Ole Miss Football Team to Wear Realtree Helmets
In the past decade, a few well-known camo companies have expanded their offerings from strictly hunting-based patterns to fishing patterns, which allows them to market their brand through a wide variety of lifestyle garments. In 2019, Realtree announced its WAV3 fishing pattern, and on Oct. 1, 2022, in a game against Kentucky (currently ranked No. 7 in the country), the Ole Miss football team (ranked No. 11) will take the field wearing helmets featuring Realtree WAV3 (top photo).
If you’re a fan of Realtree camo, you no doubt are familiar with its founder, Bill Jordan. What you might not know, however, is Bill played wide receiver for the Ole Miss football team in the early 1970s. Bill’s son, Tyler Jordan, who works as marketing coordinator and TV host at Realtree, also graduated from Ole Miss. Tyler recently posted the following on Facebook:
“This has been a fun project to be a part of with Ole Miss Football and Lane Kiffin. Dad and I are both Ole Miss alums and to see the Realtree WAV3 pattern on an actual game helmet is still surreal for us. See you Saturday, Rebel Nation! Hotty Toddy!”
In a recent press release from Ole Miss, Bill Jordan stated, “"Most people that know our team here at Realtree know we're all big sports fans and college football consumes lots of our small talk around the office. Of course, Ole Miss and the football team hold a special place in my heart as an alum and former player. As we reviewed some of our key Realtree programs and licensed products for this fall, the idea sort of just hit us – what if we offered Ole Miss a Realtree pattern that the team could consider matching their football uniforms for use on the helmet?"
Ole Miss football coach Lane Kiffin said, “Our players and coaches are excited to partner with Realtree and wear this unique new helmet and gear. I appreciate Bill, Tyler and the entire Realtree team for all they have done and continue to do for our program. We look forward to seeing what the future holds for this great collaboration."
Because of Ole Miss’ partnership with Nike, an assortment of lifestyle garments (short-sleeve and long-sleeve shirts, hoodies, etc.) will also be available in the Realtree WAV3 pattern. College sports, especially football and basketball, generate tremendous revenue each year as a result of a massive and passionate fan base. It’ll be interesting to see if this partnership between Ole Miss and Realtree paves the way for similar deals down the line.
Bowhunting World’s Ultimate Gear Giveaway Winner Gives Mathews Compound to Grandson
Each year, Grand View Outdoors’ consumer title Bowhunting World offers its Ultimate Gear Giveaway sweepstakes, and one of the biggest prizes is a flagship compound. During the 2021 sweepstakes, this model was the Mathews V3 27.
Last year, Lloy Quade was the lucky winner of the Mathews compound, and he recently reached out to the editors of Bowhunting World with this news and the accompanying photograph:
“I told you I was going to give this bow to one of my grandsons. I have five grandsons; this is Kobe Henry. There are three older grandsons than him. He and his two brothers that live next door to me are avid hunters, and he always got his older brothers’ hand-me-downs — EXCEPT today. He is thrilled to say the least. I can' t thank you enough for helping make this happen. Your friend, Lloy Quade”
TrueTimber Announces Sponsorship of the Veteran Golfers Association
TrueTimber recently announced a sponsorship in support of the Veteran Golfers Association (VGA). This support will aid VGA in their mission to enrich the lives of veterans through the game of golf. Additionally, TrueTimber was able to help complete VGA’s Caddy Wagon project, a custom hauler (below) that will travel the country to promote spreading their message and support on-site during events. The hauler features TrueTimber Viper Urban camo.
“Being able to support the Veteran Golfers Association is nothing short of an honor,” said TrueTimber CEO Rusty Sellars. “TrueTimber shares many of VGA’s goals of increasing the time spent outdoors with friends and family and is a great way to assist our wounded veterans. By supporting VGA, we are taking an additional step in the right direction to thank and support these veterans that have sacrificed so much for our country.”
In 2014, the Veteran Golfers Association was officially created to connect veterans and promote the benefits of golf to each other and their families. Inspired by seeing how wounded veterans were able to come together and heal through camaraderie and competition on local golf courses, the VGA set out to create a competitive golf league for veterans and their families. Today, VGA is comprised of over 14,000 members, sponsors league play in over 650 tournaments and national qualifiers while staying committed to the values of integrity, respect and perseverance.
Vendor Booth Space Reservations Now Being Accepted for Pope and Young 33rd Biennial Convention
Pope and Young has set the dates of April 12 to 15, 2023, for its 33rd Biennial Convention being held in Reno, Nevada. The Convention features seminars, luncheons, trophy displays, auctions, raffles, dinners, and more.
One of the greatest attractions at the Convention is the impressive vendor and outfitter area. With a unique variety of vendors (manufacturers, outfitters, nonprofits archery/hunting companies and more) there is something for everyone. Booth space is still available for vendors, outfitters and others looking to reach this passionate audience of bowhunters.
To reserve a booth or for more information, contact Dylan Ray at Dylan@pope-young.org.
Click here for up-to-date information on the upcoming Pope and Young Convention.
