Aug. 1, 2000

Comments from Frank Tavani

EASTON, Pa. (www.lafayette.edu) - First-year Lafayette College Head Football Coach Frank Tavani unveiled the new helmets and uniforms his Leopards will be wearing during the 2000 season at a special press conference this afternoon.

New Lafayette head football coach Frank Tavani unveiled the newly designed helmets and jerseys his squad will be wearing for the 2000 season at a special press conference on Tuesday, August 1.

"This was by no means an overnight decision," said Tavani, who was named Lafayette's 27th head football coach on December 11, 1999. "The process to design, order, and introduce this new look involved all facets of the Lafayette football family, including the student-athletes, the coaching staff, alumni, and numerous campus departments."

Funding for the new helmets and uniforms came from a donation by Jack Bourger '71, a former Lafayette football player.

The helmet is a solid metallic black featuring a maroon and white "L" on each side and a maroon facemask, while the jerseys are embroidered with "Lafayette" and are highlighted with black, maroon, and white trim.

"I am extremely excited about this new look for Lafayette football," added Tavani. "This initiative received tremendous support from every area of campus, especially the design team in Lafayette's office of public information, headed by Director of Public Information Glenn Airgood and Art Director Donna Kneule, as well as the product vendors. It is an added bonus to see the business go to three local vendors."

The new uniform production is being supplied by three businesses. Circle Systems Group in Easton is manufacturing the jerseys, while Bethlehem (Pa.) Sporting Goods is producing the pants, and All-American Corporation in East Stroudsburg, Pa., is handling the helmets.

Lafayette opens its 119th season of football on Sept. 9, when Towson visits Fisher Field for a 1:30 p.m. kickoff. The Leopards' 2000 schedule features five home contests, including Ivy League foes Princeton and Harvard, as well as Holy Cross and the 136th meeting with archrival Lehigh.