http://gozips.com/athletics/emails/tom/2...dec_6_2013

Quote:SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

On Monday, we are scheduled to make an important "strategic" announcement regarding the future of Zips Athletics. Be sure to follow our social media accounts and GoZips.com for all the details.

What a strange teaser. Buried at the end of a general news release. Nobody's sure what it might be referring to, since there haven't been any rumors of anything happening. Really don't think it's for a new fundraising drive, since we're already in the middle of one.

Maybe Akron is joining the AAC?

[quote='uakronkid' pid='10138168' dateline='1386433714']
http://gozips.com/athletics/emails/tom/2...dec_6_2013

Quote:SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT


Maybe Akron is joining the AAC?

We can only hope!

Or it might be something as mundane as an agreement with a marketing "strategic partner"....

The word "strategic" in quotes has me wondering, though. Is that a reference to Jim Tressel, who was hired at Akron as the VP of Strategic Engagement (his title has since changed to VP of Student Success, but many still remember the first one)?

(12-07-2013 11:39 AM)westernwilly Wrote:  [quote='uakronkid' pid='10138168' dateline='1386433714']
http://gozips.com/athletics/emails/tom/2...dec_6_2013

Quote:SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT


Maybe Akron is joining the AAC?

We can only hope!

I hope so too, but football only and heavily conditioned!

probably a new hashtag gimmic.

#imsoexcited #imsoscared.

(12-07-2013 12:10 PM)uakronkid Wrote:  The word "strategic" in quotes has me wondering, though. Is that a reference to Jim Tressel, who was hired at Akron as the VP of Strategic Engagement (his title has since changed to VP of Student Success, but many still remember the first one)?

Hey, in reference to Tressel, how is his idea of hiring “encouragers” for incoming University of Akron students working out? At $8.00 an hour, is he beating burger flippers or pizza makers for talent?

"Encouragers" Wanted At University of Akron

Got to love the euphemisms: "encouragers" to help the "emergent" students.

(12-07-2013 01:23 PM)FlashFan Wrote:  

(12-07-2013 12:10 PM)uakronkid Wrote:  The word "strategic" in quotes has me wondering, though. Is that a reference to Jim Tressel, who was hired at Akron as the VP of Strategic Engagement (his title has since changed to VP of Student Success, but many still remember the first one)?

Hey, in reference to Tressel, how is his idea of hiring “encouragers” for incoming University of Akron students working out? At $8.00 an hour, is he beating burger flippers or pizza makers for talent?

"Encouragers" Wanted At University of Akron

You know, I've never seen one of them. I figured they're just grad students making some extra cash by hanging out in tutoring centers or something.

He has had a positive impact on the university, though. Sometimes to improve something, you just need a person with an outside perspective and a drive to succeed.

And a dazzling array of sweater vests that draw attention from his complete lack of morals... :)

Another thought... Akron will soon have to re-evaluate where it stands with Title IX. Could be adding a new womens' sport. Gymnastics and Field Hockey are the only two that the MAC sponsors that Akron does not. Gymnastics doesn't require new facilities. Field Hockey would need a field, but as it happens, Akron recently acquired a large city block adjacent to campus where they are building outdoor basketball and tennis courts along with some soccer fields, and there's more than enough room for field hockey.

(12-07-2013 06:40 PM)El Grande Flippero Wrote:  And a dazzling array of sweater vests that draw attention from his complete lack of morals... :)

He rarely wears sweater vests anymore.

(12-07-2013 06:52 PM)uakronkid Wrote:  Another thought... Akron will soon have to re-evaluate where it stands with Title IX. Could be adding a new womens' sport. Gymnastics and Field Hockey are the only two that the MAC sponsors that Akron does not. Gymnastics doesn't require new facilities. Field Hockey would need a field, but as it happens, Akron recently acquired a large city block adjacent to campus where they are building outdoor basketball and tennis courts along with some soccer fields, and there's more than enough room for field hockey.

They already owned Butchel Field(if that is where you are referring to)

(12-07-2013 07:01 PM)lance99 Wrote:  

(12-07-2013 06:52 PM)uakronkid Wrote:  Another thought... Akron will soon have to re-evaluate where it stands with Title IX. Could be adding a new womens' sport. Gymnastics and Field Hockey are the only two that the MAC sponsors that Akron does not. Gymnastics doesn't require new facilities. Field Hockey would need a field, but as it happens, Akron recently acquired a large city block adjacent to campus where they are building outdoor basketball and tennis courts along with some soccer fields, and there's more than enough room for field hockey.

They already owned Butchel Field(if that is where you are referring to)

They already owned about half of it. The rest was old houses that were demolished to make the field much bigger. Before, it could barely fit two softball practice fields.

http://www.ohio.com/blogs/ua-zips/univer...e-1.450623

Quote:The school will not be adding or eliminating sports, as some have speculated on various social media.

Well, there goes my idea.

(12-07-2013 06:40 PM)El Grande Flippero Wrote:  And a dazzling array of sweater vests that draw attention from his complete lack of morals... :)

Did you think of that all by yourself?

Stop embarassing BG on this board.

(12-07-2013 07:16 PM)uakronkid Wrote:  http://www.ohio.com/blogs/ua-zips/univer...e-1.450623

Quote:The school will not be adding or eliminating sports, as some have speculated on various social media.

Well, there goes my idea.

So any idea what the plan is?

Sounds like they've wrapped up a strategic planning process and are releasing the report.

Not actually a big deal.

NIU did this a few years ago with this result: NIU athletics 2008 strategic plan

Taking one in the Temple.

Dropping 7 sports?

(12-08-2013 11:51 AM)DogTracks Wrote:  Sounds like they've wrapped up a strategic planning process and are releasing the report.

Not actually a big deal.

NIU did this a few years ago with this result: NIU athletics 2008 strategic plan

This. Per the AD:

“Any strong organization has clearly defined goals that you're focused on and everyone is working hard to achieve, it's about that,” Wistrcill said prior to Saturday’s Akron Zips-Cleveland State Vikings basketball game Saturday afternoon. “It’s more about defining what our goals are, specifically what we're trying to do.”

(12-09-2013 10:21 AM)Zipfanatik Wrote:  

(12-08-2013 11:51 AM)DogTracks Wrote:  Sounds like they've wrapped up a strategic planning process and are releasing the report.

Not actually a big deal.

NIU did this a few years ago with this result: NIU athletics 2008 strategic plan

This. Per the AD:

“Any strong organization has clearly defined goals that you're focused on and everyone is working hard to achieve, it's about that,” Wistrcill said prior to Saturday’s Akron Zips-Cleveland State Vikings basketball game Saturday afternoon. “It’s more about defining what our goals are, specifically what we're trying to do.”

I applaud that. Does the MAC have such a plan?