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HOME ~ College Football History |
Origin
of the "Zips" nickname
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.
Origin of Mascot "Zippy"
"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 campus wide 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.
University of Akron Fight Song
Akron Blue and Gold
We cheer the Akron Blue and Gold,
We cheer as the colors unfold,
We pledge anew we're all for you,
As the team goes crashing through,
FIGHT! FIGHT!
We cheer the Akron warriors bold,
For a fight that's a sight to behold,
So we stand up, and cheer and shout
For the Akron Blue and Gold.
Zzzip! Zip go the Zi--ips!
Zzzip! Zip go the Zi--ips!
Akron true Gold and Blue,
All for you and the Zi--ips too!
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