International Softball Congress

	Schutt Sports to Continue Sponsorship of ISC Young Men and Boys

	The International Softball Congress has announced that Schutt Sports of Litchfield, Illinois, has agreed to continue a sponsorship arrangement that will benefit both the men's and boys' fastball programs. According to ISC Developmental Vice President, Wayne Fisher, Schutt Sports became the ISC's first sponsor in 2000 under their Corporate Sponsorship Program (CSP). This CSP provides free equipment to newly formed Developmental teams. As in past years, four Developmental teams (23 & Under or Under 19) that are newly formed in 2004 will receive an equipment package from Schutt Sports that will include batting helmets, all catchers' gear, and team equipment bags. The retail value of each team package is approximately $600. Schutt Sports has been on the cutting edge of sports equipment production since the early 1900's when it first came on the scene selling basketball products and football face masks. Schutt Sports President Julie Nimmons has steered the company very aggressively the past few years to the point that it is now considered one of the top sporting goods manufacturers in the United States. A long-time ISC Developmental Program supporter, Schutt Sports is the industry leader in catchers' protective equipment, batting helmets, and softball accessories. In recent years, Schutt acquired Hollywood Bases, a brand familiar to softball and baseball players. Additionally, Schutt Sports manufactures a line of basketball backboards and standards. Football coaches, players, and fans may be familiar with another well known Schutt product, the "Air" football helmet. The ISC extends its thanks to Schutt Sports for their continued support and their belief in the future of male fastball by making this generous offer to newly formed Developmental teams. Without the generous contribution by Schutt Sports, the ISC could not make the offer to defray start-up costs for new teams. We encourage all men's and boys' fastball teams to consider Schutt products when looking for catchers' protective gear and helmets. The support of Schutt products by fastball players will go a long way toward having this become a continuing relationship and will result in the creation of more teams over the coming years. Teams interested in applying for the Schutt Sports equipment package should contact ISC Developmental Vice President Wayne Fisher at wpfisher@mchsi.com March 8, 2004 From: Gordon Wise - - -ISC Information Officer sgwise@woh.rr.com http://www.iscfastpitch.com/