KENOSHA, Wis. – Carthage College announced that it has established a new athletic partnership with Nike and BSN SPORTS, the nation's largest direct marketer and distributor of sporting goods to the school and league markets and a division of Varsity Brands. Through this partnership, BSN SPORTS will serve as the official apparel and equipment provider for Carthage, supporting the championship-level athletic programs initiative to integrate their new Firebird logo for all  28 varsity sports beginning this fall.
 
Amid increasing calls both regionally and nationally for athletic programs to transition to more inclusive representation, Carthage chose Firebirds as its unifying new team name, replacing Red Men and Lady Reds. Rooted in a shared commitment to racial and gender equity, this enhanced agreement with Nike and BSN SPORTS accelerates Carthage Athletics' transition to an inclusive visual identity — a process the College aims to complete over the next 12 months. Carthage Athletics will also benefit from partnership offerings including BSN SPORTS' line of custom campus branding products, exclusive digital Team Shop platforms, and customizable online fan wear stores to engage Carthage supporters in adopting the newly launched Firebirds imagery.
 
"What's already been an exhilarating year for our program just got even better," said Nate Stewart, Director of Athletics. "As a global champion of inclusion in sports, Nike understands and appreciates our eagerness to soar into the Firebirds era. Being able to work with Nike and BSN SPORTS in this initiative signifies the championship experience for our prospective student-athletes, and reinforces the excellence of our programs for our alumni."

In addition, this partnership opens up the opportunity for Carthage to join Nike's N7 campaign to support athletics in indigenous communities. Participating institutions receive specially designed turquoise uniforms for teams' use during Native American Heritage Month in November.

Paul Brunelle, BSN SPORTS Vice President of Sales, said, "BSN SPORTS is proud of this opportunity to partner with Carthage Athletics through the important and extensive work of weaving the new Firebirds logo into the fabric of the College and its community. With this agreement, we look forward to adding tremendous value to the experience of Firebirds coaches, student-athletes, and program supporters through access to our unparalleled selection of sports equipment, apparel, and supporting resources including customizable branding tools. Our local BSN SPORTS team will remain focused on supporting program staff team, putting more time in their day to dedicate towards positively impacting young athletes, while continuing to grow Carthage College's athletic presence and recognition."

Many in the community noted the Firebird's ties to the flames in the existing Carthage seal and logo — which represent the torch of knowledge — as well as the college's primary color, red. The new mark holds a unique history with the campus as well, having been designed by a Carthage alumnus and student-athlete.
 
"The wonderful level of positive energy that Carthaginians are bringing to our new team name reflects Carthage College's rising trajectory," said Carthage President John Swallow. "With two world-class companies as our partner, I know we will maintain that excitement and even build on it."
 
About BSN SPORTS
Dallas-based 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 3,000 employees have been helping elevate participation in team sports since 1972. For more information about BSN SPORTS please visit www.bsnsports.com.
 
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 Carthage College
Carthage College is raising expectations for a private college experience. It blends the best liberal arts traditions with desirable degree programs, transformative learning opportunities, personal attention from distinguished faculty, and a focus on career development, which makes its graduates competitive in the workforce. Founded in 1847, Carthage is located on an idyllic shore of Lake Michigan in Kenosha, Wisconsin, in the thriving corridor between Milwaukee and Chicago. Grow with Carthage: www.carthage.edu