In Hartford, Kenneth Gosselin reported Massachusetts-based Berkshire Hills Bancorp “intends to enter into a marketing agreement" with UConn women's basketball coach Geno Auriemma after the company's Berkshire Bank recently "acquired Connecticut Bank & Trust Co.” Auriemma also was "named a director" for the company. Berkshire Bank said that Auriemma's "high profile in the state will help Berkshire Bank build its brand recognition in Connecticut, both as a board member and pitchman for the bank." Gosselin noted Auriemma "previously served as spokesman" for CBT and Savings Bank of Manchester (COURANT.com, 5/16).
I CONCUR: Duke men’s basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski yesterday said that he “was in full support” of the NCAA rules committee decision “to have one finished, flat surface on the court instead of temporary decals or logos.” Krzyzewski: “I just wish they would get rid of them. You could put them alongside the court. Where else is this in the middle of a court or playing field? There isn’t a logo in between the second baseman and shortstop. You’re not side-stepping over Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. The main thing is that it was dangerous" (ESPN.com, 5/17).
SPICING IT UP: In Detroit, Mark Snyder writes multiple uniforms for college teams “apparently are the wave of the future and not changing anytime soon.” Univ. of Michigan AD Dave Brandon said, "It's very sport-specific." He added, “The coaches would tell you a lot of this has to do with recruiting, too. Recruits today, they like variety. They emulate these programs that from time to time wield out these special jerseys. For football last year, we probably did a little bit more than we'll do going forward in terms of variety, but we're going to, from time to time, do some special things because the coaches like it and the student-athletes like it and the recruits are enamored by it -- so why wouldn't we?" (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 5/17).
