University of Akron Athletics History

The University of Akron Athletics includes the participation of over 350 student athelets in 18 intercollegiate sports including basketball, baseball, football, soccer, golf, cross country, indoor and outdoor track and field rifle. The Zips' sports heritage dates back almost 130 years.

Former athletic director, Michael J. Thomas (now at The University of Cincinnati), oversaw the completion of a $300 million facilities upgrade in the summer of 2004 making the University one of the most modern and up-to-date athletic programs in the Mid-American Conference. This upgrade included the completion of a new field house and student recreation center as well as an on-campus football practice facility.The University of Akron has been a member of the Ohio Athletics Conference on and off from 1915 until 1966. In 1973, NCAA moved to the current three division version. Akron entered originally as a Division III school the first year and then moved to Division II the next year. They remained a Division II school for eighteen years.

June 26, 1991 was one of the more important dates in Zips athletic history. This was the date the board of trustees unanimously voted to accept an invitation to join the Mid- American Conference. This move was long overdue in the eyes of Zips athletic fans. Since the 1992-1993 academic year, the Zips have taken 14 Mid-American Conference regular season, tournament and divisional team championships, with men’s soccer at the top earning seven titles. More recently, the Zips claimed the following notable victories:

Baseball – 1996 MAC Tournament Champs
Men’s Basketball – 1998 East Division Title
Softball – 1998 Regular Season Title
Women’s Outdoor Track & Field – 1999 Regular Season Title
Women’s Cross Country – 1999 Regular Season Title
Volleyball – 1999 Regular Season Title
Football – 2000 Share of East Division Title, 2006 MAC Champions and Motor City Bowl appearance
Men’s Soccer – 2006 Conference Champions and a national NCAA ranking

The University of Akron athletics continue their winning ways. Recently, the Zips have had a resurgence in the MAC and anticipate more conference titles in the future.