History of the Zips
The Akron Zips are the intercollegiate athletic teams representing the University of Akron in Akron, Ohio, United States. The Zips compete in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) at the Division I level as a member of the Mid-American Conference (MAC) East division. Akron sponsors 17 varsity teams across six men's, 10 women's, and one coed NCAA-sanctioned sports. The football team competes in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), the highest college football competition level.
College Sports Established
1870
Location
Akron, Ohio
College Name
University of Akron
Collegiate History
1980 - Present / NCAA Division I
Conference History
1992 - Present / MAC Conference
1990 - 1992 / Summit League
1987 - 1990 / Independent
1980 - 1987 / Ohio Valley Conference
Nickname
Zips - The Zips name comes from "zippers", rubber overshoes made by the BF Goodrich Company of Akron that were popular in the 1920s and 1930s. In 1925, 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". Athletic director Kenneth Cochrane officially shortened the nickname to Zips in 1950.
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.