BOONEVILLE, Miss. - Northeast Mississippi Community College is partnering with one of the largest sporting goods companies in the world to furnish its athletes with top-of-the-line material.
Northeast has signed an exclusive five-year agreement with adidas to become the official apparel and uniform supplier of its athletic department.
"I'm pleased to have adidas as our primary athletic provider," said Northeast president Dr. Ricky Ford. "Adidas provides excellent equipment and merchandise along with quality apparel for our student-athletes. This will assist us with our professional appearance that we exhibit each time we perform."
Northeast's Board of Trustees, which represents the college's five-county district, officially approved the deal with Adidas during their monthly meeting for August on the Booneville campus.
"We're extremely excited about signing a deal with one of the premier sports clothing companies," Northeast athletic director Kent Farris said. "I think it's going to be a great partnership. I love the (adidas) brand. It's a great look and a quality product.
"If you watch any college athletics, this is something that's very common. We're getting all our sports on the same page and it's very beneficial monetarily as well. I think the kids are going to be excited about it."
The arrangement with adidas covers each of Northeast's seven intercollegiate athletic programs, which are baseball, cheerleading, football, men's basketball, men's golf, softball and women's basketball.
This is the first contract of its kind in school history. Previously the coaching staffs of each individual sport were responsible for selecting their own brand of uniforms and practice attire.
However, this new arrangement with adidas streamlines the process of ordering new jerseys, footwear, practice material and coaches gear. This agreement goes into effect immediately for the 2019-20 academic year.
Northeast joins a growing list of institutions to associate with adidas, including the University of Indiana, the University of Kansas, the University of Miami (Fla.), Mississippi State University, the University of Southern Mississippi, Texas A&M University and the University of Washington.
Adidas also works with some of the greatest athletes in the United States such as reigning National Football League (NFL) Most Valuable Player (MVP) Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs, Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, plus Major League Baseball (MLB) stars Alex Bregman, Kris Bryant and Aaron Judge.
Northeast has a tradition of success in the athletic arena that dates back to its origins in 1948. The Lady Tigers and Tigers have captured 82 total championships as a member of the Mississippi Association of Community and Junior Colleges (MACJC) and the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA).
Hundreds of former Lady Tigers and Tigers have signed to continue their careers at four-year institutions. Northeast, which boasts over 75 All-Americans, recently featured a pair of national players of the year during the 2018-19 season.
Adidas is currently celebrating 70 years of creating new and innovative products that are aimed at helping athletes perform better. The company is active on every continent with its headquarters located in Herzogenaurach, Germany.
What They're Saying About Northeast's Agreement With Adidas
"The biggest thing about adidas gear is the quality. The product is absolutely phenomenal. The players absolutely love the gear. It's durable and lightweight. It's the kind of gear that you want to be playing in on an every day basis. They have different styles to mix and match. I'm really excited about this joint venture. It's going to be great for our institution because we are all under one brand," Northeast football coach Greg Davis.
"Adidas is one of the premier suppliers on the PGA Tour. Our golf program will benefit greatly by using their products. I can't wait to get these products to my players," Northeast men's golf coach Derek DeVaughn.
"All the coaches here are excited about going to one brand. It's going to be a cool thing and we're looking forward to putting our product out there. We're an adidas school and we're all excited about it," Northeast baseball coach Richy Harrelson.
"Anytime we can set a standard for our school identity it's huge. It's also going to be huge in the recruiting process with the kids identifying that we're an adidas school," Northeast softball coach Jody Long.
"I believe in finding something that is comfortable, affordable, fits and looks good. I'm excited about this partnership. I believe adidas will benefit our programs because all of our teams will play and travel in the same brand," Northeast women's basketball coach Brenda Mayes.
"I'm extremely excited for both our school and our basketball program to be able to partner with adidas. I have worked with adidas in the past and they do an exceptional job of providing a quality product. Our program will benefit tremendously through having a true identity when it comes to apparel," Northeast men's basketball coach Cord Wright.