T-shirt designed for football finalists

Many would argue, and most would agree that the boys in Cru purple and gold are well on their way to winning the ASC championship this year.

With eight wins and only one loss, the team feels confident it will have the opportunity to sport the T-shirt design one of their own team captains, Chad Hilton, submitted to ASC at the beginning of the semester.

Senior computer graphics design major Hilton has been interested in the field of graphic design since high school; his forte is creating T-shirts and banners for bands.

This fall, after seeing a bulletin posted in the UMHB locker room inviting students to send in ideas for the ASC championship T-shirt, he created a design and submitted it.

"I wanted to make it simple but eye-catching," Hilton said.    

With the official ASC seal faded in the background, Hilton’s logo features the text “ASC” in blue lettering above “CHAMPIONS” in red, with “2007-2008” in blue underneath. The shirts will be light gray.

The defensive end is starting his own design business, marketing primarily to music groups, creating banners, T-shirts and other fan paraphernalia. Though his current endeavors in the music industry have more of a creative edge, he toned his "punkish" tendencies down to create a straightforward   design for the ASC. He received the selection news earlier this semester.

"I was pretty shocked," Hilton said.

Good friend and fellow "football nerd," Tommy Vadell said, "He was very excited about winning the design for the shirt. He told me while we where in class the moment he found out about it. I guess you could say he was on top of the world."

Hilton said he's secure in his team's chances at winning the championship.

"We gotta wear my shirt," he said in defense of his confidence.

In his free time, Hilton enjoys aggressive skating and playing video games like Guitar Hero 3 and So-Com 3: Combined Assault.

Of the latter hobby, junior computer graphics design major Vadell joked, "He has it out for me because I beat him all the time (at video games).  But other than that, he's just a lot of fun to be around."

Vadell also plays alongside Hilton on the football field as a running back for the Cru.

"(Hilton) never complains and is a consistent player," Vadell said. "He is one of our team captains and is well respected on the field."

Coach Pete Fredenburg also commented on Hilton's achievements on and off the field. He is excited for Hilton’s news of the graphic being selected.

"It's a pretty extraordinary accomplishment," he acknowledged.

Fredenburg describes Hilton as a talented player.

"He is a very gifted athlete," he said. "He obviously takes cares of the little things     as he prepares for the team. He's very fun   to coach."