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Question about the Akron logo


rock55choc

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"Zippy" the kangaroo was officially declared The University of Akron's mascot on May 1, 1953. Chair of a committee to suggest a mascot, All-American Zip diver Bob Savoy recommended the kangaroo and it was approved by the student council.

At first much resentment and apathy surrounded the decision, which was made without the benefit of a campuswide vote. Defenders of the kangaroo countered with, "it is an animal that is fast, agile and powerful with undying determination - all the necessary qualities of an athlete."

Pete Demming appeared as the first "Zippy" kangaroo at the inaugural Acme-Zip football game in 1954.

Now fully accepted and an integral part of UA's athletics program, "Zippy" is revered by alumni and loved by children.

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The "Fear the Roo" banner/poster is pretty cool (even if it is just a cheap "Fear the Turtle" knockoff!! :P)

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You can add me to the list of people that think Akron has one of the best logo/identity packages in the NCAA. Their football uniforms are very Rams-like, but they still seem like they work and fit with the rest of their look. Their overall look in all their sports, especially basketball and football are great.

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I don't know..if I hit a turtle with a car, it'll do less damage with the 'Roo.

Not that you're likely to encounter a stray kangaroo, but you can safely assume that a turtle won't DART out in front of you while you're driving. B)

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Akron has the best logo in the NCAA... but I may be a little bias though.

Here is more history on the name Zips:

?One of the unique nicknames in all of intercollegiate athletics belongs to The University of Akron.

Originally Zippers, athletic director Kenneth Red Cochrane officially shortened the nickname to the Zips in 1950. Twenty-five years earlier a campus-wide contest had been conducted to choose a nickname for the University's athletic teams.

Suggestions submitted by students, faculty, and alumni included Golden Blue Devils, Tip Toppers, Rubbernecks, Hillbillies, Kangaroos, and Cheveliers. The winner, freshman Margaret Hamlin, received a prize of $10 for Zippers - a $6 pair of rubber overshoes and a brand name of the BF Goodrich Company.? (From Zips Athletics Site)

ESPNUAkron.jpg2002-2006 ALUMNI 2007-2009 ESPNUSeton.jpg

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As a former Akronite, there was a connection between the town's rubber plants and the logo. Whether it was the Zipper shoes or Zippers in general, I'm not sure.

Of course, given that the city of Akron's nickname is the rubber capital of the world, I always thought that they should be called the Prophyllactics... imagine that as the logo at the 50-yard line! :D

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