Since joining the Red Raider athletic program, Vice President for Athletics, Micah Parker has been working non-stop. The first noticeable change was the athletic logo, a change many felt benefited the college. Parker’s most recent accomplishment involves signing a seven-year contract with Nike for the athletic programs.
This is the fourth apparel agreement in the works since his arrival to Northwestern in July. It was well-timed with the rebranding of our athletic logo, which was all part of his plan.
Parker said that the whole athletic department was informed of each step as they happened. In just under four months, the committee of coaches and administrators were able to listen to different bids and decide whether it was going to work for NW or not.
So, what does this Nike deal mean for the athletic department?
“Our programs will receive annual help from Nike/BSN, and that athletes will get a discount on apparel on shoes,” Parker said.
One student athlete had hoped for just that—discounts on gear and shoes. She said that in previous years, the full cost of shoes and other athletic apparel was on the athlete alone.
While this also limits the variety of gear available, Nike still has a wide range of athletic gear athletes will be able to purchase.
In terms of coaching, it is safe to say that coaches are enthusiastic about the deal.
“Everyone in our program is very excited, and so are recruits,” softball coach Shane Bouma said.
Wrestling head coach Rik Dahl echoed that same idea.
Most coaches and athletes are excited about what this deal will do for the athletic community, especially for recruitment.
“When a recruit steps on campus and sees that visually, we are all on the same page and wearing the same brand, it can be encouraging,” Dahl said.
This deal is another step in building the community aspect of our athletes and unifying them in a visual way.
