 Akron posted their first winning season in MAC play during the 1997–1998 season under coach Dan Hipsher going 13–5 and winning the first-ever MAC East division title and qualifying for the MAC tournament for the first time.The Zips posted winning MAC records in 1998–1999 and 1999–2000 before struggling for several seasons, ultimately leading to the dismissal of Hipsher and the hiring of Keith Dambrot as head coach in 2004.Dambrot had previously coached at nearby St. Vincent - St. Mary High School in Akron and had coached LeBron James.