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University Relations 202 Eielson Fairbanks, Alaska 99775-7520
(907)474-7581 Fax (907)474-6492
fynews@uaf.edu

November 9, 1998

Fairbanks, Alaska - Ford Credit, the financing arm of Ford Motor Co., has inked a deal with the University of Alaska Fairbanks to be title sponsor of the 1998 Top of the World Classic men's basketball tournament.

As title sponsor, Ford Credit will provide signage for the tournament and website support, as well as national and local publicity. Representatives from Ford Credit will attend the TOWC Nov. 19 -22, hosted by UAF at the Carlson Center in Fairbanks.

"We are excited about Ford Credit becoming associated with the Top of the World Classic," said Acting Director of Athletics and Recreation Randy Pitney.

According to Pitney, local Ford dealer Ralph Seekins, owner of Seekins Ford Lincoln Mercury, was instrumental in starting a Tournament of Champions at UAF in 1992.

"Ralph's role as a Ford dealer in getting the tournament off the ground made Ford Credit a natural choice to sponsor premiere pre-season NCAA basketball action here in Fairbanks," said Pitney. "We're delighted to have Ford Credit as a partner."

"We're very excited about sponsoring this tournament," said Mike Dodge, Ford Credit Regional Manager. "The Top of the World Classic brings family, community and business together and we are proud to be a part of that," said Dodge.

The teams participating in this year's tournament hail from the nation's top conferences and include Arkansas, Nebraska, New Mexico State, Washington State, Wisconsin, Villanova, Virginia and UAF.

Ford Credit is the world's largest company dedicated to automotive finance, serving more than 8 million customers in 36 countries.

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CONTACT: Sports Information Director Scott Roselius (907) 474-6805.

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Last modified June 16, 1998