Rubber-Cal, Inc. has joined forces with ESPN to tackle a great American pastime: high school football. The Orange County, California-based industrial rubber company donated its flooring to the network's exciting new show RISE UP, set to air September 13, 2011. As the show's official rubber flooring supplier, Rubber-Cal will donate gym rubber flooring for all four episodes in the first season.

"When we learned of the opportunity to get involved with ESPN's new reality TV show, we jumped at the chance," says General Manager Jackie Washington. "ESPN is the premier live media sports brand and their reputation is built on 30 years of quality work. Rubber-Cal welcomes this chance to work with ESPN to repair and rebuild communities."

"RISE UP establishes strong foundations," notes Rubber-Cal CEO Beau Pirghibi. "By rebuilding underfunded facilities with durable rubber mats and flooring for gyms, we're helping high schools establish lasting sports programs."

In conjunction with RISE UP, Rubber-Cal hopes to teach high school athletes the importance of quality fitness equipment, in addition to good physical training.

"Because rubber is naturally elastic, our gym flooring absorbs shock and protects young joints from injury," adds Jackie Washington. "The same can be said for equipment used in high school sports facilities. Rubber flooring protects expensive equipment by absorbing shock and vibration. Otherwise, heavy fitness machinery may be damaged by constant contact with hard, unforgiving floors."

ESPN is devoted to getting young, aspiring athletes on the right track. RISE UP doesn't stop at renovating the schools' athletic equipment and facilities -- the show will also offer training and mentorship to student athletes to prevent injuries and maximize athletic potential.

When the show airs in September, rubber flooring will lay foundations for success in four high school sports programs. By donating its products, Rubber-Cal hopes to inspire high school athletic programs to focus on the important things: providing student athletes with fun, safe, and durable environments in which to grow and challenge themselves through sports.

About Rubber-Cal

Rubber-Cal is a fast-growing rubber firm supplying the United States with durable rubber flooring, sheet rubber, flexible ducting, and eco-friendly doormats. The firm's active brands include RubberCal.com, Ducting.com, Floor Mat Company.com, and Coir Mat.com.