About Akron's Akron

The University of Akron men's soccer team has been one of the most productive programs at the university since its inaugural season in 1955. No other program has been ranked among the nation's best at the university through its history. Yes, there have been spurts of greatness at the university among over the years:

John Heisman led the Zip's football team to a 12-6 victory over Ohio State in 1896.

Bob Huggins led the Zip's basketball program to several 20 game win seasons

The men's basketball team played in the NCAA tournament and ran into Earl "the Pearl" Monroe as they lost to Winston Salem.

The football team made a played in the Grantland Rice Bowl in 1968 only to be picked apart by a little known quarterback (at that time) by the name of Terry Bradshaw. Of course four super bowl rings later and an illustrious career with the Pittsburg Steelers, everyone knows who Terry Bradshaw is today.

Other sports have had some great accomplishments also. A fraternity brother of mine was part of the University's bowling team that won the national championship in 1968 and the women's program has posted numerous starling seasons over the years.

The men's soccer team, however has been consistently regarded as one of the nation's best programs and has made 23 NCAA Tournament appearance including seven of the last eight seasons.

As the Head Soccer Coach at Cuyahoga Falls High School in the 70s and 80s I was proud to have one of my players (David Wells) recruited and selected to play for The University of Akron. I watched my young student start every game for The University of Akron from 1986 - 1990 and compete in the National Championship game in Tacoma, Washington during his freshman year.

The University of Akron is considered to be an elite program on the national level and have been near the top of the national rankings for several years. They were the first Mid-American conference team in any sport to achieve a No. 1 national ranking in 2005. They are currently ranked No. 1 nationally and are 19-0 to date. Their 19 wins represents the fifth longest winning streak during a single season in NCAA history as well as a school record for victories.

Those of us who have followed Akron soccer closely over the years are watching intently and hoping that the men's soccer team will bring home a national championship this year. As the top ranked soccer team in the country, The University of Akron has long made its school and followers proud.

Best wishes to coach Caleb Parker and the men's soccer team as they pursue a national championship. Go Zips!

This is my favorite flower in my garden! I love the vibrant color of the Nikki Blue Hydrangea! After the blue initial color it fades to purple and green. It makes a beautiful dried flower and you can dry it at any color change! Just be careful if you plant this bush, it gets very large, so plan ahead! It can be a good screen along side a neighbor you want to block out! This is my happy flower!!

Infocision Stadium- Summa Field

The University of Akron entered a new era in Akron football on September 12, 2009 when they hosted Morgan State in their home opener in a new stadium. The new stadium is an "on-campus" facility and a vast improvement over the historic Rubber Bowl which was located some distance away from campus. The new "on-campus" stadium ought to attract thousands of university students who live in university dorms and off-campus housing giving the football program an opportunity to increase game attendance.

The University of Akron has a long football history dating back over 130 years. In 1968 the "Zips" played in the Grantland Rice Bowl but had the misfortune of running into a relatively unknown quarterback by the name of Terry Bradshaw. They lost to Louisiana Tech in that game 33-13 and, of course, we all know that Bradshaw went on to win four Super Bowl rings with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

John Heisman coached at Buchtel College (now known as The University of Akron) in 1984. Interestingly enough, that season only had one game; a 12-6 victory of The Ohio State University.

On September 12, 2009 27,881 fans celebrated The University of Akron's home opener against Morgan State. No one in attendance was disappointed. Akron dominated the game and was on the front end of a 41 - 0 score. The result of the game, however, wasn't as important as the level of pride everyone felt for this university and their efforts to raise the football program to a highr level.

On September 19, 2009 The University of Akron will host Indiana at their new stadium marking this the first time in history that a "Big 10" school traveled to Akron for a football game. Win or lose, Dr Proenza and the Board of Trustees are to be congratulated for their efforts in brining a "first class" facility to Akron and instilling a high level of pride for this growing football program in the Akron community.

http://www.jonwhome.com

Looking for something fun to do this summer in the Akron Area? Downtown Akron is HoPPiN!!

Here is the schedule for Lock 3 concerts for the Summer of 2009:

WONE's Rock the Lock

Friday - May 22

Free Admission

The JiMiller Band - A Tribute to the Grateful Dead

Friday - May 29

Free Admission

Jonah Koslen's Stage Pass Now - Original Michael Stanley Band Member

Friday - June 5

Free Admission

Full Moon Fever - A tribute to Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers

Friday - June 12

Free Admission

The Dave Matthews Tribute Band

Friday - June 19

Free Admission

SUMMER KICK-OFF

Gypsies in the Palace - Jimmy Buffett Tribute Band

Friday - June 26

Free Admission

Slowhand, The Original Eric Clapton Tribute

Saturday - June 27 - OLD SCHOOL SOUL

Early Start Time 6 p.m. - $5 Admission

6 p.m. - Meditation

7:30 p.m. - Zapp

8:30 p.m. - Midnight Star

Red, White & Blue

Thursday - July 2

Rock n Ribs 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. - FREE

The Machine, America's Premier Pink Floyd Experience

Friday - July 3

Rock n Ribs 11 a.m - 11 p.m. - FREE

Satisfaction, A Rolling Stones Experience

The University of Akron stepped up and played great basketball in their first NCAA Tournament game against Gonzaga last night; at least for the first 28 minutes. The Zips led at halftime 38 - 35 in a game that had upset written all over it. However, Gonzaga had different thoughts and came out fired up for the second half.

Akron led 52 - 51 with 9:43 left in the game but then Gonzaga burst their bubble with a 26 - 12 run from that point to the final buzzer.

The results did not surprise many people around the country who fully expected Gonzaga to win this game. I'm not sure it even surprised many Zip fans who knew they were facing a huge challenge against a powerful and talented Gonzaga team. Hope did rise to a high level as both teams went into the locker rooms at half time; the Zips were actually leading this game. They appeared to be standing up very well against a powerful opponent. Could they do it for the entire game? That was the questions.

Obviously, Akron was unable to keep up their tempo in the second half and quickly fell behind. They went a span of 13 minutes without scoring from the field and shot around 25% in the second half compared to a 42% shooting percentage in the first half.

It was the "Tale of Two Halves" and the second half was a dismal one for the Zips.

However, there is hope for this team and the Akron program. Four of the five starters will be back next year and they will add a 7 foot center next year to bolster their program and team. All of who follow Akron sports are hoping to see the team make another appearance in the NCAA tournament next year.

Ohio is still represented in the tournament by Ohio State, Cleveland State, Dayton, and Xavier.

www.JonWHome.com