The Akron Zips took the field for their home opener on Saturday, facing Robert Morris in front of their own fans. The team’s fan-selected offensive coordinator for the day made his debut with a drive that ended in a fumble. The play sequence lasted only four plays and covered twenty-three yards. Akron recovered from the early turnover and went on to defeat Robert Morris 45-10. The Zips finished the game with 523 total yards and six touchdowns.
Martin Whims II, known as Marty, was chosen to be Akron’s temporary offensive coordinator in a contest held earlier this year, according to The Sporting News. Whims is originally from Akron and has been attending Zips games since 2008. The Sporting News reported that he has been a season-ticket holder since 2008.
The school’s social media announcement about the contest quickly gained attention online, drawing more than 25 million views, according to Akron. Whims did not expect to win the raffle, as he only owned one season ticket. He was surprised when he received a call on his 46th birthday informing him that he was one of the contest’s nine finalists. He was announced as the winner on August 25. The promotion also helped Akron sell out the suites at InfoCision Stadium for the first time since the stadium opened in 2009.
Whims said he had not anticipated the outcome, especially with his busy life involving family and major life events. He was interviewed by ESPN’s College GameDay before the game, giving him a platform to share his experience. Former Alabama coach Nick Saban gave Whims some advice during the appearance. Saban told him to get the calls in quickly and stay ahead of the chains by running the ball.
Despite the excitement, Whims only controlled the play calling for Akron’s opening offensive possession. His role was hands-on for that drive, when he called plays from a 20-play script he developed with Moorhead. Whims and Moorhead met Friday to review strategy and game film before putting the script together.
The drive began at Akron’s 40-yard line. The Zips moved into Robert Morris territory before wide receiver Marcel Williams fumbled at the Colonials’ 37-yard line. David Johnson recovered the ball for Robert Morris after Tasheen Howard and Jake Lopinto forced the fumble.
Still, Whims said he felt proud of how things went and appreciated the complexity of play calling. He noted that the experience gave him a better understanding of what goes into coaching decisions.
Whims said he would remember the event for years to come, even though it didn’t end with a touchdown. The contest was part of a larger effort by Akron to engage fans in unique ways during the season.
Coach Moorhead reminded his team that they were facing a lower-level opponent and needed to start strong. Even though the drive ended in a turnover, Whims was able to reflect on his time as coordinator with pride.
He said the experience made him appreciate the work that goes into coaching and strategy. Whims’s involvement in the contest was a highlight of the game for many fans who followed the event closely.