Cary Kolat Joins Forces With Sharpie,® and Paper mate,®, heading up popular consumer brands’ efforts to support the wrestling community
OAK BROOK, Ill., March 30, 2005 – Sharpie,® and Paper Mate,®, highly recognized brands of writing instruments, today announced that 2000 Olympic team wrestler and two-time NCAA champion Cary Kolat will spearhead the Sharpie and Paper Mate grassroots marketing effort in amateur wrestling as its National Marketing Manager, Wrestling. In this role, Kolat will manage advertising, public relations and event marketing activities targeting the fans of youth, high school and college wrestling.
By tapping Kolat’s knowledge of the sport, Newell Rubbermaid can now leverage its Paper Mate and Sharpie products with the strong loyalty of wrestling fans. The company intends to expand upon its efforts in amateur wrestling, including sponsorship of major tournaments such as the Dapper Dan Classic in Pittsburgh, Pa., and intensify its focus with Kolat’s help. Prior to his latest assignment, Kolat held several marketing positions with the company.
“I know it takes dedication to succeed in wrestling, and Paper Mate and Sharpie are committed to supporting wrestling,” said Cary Kolat, national marketing manager, wrestling for Sharpie and Paper Mate. “I’m happy to take the lead in showing wrestling enthusiasts what these great brands have to offer.”
Many wrestling experts believe Kolat is one of the all-time best amateur wrestling champions. In high school, Kolat was a four-time Pennsylvania State Champion with a 137 – 0 record from 1988 to 1992. He was also the 1990 World Champion for the under 18-age group. In college, he competed at the NCAA Division I level earning All-American status four times and twice winning individual NCAA National Champion titles.
Internationally, he represented the United States from 1997 through 2000. He won a bronze (1998) and silver medal (1997) at the World Championships and was a member of the 2000 Olympic Team that competed in Sydney, Australia. Since this time, Cary has served as coach at several colleges and universities. Cary’s complete biography and wrestling accomplishments can be found at www.carykolat.com
“Cary brings solid knowledge of Sharpie and Paper Mate, combined with an understanding of wrestling that will be a powerful asset,” said Charlie McCaffrey, vice president and general manager for Paper Mate. “From the classroom to the scorer’s table at meets, Sharpie and Paper Mate products are part of wrestling now. With Cary’s insider’s perspective, we will continue to foster our relationship with students, teachers and families nationwide.”
Paper Mate and Sharpie are planning to unveil a comprehensive wrestling plan later this year, including major sponsorships and promotions for 2005 and 2006 geared toward the athletes and their families.
For more information on Sharpie or Paper Mate, go to www.sharpie.com <> or www.papermate.com <>, respectively.
About Sanford,®, Makers of Sharpie,® and Paper Mate,®
Sharpie and Paper Mate are popular brands of writing instruments. Sanford, maker of Sharpie and Paper Mate, is a business unit of Newell Rubbermaid Inc. (NYSE: NWL), a worldwide leader in the manufacturing and marketing of writing instruments, art products and office organization, including such well known brands as Paper Mate,®, Sharpie,®, Parker,®, Waterman,®, EXPO,®, Foohy,®, uni-ball,®, and Rolodex,®, among others. Visit sanfordcorp.com for more information on the full family of Sanford brands.
Wrestling Gear
