WICHITA - Newman University athletics and adidas have entered into a five-year agreement that will provide exclusive footwear and apparel for all of Newman's 16 teams beginning with the 2012-13 academic year.

"We are excited to announce this partnership between Newman University and adidas," athletic director Vic Trilli said. "This is a great branding move for us, and will give our student-athletes high-quality apparel and footwear to wear as they represent our university."

The new agreement ensures that all Newman University athletic teams will be outfitted in adidas uniforms, including practice and travel gear. This marks the first time that the Newman University athletics department has been outfitted by one brand. Newman is now the only athletic program in the Heartland Conference with this type of exclusive agreement with adidas.

"Our partnership with Newman University allows us to provide equipment, footwear and apparel that help the Jets become stronger, lighter and faster," said Mark Daniels, director of team sports for adidas America. "Our goal at adidas is to help athletes perform better and we are excited to kick off our relationship with Newman as part of the adidas family of schools and look forward to their continued success.”

adidas is a global designer, developer and marketer of athletic footwear, apparel and accessories with the mission to be the leading sports brand in the world. Brand adidas is part of the adidas Group, a corporation that includes brands such as Reebok, TaylorMade and Rockport. adidas is the official uniform, footwear and apparel provider for more than 70 collegiate programs including Nebraska, Wisconsin, Michigan, Notre Dame, Tennessee, UCLA and Texas A&M.