Health Club Industry Exceeds 66 Million Consumers, An All-Time High
More than 66 million Americans used a health club in 2016, a record-high since IHRSA began tracking health club consumer statistics in 1987. The number of individual members totaled 57.3 million, up 3.6 percent from 55.3 million in 2015.
Nike Signs NFL Draft Prospects
The players include Deshaun Watson, quarterback, Clemson; Dalvin Cook, running back, Florida State; Christian McCaffrey, running back, Stanford; and John Ross, wide receiver, Washington.

Search For Merrell Founder’s Wife Being Scaled Back
The search for the wife of Randy Merrell, who helped found the Merrell Boot Co., as well as the co-founder’s grandson, in the Grand Canyon is being scaled back as it enters its sixth day on Thursday.

Outdoor Industry Organizations Plan Utah State Capital March During OR
Outdoor Retailer, Outdoor Industry Association, The Conservation Alliance and Outdoor Alliance are urging Outdoor Retailer attendees to join them as they march to the Utah State Capitol “in celebration of the backbone and foundation of the outdoor industry, our federal public lands.”

Croakies Expands Everyday Adventurers Program
Croakies encourages those that are inspired by adventure or have a passion for getting outside and think they will make a great product tester to be part of the Croakies family during the brand’s 40th year.

Gregory Ambassadors Launch Speaking Tour About Backpacking New Zealand
Starting Monday, May 1 at the Santa Fe REI in New Mexico, the free speaking events will stop at 29 retail stores, a brewery and town library across 17 states. The tour will wrap up at the Denver REI on Monday, July 24.

Beeline Bikes Rolls Out Beeline2U Program
Approved brands and products will have access to the Beeline2U platform, where they will be able to initiate a fulfillment appointment on behalf of their customers.

Topgolf To Offer Free Lessons On National Golf Day
In partnership with We Are Golf (WAG), a coalition of the game’s leading associations and industry partners, Topgolf aims to attract new fans to the sport by helping people feel more confident in their swing.

Brooks Honors Two Track Coaches Of The Year
Mark Anderson of Cary Grove High School and Gwen Robertson of Issaquah High School were honored as part of its newly expanded Inspiring Coaches program.

Farm To Feet To Sponsor Blue Ridge Marathon
The race course starts in downtown Roanoke and climbs to the top of Mill and Roanoke Mountains. Following sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway, the course has a total elevation change of 7,430 feet and is considered America’s toughest road marathon.

Oboz Hires Product Line Manager
Prior to joining Oboz, Dawson Westenskow was responsible for REI’s Camp Gear and Travel Gear categories.

Honey Stinger Adds Sales And Marketing Hires
“We are thrilled to add several new positions and highly qualified members to our growing team here at Honey Stinger,” said Rich Hagar, Honey Stinger co-founder.

Sports Direct Purchases 7.9 Percent In Finish Line
Sports Direct, which earlier this year agreed to purchase Eastern Mountain Sports and Bob’s Stores in bankruptcy proceedings, has acquired a 7.9 percent stake in The Finish Line Inc., according to a regulatory filing.

Rollerblade Introduces New Rollerblade Speed Team
The global team includes Guillaume de Mallevoue, Sebastian Paredes, Quentin Giraudeau, Aura Quintana, Vincent Esnault and Jorge Botero.

Adidas Stirs Anger With Boston Survivors E-Mail
Adidas said in a statement, “Clearly, there was no thought given to the insensitive email subject line we sent Tuesday. We deeply apologize for our mistake. The Boston Marathon is one of the most inspirational sporting events in the world.”