Jon Wnoroski, Summit County Realtor

The Akron University Zips beat the Kent State Flashes 30-27 in double overtime to take the "Wagon Wheel" game for the third year in a row.

Kent State dominated the game on the ground while Akron moved the ball in the air. Kent out rushed Akron 256 yards to 58. Akron led the passing game 243 yards to 157 and also on the scoreboard.

Kent had an opportunity to tie the game in the final overtime but missed a 23 yard field goal attempt.

The "Wagon Wheel" is kept by the winning team until the next game with the winner gaining possession of the coveted trophy for the next year. The wagon wheel is an artifact of the late John R. Buchtel (founder of Akron University, formerly known as Buchtel college) that was excavated from an area in Kent years after Buchtel had gotten stuck in the mud looking for a place to build his college in the late 1800s.

Regardless of the outcome, the game is a positive event for both Akron and Kent communities. It brings members of both communities together in a friendly competition and perks up the interests of the many who follow local college sports. Akron and Kent State Universities are less than 12 miles apart.

It doesn't gain national attention like the Ohio State/Michigan game, but to the Akron area it is just is big.

Congratulations to Marty Misbrenner.

Marty was recently inducted into the Ohio Soccer Hall of Fame. This honor is well deserved for a man who has dedicated his adult life to the promotion and development of the game.

I have known Marty for several years as a soccer associate. He is a genuinely dedicated individual who has grown up with the game and has shared his knowledge to the benefit of many young people in the Akron area. I have played against and with Marty in years long gone by in friendly games. As a player, he was among the best in his age group and as an individual you will find none finer. He is a pleasant man who approaches the game with intensity and is a friendly person to all he comes in contact with. I have always known him to nurture young players and coach from a positive and professional manner.

When I read the article in our local paper that Marty was inducted into the Ohio Soccer Hall of Fame I was thrilled. I can't think of anyone who is more deserving for this honor.

It is always wonderful to learn that deserving individuals are given the highest recognition for the services they provide members of our community.

You can read the article in our local newspaper by clicking on the following link:

http://www.thesuburbanite.com/communities/green/x1923542847/Misbrener-inducted-into-the-Ohio-Soccer-Hall-of-Fame

Kent State and Akron University have been football rivals for as long as I can remember. I arrived in Akron in 1966 as a young freshman (it seems so long ago) not fully understanding how important this rivalry was between these two fine institutions.

I soon found out however, after attending the first couple games of the season and marveling at the small crowds that attended Akron University games. At that time I had seen more fans in attendance at a high school football game. The Akron program was small and they had not yet moved forward into I-A status.

Akron University and Kent State University will play in their 51^st game on Saturday, October 4 at noon in Kent's Dix Stadium. The game will be televised on ESPN/ESPN Plus and broadcast on WNIR Radio 100.1 FM.

The rivalry began in 1923 but has not been played every year from that point on. There were breaks in the competition for one reason or another. However, the rivalry was born again in 1983 and with the exception of 1991 has been played every year since.

Akron hold the edge in the series between the two schools with a record of 28 - 20 - 2.

Last year Akron won the game 27 - 20 and is hopeful of pulling out another victory. However, you can bet that Kent State has something different in mind.

The two Universities are less than 12 miles apart and both compete in the growing Mid-American Conference.

Crowds attending the Akron-Kent game are significantly larger than they were when I attended the University.

The game between the two schools is also tabbed the "Wagon Wheel Game." The winner has the honor of holding on to the "Wagon Wheel" until after the next competition. Akron has won the game the past two seasons and is currently in possession of the wheel.

According to historical accounts, Akron founder (formerly known as Buchtel College) was traveling about northeast Ohio looking for a place to build his college. His mode of travel in those days was a horse-drawn carriage. During his journey and while he was in Kent, Ohio his carriage became stuck in the mud. As he attempted to have his horses pull out of the mud, it all came apart.

Several years later Raymond Manchester (Kent State Dean of Men) found one of Buchtel's wagon wheels buried in the mud. It was in pristine condition and before long was converted into the coveted trophy awarded to the winner of the Akron-Kent football game.

Even though Kent State is currently at the top of the Mid-American Conference, Akron is favored by three points.

Regardless of the outcome, this game is good for both communities. It puts two excellent institutions "front and center" and pulls together years of local history into one special evening. Having said that and being an Akron University alum I must say..........

Goooooooooooo Zips!

Participation in the Road Runner Akron Marathon is growing. Two years ago over 5,800 runners participated in this event with more than 7,800 competing last year. This year over 10,000 are expected to compete demonstrating a steady growth since inception; the Akron marathon is in it's sixth year.

Several events are part of the Road Runner Akron Marathon which is scheduled for September 27, 2008.

Mark Behan posted a great article about the Akron Marathon. You can read his post by following the link below:

http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/1/1_45/road-runner-akron-maratho-5.shtml

Overall, the Akron Marathon is good for the Akron area. It attracts some truly dedicated runners from all over as well as generates healthy competition in a wide range of age groups and categories. Businesses are encouraged to compete in this event giving it a great local flavor.

You don't have to be a runner (and heaven knows I'm not one) to enjoy this event.

Barberton, Ohio is celebrating 50 years since the mum had been named the city's official flower. They included a unique approach to this celebrating by inviting couples to renew their vows who are celebrating their 50^th anniversary as well.

Six couples renewed their vows while standing beside a multicolored, chrysanthemum-shaped arch along Lake Anna at the annual Mum Fest.

Renewal of vows and co-celebrating local resident's golden anniversary added something special to this year's "mumfest." 50 years is a long time and certainly includes numerous memories for everyone involved. The city of Barberton has several special events over the course of a hear but this one will be a very special one for those couples who participated in this special anniversary.

Congratulations to the City of Barberton for taking a creative and unique approach to celebrating a very special anniversary for the city and it's residents.

You can read the Akron Beacon Journal on this special event by following this link:

http://www.ohio.com/news/top_stories/28821909.html