Football

Remember to vote for Zippy this weekend. She is in a tough fight to go to the championship with Otto from Syracuse.

Even if you're not an Akron fan, take time to vote. Syracuse's mascot might be the dumbest thing I've ever seen.

It's a giant orange. Sweet.

Golf

Akron built a 10-stroke lead in the early rounds of the MAC Tournament.

The Zips had a few slip-ups. Eastern Michigan began to charge.

In the end, the Eagles (14-under) won the MAC by three strokes.

If there's a consolation, it's that the Zips (11-under) fended off Kent State (5-under).

Brad Wright gave the Zips a shot, shooting 7-under for the weekend. That was good for second place individually. Graham Hill of EMU was medalist at 11-under.

Golf

EMU 15-under
Akron 14-under
Kent State 11-under

If Akron is to win, it's up to Brad Wright. He is one of three players yet to finish.

Golf

Who wants to win the MAC Tournament?

Akron retook the lead after Eastern Michigan dropped several strokes. The leaderboard now looks like this: Akron (-14), EMU (-13) and Kent State (-11).

Scores today have been considerably higher than the first three rounds. I don't think it's the weather, but it could be the fatigue from playing 72 holes in three days.

Softball

The Buchtelite's Tony Bosma covered Akron's 2-1 extra-innings win over Ohio State.

His story also discusses what the Zips must do to earn a berth in the five-team MAC Tournament.

Miscellaneous

Tonight was my last issue to be editor of the school newspaper.

If there's one piece of advice I can give, it's to take part in your college paper. It's an unforgettable experience that teaches life lessons in leadership and how to work with people. If you're a student, I'd consider applying if you can write at all. If you're an alumnus, push your son or daughter to do it eventually.

It was an outstanding four years that I wouldn't trade for anything and gave me a lot of great friends.

Anyhow, those crazy Outsiders returned to sports for our final issue to debate what was the most disappointing part of the school year. Adam Ferrise says it's the basketball team's snubbing. Kiel Fleming contends it's the football team's collapse.

Football

Jabari Arthur and Jason Nedd were taken sixth and 10th, respectively, in the Canadian Football League Draft.

Cam Yeow is the highest Zips player drafted, being taken second overall in 2005.

Jermaine Reid was selected ninth last year. He is currently trying out for the Minnesota Vikings.

Football

I'm hearing Luke Getsy will sign with San Francisco today.

The 49ers have Alex Smith, Trent Dilfer and Shaun Hill at quarterback already, but it's possible the former Zips signal caller could beat out the latter.

If true, Getsy will join Mike Nori, Akron former tight ends coach who is now an offensive assistant under coach Mike Nolan.

Football

Andy Alleman became antsy as soon as Dallas and New Orleans traded out of the second round.

The former Zips guard had visited both teams in the past few weeks. Their hospitality made Alleman believe they were two of his most likely suitors.

"There was a lot of tension in the room," Alleman said.

As the third round progressed, Alleman became more and more worried he could plummet to the fourth round.

At about 10:45, a New Orleans coach called Alleman to tell him the news. He would be the Saints' pick at No. 88 overall.

"To hear my name was a big relief," Alleman said. "It feels great."

As one might expect, the Alleman household became flooded with tears.

"I broke down when they called," he said. "It was very emotional."

Within minutes after ESPN announced the pick, Alleman's phone went berserk with about 17 text messages, he estimated.

"It was frantic," Alleman said. "It was a bit of a blur."

Alleman will report to rookie camp in two weeks. Knowing the time between the draft and camp would be hectic, he bought a new car ahead of time. I think he said it was a Lexus, making Alleman one of the league's few linemen not driving a truck or SUV.

It might be a blessing that the Saints don't expect Alleman to start right away. They have solid starters in Jamal Nesbit and Jahri Evans. It should give the former Zip time to acclimate himself to the NFL before Nesbit hits free agency next season.

Golf

Akron placed second in the FirstEnergy Intercollegiate at Firestone Country Club, just one stroke back of Eastern Kentucky.

It was the Zips' best finish in their home event, and they topped several MAC teams. That should give them momentum heading into next week's conference tournament.

Colin Clemente finished in fourth place at even par. Blake Sattler, Ryan Gutowski and Brad Wright were close behind.

I'm really rooting for the team to bring home an unexpected MAC title next weekend.

Football

Andy Alleman is far from your typical party animal.

For the first time, I saw him out on the town trying to celebrate the fact that he's a third-round NFL draft pick. To be honest, I'm not sure if he was consuming alcoholic beverages. I don't think he was.

Bottom line: It's good to see a guy who works so hard get something he deserves.