[March 21, 2017]

'Sixth man' helps keep Bellarmine athletes healthy

Bellarmine University, whose basketball program is on its way to the NCAA Division II Elite Eight competition, has become the latest collegiate athletic program to deploy CuVerro^® copper in its steps to promote greater hygiene and fight the spread of bacteria that cause infections in their sports facilities.

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Bacteria-fighting CuVerro copper alloy grips are in use at Bellarmine University's Bradford T. Ray Sports Performance Center. The men's basketball Knights compete in the NCAA Division II Elite Eight tomorrow. (Photo: Business Wire)

The athletic training facilities at the Bradford T. Ray Sports Performance Center now feature fixtures, weights and fitness equipment made with EPA-registered CuVerro^®, the copper alloy that continuously kills 99.9% of infectious bacteria it contacts.

"When we learned that no amount of cleaning could keep bacteia from growing on traditional stainless steel and plastic surfaces, we decided to take an additional step to help protect our athletes," said Bellarmine Director of Athletics Scott Wiegandt.

"Our student-athletes' health is obviously our primary concern, and this is well worth the investment," Wiegandt said. "It's a sixth man in our effort to help provide for the health of our student-athletes."

Studies have revealed that 80% of infectious bacteria - like MRSA - is spread by touch. Because antimicrobial copper surfaces constantly kill bacteria, including MRSA, left behind by athletes' hands, Bellarmine coaches and athletes can share facilities and equipment with less chance of spreading bacteria that could cause infections.

The copper products being used in the facility include: weight training equipment from Black Iron Strength^®, removable hand railing systems from Trimco, door pulls from Rocky Mountain Hardware, athletic trainer treatment carts from Pedigo, light switch and wall plates from Eaton (News - Alert)/Arrow Hart, sink, drain and faucet handles from Just Manufacturing, and cabinet pulls from Colonial Bronze.

Bellarmine was founded in 1950 and currently has an enrollment of nearly 4,000 students. It offers 21 varsity sports competing at the NCAA Division II level along with a Division I men's lacrosse team.

Bellarmine joins other major collegiate and professional sports teams in using products made from CuVerro® antimicrobial copper in athletic hygiene programs. Villanova and Purdue are among recent adopters. So are the NHL's St. Louis Blues and Los Angeles Kings.

"Winning teams are healthy teams," according to Wiegandt. "Our coaching promotes the well-being and development of student-athletes. Now, with CuVerro^® in our weight rooms, so does our equipment."

About CuVerro^®

CuVerro, with brand headquarters in Louisville, KY, is manufactured by GBC Metals, LLC, doing business as Olin Brass, a wholly owned subsidiary of Global Brass and Copper, Inc. which is a subsidiary of Global Brass and Copper Holdings, Inc., the leading manufacturer and distributor of copper, copper-alloy and bactericidal copper sheet, strip, plate, foil, rod, ingot and fabricated components in North America and one of the largest in the world. GBC Metals engages in the melting, casting, rolling, drawing, extruding and stamping of specialized copper and copper alloys finished products from scrap, cathode and other refined metals. (OB-0034-1510)

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170321005420/en/

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