PELLA — Central College and Under Armour, Inc.,announced the Baltimore, Md.-based leader in  performance apparel, footwear and accessories is now the official outfitter of the Dutch.
 
Central is the first Iowa college or university to become an Under Armour school.

Central's 19 varsity sports squads will use Under Armour competition and training gear, as will Dutch athletics staff members. The agreement also includes marketing entitlements which will help promote Central's athletics brand through print, digital and on-field presence throughout the college's A.N. Kuyper Athletics Complex.

"I think this is a very exciting partnership for Central College," said athletics director Eric Van Kley. "We feel Under Armour is the premier brand in the country for top-quality performance gear and its popularity with student-athletes and recruits continues to soar.

"We think this partnership really provides Central with another point of distinctiveness, not only in Iowa but at the national level. This also allows us an opportunity to really grow the Central College athletics brand."

Van Kley said word of the new partnership has quickly spread as fall sport student-athletes go through preseason drills.

"There's a lot of buzz about this on campus," he said. "The students are enthusiastic and I'm even hearing from staff members outside of the athletics department."

Central's coaching staff quickly endorsed the agreement. Dutch football coach Jeff McMartin announced to his squad Friday night that the team will have new uniforms this season.

"We're really excited to have the opportunity to be part of the Under Armour family and to have Under Armour working with our program," said football coach Jeff McMartin. "This is going to provide our athletes with the best uniforms on the market. I know the players are really excited to put on Under Armour uniforms."

"I'm ecstatic about the possibilities our agreement with Under Armour will provide," said women's soccer coach Mike Kobylinski. "This will benefit not only the women's and men's soccer teams but the entire athletics department.

"I know our student-athletes are excited about this partnership and it makes Central unique as well.  This will allow for some new ideas and ways to promote Central athletics. I'm happy we are part of the Under Armour family."

About Under Amour-- Under Armour® (NYSE: UA) is a leading developer, marketer, and distributor of branded performance apparel, footwear, and accessories. The company's products are sold worldwide and worn by athletes at all levels, from youth to professional, on playing fields around the globe. The Under Armour global headquarters is in Baltimore, Md. For further information, please visit the company's website at www.ua.com.