1979 University of Hawaii Basketball - OQSS X Sand-Knit

Dec 14

Written By ChestaH

This month, we are proud to officially announce our partnership with Ripon/Sand Knit company. For over a 100 years, Ripon Athletic/Sand Knit produced uniforms for the pros that were made in America. The impact this had on their local community and the sporting goods industry as a whole cannot be measured.

During the late 80s, Sand Knit was the exclusive uniform provider for the NBA. Prior to that, teams were free to use whatever supplier they wanted, although a good deal of teams were already using Sand Knit.

1987 Game Worn Jersey made by Sand-Knit for Michael Jordan

Taken from the specs of Cliff Sanchez’s original jersey, Old Queen Street Stadium (“OQSS”) and Ripon/Sand Knit’s first project together will be faithfully re-creating 1979 -1980 University of Hawaii Basketball jerseys. The team at OQSS worked closely with Robert Martin, Ripon’s Athletic dealer, to create the perfect match. The jersey’s composite will be knitted from original 1970s materials. The jersey will feature sewn-on tackle twill graphics, rib knitting around the neck and arm trim and custom four color rainbow tackle twill side inserts. The jersey will also feature custom Old Queen Street Stadium x Sand Knit Label collaboration tags on the lower left front.

The Original Jersey worn by Cliff Sanchez

Behind the scenes at Berlin, Wisconsin showing Ripon’s knitting process

In the beginning stages, the museum only had a few items commemorating the University of Hawaii Basketball team. Our good friend Lester Kaichi donated the Cliff Sanchez jersey and many other items to allow the museum to grow and for everyone to enjoy. OQSS is proud to release these authentic jerseys in honor of Lester.