Ripon enters uniform deal with local custom apparel company
Ripon College has reached a five-year agreement with athletic apparel company Ripon Athletic of Berlin, Wisconsin, to supply its varsity team uniforms. The deal, which goes into effect immediately, marks the first-ever all-sports deal for the Red Hawks.
Per terms of the contract, Ripon Athletic will supply team uniforms, including special debut fabrics and designs, for the majority of Ripon College varsity teams. The company also will work on special vintage wear for retail. In addition, Ripon College will receive retail discounts on other team apparel and equipment as well as practice wear through Ripon Athletic distributor Badger Sporting Goods of Madison, Wisconsin.
“We are really excited to be making a statement about what Ripon College values by partnering with Ripon Athletic — a family-owned ‘Made in the USA’ company right in our own backyard,” said Julie Johnson, Ripon College Athletic Director. “This very special relationship will provide professional-level quality in uniforms and other apparel for our student-athletes and coaches and we couldn’t be more thrilled.”
Click here to read “Committed to Fair Play,” an opinion editorial on the new partnership written by Jackie Clark, associate professor and chair of the department of anthropology and sociology.
Ripon Athletic, with a large cast of experienced, knowledgeable employees, has a long history of providing “on field” apparel for NCAA, NFL, NBA, and NHL teams. Current manufacturing activity continues for both NCAA and NFL levels.
“This is an unique and special relationship for our company. We are excited to be part of the Ripon College experience,” said Peter Derleth, president of Ripon Athletic. “The current Team Uniform market requires that Ripon Athletic create a brand awareness of who we are and what we can provide today’s customer. Ripon Athletic has found that opportunity with a great institution like Ripon College.”
“Whether an athlete looking for performance-driven apparel or a fan looking for Authentic Made in USA apparel, we hope to spotlight our unique capabilities. In Ripon College, we have found a perfect partner to work with as we build upon the school’s vision for the future.”
The close location of both Ripon College and Ripon Athletic will provide unique opportunities to work together on a variety of projects. Johnson, coaches and the Ripon College marketing team will work directly with the design team at Ripon Athletic to decide what the new uniforms will look like each season. They will take advantage of the unique and authentic manufacturing capabilities that Ripon Athletic has to offer.
To celebrate this commitment, the Red Hawks football team will wear special debut jerseys using new designs and fabrics custom tailored by Ripon Athletic next fall during the Homecoming Game Saturday, Oct. 7.
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