CRESWELL – Even in the current environment, Creswell High School athletics continue to “Just Do It” – in typical Nike fashion. Literally.
Brandon Standridge, assistant principal and athletic director at Creswell, said the school has formally entered into a deal with Nike.
“We are excited to begin a five-year partnership with Nike to help provide uniforms for varsity sports,” he said. “It will bring in $37,500 over five years that we can use for apparel or equipment in conjunction with our uniform rotation.”
Most of the Bulldogs’ teams are already using Nike gear, Standridge said. That was “one of the biggest factors in deciding to engage in this partnership.”
High school sports programs all over the country are looking for financial relief as boosters organizations and other fundraising opportunities have struggled during the pandemic. The current state of distance learning and shifting landscape around sports and clubs has added stress to teachers/coaches, too.
“This revenue will lessen the strain on our teams, our fundraising and the CHS Booster Club; especially with the uncertainty of what everyone’s budget will look like in the next couple of years.”
Standridge clarified that CHS is not required “to buy Nike shoes, but teams will get a school discount on shoes or apparel that is purchased as a team.” He said that in discussions with school district superintendent Mike Johnson, they both determined the partnership “is in the best interest of CHS athletics for the next five years.”
The familiar Nike swoosh already is evident on many of the Bulldogs’ uniforms, from shoes, socks and kneepads to pants and jerseys.
Standridge said he sought counsel from peers in Oregon.
“After talking with friends and colleagues throughout the state, they overwhelmingly supported this program and the benefits that came with it.”
In addition to the Nike support, the CHS boosters continue to try and generate money around all of the other needs for coaches, players and the school.
CHS boosters provide two $500 scholarships each year to graduation student-athletes, and purchase equipment, supplies and other necessary items. Already, a new track-and-field timing system has been approved for purchase, and new scoreboards are needed in the gymnasium and football field.
The group’s annual auction and fundraiser was canceled in May due to COVID-19, making this year’s charity golf event even more important. The Big Dawg Golf Tournament is scheduled
Sunday, Sept. 27, at Emerald Valley Golf Resort. The best-ball scramble format starts at 2 p.m.
For more information, please contact Lori Leavitt (805-709-8040) or Kim Grubbs (541-913-8843), or email [email protected], or visit creswellhsboosters.org.
