BCSP Notes . . .
CIAA gets in on Russell deal
Russell Corporation has announced that it
has signed an agreement to be the exclusive provider
of athletic apparel, team uniforms, balls and sports
equipment to all 12 member schools of the Central
Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA). Russell
will also become an official sponsor of the CIAA
basketball tournament.
With the addition of the CIAA, Russell now
has partnerships with the four major Historically
Black Athletic Conferences representing 46 schools.
The company had signed agreements in 2004 with
the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC),
the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic
Conference (SIAC) and the Mid-Eastern Athletic
Conference (MEAC).
"This agreement allows us the opportunity to involve our full range of products and brands beyond the team uniform business," said Jon Letzler, president and COO. "By including our Russell Athletic, JERZEES, AAI, Huffy Sports, Bike and Spalding brands, we will have increased brand awareness and sales opportunities across the campuses, including the playing fields and courts as well as the college bookstores.
"This latest agreement also provides the added potential of the CIAA basketball tournament," added Letzler. "We are excited to be a part of what is widely recognized as one of our country's legendary sporting events."
Athletic programs included in the agreement are men's and women's basketball, football, baseball, softball and volleyball. Russell's association with the schools will begin immediately.
"We are proud to have Russell as a partner with the CIAA. Russell's extensive brand lineup and the quality of their products speak for themselves," said CIAA Commissioner Leon Kerry. "This relationship will have such a positive impact for the CIAA member institutions and the student athletes by providing additional scholarship monies. Also, we know the teams will be wearing the best uniforms made."
Patterson gets KSU job
Thomas Patterson has been named head men's
basketball coach at Kentucky State after serving as
interim head coach the past two seasons. During
that period (2003-2005) the Thorobreds complied a
8-21 and 15-15 record respectively.
"I appreciate the direction that Coach Patterson is taking our men's basketball program and look forward to the future," said Ms. Derita Ratcliffe, KSU athletics director.
"It's a relief and a honor to be chosen for the position and I'm excited about the group of players returning," said Patterson.
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