Branding in intercollegiate athletics can be a two-way street, Lee De Leon inferred this morning in announcing that Abilene Christian University has signed a five-year athletics footwear, apparel and equipment contract with Nike, only the fifth Texas university to partner with the famous Swoosh. Clearly, that proverbial street runs along Ambler Avenue and Judge Ely Boulevard, … Continued
The last time Dewitt Jones (’65) boarded a plane for Fresno, Calif., before Wednesday, he was a member of the 1963 Abilene Christian University football team heading west for the second time in a week. The Wildcats were scheduled to play their season finale against Fresno State University on Saturday, Nov. 23. But when their … Continued
It’s always crunch time, so to speak, in National Football League training camps. But with the 2015 regular season just three weeks away and only two preseason games remaining, many of the men toiling in the late August heat are playing not only for a job but perhaps a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Four former Wildcats are on NFL player … Continued
New footwear designed by Nike innovator and former Abilene Christian University pole vaulter Tobie Hatfield (’87) is a game-changer for people with disabilities. The newest Lebron Zoom Soldier 8 uses Flyease technology, a wraparound design allowing for rear entry with no laces to tie while still providing needed ankle support. The new sneakers will be released to consumers in limited quantities beginning July … Continued
More than 700 Abilene Christian University fans of all ages cheered for new director of athletics Lee De Leon and stayed until the bottom of the 11th inning to celebrate a Texas Rangers win Thursday night at the fifth annual ACU at the Ballpark Night in Arlington. De Leon threw the ceremonial first pitch at Globe Life … Continued
Somewhere over the Rainbow Warriors, season No. 25 of baseball 2.0 at Abilene Christian University came to an end last weekend. There was no pot of gold awaiting the Wildcats after beating the University of Hawaii, 7-4; just a second straight victory and the first season-ending win since 1995 when the Internet itself was still … Continued
When West Baltimore erupted in chaos and conflict recently, so did social media. Before the responding ladder trucks could douse the businesses set ablaze in the protest of the death of Freddie Gray, millions of itchy-fingered Americans took to Twitter, Facebook and other assorted apps with knee-jerk analysis that fanned the flames of what feels … Continued
The Abilene Christian University baseball team is 6-9 in the Southland Conference as it prepares to host Sam Houston State University this weekend at Crutcher Scott Field. That’s the same Bearkat squad that traveled to Austin earlier this week and shutout The University of Texas, 5-0. But don’t let the Wildcats’ overall record (8-26) fool you. If they keep slinging, they will land a stone … Continued
The most high-powered meet in 55 years – featuring three full NCAA Division I teams – will christen Abilene Christian University’s new Elmer Gray Stadium this Saturday, harkening memories of ACU’s longtime history near the epicenter of the track and field world. Competition Saturday in the second annual Wes Kittley Invitational between teams from ACU, Texas Tech … Continued