The Akron Zips football (formerly Buchtel College and formerly nicknamed Zippers) team are a college football program representing the University of Akron in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) of college football. Terry Bowden is Akron's current head coach, the 27th in the program's history. Akron plays its home games on InfoCision Stadium on the campus of the University of Akron in Akron, Ohio. The Zips compete in the Mid-American Conference as a member of the East Division.
With a 489–504–36 record, Akron does not rank among the top 50 most victories among NCAA FBS programs.[3] Akron was originally classified as a Small College school in the 1937 season until 1972. Akron received Division II classification in 1973, becoming a Division I-AA program from 1980–86 and an FBS program from 1987 to the present.[4] In 1987, the Zips were the first team to move from Division I-AA to Division I-A.[5] In 2005, the Zips won the Mid-American Conference Championship for the first time in the program's history.[6]
History [edit]
Buchtel College years (1891-1913) [edit]
The University of Akron football team was established in 1891 when the team, then called Buchtel College, defeated Western Reserve University by a score of 22-6 in Hudson, Ohio.[7] Buchtel went on to finish it's first season with a 1–3 record. The following year, Buchtel hired Frank Cook as the school's first ever head coach. Cook lead Buchtel to a 3-4 record during his only season has head coach. In 1893, the college hired John Heisman to become the football and baseball coach. Heisman lead Buchtel to their first winning season with a 5-2 record in 1893, and then led them to their first undefeated season, albeit a single game season in which they defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes.[8] While at Buchtel, Heisman also helped invent the snap, which is still used in modern day football.[8] The early years for Buchtel saw many coaching changes, as the program went through 9 different coaches in the 22-year span.
Facilities [edit]
Main article:
Rubber BowlRubber Bowl (1940-2008) [edit]
The Akron Zips football team played their first game in the stadium on October 5, 1940, getting their first win in the facility November 9 of that year. Prior to playing at the Rubber Bowl, the Zips football teams played at Buchtel Field, a 7,000-seat facility that opened in 1923. The Zips recorded their first sellout in the Rubber Bowl on September 30, 1961. In 1971, the university purchased the stadium for $1 from the city. An artificial surface was installed in 1983, which was replaced played with AstroPlay in 2003. The Zips played 324 games at the stadium, which included their first-ever appearance on ESPN in 1986. Other notable games include the highest-scoring game in the stadium's history, a 65–62 victory over Eastern Michigan in 2001, as well as a 65–7 Akron victory over Howard University in 2003. In 2005, the Zips clinched their firest Mid-American Conference East Division title and spot in the 2005 MAC Championship Game with a 35–3 win over arch-rival Kent State in that year's Wagon Wheel game. Akron would go on to win the 2005 MAC Championship with a last-second 31–30 win over Northern Illinois at Ford Field in Detroit.[9]
An on-field ceremony at the Rubber Bowl after 324th and final football game on November 13, 2008.
In 2003, the university began exploring the feasibility of building an on-campus stadium to replace the Rubber Bowl, which was in disrepair and several miles away from campus. In 2007, plans were announced for a new stadium, later known as InfoCision Stadium – Summa Field, with work beginning in January 2008 and opening in September 2009. The final Akron Zips football game at the Rubber Bowl took place on November 13, 2008 against the Buffalo Bulls. The game was nationally televised on ESPN and featured the two teams tied for first place in the Mid-American Conference's East Division with identical 5-4 (3-2) records entering the game. Buffalo defeated the Zips 43-40 in four overtimes in front of a crowd of 18,516. For the Zips, it was both the first four-overtime game and the first overtime loss in school history. After the game, a special ceremony with current and former players and coaches was held to honor the 68-year history of the stadium.[10][11][9]
InfoCision Stadium - Summa Field (2009-present) [edit]
InfoCision Stadium was constructed as part of a building initiative undergone by the University of Akron called the "New Landscape for Learning."[12] The $300 million construction program included the construction and renovations of numerous buildings on campus, including the Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences building, an honors complex, a student recreation center, and a student union.[13] The Rubber Bowl, the former home of the Zips football team, was located 6 miles (9.7 km) away of the Akron campus.[14] Due to the high maintenance costs for the facility, the decision was made to construct an on-campus stadium.[15]
To build the new stadium, several dormitories had to be demolished and the properties of local tenants were acquired using eminent domain.[16][17][18] In order to house the displaced students, the University spent $22.6 million to purchase Quaker Square, a former Quaker Oats Company oat silo that was converted into a hotel.[19][20]
A parachuter descends with American flag in tow onto the surface of Summa Field as part of the opening day festivities.
The home opener of the 2009 football season marked the first game held in InfoCision Stadium. In it, the Zips defeated Morgan State 41–0.[21] To mark the occasion, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to inaugurate the new stadium. Amongst those who cut the ribbon were Don Plusquellic (Mayor of Akron), Betty Sutton (member of the United States House of Representatives), and Luis Proenza (President of the University of Akron).[22]
Stile Athletics Field House [edit]
An indoor training facility used primarily for the football team. It includes a full practice football field, extensive weight room, indoor track and offices for the football program.
Recent results [edit]
Coaches [edit]
Current coaching staff [edit]
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- Terry Bowden
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- Alan Arrington – Offensive Line
- Jeff Bowden - Outside Receivers
- Trent Boykin - Running Backs
- A.J. Milwee - Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks
- John Pont, Jr. - Inside Wide Receivers
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- Chuck Amato - Defensive Coordinator
- Terrell Buckley - Cornerbacks
- Todd Stroud - Defensive Line
- Mike Woodford - Safeties
- Currently vacant - Linebackers
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- Jeff Bowden - Special Teams Coordinator
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[23]
Head coaches [edit]
The Akron Zips have had 27 head coaches throughout the program's history. With 80 victories, Jim Dennison is first overall in the program's history, followed by Gordon K. Larson (74 wins) and Gerry Faust (43).[24]
| University of Akron Zips Head Coaches |
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Notable former assistant coaches [edit]
The Zips football program has had several assistant coaches who went on to make notable achievements, from longevity in their tenure as collegiate coaches to becoming head coaches at the NCAA FBS level.
- Assistant Coach (1936–39)
- Assistant Coach (1986)
- Assistant Coach (1965–72)
- Line Coach (1939–40)
- Defensive Line Coach (2000–01)
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- Offensive Line Coach (1987–90)
- Assistant Coach (1959)
- Defensive Line Coach (1969–72)
- Graduate Assistant (1975–78)
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Team accomplishments [edit]
Championships [edit]
Akron has won one conference championship, winning the 2005 MAC East Division title followed by their 31–30 victory in the 2005 MAC Championship Game.[25]
Bowl games [edit]
Akron has participated in one bowl game in its history, compiling a 0–1 record.[26] Prior to 1987, however, the Zips were not a part of the Football Bowl Subdivision, formerly Division I–A. J. D. Brookhart arrived in 2004 and led the Zips to one bowl game in his six seasons as head coach, an automatic berth in the 2005 Motor City Bowl.[27]
Hall of Fame inductees [edit]
One Zip have been inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
University of Akron Varsity “A” Sports Hall of Fame [edit]
The following individuals have been inducted into the University of Akron Varsity “A” Sports Hall of Fame for their contributions to the Zips football program:[29]
- Dave Adolph
- Jim Aiken
- Isavelt Amison
- David Arango
- Floyd Azar
- Art Bailey
- Robert Bauer
- Jack Beidleman
- Scotty Bierce
- Earl Boedicker
- Thomas Boggs
- Jim Braccio
- Dennis Brumfield
- Tony Butowicz
- Richard Chase
- Michael Clark
- Kenneth Cochrane
- Steve Cockerham
- Charles Costigan
- Park Crisp
- Carl Daum
- Ken Delaney
- Tom DeMarco
- Jim Dennison
- George Deo
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- Robert Dombroski
- Ollie Dreisbach
- Glenn Evans
- Mike Fernella
- Frank Fisher
- Ignatius Frolin
- Ben Flossie
- Harold Frye
- Andy Graham
- Wayne Grant
- Ray Greene
- Art Hailey
- Mike Hatch
- Robert Hatherill
- Dennis Heckman
- John Heisman
- Earl Hensal
- Al Hodakievic
- Dave Holian
- Russell Holmes
- Lee R. Jackson
- Hayes Jenkins
- Verlin Jenkins
- Lillburn Johnson
- Christopher Kelley
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- Clarence Kelly
- Alan Kerkian
- Edwin Kregenow
- Mike Krino
- John Lahoski
- Gordon K. Larson
- Frank Lomax
- Edward Lopeman
- Robert Lyons
- Andrew Maluke
- Joe Mazzaferro
- Dick Miller
- Tony Pallija
- Clarence Palmer
- Joseph Papp
- Charles Parnell
- Bradley Reese
- Frank Rockwell
- Virgil Rogers
- Marion Rossi
- Dan Ruff
- Willard Russell
- Mario Russo
- Eric Schoch
- Donald Schultz
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- Roderick Scott
- Gene Scruggs
- Darrington Seals
- James Semester
- Wilson Sparkhawk
- Carl Spessard
- Bill Sturgeon
- Clarence Swigart
- Ed Toth
- John Travis
- Carl Tsaloff
- Ronald Ulrich
- Mark Van Horn
- John Verdon
- Frank Wahl
- Ralph Waldsmith
- Frank Wargo
- Paul Winters
- Frank Witwer
- Frank Zazula
- Joseph Zemla
- Guy Zimmerman
- Don Zwisler
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Akron has produced a total of 9 NFL draft selections.[30] The following "Active" and "All-Star" lists account for past and present University of Akron football players that have participated in the National Football League, the Canadian Football League, and the Arena Football League.
Active [edit]
As of May 2013, there are a total of 11 Zips listed on team rosters in the NFL,[31] CFL,[32] and AFL.[33]
All-Stars [edit]
Among the numerous Zips that have participated in the NFL, CFL, and AFL, a total of 3 have received all-star recognition by their respective leagues.
NFL draft selections [edit]
Akron has had 9 players selected in the NFL Draft.[37] Daron Alcorn became the final pick of the 1993 NFL Draft, a pick that has been dubbed as Mr. Irrelevant.[38]
Future non-conference opponents [edit]
[39]
Records [edit]
Team records [edit]
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- 11 (1929-30 & 1969-70)
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- 62 vs. Western Reserve Acad. (1893)
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- In a Season: 5,643 (2003)
- In a Game: 692 vs. Howard (2003)
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- In a Season: 435 (2003)
- In a Regular Season Game: 65 vs. Howard (2003) & vs. Eastern Michigan (2001)
- In a Bowl Game: 31 vs. Memphis (Motor City Bowl, 2005)[40]
Individual records [edit]
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- Career: Charlie Frye - 11,478 yards
- Season: Charlie Frye - 3,837 yards (2003)
- Game: Charlie Frye vs. Central Michigan - 460 yards (2003)
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- Career: Brandon Payne - 43
- Season: Dennis Kennedy (2008) - 18
- Game: Terry Cameron (1978) & Bobby Hendry (2001) - 5
- Total Touchdowns Responsible For
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- Career: Charlie Frye - 83
- Season: Charlie Frye (2003) - 29
- Game: Terry Cameron (1978), Bobby Hendry (2001) & Luke Getsy (2005) - 5
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- Total Points Scored (Position Players)
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- Career: Brandon Payne - 260
- Season: Dennis Kennedy - 110 (2008)
- Game: Art Bailey (1958), Terry Cameron (1978) & Bobby Hendry (2001) - 30
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- Career: Jack Beidleman - 5,377 yards
- Season: Domenik Hixon - 2,139 yards (2005)
- Game: Jack Beidleman vs. Youngstown State - 362 yards (1969)
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Passing [edit]
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- Career: Charlie Frye - 11,049
- Season: Charlie Frye - 3,549 (2003)
- Game: Luke Getsy - 455 vs. Memphis (2005)
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- Career: Charlie Frye - 913
- Season: Luke Getsy - 278 (2005)
- Game: Charlie Frye - 36 vs. Kent State (2003)
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- Career: Charlie Frye - 1,436
- Season: Luke Getsy (2005) - 525
- Game: Luke Getsy - 59 vs. Memphis (2005)
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- Career: Charlie Frye - 63.6%
- Season (minimum 150 attempts): Charlie Frye - 65.8% (2002)
- Game (minimum 10 completions): Charlie Frye - 80.5% vs. Penn State (2004)
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- Career: Charlie Frye - 64
- Season: Luke Getsy - 23 (2005)
- Game: Luke Getsy vs. Northern Illinois - 5
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Rushing [edit]
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- Career: Mike Clark - 4,257
- Season: Mike Clark - 1,786 (1986)
- Game: James Black - 295 vs. Austin Peay (1983)
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- Career: Mike Clark - 804
- Season: James Black - 351 (1983)
- Game: James Black (1976) vs. Austin Peay - 52
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- Career: Brandon Payne - 39
- Season: Dennis Kennedy (2008) - 17
- Game: Terry Camerson (1978) & Bobby Hendry (2001) - 5
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- Career: Mike Clark - 24
- Season: Mike Clark (1986) - 9
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Receiving [edit]
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- Career: Jabari Arthur - 2,653
- Season: Domenik Hixon - 1,210 (2005)
- Game: Jabari Arthur - 223 vs. Western Michigan (2007)
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- Career: Jabari Arthur - 184
- Season: Jabari Arthur (2007) - 86
- Game: Jabari Arthur - 15 vs. Westen Michigan (2007)
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- Career: Dan Ruff - 27
- Season: Dan Ruff - 11 (1968)
- Game: Dan Ruff - 4 vs. Ball State (1969)
- Receiving Average Gain Per Reception
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- Career (minimum 75 receptions): Dan Ruff - 19.9
- Season (minimum 30 receptions): Dan Ruff (1969) - 22.9
- Game (minimum 75 receptions): Dan Ruff vs. Ball State - 39.0
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Defensive [edit]
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- Career: Steve Cockerham - 715
- Season: Brad Reese - 221 (1980)
- Game: Brad Reese - 35 vs. Western Kentucky (1980)
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- Career: Jason Taylor - 41.0
- Season: Bill Hadden - 19 (1985)
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- Career: Jason Taylor - 21.0
- Season: Jason Taylor (1996) & Ken Williams (1993) - 10.0
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- Career: Gary Tyler - 18
- Season: Dick Miller (1937) - 13
- Game: Dick Miller vs. Baldwin Wallace (1937) - 6
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Kicking [edit]
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- Career: Zac Derr - 266
- Season: Igor Iveljic (2008) - 92
- Game: Jason Alcorn (1992), Zac Derr (2001) & Jason Swiger (2003) - 17
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- Career: Bob Dombroski - 51
- Season: Russ Klaus - 19 (1985)
- Game: Andy Graham (1979), Russ Klaus (1985) & Jason Alcorn (1992) - 5
- Longest Made: Daron Alcorn - 56 yards vs. Toledo (1992)
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- Career: Daron Alcorn - 76
- Season: Russ Klaus - 29 (1985)
- Game: Daron Alcorn vs. Temple (1992) - 6
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- Career (15 min. attempts): Bob Dombroski - .739
- Season (1 min. attempt): Bob Dombroski - .917 (1989)
- Game (4 min. attempts): Ryan Klaus - 1.000 vs. Bowling Green (1985)
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Punting [edit]
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- Career: Andy Grahm - 274
- Season: Zach Campbell - 81 (2010)
- Game: John Stec - 14 vs. Ohio State (2007)
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- Career: Andry Graham - 10,693
- Season: Zach Campbell - 3,061 (2010)
- Game: Bill Rudison - 613 vs. Virginia Tech (1989)
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- Career: Mike Hayes - 42.2
- Season: Ray Dodge - 44.9 (1948)
- Game: Daron Alcorn - 51.8 vs. Cincinnati (1992)
Kick Returns [edit]
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- Career: Matt Carter - 1,366
- Season: Matt Carter - 867 (2002)
- Game: Matt Carter - 180 vs. Marshall (2001)
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- Career: Jim Braccio - 26.2
- Season: Bryan Williams - 31.9 (2007)
- Game (2 min. attempts): David Harvey - 78.5 vs. North Texas (2006)
- Kick Returns for Touchdowns
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- Career: Frank Zazula, Jim Braccio & Dan Ruff - 2
- Season: Dan Ruff - 2 (1967)
Punt Returns [edit]
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- Career: Pat Snow - 535
- Season: Matt Cherry - 305 (2003)
- Game: Jeff Sweitzer - 133 vs. Northern Arizona (1989)
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- Career: Matt Cherry - 13.3
- Season: Domenik Hixon - 17.2 (2004)
- Game (3 min. attempts): Domenik Hixon - 39.0 vs. Ball State (2004)
- Punt Returns for Touchdowns
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- Career: Jeff Sweitzer & Matt Cherry - 3
- Season: Jeff Sweitzer (1989) & Matt Cherry (2003) - 2
- Game: Jeff Sweitzer - 2 vs. Northern Arizona (1989)
References [edit]
- ^ "InfoCision Stadium – Summa Field". GoZips.com. University of Akron. Retrieved April 25, 2013.
- ^ "University of Akron Brand Standards". www.uakron.edu. University of Akron. Retrieved May 1, 2013.
- ^ "2012 Football Bowl Subdivision Records - All-Time Team Won-Loss Records". National Collegiate Athletic Association. Retrieved April 30, 2013.
- ^ DeLassus, David. "Akron Historical Data". College Football Data Warehouse. Retrieved April 30, 2013.
- ^ "University of Akron Athletics History". www.gozips.com. University of Akron.
- ^ "MAC Report Online: 2005 Football Season Review".
- ^ "2012 MAC Football Preview Part Five". www.theclevelandfa.com. TheClevelandFan, LLC. Retrieved May 9, 2013.
- ^ a b Matthew Balsinger (September 6, 2012). "John Heisman; an Akron legend". www.buchtelite.com. The Buchtelite. Retrieved May 9, 2013.
- ^ a b Biliczky, Carol (January 30, 2013). "Rubber Bowl’s history dotted with highs, lows". Akron Beacon Journal. Retrieved February 24, 2013.
- ^ Associated Press (November 13, 2008). "Starks rips off three TDs as Buffalo drops Akron in four-hour, 4OT marathon". ESPN.com. Retrieved February 24, 2013.
- ^ "InfoCision Stadium - Summa Field". GoZips.com. University of Akron. 2013.
- ^ Strategic Plan & Initiatives: "New Landscape for Learning" Retrieved September 13, 2009
- ^ "New Landscape for Learning" Retrieved September 13, 2009
- ^ "Zips band performs coda at old stadium" Retrieved September 13, 2009
- ^ The University of Akron InfoCision Stadium and Summa Field: "History" Retrieved September 13, 2009
- ^ World Lingo: "Rubber Bowl" Retrieved September 13, 2009
- ^ The Buchtelite: "March to save Manny's" Retrieved September 13, 2009
- ^ "Eminent Domain Watch" Retrieved September 13, 2009
- ^ "UA Buys Quaker Square Complex" Retrieved September 13, 2009
- ^ "Quaker Square – Akron Ohio" – About.com Retrieved September 13, 2009
- ^ "Akron Opens InfoCision Stadium With 41–0 Win Over MSU" Retrieved September 12, 2009
- ^ Opening ceremony gallery – Ohio.com Retrieved September 12, 2009
- ^ "Akron Zips Football Coaches". www.gozips.com. University of Akron. Retrieved April 26, 2013.
- ^ "2012 University of Akron Football Media Guide". www.gozips.com. University of Akron Athletic Department. Retrieved May 8, 2013.
- ^ DeLassus, David. "Akron Championships". College Football Data Warehouse. Retrieved May 22, 2013.
- ^ "Akron Zips Index". www.sports-reference.com. USA TODAY Sports Digital Properties. Retrieved May 14, 2013.
- ^ "J.D. Brookhart Coaching Record". www.sports-reference.com. USA Today Sports Digital Properties. Retrieved May 14, 2013.
- ^ "John Heisman". www.footballfoundation.org. The National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame, inc. Retrieved April 26, 2013.
- ^ "University of Akron Varsity “A” Sports Hall of Fame Members". www.gozips.com. University of Akron Athletics Department. Retrieved May 9, 2013.
- ^ "Akron Drafted Players/Alumni". www.pro-football-reference.com. USA Today Sports Digital Properties. Retrieved April 29, 2013.
- ^ "NFL Players by College - A". www.espn.com. ESPN. Retrieved April 29, 2013.
- ^ "Active Players". www.cfl.ca. Canadian Football League. Retrieved April 29, 2013.
- ^ "AFL Players". www.arenafan.com. ArenaFan. Retrieved April 29, 2013.
- ^ "Daron Alcorn". www.arenafan.com. ArenaFan. Retrieved May 24, 2013.
- ^ "Andre Jones". www.arenafan.com. ArenaFan. Retrieved May 24, 2013.
- ^ a b "Jason Taylor NFL Football Statistics". www.Pro-Football-Reference.com. USA Today Sports Digital Properties. Retrieved April 29, 2013.
- ^ "Akron Drafted Players/Alumni". www.Pro-Football-Reference.com. USA Today Sports Digital Properties. Retrieved April 10, 2013.
- ^ Richard Rosenblatt (April 27, 1993). "Mr. Irrelevant of 1993 title goes to Mr. Alcorn of Akron". Gainesville Sun. Retrieved May 23, 2013.
- ^ "Akron Zips Football Schedules and Future Schedules". fbschedules.com. Retrieved 2012-01-26.
- ^ 2012 Akron Zips Media Guide (PDF). University of Akron. 2012. Retrieved May 22, 2013.
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