Shop Lou Henson Collection
CHAMPAIGN, IL (December 04, 2015) - The University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics (DIA) has launched a limited-edition "Lou Henson Collection" of apparel items honoring the winningest coach in Fighting Illini basketball history. Through the assistance of the Collegiate Licensing Company, the University's exclusive licensing agent, DIA has worked with acclaimed sportswear company Cutter & Buck to produce a line of polo shirts, sweaters, and vests.
The collection features the orange blazer logo and replica signature of Coach Henson along with the Illinois Block I logo in a secondary location. The orange blazer logo is the same mark that is displayed on the newly dedicated Lou Henson Court at State Farm Center. It symbolizes the orange sport coat that Henson often wore during games.
At the request of Coach Henson, the majority of University proceeds from the sale of the Lou Henson Collection will be donated to the Orange Krush Foundation. Prior to the 1975 season, Henson helped form the Orange Krush student booster group for Illinois basketball. Since 1997, the Orange Krush Foundation has been in place to help raise funds to support local and national charities as well as University of Illinois basketball.
"There has been a tremendous outpouring of support from the Fighting Illini community over the past several weeks, and this special line of clothing is just another example," said Henson. "None of these recognitions would be possible without the hard work and contributions from all the outstanding players, coaches, staff and supporters of Illinois basketball throughout the years. I never dreamed of having a line of clothing named after me, but this is a great honor. I'm happy that this program helps support the Orange Krush Foundation and the many charities it helps."
The Lou Henson Collection is currently available for sale in Champaign-Urbana at Gameday Spirit Fan Store, the Illini Union Bookstore, and TIS Bookstore. Each store has a slightly different assortment of Cutter and Buck products and styles. Merchandise is also available online, including Fightingillini.com.
