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Cleveland, Ohio – The Mid-American Conference (MAC) announced today a new regional television agreement with SportsTime Ohio. The three-year agreement will provide an expanded number of televised conference football games, men’s and women’s basketball games, including both conference basketball tournaments, ancillary programming opportunities and additional neutral site conference championship programming in the sports of volleyball, baseball and softball.
“The Mid-American Conference is extremely pleased to partner with SportsTime Ohio to provide our conference, member institutions and most importantly our student-athletes the opportunity for an expanded platform to showcase their athletic abilities in various sports and conference championship events,” said MAC Commissioner, Dr. Jon A. Steinbrecher. “This partnership will provide our fans the opportunity to enjoy an increase in MAC programming and a broader spectrum of athletic events.” In the first year of the agreement, the MAC will have a minimum of three football games and 33 basketball games, which will represent a 60% increase in the number of basketball games televised from the previous year. This regional television deal will provide the MAC clearance throughout the entire state of Ohio, including the Cincinnati/Dayton and Southern Ohio region, in addition to a continued regional presence throughout the Midwest including Michigan, Indiana, Illinois and Western New York. “Sportstime Ohio is excited to add the MAC to our lineup and look forward to showcasing the conference and member schools to Ohio,” said Jim Liberatore, President of STO.
“STO will make the MAC our priority and with the increased coverage and promotion, fans of the conference will immediately see the cohesive and increased presentation of events. Our partnership will be not only with the conference but will extend to each member school as well.” The partnership between the MAC and SportsTime Ohio will provide the conference unprecedented access to programming opportunities to include various sports throughout the academic calendar, consistency in scheduling, on-air promotions as well as marketing and branding opportunities. Ancillary programming will include a 2010 MAC Football Preview Show, 2010 Marathon MAC Football Championship Pre-Game show, 2010-11 Basketball Preview Show and live remotes throughout the 2011 FirstEnergy MAC Men’s and Women’s Basketball Conference Tournaments at Quicken Loans Arena. MEDIA CONTACT: Ken Mather, Assistant Commissioner/Media & Public Relations, 216-566-4622 x301
DETROIT, Mich. -- The Temple Owls and the Northern Illinois Huskies have been selected to win their respective divisions in the 2010 Mid-American Conference Football Preseason Poll. The poll was announced at the league’s annual Football Media Preview at Ford Field in Detroit and was determined by 20 members of the league’s media contingent. The Owls also received 11 votes to win the 2010 Marathon MAC Football Championship.
Temple garnered 17 first-place votes en route to the top of the poll in the MAC East Division. The Owls return 56 letter winners and 16 starters from last year’s 9-4 team that finished 7-1 in the MAC (East Division Co-Champions) and earned a bid to the EagleBank Bowl. Leading the way on offense for fifth-year Head Coach Al Golden is sophomore All-American and Heisman Trophy candidate Bernard Pierce at running back. Pierce, the 2009 MAC Freshman of the Year, led the conference with 1,361 yards rushing while rewriting the school records books in several categories, including rushing touchdowns with 16. Temple also has three All-MAC offensive linemen in junior center John Palumbo, senior right guard Colin Madison and senior right tackle Darius Morris. The defense returns five All-MAC selections from 2009 including the MAC Defensive Player of the Year, senior defensive end Adrian Robinson. Robinson racked up 13 sacks last year and is joined by returning All-MAC players junior tackle Muhammad Wilkerson, senior linebackers Elijah Joseph and Amara Kamara and senior safety Jaiquawn Jarrett. All-MAC kick returner James Nixon is back on special teams with kicker Brandon McManus and punter Jeff Wathne.The Owls were followed by Ohio, who received three first place votes in the East Division preseason predictions. Kent State was picked third, followed by Bowling Green, Miami, Buffalo and Akron.Northern Illinois racked up 15 first-place votes in the MAC West Division. The Huskies welcome back 49 letter winners and 17 starters from last year’s team that went 7-6, 5-3 in the MAC and made a bowl appearance in the International Bowl. Third-year Head Coach Jerry Kill returns first-team All-MAC running back senior Chad Spann, who rushed for 1,038 yards and led the MAC with 19 rushing touchdowns last year. Junior QB Chandler Harnish is back and senior WR Landon Cox led the team last season with 45 catches for 535 and four TD. The offensive line returns three players with veteran experience in juniors Trevor Olson, Joe Pawlak and Adam Kiel. The 2009 MAC leader in total defense returns senior All-MAC defensive end Jake Coffman, senior LB Alex Kube, junior safety Tracy Wilson and sophomore DE Sean Progar. All-MAC punt return specialist Tommy Davis and punter Josh Wilber are back on special teams.Defending MAC Champion Central Michigan was picked second in the West Division and earned three first place votes. Western Michigan was selected third and also garnered two first place votes. Toledo was fourth, while Ball State and Eastern Michigan round out the predictions in the MAC West.The 2010 season kicks off on Thursday, September 2 with five teams playing non-conference opponents. The first MAC game of the year takes place September 9 when Central Michigan travels to Temple. The Marathon MAC Championship Game is Friday, December 3 at 7:00 p.m. from Ford Field in Detroit. The complete poll follows.Team (First Place Votes) - PointsEast1. Temple (17) - 1372. Ohio (3) - 1163. Kent State - 944. Bowling Green - 745. Miami - 536. Buffalo - 487. Akron - 38West1. Northern Illinois (15) - 1152. Central Michigan (3) - 833. Western Michigan (2) - 774. Toledo - 755. Ball State - 506. Eastern Michigan - 20Marathon MAC Championship Game WinnerTemple 11, Northern Illinois 5, Ohio 1 (three voters did not choose a winner for MAC Championship) News Release By: Ken Mather, Mid-American Conference Media Relations
Monte' Simmons is a senior defensive end for the Kent State Golden Flashes. Last season, Simmons led Kent State with eight sacks and 16 tackles for loss en route to earning second team All-MAC honors. He recorded 56 tackles (33 solo) and earned MAC Defensive Player of the Week Honors on Nov. 2, 2009 when he had five tackles and three sacks against Western Michigan. Entering his senior year, the native of Swissvale, Pa., ranks fourth in school history with 16.0 career sacks and is nine sacks shy of Justin Parrish's school record of 25.0. Below is a closer look at the Kent State DE...
Getting To Know...Kent State's Monte' Simmons1. Why did you choose Kent State University? I chose Kent State because it was the only school that made me feel like I was wanted and needed.2. What are your goals for this season? My goal for this season is to give my heart and soul and everything I can to my team so we can achieve what we are all working so hard for and that's a MAC CHAMPIONSHIP.3. How did you get started playing football? Back in junior high I was seen as and was a nerd -- stayed in my books did my homework all that nerd type stuff. When it came to talking to someone especially females I just did their homework for them. Then I noticed football players got a lot of attention so I joined the football team in 7th grade. I didn't think I'd like it or be as good at it and I've been playing ever since.4. What is your favorite beverage/food/desert? My favorite beverage is strawberry fanta. My favorite dessert is Eat'n Park's strawberry pie. I have three favorite foods: Mac and cheese, ribs, and pasta. I can ultimately survive on these things.5. What is an annoying habit you possess? When I'm concentrating on something or something is really interesting to me I tend to shake my leg unintentionally and if someone is sitting next to me it tends to annoy them. 6. When you were a little kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? I always wanted to be an architect and a preacher and back when I was younger would always say that when anyone would ask.7. Which words or phrases do you overuse? It's more my made up phrase: "yez zur" or "yez mazam" more like a sign of respect but with a twist.8. What is the best class you've taken at Kent State? Casting Metals with Professor Dragomier -- mainly any class with "Drag" is a great class. Also College Writing 2 with Professor Shank.9. What is the most notable thing about your hometown? Pittsburgh is the City of Champions.10. What are your hobbies and off-the-field interests? I play the violin. Many people don't know nor think I can, but that's one hobby.Courtesy of the MidAmeican Conference
Dak Notestine is a junior defensive end for the Ohio Bobcats. Notestine, who is majoring in Exercise Physiology, started all 14 games last season and ranked fifth on the Bobcats with 65 tackles and led the team with 10 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. Notestine was part of an Ohio defensive squad that led the conference in turnover differential and ranked second in the MAC holding opponents to 21.3 points per game. The Bobcats fell to Central Michigan in the 2009 Marathon MAC Football Championship Game and earned an invitation to the Little Ceasar's Pizza Bowl against Marshall. Below is a closer look at the Ohio defensive end...
Getting To Know...Ohio's Dak Notestine1. Why did you choose the Ohio University?I chose Ohio Univerisity because my father played at Ohio and I wanted to follow in his footsteps.2. What were you up to this summer?I'm preparing for a great senior season. I'm also looking to improve my golf game.3. What is an annoying habit you possess?I tend to bite my nails when I get nervous.4. Which words or phrases do you overuse?"Are you kidding me?"5. What is the most noteable thing about your hometown of Bellefontaine, Ohio?It is the highest point in Ohio. We also have the world's shortest street (McKinley Street). 6. What are your pregame rituals?I like to listen to the hardest music and also watch my fellow teammate DL Marcellis Williamson warmup. He brings a tremendous amount of excitement and energy to the game.7. What was your first job? What was your worst job?My first job was my worst job. I worked at a Dairy Queen for my cousin and was given all sorts of tasks that nobody else wanted to do.8. Besides football, what sport would you have pursued for a college scholarship?I would say basketball. It's always been a passion of mine and I've played the sport as far back as I can remember.9. What actor/actress would play you in the movie of your life? Why?I would have to say Gerard Butler. If he did half the job he did in the movie 300, I would be pleased. He would probably make my life way more exciting than it actually is.10. What is one movie you could watch over and over again and not get sick of?It has to be Gladiator. I try and watch it before every game.Courtesy of the MidAmerican Conference
Kevin Kowalski is a senior starting center for the Toledo Rockets. Kowalski started all 12 games last year at center for the Rockets and was part of an offensive line that ranked 16th in the nation in total offense (437.9 yards per game) and 18th in passing offense (278.1 yards per game). Kowalski, an education major, will be a fourth-year starter and one of four members of the starting offensive line to return for the Rockets this season. Below is a closer look at the Toledo starting center...
Getting To Know...Toledo's Kevin Kowalski1. Why did you choose the University of Toledo?I chose the University of Toledo because of the winning tradition that is here and because of the loyalty that was shown to me during the recruiting process.2. Do you have higher expectations going into this season than last?I have much higher expectations going into this season than last season, as this is now the second season with Coach Beckman and the entire staff.3. How did you get started playing football?I started playing football when I was eight years old because my brother started to play football so I wanted to play as well. 4. Who was your greatest athletic influence?My brother because he got me started in football and has guided me in the sport ever since.5. What would you like to be doing in ten years?I would like to be teaching at the high school level and coaching football.6. When you were a little kid what did you want to be when you grew up?I wanted to be an astronaut.7. What is your favorite beverage?It would have to be milk. I could drink it with anything.8. What was your first job and worst job growing up?My first job was as a dryer at a car wash and my worst job was the summer I spent as a painter.9. What are your pregame rituals?My pregame rituals include stretching out for about half an hour, putting my gear on in the same order for each game and listening to Sum 41 while I'm getting ready.10. Besides football, what sport would you have pursued for a college scholarship?I would have pursued a college scholarship in track and field for shotput and discus.Courtesy of the MidAmerican Conference
Spencer Keith is a sophomore quarterback for the Kent State Golden Flashes. Keith had a prolific freshman season in 2009, setting Kent State freshman records with 2,147 yards passing and 14 touchdowns, both of which stand fifth in school history. He had a 57.1 completion percentage (168-294), which stands second in season records, while his 126.72 pass efficiency ranks fourth. Keith, a biology major with a focus in pre-med, threw for 200+ yards on seven occasions, including a pair of 300-yard efforts against Western Michigan and Akron last year. Below is a closer look at the Kent State QB...
Getting To Know...Kent State's Spencer Keith1. What is your greatest accomplishment off the field?I believe my greatest accomplishment off the field is being able to manage my time well and make good grades. Being successful in the classroom is very important to me because I understand that there is a life after football. It is essential to work hard in school because that will help out when looking for a profession.2. What do you still hope to accomplish in the future?Aside from winning a MAC championship, I would like to pursue my dream of being in the NFL someday. Also, I would like to get accepted into medical school somewhere and work towards becoming a doctor.3. What are your goals for this season?My goals for this season include winning the MAC championship and leading the team to a bowl victory. This hasn't happened at Kent State in a long time so we are trying to bring back that winning reputation.4. How did you get started playing football?Both of my brothers and my dad played football in high school, so there was some family history with it. Since my brothers are 7 and 10 years older than me, I grew up going to all of their football games. I started playing when I was in the third grade and have played ever since.5. What is your favorite beverage/food/dessert?My favorite beverage is chocolate milk, food is steak, and dessert is banana pudding.6. What is your favorite TV show? Why?My favorite TV show is Family Guy. I like Family Guy because it is one of the funniest shows on TV.7. Besides football, what sport would you have pursued for a college scholarship?I would have pursued basketball for a college scholarship because I have been playing it all my life. Up until my junior and senior years of high school, basketball was my main sport to play. I played AAU basketball from 5th grade until 10th grade during the summer, and we traveled to many tournaments around the country. I have always enjoyed playing basketball and I probably always will.8. The person from history I'd most like to meet is...I would like to meet Benjamin Franklin because of all of his scientific findings and inventions.9. What is your favorite vacation spot and why?My favorite vacation spot is one that is near the beach and a golf course. When we go on family vacations, we usually play a couple rounds of golf. Also, I have always enjoyed going to the beach and swimming in the ocean since that chance doesn't come around very often.10. What is one movie that you could watch over and over again and not get sick of?There are two movies that I could watch and not tire from: Any Given Sunday and The Hangover. Any Given Sunday is one of my favorites because it is an exciting football movie that motivates me. I could watch The Hangover a hundred times and still find it hilarious.Courtesy of the MidAmerican Conference
Armand Robinson is a senior wide receiver for the Miami RedHawks. Robinson garnered third-team All-Mid American Conference recognition in 2009 as he led the Miami receiving corps with 67 catches for 788 yards and four touchdowns. Robinson also had 16 catches for 229 yards as a sophomore and 33 receptions, 471 yards and three TD as a freshman. He is a native of Reynoldsburg, Ohio and is majoring in business. Below is a closer look at the Miami WR...
Getting to know Miami's Armand Robinson...1. What did you choose Miami University?Miami University was the only school to offer me (a scholarship) as a wide receiver. I also wanted to stay relatively close to home and go to a school with a good academic reputation.2. What are your goals for this season?My goals this season are to win a MAC championship and get All-MAC honors.3. How did you get started playing football?My uncle encouraged me to play. When I tried to quit, he would say give it one more day. In the end, I fell in love with the sport.4. What is your favorite beverage/food/dessert?My favorite beverage is A&W Cream Soda. My favorite food is any type of seafood. My favorite dessert is banana pudding.5. What is an annoying habit you possess?An annoying habit I possess is taking multiple showers. Some days I shower 5-6 times and friends make fun of me for it.6. What was your first job ... what was your worst job?My first job was a job where I cleaned my aunt and uncle's law firm. My worst job was being a bus boy at Outback Steakhouse.7. What are your hobbies and off-the-field interests?I love the subject of history. It is common for me watch hours of the History Channel a day.8. What is something people don't know about you?Many people do not know that I only played two years of high school football. I don't have a reason why not but I regret not playing.9. Besides football, what sport would you have pursued for a college scholarship?Although I didn't play in high school, I would have pursued a college career in soccer if I were not playing football.10. The artist that takes up most of my iPod...The artist that takes up most of my iPod is Jay-Z. Courtesy of the MidAmerican Conference
Austin Dantin is a sophomore quarterback for the Toledo Rockets. The native of Tallahassee, Fla., played in seven games, starting three as a freshman in 2009. Dantin completed 66.4 percent of his passes for 962 yards and four TDs. He also ran for 51 yards and posted a 2-1 record as a starter while stepping in for injured QB Aaron Opelt. Dantin a season-high 326 passing yards against Bowling Green on Nov. 27. Below is a closer look at the Toledo QB...
Getting To Know...Toledo's Austin Dantin
1. Why did you choose the University of Toledo?I chose the University of Toledo because of not only their football program but because of their engineering department and family environment.
2. What are your goals for this season? My personal goals for this season, is to start the whole year without injury and lead my team to a MAC Championship.
3. Do you have higher expectations going into this season than last?Yes, my expectations are much higher going into this season then last season.
4. How did you get started playing sports?I started playing sports at a young age when my dad started teaching me.
5. What is your favorite beverage/food/desert?My favorite beverage is sweet tea, favorite food is boiled crawfish, and favorite desert is French silk pie.
6. What would you like to be doing in ten years?In ten years I would like to be married and taking over my parents engineering firm, or if I'm lucky enough, to play in the NFL.
7. What were you up to this summer?I've been here in Toledo all summer for school and football.
8. What is your greatest fear?My greatest fear is for my family to die.
9. When you were a little kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?When I was a little kid I wanted to be a professional athlete.
10. Which three people (dead or alive) would you invite to dinner?If I could invite three people to dinner it would be Michael Jordan, Charlie Sheen, and my dad, just so he could be there with me to meet them.
Courtesy of the MidAmerican Conference
The 2010 MAC Football season is quickly approaching and as part of our preview we would like to give you an inside look into the lives of our student-athletes. Today, get to know Kent State's Chris Anzevino.
Getting To Know...Kent State's Chris AnzevinoChris Anzevino is a junior center for the Kent State Golden Flashes. Anzevino, a native of Warren, Ohio, has started every game at center the past two seasons. As a freshman, he was named the team's Offensive Rookie of the Year as he helped open holes for the nation's 11th-ranked rushing offense. This season, Anzevino's experience will be counted on to anchor the Kent State offensive line. Below is a closer look at the Kent State center...1. What are your goals for this season?My goal for this season is to win a MAC Championship.2. Which three people (dead or alive) would you invite to dinner?The three people I would invite to dinner are Jim Carrey, Brock Lesnar, and Michael Scott (The Office).3. You are on a road trip and stop at gas station. What snacks do you buy?The snacks I would buy at a gas station are cotton candy, Snickers and Combos.4. What is one movie you could watch over and over again and not get sick of?The movie I could watch over and over again is Office Space.5. What is your favorite holiday?My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving!6. The artist that takes up most of my iPod...The artist that takes up most of my iPod is Breaking Benjamin.7. What are your hobbies and off-the-field interests?My off-the-field hobbies are fishing, golfing and playing Call of Duty.8. What is your favorite campus hangout?My favorite campus hangout is The Hub.9. What is the best class you've taken at Kent State?My favorite class I took was History of Jazz.10. What would your superhero name be?My superhero name would is Christopher "The Magnificant Magnifico" Michael Anzevino.Courtesy of the MidAmerican Conference
