New baseball and softball scoreboards and a Javelina gift shop are just a few of the things EmbroidMe and Kleberg First National Bank have agreed to sponsor in partnership with Javelina Athletics. Pictured from left are, Ken Oliver, Javelina Athletics Athletic Director; Carol Geryk, owner of EmbroidMe in Kingsville; Dr. Steven Tallant, President of Texas A&M University-Kingsville; Joe Henkel, President & Chief Executive Officer of Kleberg First National Bank; and Joe Biedron, Associate Athletic Director of External Advancement. (Photo by Erika Hernandez) EmbroidMe and Kleberg First National Bank have signed a multi-year sponsorship in excess of $500,000 with Javelina Athletics for facility improvements to Javelina Stadium and other athletic fields.

“This is truly another championship for the city of Kingsville, the university, Kleberg Bank, EmbroidMe and most truly, Javelina Nation,” Ken Oliver, Javelina Director of Athletics said at a press conference Wednesday.

Oliver announced that EmbroidMe would continue to serve as the official Javelina fan gear vendor and official Javelina summer camp sponsor.

Additionally, the company has also partnered with Javelina Athletics in constructing a new “Gateway to Champions” entrance to Javelina Stadium and a gift shop to be built next to McCulley hall outside of Javelina stadium.

Carol Geryk, owner of EmbroidMe in Kingsville, was enthusiastic about the project and spoke of her appreciation for a smooth agreement process.

“I would like to thank the Javelina Athletics staff especially because usually when negotiations go back and forth it can be a nightmare, but this has probably been one of the smoothest agreements that I’ve ever been involved in,” Geryk said.

“EmbroidMe looks forward to this partnership, I know it is going to be a mutual benefit for all of us and we’re excited to get started,” she added.

Kleberg Bank agreed to purchase new scoreboards for both the baseball and softball fields and also provide a new marquee on campus outside the entrance of Javelina stadium.

They also made a pledge to support all Javelina teams for winning the LSC and National championships in future years.

“I represent many people from not only Kleberg Bank but also the Kleberg family name, who have been involved in this university since day one, Joe Henkel, Kleberg Bank President and CEO said.

“I think they donated the land that originally started this university, and it’s my honor and privilege to represent that group of people,” he said.

Henkel spoke of the importance of Javelina athletics not only to the university but also the Kingsville community.

“Javelina athletics are particularly important because it is the spirit that carries this school and makes us very distinctive,” he said. “There is no other college football experience like this university can offer, at least south of San Antonio or north of Austin,” Henkel said. “Javelina sports are important because it represents building sound bodies and team spirit and things that are good for this community.”

Dr. Steven Tallant, President of Texas A&M University Kingsville, said, “I consider this a historic milestone at this university.

The student body is the heart of this institution, the alumni are the soul, and at this university athletics are the glue that puts us all together.”

Tallant mentioned that corporate sponsorships fit perfectly with the direction that the university is trying to take towards the future.

“These corporate sponsorships are what we are all about, as we grow academically and become the premier institution in South Texas, we will build upon corporate sponsorship,” he said.

“What is happening today will not only help the university and the individual businesses but it will help the entire city of Kingsville.”

According to Shane Meling, Texas A&M University- Kingsville Sports Information Director, the scoreboards for the baseball and softball fields will be up in time for the baseball/softball season in the spring.

The Javelina Athletic department is currently in the process of creating drawings and models for the other proposed facility improvements and construction is due to begin in the Spring of 2011.