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Saturday, May 20, 2000
Hula Bowl,
Russell Athletic
agree on deal
Equipment and uniforms
By Paul Arnett
will be provided to the teams
in the all-star football game
for the next three years
Star-BulletinHula Bowl and Russell Athletic officials reached a three-year agreement today that Lenny Klompus said was a big-time deal for the local college all-star football game.
"We're talking a major commitment here from a well-known corporation," the Hula Bowl chief executive officer told the Star-Bulletin yesterday. "They are going to provide the equipment and the uniforms over the next three years. We're very excited about it because it outfits the players in quality gear that shows we're committed to taking this game to another level."
Klompus is leaving for New York next week to discuss a possible extension to the current contract with ESPN-TV to five years. Last week, ESPN reached an agreement with the Senior Bowl to broadcast that game through 2006. Klompus is looking for a similar deal.
Both college all-star games will be played on the same day. The Senior Bowl is scheduled for the afternoon with the Hula Bowl holding down the prime-time slot, something not lost on Russell Athletic executives.
"We want to support this football classic because it showcases the talent of the top collegiate players and coaches of the year, whose accomplishments speak to our credo,'' Russell marketing vice president John Lee said.
"Just as Russell Athletic is in it for 'the long run,' so is the bowl.''
While in New York, Klompus said he will meet with Heisman Trophy officials to secure the past winners for the annual golf tournament and game-week events. Two-time Heisman Trophy winner Archie Griffin is already on board.
"We're also going to meet with NFL officials to see how we can help each other make this an even better game,'' Klompus said.
"It's going to be a busy week, but we're looking forward to the challenges ahead,'' he added.
Annual ticket renewal forms were mailed over the weekend for the college all-star game that will be played Jan. 20 at Maui's War Memorial Stadium.
Rivals.com
