to play again. In the end, Akron chose to head home with their canceled game. This end result raises the question: Does Nebraska still owe the $1.17...
By Erika Newcome, Sports, Arts and Entertainment Editor
April 27, 2018
The past year for The University of Akron sports programs has been filled with excitement, change and heartbreak. In November, the Zips football team earned the MAC East Title after their 24-12 Wagon Wheel Victory over rival, Kent State. The Zips then began preparing to face off against MAC West Champions, The University of Toledo Rockets. On Sat., Dec. 2 the teams headed to Detroit, MI to compete in the 2017 Mid-American Conference at Ford Field. Upon a heartbreaking first half, the Zips continued to fall to the Rockets, losing 45-28. Following the loss, the team focused their sights on the upcoming Boca Raton Bowl. Coming into the match the Zips (7-7 overall) knew there was work to be done to beat Florida Atlantic University (11-3 overall). However, the four second-half touchdowns made by FAU proved to be too much for Akron to overcome, losing 50-3 to Florida. “Overall, I thought the season went pretty well. We were able to accomplish most of our goals, despite the many...
By Colin Brennan, Sports Contributor
April 27, 2018
The Akron Zips hosted their annual spring football game on Sat. April 21st. This ended with the Blue team beating the White team, 17-6. The defending eastern division Mid-American conference champs took to the turf at InfoCision Stadium for their first public action of the season. While no stats were kept for the game, it did not deter from certain players standing out. All eyes were on the sophomore quarterback, Kato Nelson. He looks to build off of a strong year where he took the reigns as the starter from Thomas Woodson. The biggest play of the day came when Nelson threw for a 65-yard touchdown to redshirt senior, Kwadarrius Smith. Zips fans saw multiple players get valuable reps in the spring game. Redshirt freshman quarterback Alex Ramart completed a touchdown pass of his own in the fourth quarter to seal the win for the blue team. Post-scrimmage Terry Bowden discussed the Zips’ two quarterbacks and said, “Both can run our offense. Kato is more of a runner, while...
By Colin Brennan, Sports Contributor
April 27, 2018
The women’s tennis team wrapped up their season with a 5-2 set loss to Ball State last Sunday. The team finished with an overall record of 14-12. The Akron Zips played a tough schedule but held their own this past season. Opening the year splitting a series of away games at Detroit Mercy and Pitt, respectfully. After a 1-1 start, the women went on to win their next three out of four games, including a 7-0 win over St. Bonaventure. The team gained valuable experience playing teams such as Michigan State, West Virginia, Tennessee, and nationally ranked Kansas State. The team saw many individuals show up. One is a freshman out of Ulm, Germany, Miruna Vasilescu. She was named MAC singles player of the week during the season. The team also had three seniors on the roster Waverly Wituski, Carli Knezevich, and Sophia Geier. The two formers being the team captains. After the Ball State game, Coach Brandon Padgett said, “for my seniors, my heart breaks as they gave their...
By Erika Newcome and Colin Brennan
April 18, 2018
Those already or looking to be involved in The University of Akron’s esports team got together for their first forum to discuss the future of the team. The forum began with President Matthew Wilson talking about the impact that esports has and will have on the University itself. He also stressed on how it will be compared to other sporting events, as a testament to the sports growing popularity. The Director of Esports, Michael Fay Jr., then took the stand. He spent his time mostly talking about the details that others have been looking for. It was announced that there will be five different teams spotted in four different locations, one of which being off campus. The team captains have also been selected. The teams will be separated by the game the teams will be playing. The teams will be made through a five-hour tryout session during this month. Scholarships were also a topic discussed, as the University will look to create scholarships for those who are part of the...
By Emily Bower, Special Editions Editor
April 18, 2018
On Friday, April 13th the Akron RubberDucks held their home opener against the Trenton Thunder at Canal Park in downtown Akron. This year’s opening day marked the teams 22nd anniversary as Akron’s premier minor league baseball team, and with a sold-out game, the community certainly showed their support for the beloved team. “It was great to see the community come together to support the Akron RubberDucks with a sold-out game for their first game of the season,” Kendall Martis said, a senior accounting major at UA and opening day attendee. The game started off rather uneventful as both teams seemed to be evenly matched well into the game. However, by the fifth inning, the Ducks pulled ahead with a 1-0 lead against the Trenton Thunder. But then Trenton answered back quickly scoring runs in both the seventh and eighth innings, taking a 2-1 lead. This was the final score, leaving the RubberDucks with a 4-5 record early in the season. “I love RubberDucks games...
By A.J. Fagerlin, Sports Contributor
April 18, 2018
As the temperatures finally begin to rise here in Akron, Ohio, things are about to heat up on the diamond at Canal Park for the Akron RubberDucks. The Ducks, the Double-A minor league affiliate of the Cleveland Indians, are often the home for many top prospects in the Indians organization as well as a common rehab spot for some of your favorite Tribe stars should they suffer an injury. Conveniently located just blocks away from campus, Canal Park is within walking distance for University of Akron students who seek a fun night of baseball. Canal Park, located at 300 S. Main St. in downtown Akron, will also be the home of our own Akron Zips baseball team upon their return in 2019. But for now, in addition to local high school baseball playoff games, the RubberDucks will utilize the beautiful facility as they continue their quest for another Eastern League Championship. Akron failed to make the Eastern League playoffs last season after sweeping their way to victory in the Championship...
By A.J. Fagerlin, Sports Contributor
March 22, 2018
After posting a record of 29-28 while going 12-12 in the Mid-American Conference a year ago, this year’s Akron Zips softball team will need to adapt without their ace pitcher if they want to take home the MAC title. Their road to Firestone Stadium and the MAC Tournament begins this weekend right here in Akron. The Zips will host the Toledo Rockets at Lee R. Jackson Field on Friday, March 23 at 3 pm, as well as Saturday for a doubleheader scheduled for 1 and 3 pm. Although the Zips were given two votes to win the MAC Championship in the 2018 MAC preseason coaches poll, Akron faces an uphill battle if they want to seize the title in their home city come tournament time in May. Reigning MAC Freshman of the Year and the ace in the circle for the Zips, Lexie Handley, will miss the entire 2018 season due to injury. This is a huge blow, as Handley finished her freshman season in the top five in the conference in starts, appearances, innings pitched, wins, strikeouts, opponent batting average,...
By Erika Newcome and Colin Brennan
March 22, 2018
The University of Akron recently announced their plans to begin the first varsity esports team at a University in Northern Ohio. Esports, better know as organized high-level multiplayer gaming. Competitions take place among other collegiate teams, in front of large audiences. Most esports tournaments are also lived streamed on the internet or broadcasted on television, creating a demand students with an interest in the media side of esports. The University of Akron is set to join only 45 other universities as they begin a varsity esports team, starting in the fall of 2018. A variety of esports teams will be competing in games, such as the League of Legends, Rocket League, HearthStone, OverWatch, and many more to be revealed. “UA implementing an esports team is a dream come true, I’ve been playing for years - competing in similar esports tournaments through AVGL, a collegiate tournament organizer. I’ve competed on a team comprised of Kent State and The University of Toledo...
By Colin Brennan and Robert Barrett, Jr.
March 15, 2018
The Akron Zips Men’s Basketball team fell to the Eastern Michigan Eagles in the quarterfinal of the MAC Tournament, 67 - 58. Akron dominated the first 31 minutes of the game, but could not secure the victory. The Zips jumped out to a 10-0 lead, surprising the third-seeded Eagles. The Zips continued to play well throughout the first half by shooting a better percentage from the field, out-rebounding Eastern Michigan and had more assists, as well as steals than the Eagles. Akron’s Malcolm Duvivier led both teams in scoring in the first half with nine points. Eric Parrish led both teams in rebounds with six and Daniel Utomi lead both teams in assists with three. Akron established their largest lead of the game, 19, in the middle of the second half, 47-28. The Zips continued to score from the three, shooting 9 of 22 from beyond the arc. The Zips were unable to play well late in the game and Eastern Michigan went on a scoring run late in the second half, tying the game at 57....