Ohio State Will Continue to Use Wilson Footballs – Ohio State Buckeyes
7/15/1998 12:00:00 AM | General
July 15, 1998
%^$
%^$COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio State University Director of Athletics Andy Geiger announced today the Ohio State Buckeye football team would continue its long-standing tradition of using Wilson footballs, manufactured by Wilson Sporting Goods in Ada, Ohio, during its games.
%^$
“I have made the decision that we will be continuing to use the Wilson football and we are proud that it is made here in Ohio,” Geiger said. “The Ohio State University, President William E. Kirwan and the Department of Athletics are very proud and supportive of the state of Ohio and the workers of Ohio. There was never any intention at all to offend the people of Ohio and we certainly apologize for any misunderstanding this situation may have caused.”
%^$
%^$William E. Kirwan, President of The Ohio State University, strongly supports the decision to stick with Wilson.
%^$
%^$”Ohio business and industry have a long history of support for The Ohio State University, with tax dollars and their contributions to our development efforts,” Kirwan said. “I believe the University, wherever possible, should support Ohio-based businesses and workers by purchasing Ohio-made products.
%^$
%^$”I am pleased with the decision by the Department of Athletics to continue to purchase footballs from the Wilson Sporting Goods Company. I look forward to seeing Ada, Ohio-made footballs being caught for Buckeye touchdowns this fall.”
%^$
%^$Ohio State has used Wilson footballs since the early 1980s. %^$