Mar 30, 2005
Cary Kolat heading up popular consumer brands' efforts to support the
wrestling community
OAK BROOK, Ill.- 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®, FoohyTM, uni-ball®, and Rolodex®, among others. Visit
sanfordcorp.com for more information on the full family of Sanford
brands.
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