If you’ve ever scrolled through a Saturday afternoon college football scoreboard and wondered if a "Zip" was some kind of fast-moving insect or a brand of old-school luggage, you aren't alone. It’s a weird name. Honestly, it’s one of the most distinctive identities in all of collegiate athletics, belonging to the University of Akron in Northeast Ohio.
But what are the Akron Zips, really?
They are the Division I athletes representing the University of Akron. They play in the Mid-American Conference (MAC). They wear blue and gold. And their mascot is a giant kangaroo named Zippy.
Wait—a kangaroo? In Ohio?
Yeah, it doesn't immediately make sense until you dig into the history of the rubber industry and a 1920s footwear craze.
The Weird History of the Zip
Back in the early 1920s, the university held a contest to pick a nickname. Before that, they were just the "Akronites" or the "Blue and Gold." Those are boring. In 1925, a student named Margaret Hamlin won $10 by suggesting "Zippers."
Why Zippers? Because of the BFGoodrich Company.
At the time, Akron was the "Rubber Capital of the World." Every major tire and rubber company lived there—Goodyear, Firestone, and of course, BFGoodrich. Goodrich had just released a brand-new overshoe (basically a rubber galosh) that featured a revolutionary sliding fastener. They trademarked the name "Zipper" for the boot. The name was so catchy it eventually became the common word for the fastener itself.
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By 1950, the athletic director at the time, Kenneth "Red" Cochrane, decided "Zippers" was a bit too long. He shortened it to the Zips. It stuck.
The kangaroo came later. In 1953, the campus decided they needed a physical mascot. Why a kangaroo? Nobody actually knows for sure. The most common theory is that it was simply a popular animal at the time and provided a nice bit of alliteration with "Zippy." There is no deep biological connection between the Australian outback and the Cuyahoga Valley. It was just a vibe.
Zippy: One of the Few Female Mascots in Sports
Here is a fun fact that usually wins bar trivia: Zippy is one of only a handful of female mascots in the United States. While most people assume mascots are male by default, the University of Akron has officially designated Zippy as female since her inception.
She's surprisingly decorated. In 2007, Zippy won the Capital One Mascot of the Year challenge. She beat out big-name icons from the SEC and the Big Ten.
Zippy is everywhere in Akron. You’ll see her at the games, obviously, but she’s also a staple at community parades and charity events. She’s famous for her pouch—which she often uses to store things like towels, T-shirts to throw into the crowd, or even the occasional snack.
The Sports That Put Akron on the Map
While the football team has had its ups and downs in the MAC, the Akron Zips are actually a powerhouse in specific sports that often fly under the radar of the average ESPN viewer.
Men’s Soccer: A National Force
If you want to talk about elite status, you talk about Akron soccer. This isn't just "good for a mid-major." This is "better than almost everyone else." The Zips won the NCAA Division I National Championship in 2010. Under coaches like Caleb Porter (who went on to win MLS Cups with Portland and Columbus) and Jared Embick, the program became a literal factory for the pros.
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At one point, it felt like half the starters in Major League Soccer had "Akron" on their resumes. Names like Darlington Nagbe, DeAndre Yedlin, and Perry Kitchen all wore the Zips uniform. They play at FirstEnergy Stadium—Cub Cadet Field, which is often packed with a rowdy student section called the "Akron Rowdies."
Basketball: The JAR Experience
The Zips play basketball at the James A. Rhodes Arena, affectionately known as "The JAR." It’s an old-school, loud, slightly cramped gym that creates a massive home-court advantage.
The basketball program is consistently a contender for the MAC title. They’ve produced some incredible talent and have a long-standing, bitter rivalry with Kent State (the "Wagon Wheel" rivalry). If you’re ever in Northeast Ohio during a Zips vs. Golden Flashes game, go. The atmosphere is genuinely hostile in the best possible way.
The LeBron James Connection
You can’t talk about Akron sports without mentioning LeBron James. While he never played for the Zips (he went straight to the pros), his influence is everywhere. The university’s athletic teams are often outfitted by LeBron’s specific Nike line. He’s a frequent presence at games when his schedule allows, and his "I Promise" school and various foundations are deeply intertwined with the city's identity.
The Wagon Wheel Rivalry
What are the Akron Zips without their rivals? Not much. The "Wagon Wheel" is the trophy fought over by Akron and Kent State.
The legend goes that back in the 1870s, John R. Buchtel (who founded the university that became Akron) was looking for a site for his school. His wagon got stuck in the mud in Kent, Ohio. A wheel came off. Buchtel ended up founding the school in Akron instead.
In 1946, Raymond Manchester (a Kent State dean) "found" that old wagon wheel and suggested it become a trophy. It’s huge. It’s heavy. And both fanbases absolutely despise each other. It is one of the most underrated rivalries in college sports because of how close the two schools are—only about 10 miles apart.
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Living the Zip Life: Facilities and Culture
The university has invested heavily in its infrastructure over the last two decades. InfoCision Stadium–Summa Field opened in 2009, giving the football team a modern home. It’s a great place to watch a game, though the team has struggled to fill the seats consistently during some of the leaner years on the field.
But being a Zip is more than just sports. It's about that blue-collar, "Rubber City" identity. The school has world-class programs in polymer science (again, the rubber connection) and engineering. Students take pride in the fact that their nickname isn't some generic predator like a Tiger or a Lion. It’s something that actually means something to the history of their town.
Why the Name Matters in 2026
In an era where every brand feels sterilized and corporate, "The Zips" remains wonderfully weird. It represents a specific moment in American industrial history when a boot fastener was the height of technology.
If you're looking to follow the Zips, pay attention to the MAC tournament in March. That's usually when the basketball team makes its most noise. Or, check out a mid-week "MACtion" football game in November, where the Zips play on Tuesday or Wednesday nights in the freezing Ohio cold. It’s gritty, it’s often messy, and it’s exactly what college sports should be.
How to Follow the Zips
- Check the MAC Schedule: Most games are broadcast on ESPN+ or ESPN3.
- Visit the JAR: If you're in the Cleveland/Akron area, a basketball game is the best bang for your buck.
- Get the Gear: The "Z" logo is iconic in Ohio. You can find Zippy-themed merchandise that usually sparks a conversation because, again, it’s a kangaroo in a sweater.
The Akron Zips are a reminder that college sports are best when they are local, historical, and just a little bit confusing to outsiders.
Practical Next Steps
If you want to dive deeper into the Zips' culture, start by looking up the 2010 NCAA Soccer Championship highlights. It shows just how dominant this school can be on a national stage. If you're a gambler or a stats nerd, keep an eye on the "MACtion" mid-week football trends; the Zips often play in some of the most unpredictable weather games in the country. Finally, if you're ever in Akron, stop by the University of Akron's campus to see the bronze statue of Zippy—it's a mandatory photo op for any true sports fan passing through the 330.