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By TODD GOTTULA
UNK Communications
KEARNEY – A new look is coming to Loper Athletics this year.
On Monday, the University of Nebraska at Kearney unveiled its new Under Armour football uniforms for the 2014 season.
“It’s been really fun seeing the facial expressions of our student athletes when they see the new uniforms. They are anxious to wear the 100 percent custom-designed apparel while representing our university,” said UNK Athletics Director Paul Plinske.
“Having state-of-the-art Under Armour gear is really generating a lot of excitement. We hope that this extra energy jumpstarts our season. It’s a first-class look with stretch knit fabric and sleek design lines on the jerseys, and pants that make it useable with all the color options that we have.”
UNK’s new home jersey is blue with gold numbers and letters outlined in black. The away uniform is white with blue numbers and letters outlined in gold, and blue and gold trim under the arms and highlighting the neckline. Both jerseys have “Lopers” across the chest.
A third “alternate” jersey is black with gold letters and numbers outlined in blue. It also features “Lopers” across the chest and includes blue and gold accents under the arms and around the neckline.
Quarterback Bronson Marsh, linebacker Tyke Kozeal and running back Romero Cotton wore the new uniforms at Monday’s news conference.
“We love the new look. Everybody likes these a lot,” said Marsh. “The uniforms are functional and serve a purpose, too. They have a very tight fit that will make it hard for people to grab onto. We’re really excited to take the field in these for the first time.”
Said UNK Head Coach Darrell Morris: “The response has been outstanding. This is something our program wanted and needed. The brand you are associated with is important to today’s student athlete. When we’re recruiting kids they always ask us about that, and partnering with Under Armour gives us instant credibility.”
In January, UNK announced its partnership that made Under Armour the official outfitter of Loper Athletics. The multi-year agreement – which went into effect July 1 – gives Under Armour the right to provide on-field and training gear to UNK’s 17 varsity sports. Under Armour also is outfitting UNK coaches and members of the athletic department staff.
UNK athletes will receive their new Under Armour practice gear when they report for the start of practices. Under Armour apparel for Loper fans is also available for purchase at Antelope Bookstore on campus.
Loper football coaches, along with Plinske and Assistant Athletic Director for External Affairs Shawn Fairbanks, worked with Under Armour representative Ryan Johnson in choosing the new look.
“More than anything we wanted to make sure all three sets incorporated and honored the blue and gold of UNK,” Plinske said. “With all the choices out there, it was very important that we maintained our traditional, historical colors while also taking on the premier look our student athletes are interested in. As we transition into the future, we wanted to keep our past and its tradition in perspective.”
UNK is not changing the look of its helmet. It will continue to use the blue helmet and large white Loper head decal on each side. However, the team will implement some new decals for some games this season, including a pink helmet decal for its Oct. 18 “Think Pink” game, and a red, white and blue version for its Nov. 1 “Service/Military Appreciation” game.
UNK opens its season Sept. 4 at defending national champion Northwest Missouri State. The Lopers’ home opener is Sept. 11 against Washburn University.
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About Under Armour, Inc.
Under Armour (NYSE: UA), the originator of performance footwear, apparel and accessories, revolutionized how athletes across the world dress. Designed to make all athletes better, the brand’s innovative products are sold worldwide to athletes at all levels. Under Armour’s wholly owned subsidiary, MapMyFitness, powers one of the world’s largest Connected Fitness communities. The Under Armour global headquarters is in Baltimore, Maryland. For further information, please visit the Company’s website at www.uabiz.com.
Writer: Todd Gottula, Director of Communications, 308.865.8454, gottulatm@unk.edu
Contact: Paul Plinske, Athletics Director, 308.865.8332, plinskep@unk.edu
Wonderful uniforms.. Brilliant creation.