Following a minor public outcry and nearly offending an Ohio town, the Department of Athletics decided Wednesday to stay with Ohio-made Wilson footballs instead of changing to Nike balls made overseas.”We will be continuing to use the Wilson football and we are proud that it is made here in Ohio,” said Athletics Director Andy Geiger, in a statement.The current footballs, which are made by Wilson Sporting Goods in Ada, Ohio, have been used by the football team since the early 1980s. OSU debated on replacing the Wilson footballs with Nike footballs, which are made in the Dominican Republic.”The Ohio State University, President William E. Kirwan and the Department of Athletics are very proud and supportive of the state of Ohio and the workers of Ohio,” Geiger said. “There was never any intention at all to offend the people of Ohio and we certainly apologize for any misunderstanding this situation may have caused.”The proposal to switch football suppliers caused the Ada village council to prepare a resolution to protest, prompted negative responses from state representatives and upset workers at the Wilson factory which employs 234 people. “We were upset, but now we’re happy. We’re absolutely thrilled to continue representing Ohio State football for the upcoming season,” said Ada Wilson plant manager Tom Elkins.The idea to switch footballs came after head coach John Cooper gave his players several footballs and then asked them which they preferred. They chose Nike.”Tell me that a better football is made and we’ll refute it on paper or in person,” said Elkins of the players’ choice. “We can’t dictate personal preference but I can tell you that no football is made better.”Ohio State has always acted very professional with the Wilson corporation. Coach Cooper has even been a long-time advisory staff member,” Elkins said.The Wilson plant in Ada produces over 1 million leather footballs each year and Wilson is the official ball of the NFL, the Canadian Football League, NFL-Europe, Arena Football, both NCAA national champions and most of the NCAA, the Big Ten Conference and the National Pop Warner Association. The football contract between OSU and Wilson is worth roughly $1,000. Nike is in the third year of a five year, $9.25 million endorsement contract with OSU, but the contract only covers apparel and footwear.Kirwan was pleased with the Department of Athletics’ decision. “I believe the university, wherever possible, should support Ohio-based businesses and workers by purchasing Ohio-made products,” he said in a press release. “I am pleased with the decision by the Department of Athletics to continue to purchase footballs from the Wilson Sporting Goods Company.”I look forward to seeing Ada, Ohio-made footballs being caught for Buckeye touchdowns this fall.”