Akron fan gets dream coaching chance, but one play changes everything
· Yahoo Sports
For a few minutes on Saturday, longtime Akron football supporter Marty Whims II lived out a dream most fans only talk about from the stands. The University of Akron gave Whims the chance to help call plays during the opening offensive series of its home opener against Robert Morris as part of the school’s highly publicized “Offensive Coordinator of the Game” promotion, The Associated Press reported.
The experience started with plenty of excitement. Akron moved the ball effectively on its first possession, picking up first downs and advancing into Robert Morris territory. But the memorable moment came to an abrupt halt when wide receiver Marcel Williams lost a fumble near the Colonials’ 37-yard line, ending both the drive and Whims’ brief run as a play caller.
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Despite the disappointing finish, Whims saw enough from the opening series to believe the Zips were on their way to points. After the drive ended, he joked that Akron seemed headed for the end zone before the turnover changed everything, Yahoo! Sports reported.
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Whims, 46, is an Akron graduate, a longtime season-ticket holder and the chief financial officer of Stark Enterprises. He won the school’s unique contest that allowed a fan to work alongside head coach Joe Moorhead in helping script the team’s opening offensive possession, ESPN said.
The promotion generated national attention after Akron announced it in early August. School officials said the campaign drove a surge in ticket sales, helped sell out stadium suites for the first time since InfoCision Stadium opened in 2009 and brought new season-ticket holders from across the country and beyond.
Before game day, Whims worked with Moorhead to review film and discuss strategy. He even received advice from former Alabama coach Nick Saban during an appearance on ESPN’s “College GameDay,” adding another memorable chapter to an already unusual college football story.
Akron won the game, 45-10.
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