MORROW, Ga. – Loch and the iconic "Swoosh" logo are joining forces as Clayton State Athletics has officially announced a partnership with Nike and BSN Sports that will not only provide some of the best gear available to Laker student-athletes for the foreseeable future but also link the program with one of the most well-known brands in the world.
 
A process started under former Director of Athletics Tim Duncan in March of 2018 and completed under Interim AD Merlene Aitken-Smith, the agreement partners Clayton State with one of the foremost apparel companies in the world, giving them access to some of the highest quality products available to collegiate programs at any level.
 
"We are thrilled to be aligning Clayton State Athletics with one of the most recognizable brands in the world," said Director of Athletics Ryan Erlacher. "Partnering with Nike, through BSN Sports, will allow our programs access to some of the most innovative and cutting edge sports apparel and equipment in the industry. The Nike brand represents a higher standard and Clayton State Athletics is always looking for ways to elevate the experience we provide our student-athletes."
 
Among the benefits beyond the obvious superiority in product and infrastructure are exclusive discounts and rewards along with incentives for on-field achievements. Additionally, the agreement provides for additional marketing and promotional opportunities between the organizations beyond Athletics.
 
"Nike and BSN are honored and excited to be partnering with Clayton State University," said Derek Waugh, North Georgia Manager, BSN Sports. "The Lakers have one of the most prestigious athletic histories in our state and I have been privileged to know coaches there going back 25 years. Ryan Erlacher is a first class person who will do an amazing job with this first class University and athletic program. We are excited to be an enthusiastic partner in their future!"
 
Over the next two seasons all Clayton State programs will be fully outfitted with top flight Nike gear, with some making the transition in 2018-19 and others fully in 2019-20. This move will be facilitated by BSN Sports Collegiate Select, which will handle providing apparel and equipment to Laker Athletics.

ABOUT NIKE, INC.
NIKE, Inc., based near Beaverton, Oregon, is the world's leading designer, marketer and distributor of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories for a wide variety of sports and fitness activities. Wholly owned NIKE, Inc. subsidiaries include Converse Inc., which designs, markets and distributes athletic lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories, and Hurley International LLC, which designs, markets and distributes surf and youth lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories.
 
ABOUT BSN SPORTS
BSN SPORTS is the leading marketer, manufacturer and distributor of sporting goods apparel and equipment. A division of Varsity Brands, BSN SPORTS markets and distributes its products to over 100,000 institutional and team sports customers in colleges and universities, middle and high schools, and recreational programs throughout the United States via catalog, e-commerce and direct sales. Focused on providing game changing solutions through local partnerships, multi-brand selection and one-stop shopping for equipment and uniforms, BSN Sports' more than 2,000 employees have been helping elevate participation in team sports since 1972. For more information about BSN SPORTS please visit www.BSNSports.com.