KEARNEY – The Kearney Bearcats will have new threads with a new apparel and uniform agreement effective today.
As announced via social media by Kearney Public Schools activities director Ryan Hogue, Kearney High School has agreed to a new apparel and uniform agreement with Nike, ending a long-standing relationship with Under Armour.
🚨 After a long standing relationship with Under Armour, KEARNEY HIGH SCHOOL has just signed a new apparel and uniform agreement with Nike! The Bearcats will be transitioning from UA to NIKE effective today, March 1, 2024. @KearneyBearcats @KHSRowdies pic.twitter.com/W3oEAARzZU
— Ryan Hogue, CAA - Ed. S (@ryanhogue24) March 1, 2024
“The coaches, patrons, and athletes at Kearney High School are very excited to see the changes coming from Nike,” said Hogue. He added that some middle schools in the Kearney Public School district may transition to Nike overtime, but others will continue with their current uniforms until a change is needed.
Conversations with Nike began back in the fall of 2023, as Kearney High School recognized their long-standing contract with Under Armour would be in its last year. The contract was recognized through Lou’s Sporting Goods for the past twelve years with an alumni of the Bearcats, Randy Markus. With the end of the contract year, a request for proposal (RFP) was sent out aiming to receive back bids that provided uniforms, fan gear, and other amenities for Kearney High School athletics.
“It will be some of the best of the best pricing for our fans with our new agreement through Nike,” added Hogue. All varsity programs will eventually transition to Nike uniforms, however that process will occur over the next several seasons due to budget demands, wear-and-tear of the uniforms, and other factors.
Currently, Bearcat athletic seniors are able to purchase their senior uniforms for varying prices. Those funds can then be used to purchase new uniforms for replacement for that jersey. Hogue added that girls basketball, girls track and field, cross country, and football will likely be the first varsity sports to receive new uniforms due to the lifespan of the current outfits.
The Nike brand also has other options and opportunities for KHS Athletics. The Jordan brand, currently used as the main distributor for Michigan athletics – including football, is in-play for uniform designs and distinctions. This includes various regular uniforms, stock items, and other color variation uniforms for all athletics.
Kearney High School was an Under Armour athletics program for over a decade previously.
The Nike contract, beginning on Friday, March 1, 2024, is a five-year agreement.
