Every winter the gear heads are glued to their computers, wearing out their F5 keys, anxiously waiting to see what their favorite team’s uniforms and pads will look like. This is especially true if that team has switched equipment sponsors. Switching to a new sponsor who is new to the sport altogether ratchets up the excitement that much more. This was the case for the University of Maryland and Under Armour during the off-season, and UA Lacrosse seemed to have wanted it no other way. The Baltimore based company took over half a block at the NCAA Championship in May and announced they had arrived on the scene. I wonder now if they’re looking for a Terrapin shell to crawl into.

Under Armour was pumped up for their debut in the lax market

Many assumed UA would flatten the competition

The new kids on the block in the lacrosse gear market have found that making it happen right out of the blocks is easier said than done. The 800 pound gorilla that is Under Armour has been supplanted in College Park by the old dog in the game. STX is back at the University of Maryland because UA has failed to deliver the substance to go with the style. Under Armour’s run as the exclusive equipment provider to the Terps lasted about as long as Tim Tebow’s playoff run. The slick turtle shell design featured prominently in the blogosphere belied the protection that the gloves actually provided. UA might “Protect this House”, but the players felt that they didn’t protect this hand.

Maybe next year?

We mentioned previously that the Terps were opting out of the Under Armour gloves and heads and that UA had given the squad the OK, if they chose, to use an alternative brand. Our sources have confirmed that Maryland has indeed opted to go back to the tried and true. The Terps have taken delivery of white and black STX K18 gloves (There wasn’t enough time for custom gloves, so don’t expect a Winter Fashion Week nominee) and placed an order for sticks from the boys on Bush St. to get them through the 2012 season. It looks like Under Armour’s unceremonious departure from their flagship school’s lacrosse program may be slightly longer than we originally anticipated. Initial reports indicated that new Under Armour gloves and sticks were on the way. Maryland isn’t taking any chances, it would appear. Don’t expect to see anything other than UA unis, cleats, and arm pads on the Terps this season.

As was the case in our previous post, we solicited comment from Under Armour and their response was the following…

Under Armour is committed to making all athletes better by offering performance products with distinct technology and design benefits. As the Terps become accustomed to the innovation in our gloves and sticks they will continue to field-test the equipment throughout the year. The team’s response to the new UA equipment has been both positive and insightful, and we look forward to working with them throughout the season on the transition.

While this must be considered somewhat of a black eye for Under Armour Lacrosse, we must remember that they’re still new to the game. My advice would be to keep improving the product and to Never Stop.