01/21/02 Hydra-RIB® Springs Into Action With Innovative Basketball Backstop New Spring-Assisted System Provides Affordable Alternative to Hydraulics Hydra-RIB, the industry leader in institutional basketball systems, introduces a new roll-in basketball stanchion that combines affordability and efficiency with the quality reputation of Hydra-RIB. The Hydra-RIB Ultra-Pro'sTM "Spring Assist" system allows a single person to set up the unit for play and fold it down for transport or storage. By utilizing this simple, but effective spring technology, Hydra-RIB makes it affordable for pro arenas, universities and recreational gymnasiums alike to offer the ultimate basketball system. "The Ultra-Pro makes it more affordable for schools and other potential customers to get into a pro-caliber system," said Patrick Ehren, vice president of sales and marketing for Huffy Sports. "This system hits a new price point for Hydra-RIB which is perfect for the budget conscious institution that requires a high quality roll-in system." The Hydra-RIB Ultra-Pro features a simple setup and takedown procedure, folding to 6'6" tall by 13'6" deep. When it is needed for play, it can quickly and easily be set up by a single person to meet all NCAA requirements. The Ultra-Pro comes in both a domestic and an international version, and both units feature 72" backboards. The unit retails for roughly $8,500 and is available by calling the Hydra-RIB sales team at 1-800-334-9111. In addition to the new Ultra-Pro, Hydra-RIB plans on increasing its product line by introducing two additional basketball systems as well as multiple institutional accessories. Hydra-RIB, a division of Huffy Sports, is a well-known name among basketball programs throughout the nation. Currently, Hydra-RIB products are used by over 50 percent of the NCAA Division I institutions, including North Carolina, Syracuse, Utah and Wisconsin, as well as in multiple NBA arenas. Hydra-RIB also manufactures high-end consumer portable and in-ground basketball systems. Huffy Sports Company is the world's leading manufacturer of home and institutional-style basketball systems. A division of Huffy Corporation, (NYSE-HUF), the company manufactures and distributes three brands of basketball products: Huffy Sports, Sure Shot and Hydra-RIB. Each brand varies by price point and is marketed to a variety of end users. Huffy Sports Company products are available at mass-market retailers, sporting good dealers and specialty stores throughout the world. For more information, call 1-800-558-5234 For interview requests and/or product photography, please call Brian Meehan at (262) 789-7630, ext. 133, or e-mail to brianm@celticinc.com.