Loper Athletics teams with Under Armour

KEARNEY – The University of Nebraska Kearney and Under Armour, Inc. announced today that the Baltimore-based leader in performance apparel, footwear and accessories will become the official outfitter of Loper Athletics beginning in July.

The multi-year agreement gives Under Armour the right to provide on-field and training gear to UNK’s 17 varsity sports. Under Armour will also outfit coaches and members of the athletic department staff.

“After considerable time spent researching team uniform, apparel and footwear vendors for our athletic department, we are excited to announce our new partnership with Under Armour,” said Paul Plinske, director of athletics at UNK. “Not only will the Under Armour brand give us instant credibility with current and prospective student-athletes, but it will help our teams train and compete at the highest level with the best training gear and uniforms on the market.

“This is an exciting time, and we are proud to call Under Armour the exclusive provider for Loper Athletics,” Plinske added.

“In partnership with our licensing agency, Strategic Marketing Affiliates, we will work closely with the Antelope Bookstore, The College Store and other retailers in the state and region to provide our fans with cutting edge, high quality apparel,” said Shawn Fairbanks, assistant director of athletics. “This relationship will greatly expand our marketing reach and institution-wide brand.”

The new official outfitter agreement includes marketing entitlements that will complement the brand’s marketing campaigns through print and on-field presence at UNK.

WHAT LOPER COACHES ARE SAYING

“We look forward to our partnership with Under Armour to outfit our track & field team. Their company’s forward-thinking approach syncs up with the momentum we are gaining within our athletic department. As we strive to compete with the best in the MIAA and in Division II, we appreciate having an ally like Under Armour.”
-Brady Bonsall, Head Track & Field Coach

“We are extremely excited about our partnership with a company that excels in excellence like Under Amour.  This relationship is just another step for our program to climbing to the top of the MIAA.  This alliance with Under Amour will prove to every prospective student-athlete that we recruit, UNK is serious about providing them with the highest quality experience possible during their Loper careers”.
-Darrell Morris, Head Football Coach

“We are very excited to be partnering with such a young and innovative company like Under Armour. The quality and service they will provide to our staff and student athletes will be unmatched. What an amazing step forward for UNK Athletics.”
-Holly Carnes, Head Softball Coach

“The innovative technology and the quality of the product Under Armour produces will lead to a great partnership here at UNK.  Our goal of a quality collegiate experience will be enhanced greatly. The student-athletes will enjoy wearing a well-known brand they all enjoy.”
-Kevin Chaney, Head Women’s Basketball Coach

ABOUT UNDER ARMOUR, INC.
Under Armour® (NYSE: UA) is a leading developer, marketer, and distributor of branded performance apparel, footwear, and accessories. The brand’s moisture-wicking synthetic fabrications are engineered in many different designs and styles for wear in nearly every climate to provide a performance alternative to traditional natural fiber products.  The Company’s products are sold worldwide and worn by athletes at all levels, from youth to professional, on playing fields around the globe.  The Under Armour global headquarters is in Baltimore, Maryland, with European headquarters in Amsterdam’s Olympic Stadium, and additional offices in Denver, Hong Kong, Toronto, and Guangzhou, China. For further information, please visit the Company’s website at www.UA.com.

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Source: Paul Plinske, UNK Director of Athletics, 308.865.8332