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EQUIPMENT DEAL

UVa-Wise Swings Deal with Sporting Goods Companies
August 4, 2004

WISE, Va. - The UVa-Wise baseball and softball teams have reached an agreement with Wilson Sporting Goods Co., and DeMarini Sports to exclusively use equipment made by those two company's over the next three years.

Under the contract agreement, the two Cavaliers' squads will swing DeMaini Vexxum TM and Maxxum TM bats and use Wilson equipment such as fielding and batting gloves, helmets and catcher's gear.

"I am thrilled our program has aligned with companies such as DeMarini and Wilson," UVa-Wise head baseball coach Hank Banner said. "The equipment contract along with our recent facilities upgrades has created an exciting time for the baseball team."

UVa-Wise opened Stallard Field in February after a 16-month reconstruction project of the ballpark. In the spring, the College will open a newly constructed softball field in time for the Lady Cavaliers to defend their 2004 Appalachian Athletic Conference regular season title.

"This is an exciting opportunity for our program," first-year softball coach Tori Raby-Gentry said. "We are proud to be able to use the products of these two companies."

UVa-Wise teams will hit exclusively with DeMarini bats including the new Vexxum Ð 3 Long Barrel. Known among players as the "bats that bends," the Vexxum combines a composite handle with an aluminum and alloy barrel.

The Vexxum Half & HalfTM system flexes and recoils, allowing more energy to be transferred from the bat to the ball during contact. The bat's two-piece construction also redistributes weight for optimal balance, allowing players to swing faster with less energy.

Numerous NCAA Division I institutions have similar contracts with Wilson and DeMarini, but UVa-Wise is the first NAIA school to reach such an agreement with the two companies, Banner said.

"Our players are excited about the opportunity to get their hands on the DeMarini Half & Half bats," Banner said. "This is a great opportunity for the baseball and softball teams and for the UVa-Wise Athletics Department."