COLLEGEVILLE, Minn. – New lights were installed in Clemens Stadium in late March. The 10-year old artificial grass playing surface was replaced in June. The new look of the Saint John's University football team continued on Friday, Aug. 24, as the Johnnies unveiled their new football jerseys for the 2012 season.
SJU made the change to adidas TechFit compression jerseys from New Balance, which the Johnnies have worn since 2005. Every piece of the outer uniform, aside from the helmets, will be adidas (socks, cleats, etc.). The Johnnies' practice uniforms will slowly be replaced by adidas in the coming year.
“New Balance was great for us, but technology in jerseys and shoes have really advanced with adidas leading the way,” offensive coordinator Jim Gagliardi said."
We are fortunate that they wanted to team up with us. Our kids are very excited.”
The most noticeable change with the uniform involves the pants, which will no longer don the thick, red stripe along the sides that SJU has had since 1979 for both home and away games. The Johnnies may choose to wear new, alternate red stripeless pants on the road.
The Johnnies' helmets and their design, which includes the signature jersey number, stripe and the student-athlete's last name, will stay the same.
Weighing 30 percent lighter than standard football jerseys, the adidas TechFit jersey will help players be lighter and faster on the field and is a complete reconstruction of the standard uniform with multiple innovations.
These innovations include a streamlined fit, new fabric, reduced seams and an ultra-lightweight name and numbering system. In addition, the jersey keeps players cool with integrated ventilation zones and moisture management fabric. Reduced seams and a restriction-free, high-stretch collar design increases range of motion to support player agility and speed.
"The new jersey has a compression fit and is harder for our opponents to grab,” Gagliardi said. “The jersey, especially the top, is very durable and can stretch up to three or four times its original size. It will also keep our players cool and it has a great look to it."
Head coach John Gagliardi officially begins his record 64th season and landmark 60th season in Collegeville against Northwestern at 1 p.m. next Saturday, Sept. 1, at Clemens Stadium. College football's all-time wins leader, Gagliardi begins the 2012 season with a 484-133-11 (.779) career record and a 460-127-10 (.779) record at SJU.
