"I'm really excited about the new look,” Beaver head coach Mike Riley said.
“Our players overwhelmingly approve of them and are anxious to take the field
this fall. Nike is a great partner and I’m glad they recognize the value in
Beaver football.”
The Nike designs showcase the expanded relationship with the Beaverton-based
company. This past year the OSU softball, wrestling, gymnastics and baseball
programs have displayed uniforms from Nike exhibiting the new branding effort.
All 17 intercollegiate sports will now feature a consistent look to apparel and
uniforms.
"Uniforms are not the winning edge; our student-athletes, coaches and our fans
are,” Director of Athletics Bob De Carolis said. “But, we also strive to provide
the best possible equipment to our student-athletes. Nike is an outstanding
provider for OSU Athletics, as are our other apparel suppliers. The new look is
something we are proud of and provides us with a unique yet traditional
appearance.”
Oregon State retail partners have replicas of the new jerseys (No. 19, 26 and
45) available at the OSU Bookstore on campus, Beaver Fan Shop in downtown
Portland (2nd Street and Morrison), Melhalfs in downtown Corvallis (3rd and
Madison) and online at
OSUBeavers.com.
New Uniform Technical Details::
- Combinations - There are four possible
uniform combinations – black jersey/black pants – white jersey/white pants –
white jersey/black pants – orange jersey/black pants. There is no change to
the helmet.
- Exclusivity - No other school will have the exact same style
uniform design, including numbers.
- Innovative – the new jerseys have an updated design and new
performance fabrics producing a tight shrink-wrapped fit. This minimizes
grab points that opponents can hang onto.
- Weight reduction - both the jersey and pants are significantly
lighter in weight as compared to the former gear.
- Increased ventilation - lightweight mesh has been added in areas
traditionally covered by non-breathable fabrics (upper back neck and under
arms where heat can escape).
- Moisture management – both the jerseys and pants are produced
with fabrics that hold far less moisture thus carrying less weight. This is
considered very significant in the game pants.
The new uniforms will debut August 30 when the Beavers face Utah at Reser
Stadium (time and television TBA). OSU is currently enjoying a spike in season
ticket sales as it comes off an exciting 10-win season ending in a classic Sun
Bowl win. Season tickets can be purchased, including seats in the amenity filled
Club Level, at any time by visiting www.osubeavers.com or calling
1-800-GO-Beavs. Personnel will also have season ticket brochures available
throughout Reser Stadium.
L to R: Yvenson Bernard, Roy Schuening, Mike Riley, Kyle DeVan, Derrick Doggett, Sammie Stroughter.
New Uniform FAQ
Q: Why new uniforms for 2007?
A: Through the 100+ years of Oregon State football there have been several
changes styles, colors, helmets, logos, etc. The last change was prior to the
2004 season.
Tradition is extremely important to OSU football but since there has never been
a consistent look, changing uniforms will be considered from time-to-time so
each generation of players can have the ability to wear different styles.
Q: How long did the process take?
A: About five months. The process started in early fall and completed around
February.
Q: Who was involved?
A: Several senior athletic department administrators including athletic director
Bob De Carolis, head equipment manager Steve McCoy, head coach Mike Riley and
Nike team contacts including two designers. Several former players from
different teams were asked for input on color schemes for home and away
uniforms.
Current players were also shown the new uniforms and overwhelmingly approved the
new designs.
Q: Will the helmet design change or will there be more than one helmet?
A: No. The current helmet will remain all black with Beaver logos.
Q: Will anyone else in the country have a similar uniform style or look?
A: No. The uniforms will be exclusive to Oregon State. Now that OSU has a
relationship with Nike as a "promo school,"
football uniforms will be designed specifically for OSU.
As a Nike promo school, 15 out of 17 Beaver teams now wear Nike apparel and use
Nike equipment. Volleyball has a contract with Asics, Men’s Soccer uses Diadora.
Baseball wears both Nike and Wilson/Demarini uniforms but uses Wilson/Demarini
equipment exclusivity.
Nike first began a contracted relationship with OSU football in Mike Riley’s
first year of 1997.
Q: How many different uniform combinations will football wear?
A: Possibly four.
Q: What numbers and replica jerseys will Nike make for 2007?
A: #19, #26, #45. Replica jerseys will be available at multiple locations
including the OSU Bookstore, Beaver Fan Shop in Portland, Melhalfs in downtown
Corvallis and online at osubeavers.com beginning this week. Replica jerseys will
be available at the Spring Game on Saturday.
Q: Will the team wear the new uniforms for the Spring Game on Saturday, April
28?
A: No. The uniforms are still being produced. But the coaches and staff will
wear the new athletics new brand identity system.
Q: Will new uniforms give the Beavers an edge in winning?
A: No. Coaches, players, support staff and fans of Beaver Nation are. But OSU is
proud of the relationship with Nike and their hard work. The uniforms will be
the latest in Nike technology.