ROCHESTER, Mich. - Oakland University Athletics and Rockbridge Sports Group are entering into a new exclusive partnership, announced Director of Athletics Jeff Konya on Tuesday. The partnership, Oakland Sports Properties, allows them to sell corporate sponsorships on behalf of Oakland Athletics.

"As we continue to position our brand in the sports industry, it was important to maximize our revenue generation opportunities and select an organization that fits our culture," said Konya. "This strategic relationship with Rockbridge allows us to position ourselves in the corporate marketplace."

As part of the partnership, Darian Westerfield will serve as the General Manager for Oakland Sports Properties and work closely with the Golden Grizzly staff. Westerfield, a native of Lebanon, Mo., has extensive experience within intercollegiate athletics, most recently serving as the Senior Associate AD for External Operations at St. Bonaventure. While at SBU, Westerfield oversaw all areas of revenue generation including fund raising, corporate sponsorship, ticket sales and licensing.

"From the extensive use of online video and social media to the recent unveiling of the `blacktop' court, it is clear Oakland University is committed to providing its student-athletes and their fans a premier experience across all its 18 Div. 1 athletics programs," said David Johnston, co-founder and principal of Rockbridge Sports Group. "We appreciate the intensity of Golden Grizzlies support across Michigan and the enhanced exposure generated by competing in the Horizon League. Together, we will work to translate this momentum into significant, mutually beneficial relationships with corporate entities across the region."

Since its launch in 2011, Rockbridge Sports Group has served in a variety of consulting capacities, and today represents an expanding and diverse group of dynamic sports properties. Their roster of sports marketing professionals continues to grow, anchoring Rockbridge Sports Group across the country. For more information about Rockbridge, please visit their official website here.

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