Asics America Signs Men's Tennis Athlete Steve Johnson

Asics America Signs Men's Tennis Athlete Steve Johnson

IRVINE, Calif., July 24, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ASICS America is pleased to
announce the signing of two-time National Collegiate Athletic Association
(NCAA) singles champion Steve Johnson. Johnson played four years at the
University of Southern California (USC)before leaving this past May as one of
the most decorated tennis players in college history.  

"I am proud of my college career at USC and all that I was able to accomplish,
but now am looking forward to taking my game to the next level," says Johnson,
who is represented by Sam Duvall at Lagardere Unlimited. "ASICS is a great
partner that will provide me with not only high performance tennis apparel and
footwear, but also a great all-around support system. They truly value their
athletes and understand the individual needs that we have. I feel honored and
privileged to be a part of their team."

While at USC, Johnson led the Trojans to four consecutive NCAA team titles and
completed a 72-match winning streak as he defended his NCAA singles title. He
is a seven-time Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) All-American and was
named the 2011 and 2012 Campbell/ITA National College Player of the Year as
well as the 2011 and 2012 Pac-12 Men's Player of the Year.

Johnson, 22 years old, is from Orange, Calif. and began playing tennis at the
age of two with his father serving as his coach. Like many young tennis
athletes in the 90s, he idolized Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi. He currently
trains with the United States Tennis Association at the Home Depot Center in
Carson, Calif. and likes to spend his free time relaxing at the beach. He
describes himself as confident, tough and relaxed, three attributes that will
certainly come in handy on the pro circuit.

"ASICS is committed to supporting quality athletes that embody our mantra of
STOP AT NEVER," says Laura Greatbanks, Marketing Manager for Team Sports.
"Stevie does just that. His impressive college career is only the beginning
for him. We are very excited to welcome Stevie to the ASICS family and look
forward to watching him flourish in the years to come."

Johnson plays tonight in the singles draw of the Farmers Classic at the LA
Tennis Center at UCLA and will also compete at the Citi Open in Washington,
D.C., Western and Southern Open in Cincinnati, Ohio and the Winston-Salem Open
in Winston-Salem, N.C. later this summer.

Anima Sana In Corpore Sano, meaning "A Sound Mind in a Sound Body," is an old
Latin phrase from which ASICS is derived and the fundamental platform on which
the brand still stands. The company was founded more than 60 years ago by
Kihachiro Onitsuka and is now a leading designer and manufacturer of running
shoes, as well as, other athletic footwear, apparel and accessories. For more
information, visit www.asics.com.

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The following pictures are available for download:

 [Image]  Steve Johnson

 [Image]  Steve Johnson