Princeton students are used to the best: presidential speakers, gorgeous gothic buildings and bands in our backyards that would cost $60 to see in New York. Yet when it comes to the best equipment, footwear and athletic apparel, sometimes University athletes have to compromise. It is a difficult situation for amateur athletes at the Division I level. Though playing at the highest collegiate level demands premium equipment and gear, amateur athletes are not allowed to endorse any particular brand or distributor. Talk about a rock and a hard place.
When University administrators went looking for a way to help athletes compete with the best, however, they found an answer that made both the rock and the hard place look pretty comfortable. And when that solution was pitched to the University's athletic community, the response was unanimous: just do it!
The Department of Athletics, over the next year or so, will be phasing in a collaborative sponsorship effort with Nike to outfit all Princeton varsity sports with their equipment, apparel and footwear. While the strict mandates regarding amateur sponsorship will still remain steadfast for University athletes, the Department of Athletics feels very strongly that this cooperation with Nike will not only satisfy amateur requirements, but also make the best of them, allowing athletes to compete with the best, wearing the best.
"We really are quite cognizant of the restrictions that varsity athletes face as amateurs," Jamie Zaninovich, who is the senior associate director of athletics, said. "Regardless of what brand the athletes are wearing, we always emphasize that we are Princeton teams, and that comes first. The size and number of logos on any piece of apparel never plays down that fact."
Prior to the Nike deal, University varsity teams all operated under independent contracts with separate dealers and apparel companies, so-called "mom and pop store" buying, as Zaninovich described it. While varsity athletes were in no way shabbily clad, the irregularity in buying sometimes led to backups in needed products and delays in ordering.
When administrators first approached this problem, they did not immediately think of Nike. The Department of Athletics wanted the best, however, not only in terms of quality but also in respect to pricing and other economic concerns. Nike, also looking to expand into the Ivy League market, found Princeton to be a perfect fit. Both sides saw what they needed and got what they wanted.
"We really came together at once," Zaninovich said. "Nike was looking for a school with prestige, both educationally and athletically, and we were looking for a company which could provide attractive pricing, product credit and a range of products in equipment, apparel and footwear. Nike is the proven leader in industry and development."
Every varsity team will have access to Nike products, as the program intends to be phased in within the next year and fully operable by the 2007-2008 athletic season. However, it is important to note that every team will maintain its autonomy in terms of ordering and product selection; Nike does not have the monopoly on Princeton athletics.
"Princeton is going to put its best effort in to use Nike products," Zaninovich said. "But if the product a team needs isn't available or is not up to the quality standards that we expect, the team can choose to look outside of Nike."
Aside from quality, the University has other reasons to feel good about Nike's offer. Not only a leader in quality and marketing, Nike has committed itself to maintain high standards of work environments around the globe. The company is a leading member in the Fair Labor Association, and the University could not be more pleased with this added corporate element.
"We really wanted the best partner in the category," Zaninovich said. "But we also wanted the most appropriate partner."
As the Nike program is implemented, it is unlikely that athletes will notice any great changes, aside, possibly, from an occasional swoosh where there once was a Reebok or Adidas insignia. But what University athletes will notice is the constant supply of premium quality apparel and equipment. After all, would they expect any less?
Read More
Preview: Football names captains and looks ahead to their first game
Lily PampolinaPrinceton football kicks off their season Saturday at noon at home against University of San Diego. The team hopes to get back on track after a disappointing season last year.
Princeton football kicks off their season Saturday at noon at home against University of San Diego. The team hopes to get back on track after a disappointing season last year.
By the Numbers: Goals and medals for the Tigers’ start to the fall
Harrison BlankThis week in By the Numbers, women’s cross country took first in their first two meets, led by sophomore Meg Madison. Amid these accomplishments, the Tigers won over three-fifths of their games and had winning records both at home and on the road.
This week in By the Numbers, women’s cross country took first in their first two meets, led by sophomore Meg Madison. Amid these accomplishments, the Tigers won over three-fifths of their games and had winning records both at home and on the road.
Late goals lift men’s soccer past University of Massachusetts Amherst, 2–0
Harrison Blank and Matthew YiMen’s soccer overcame a slow start to beat the Minutemen.
Men’s soccer overcame a slow start to beat the Minutemen.