This is far, far, far from the most talent Groce has had at Akron, yet he keeps grinding out the wins.

Always look forward to going to the nearby JAR to watch the Bobcats. Yet I haven't been there since Tuesday March 3rd 2020 when two weeks later the NCAA would historically shut down.

At that game with three high school pals I dragged along and having been an online Zips ticket buyer, I was in their "system". We heard my name along with three other names over the PA. I was called downstairs to the lobby for what I had no idea. There, I discovered that the four names were drawn randomly from the Zips data base as contestants for a 2nd half publicity stunt. Only one other of the four showed up by the ten minute deadline and the staff flipped the coin and me, the Bobcat in the House of Zips won the toss!

I was escorted back to my seat and watched most of the 2nd half until my escort returned and took me into the bowels of JAR arena where I was handed a Ping putter and a golf ball and told I would be attempting a 94 foot, coast to coast putt at a 4 1/4 inch wide hole in a large plywood target for a $10,000 prize! Me dressed in a green sweater but no OHIO markings, I left my green 110 Diamond hat with my friends as I didn't want to be a last minute DQ.

The game was really close at the final Media timeout and after all the announcements the DJ announces I would be attempting the putt from north to south on the west side of the court. Standing on the baseline getting ready, I looked towards the Bobcat bench for silent inspiration as the starters were seated on the court in their chairs during the break and some of the non-participants were looking my way and it made me smile to think what I would do if I rolled it through the target.

It was now time and all the fans seated and standing nearby were giving a Bobcat encouragement, I put the ball down at the same distance from the sideline as I calculated the opening to be 94 feet away, took a breath and stroked it. Now to tell you, I am a frequent golfer and during the winter I will putt on carpeting in the house and once in a while for the heck of it putt on my hardwood floors. If you have never tried it, a slight tap and the ball goes forever and easily goes wherever the imperfections takes it. So I figured I'd aim for a half court distance and then let destiny take over.

The ball rolled very straight and easily crossed half court hitting my rollover target and with plenty of speed on the hardwood to make it to the other end. Just passed half court the ball headed for the sideline and at about three quarters court started to break back towards the target. I had to move slightly towards the hoop because when the putt started to break towards the target the sideline fans left their seats crossing the sideline to get a better view. Man it looked like it might have the magic to go through and then at the 94 foot mark it hit the plywood not more than 2-3 inches away. I rolled my eyes and then looked at the fans and they were all freaking out with body movements reacting to how very close it had come!

I think Boals would have had security come and take me away because I would have crashed his huddle to celebrate with another Bobcat or two! And this is the story of how I was within three inches of ten grand!

This should be a great test for us. Xavier Castenada has been balling out for them and they still possess one of the best defensive players in Enrique Freeman. Groce P5 audition year?

thanks for sharing Monroe. Journalism major? I hope you get to visit the JAR Saturday for another good experience. I am with Mr. Optimism every step of the way, always will be. IMO, this game is pivotal for the season in MAC play. I want to be proven wrong saying we may not be in the top 5 in the conference at season end. I also don't want to be in the lower 5 teams. I like how the guys are finding their roles. I have been diggin' the few turnovers. Chemistry and team comraderie/fellowship/trust in one another is what sets teams apart at this time of year. Go Bobcats!

No one knows who this was. I have a guess based on some of the personalities in the O Zone at the time.

I was there in Cleveland with my dad. Forever the "What is, Buffalo sucks" and Leon tipin game. It was 2005 but can confirm it was NOT the dragon.

I think we're moving in the right direction but we still struggle on the road and Akron with Castaneda and Freeman is the legit #2 team in the conference.

Zips by 5.

Man I want to beat these guys in the JAR for a second straight year. Would be huge

Sounds about right.

I actually had to search Ohio Basketball via cable guide and then it took me to the ESPN3 stream. Which looks exactly like the ESPN+ stream. Still unsure what the difference is.

Game note — it seems like Boals is subbing AJB for EJ4. Would love to see more of them on the court together.

Starting to get ugly