adidas becomes the new Washington Husky team apparel and shoe supplier beginning July 2019...

adidas AdiZero Prime sprint spike
(image courtesy adidas)

SEATTLE—The University of Washington announced Tuesday that the school has agreed to an all-sports deal with adidas beginning July 1, 2019, which according to the Seattle Times, makes it one of the richest apparel deals in collegiate sports.

In the Times article, the Huskies will receive $5.275 million in cash, $5.58 million in product, and $1.1 million in marketing services from adidas for the next ten years beginning in July 2019.  Industry sources state that this this is one of the ten richest deals in collegiate sports.

While the German company, whose US headquarters are in Portland, has a marketing agreement with the Pac-12 Conference, the only school in the Pac-12 it currently outfits is Arizona State.  Cal, Utah, and UCLA are sponsored by Under Armour, while the rest of the conference’s teams are with Nike.

UW Athletic Director Jennifer Cohen said in a prepared statement on the Huskies’ web site, "We believe this partnership will allow us to provide a new competitive edge to our coaches, student-athletes and our incredible fan base. As we researched adidas' college partnerships, we were extremely impressed with their product innovation, global brand significance, and most of all the depth of service and attention they provide to their partner schools. After meeting with their leadership team, it was clear that adidas understands what makes Washington special and I believe their passion for this partnership will resonate deeply with all who call themselves Huskies."

Washington teams, including the track & field and cross country squads, will wear Nike into the 2018-19 academic year, before transitioning to adidas.


LONG TIME TRACK & FIELD NEWS WRITER JON HENDERSHOTT PASSES AWAY…

paulmerca.blogspot.com just received word from several members of the US track & field community that long time Track & Field News writer Jon Hendershott passed away Monday night due to a stroke.

Hendershott, who graduated from Seattle’s Roosevelt HS, was a mainstay at the magazine, starting in the late 1960s, until retiring a few years ago, when he moved to Salem, Oregon.

I have many fond memories of seeing Jon at various meets around the Northwest and for that matter, around the world, where he would greet me by calling me “Pablo!”

Jon was a man who encouraged me with this blog, and a truly warm and sincere person. He was truly loved and respected by many in the national and international track & field community.

One of the last times I saw him was at the Bill Dellinger Invitational last fall, where I was getting ready to leave the Springfield Golf Course, when Matthew Centrowitz comes waltzing in after mingling with some fans at the meet, as Jon was patiently waiting to interview the 2016 Olympic gold medalist in the 1500 meters.


I’ll post any updates on memorial services, etc., as soon as it’s available.

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