Truman’s athletic department gains Wendy’s sponsorship

National restaurant chain, Wendy’s, is the newest partner of Truman State’s athletic department, becoming the University’s first national athletic sponsorship. This new partnership is a result of Athletic Director Signe Coombs’ new strategic corporate partnership program initiative to bring in more sponsorships for the department. As Truman’s athletic sponsorships are mostly local or regional, sponsors like Hy-Vee, Mizu, Coca-Cola of Macon, and Equity Bank will now share advertising space with the national chain, Wendy’s.

While Wendy’s is the University’s first national sponsor, there is a push within the athletics department to work with more sponsors like Wendy’s. As part of this initiative, the athletic department intends to look into potential partnership opportunities both inside and outside of the Kirksville area. Assistant Athletic Director Jacob Oyler said that the department is looking into those opportunities for the future.

“We’ve had a few sponsors for a while, but that’s something we’re definitely looking to expand,” Oyler said. “[We’re] kind of shouting to the masses.”

The money from the sponsorship will go towards various parts of the athletic department, such as travel and equipment. Oyler said that the sponsorship of $5,000 for the year will guarantee Wendy’s receives in-game ad-reads, as well as advertisement signs and graphics throughout the athletic event spaces. Oyler said that there is potential for more fan engagement as well.

“I think potentially what’s gonna be included is a pack of gift cards that will be used–and that’s something that we can use for some of our in-game promotional stuff,” Oyler said. “To be able to actually have giveaways and contests and things like that, you have to have something to actually give away.” 

In addition to giveaways and fan engagement, the athletic department hopes to reach the surrounding community of Kirksville with this new partnership. Coombs said that she hopes there will be opportunities for community service that the University and Wendy’s work together on in the future.

To Bulldog Athletics, corporate sponsors go further than financial backing. Coombs said a large part of partnering with companies is bringing the community around them together, as community impact is a vital part of any sponsorship.

“[Sponsorships] are all partnerships, all of those types of things are built on relationships–identifying ways where we can outreach, where we can connect, where we can meet people,” Coombs said. “They also share our vision and mission, in hopes that people see the value in athletics, see the value in Truman, see the value in our student development and how they can make an impact right here in our community.”

Coombs said this sponsorship is no small deal — it will allow for better opportunities for student athletes and fans alike in the future. Wendy’s showed excitement to be working with the University and to be supporting Div. II college athletics. On behalf of Hamra Enterprises, CEO Mike Hamra, a second-generation Wendy’s Owner & Operator at Wendy’s Kirksville, MO, offered a statement on the partnership.

“Sponsoring Bulldog Athletics isn’t just a business decision — it’s an extension of a five-decade commitment to the Missouri communities we’re proud to call home,” said Hamra Enterprises. “We believe in the students, the student-athletes, and the fans who make Truman such a special place, and we’re honored to stand behind them. We are proud to support the student-athletes, coaches, and fans who make Bulldog Athletics a source of pride for Kirksville and the region. This is exactly the kind of community investment the Hamra family has stood for since day one, and we look forward to a strong partnership with Truman State for years to come.”