American Family Insurance Secures Title Sponsorships for Horizon League Basketball Championships

Feb. 18, 2005

Horizon League Commissioner Jonathan B. LeCrone announced Friday (Feb. 18) that American Family Insurance has purchased the title sponsorships for the 2005 Horizon League Men's and Women's Basketball Championships. The agreement marks the second year in a row that American Family Insurance has sponsored both League championships.


Under the terms of the deal, this year's tournaments will be known as the "2005 American Family Insurance Horizon League Men's Basketball Championship" and the "2005 American Family Insurance Horizon League Women's Basketball Championship."


"We at American Family Insurance try to partner with communities in which we have a business presence and look to become community partners beyond our business relationships," said Todd Fancher, Indiana Sales Director for American Family Insurance. "In this case, eight of the League's nine schools are within our operating area so it is a natural fit. More importantly, the Horizon League's principles of integrity, diversity, excellence and growth are synonymous with American Family Insurance."


Based in Madison, Wis., American Family Insurance offers auto, homeowners, life, health, commercial and farm/ranch insurance, plus financial services, in 17 states. American Family is the nation's third largest mutual property/casualty insurance company.


"Our partnership with American Family Insurance illustrates their strong support of the Horizon League and our member schools," said LeCrone. "This relationship helps us provide better all-around championship experiences for our student-athletes, coaches, university administrators and fans."


The 2005 American Family Insurance Horizon League Men's Basketball Championship will begin with first-round games March 1 at campus sites, followed by the quarterfinals and semifinals March 4-5 at U.S. Cellular Arena in Milwaukee. The semifinal games will be aired on FSN in various markets. The championship game then will be played March 8 at the higher remaining seed and be broadcast live on ESPN.


The 2005 American Family Insurance Horizon League Women's Basketball Championship will tip-off with a first-round game March 1 and continue with quarterfinal games March 3 at campus sites. The semifinals and championship game will be played March 6-7 at Wright State if the Raider women advance out of the quarterfinals. If Wright State is eliminated prior to the semifinals, then the highest remaining seed will host the final two rounds. The championship game will be aired live on FSN in selected markets.