Issue date: 7/26/07 Section: News

Media Credit: Chris Griffin [Click to enlarge]

Media Credit: File - The Battalion [Click to enlarge]

Texas A&M athletics will be outfitted by adidas for the next seven years. The Athletic Department announced July 19 that negotiations between the two groups had been finalized. All varsity teams will be supplied with adidas apparel and footwear starting in the fall, with one exception: the track and cross-country teams.

"Our athletics mission at Texas A&M is 'Building Champions'," said A&M Athletic Director Bill Byrne. "My experience with adidas has been extremely positive and I firmly believe that adidas' dedication to performance will be an integral part of accomplishing our mission. Their philosophy is much like ours: student athletes first."

Track and cross-country will remain with Nike because of a strict contract that Head Coach Pat Henry has with the company. It is an unusual arrangement, because apparel providers usually have comprehensive contracts with schools.

"adidas has a great product and is gaining a lot of steam, but I think that Nike is very prestigious and has been powerful for some time," said sophomore Zuheir Sharif , a jumper on the track team. "I'm sure the quality between the two is comparable, but I also think that Nike makes better equipment for track."

Both companies have traditionally specialized in different sports. Nike has gained major popularity as a basketball, football and running equipment provider. Adidas, a German company, grew in Europe by focusing on soccer, golf and fashion.

"Coach Henry has that agreement with Nike, and in my opinion they make better shoes for running and track," said sophomore Trinity Otto, a track team member. "The shoes have better support and the air pockets make them more comfortable. adidas isn't bad. Maybe it's better that they use different brands for different sports."

Nike has dominated college sports apparel since the 1990s, but adidas has signed schools that previously used Nike. A&M joins Kansas, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Tennessee, Indiana and Michigan in the ranks of teams that will use adidas in 2007.

Tennessee assistant sports information director Tom Sitkowiak said that adidas has treated its program very well. "adidas has worked closely with us every step of the way to keep our athletic look unique and keep it in line with our tradition of greatness," Sitkowiak said. "I feel that they provide a superior product and their diversity of supplies aligns with what we need."

The NFL, MLS, and NBA also have major marketing agreements with adidas. Texas A&M adidas gear will arrive in stores for the 2007 season kick-off.

"adidas clearly understands the importance we place on the Texas A&M brand," said Drew Martin, Texas A&M assistant athletics director for branding and creative development. "Their entire management team has taken the time to come to Aggieland to listen and learn about Texas A&M University and all of our athletics programs."

However, Nike remains the supplier that most schools in Division I athletics use. Oklahoma, Florida, North Carolina, Texas and Oregon are notable Nike schools. Despite the recent switch of Michigan, a traditionally Nike school, Big Ten rival Ohio State has maintained a strong relationship with Nike.

"We're one of the premiere athletic programs in the country, and I know we wouldn't settle for anything but the best," said Ohio State associate athletic director Ben Jay. "We just renegotiated a new contract with Nike, so we're set with them for the next few years. Nike has done everything possible to make our program happy, and there has been no reason to switch."

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