UHV announces historic uniform sponsorship deals
UHV Athletics is proud to announce a first-of-its-kind uniform sponsorship.
On Friday, UHV Director of Athletics Ashley Walyuchow announced uniform sponsorships with The Club at Colony Creek, Riverside Golf Course, the Wade & Carter radio show, and W&N Settlement Services for the UHV men's and women's golf teams. Through the deal, each entity will have a dedicated golf polo worn in tournaments in which they are the sole sponsor.
"This is a big day for UHV Athletics," Walyuchow said. "Our department wants to be the best on and off the field, and, through these partnerships, our golf programs can continue to challenge for national championships. We're extremely grateful to our partners for their commitment to our teams."
The joint sponsorship is the second publicly announced uniform sponsorship deals in the NAIA, joining Grace College, and the first among Red River Athletic Conference members. It is believed to be the first sport-specific uniform sponsorship in the NAIA.
The NAIA became the first collegiate sports association to allow uniform sponsorships after the legislation was passed during the April meeting of the NAIA's National Administrative Council. This follows the trailblazing path the NAIA has set, which included becoming the first college sports organization to pass Name, Image and Likeness legislation in 2020.
"We're very excited to be the first team at UHV to have their uniforms sponsored," said UHV head golf coach Garrett Adair. "The support from these businesses means everything to our program. We're looking forward to these partnerships."
Walyuchow feels the move by the NAIA is important to small school athletic departments, like UHV, because it allows them to recognize partnerships in the community while maximizing budgets to provide the best possible student-athlete experience.
The UHV golf teams, The Club at Colony Creek and Riverside Golf Course have enjoyed a healthy working relationship over the program's 15-year history with both the men and women utilizing the courses for practice and tournament play. Their help has been vital to a pair of fourth- and fifth-place finishes at the NAIA National Championships for the men in 2022 and 2024, respectively, as well as the women's second-place finish at the conference tournament last year.
"We talk about UHV being Victoria's team," said UHV President Dr. Bob Glenn. "When businesses are willing to step up and invest in our programs and our athletes it demonstrates that we aren't just making empty claims. We are Victoria's team and the generosity of these businesses visibly demonstrates that Victoria folks are behind us! I am proud of UHV Athletics, and I am thankful of the support this demonstrates."
The Club at Colony Creek was originally built in 1985 and purchased and renovated in 2012 by YL Operating, a group formed of Robby Burdge, Greg Norgard, and late UHV benefactors Elton Calhoun and Claud Jacobs.
"We are excited to continue our support of the UHV golf teams with this sponsorship," said Aaron Speaker, The Club at Colony Creek General Manager and Director of Golf. "The program's commitment to the game of golf is evident, and we're eager to see them continue to strive for success this season and beyond."
Riverside Golf Course has operated in Victoria since 1953. The 6,579-yard, par-72 course serves thousands of golfers in Victoria, the Crossroads Region and beyond by hosting tournaments of various levels.
"It's a great opportunity to be a partner of, and show our support for, the UHV golf teams," said Riverside Head Golf Professional Rolando Hernandez.
The Wade & Carter radio show has been a staple over the Victoria airwaves since 2016. It airs Monday-Friday from 7-8 a.m. on Majic Tejano 95.9 and on Facebook.
"Wade and Carter is excited to partner with UHV Golf for the upcoming season," said Brent Carter. "The team's commitment to winning is an inspiration to the community and the athletes are great representatives of Victoria and their university. Our logo will blend well with these proven winners and we join you in shouting, 'Go Jags!'"
W&N Settlement Services is a veteran-owned litigation company serving the southeastern United States, including Texas. W&N Settlement Services is run by Dave Nguyen, a 21-year Army veteran and the uncle of UHV golfer Evelyn Nguyen.
"I wanted to help Evelyn by sponsoring her team," Nguyen said. "I love the passion and the competitiveness in Evelyn when it comes to the sport and her team."
Any businesses interested in uniform sponsorships with UHV are encouraged to contact Director of Athletics Ashley Walyuchow at WalyuchowA@uhv.edu or by phone at 361-485-4424.