Cascade Lacrosse, a head protection brand, and Maverik Lacrosse, a developer and manufacturer of lacrosse equipment and apparel, unveiled three new NCAA partner programs with The United States Air Force Academy, Jacksonville University and the University of Richmond. All schools will exclusively wear Cascade and Maverik equipment for the upcoming 2017 season.

A representative for Cascade said the brand is used amongst more than 68 percent of Division I programs, of which Maverik is chosen amongst 27 percent.

“We are excited that more and more of the best collegiate programs in the country are choosing to partner with Cascade Lacrosse and Maverik Lacrosse for their equipment needs,” said Paul Carcaterra, sports marketing director, Cascade Lacrosse and Maverik Lacrosse. “The decision by Air Force, Jacksonville and Richmond to join our team is a testament to the trust and confidence that all three programs – as well as the many other programs around the country – have in Cascade and Maverik. We look forward to working with all our collegiate partners to gain their valuable feedback and insight to influence the next generation of cutting edge equipment.”

Air Force finished the 2016 season with a 15-3 overall record and was ranked as high as ninth nationally, which marked the highest national ranking in school history. The Falcons won the program’s first-ever Southern Conference title and earned a berth in the 2016 NCAA tournament, before losing to Notre Dame.

Richmond, who Air Force beat in overtime to win the Southern Conference, finished the year with an 11-5 record. In just three seasons at the Division I level, the Spiders have amassed 28 wins, three Southern Conference championship game appearances and a NCAA tournament appearance.

Jacksonville posted a 3-10 record last year, but the Dolphins expect things to turn around beginning with the 2017 campaign as lacrosse icon John Galloway takes over head coaching duties alongside legendary player Casey Powell, who will serve as Jacksonville’s offensive coordinator.

Photo courtesy Maverik Lacrosse