Lee University took another giant step in athletics on Tuesday morning when the department officially entered into a working agreement with BSN and NIKE. BSN is the No. 1 sporting goods supplier in the United States while NIKE leads the way in athletic apparel.

The five-year agreement is called the BSN Sports/NIKE "All School Deal" and is for the purchase and supply of athletic apparel and equipment for use by the school and its athletic programs.

 "We are excited to enter this new phase of Lee athletics and the partnership with BSN and NIKE," said Lee University athletic director Larry Carpenter after the agreement was signed and the celebration began. "We've had a wonderful working relationship with BSN for several years and look forward to the future with them."

Carpenter added, "I want to thank Chuck Rouse (BSN Regional Sales Manager) and Bobby McKinnon (BSN Sales Pro) for putting a proposal together, making us an exclusive NIKE athletic program. I would also like to thank (Lee President) Dr. Paul Conn and (Assistant VP of Operations) Cole Strong for their support as we worked out an agreement. Our coaches and athletes are excited and looking forward to wearing the swoosh."  

 "The working agreement between Lee University, BSN, and NIKE as partners is a great step for all," said McKinnon. "BSN and NIKE are exceptionally proud to be able to provide services and sporting goods to the University's Athletic Department and immediate family.

 "Working closely with NIKE, BSN will see that Lee University will be furnished with the best products possible for all the athletic teams and their partners. We are extremely excited and looking forward to this partnership," concluded McKinnon.