As the football players make their way onto the field, spectators from the top of the bleachers cheer as they spot the red mass of uniforms. Closer up to the field, students can make out multiple small Nike logos, similar to the many other athletic teams adorned in this brand.
The school has a uniform contract with Eastbay, a world supplier company that has an equipment deal with Nike.
According to coach Tim Lugo, the contract entitles the school to purchase Nike items at a discounted cost. The school gets 40 percent off retail price of stock items and 25 to 30 percent off on custom items depending on when they are ordered.
Every team with the exception of the aquatics team uses Eastbay to provide its uniforms. Team apparel does not have to be purchased with Eastbay.
A common misconception, according to Lugo, is this: Football players pay less for equipment because of Sports Boosters, the parent group that aids in providing money to the school’s teams. In reality, he said, the football team doesn’t get anything for free or for a discount lower than any other team when purchasing from Eastbay.
“The Sports Boosters don’t give a dime to football because I don’t ask for any money,” Lugo said. “We fundraise all of our own money and that is what allows us to buy equipment.”
Another added advantage of purchasing uniforms from Eastbay is an access to discounts on team footwear because the company is owned by Foot Locker. The contract can be renewed at the end of every year.
“Our agreement with Eastbay ends at the end of this school year but will stay in place as long as we want to continue to do business with them,” said Lugo.