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Two couples buy Champion Trophies & T’s

The four new owners of Champion Trophies & T’s have big plans to expand the business to the degree that their customers can get everything they need without having to go out of town.

“We’re trying to bring the business back to Vandalia,” said Marc Waschle. “We’re not trying to be everything to everyone, but we do plan to carry a wide variety of products.”
Along with Waschle in the venture are his fiancée Tracie Dickenson, and Brian and Lisa Arenas. Between them, the two couples have eight children in Vandalia schools – so they’re up to speed with what young people want in clothing.
Included in the apparel offerings are T-shirts, coats, letter jackets, warm-ups, sweat pants, sleep pants, hats and other shirts – all available with silk screening or embroidery.
“Our main vendor can get us most anything within 24 hours,” Waschle said. “We don’t get upset by special orders.”
In addition to a large section of Vandalia gear, the new owners have added a section of apparel for other schools in the area – including Brownstown, Greenville, Mulberry Grove, Patoka, Ramsey and St. Elmo.
And on the other side of the business, they offer a full line of plaques, awards, mementoes and trophies.
“We’re looking to upgrade our equipment as we go along,” said Brian. “We want to be able to compete with anyone on quality. We’re also looking to expand our apparel for companies and businesses in the area.”
Since acquiring the company last month, the four partners have painted, cleaned and refurbished the entire facility. They’ve put a greater emphasis on the retail side of the business, and are anxious to hear from customers about what they want the store to carry.
Located in the old skating rink at 2525 Veterans Ave., the store is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. The telephone number is 283-7062.
Three of the partners are veterans, and the two men work at correctional centers (Marc at Greenville Federal Correctional Institution and Brian at Vandalia Correctional Center).

Three of the four new owners of Champion Trophies & T’s are pictured above. They are, from left, Brian Arenas, Marc Waschle and Tracie Dickenson. Missing was Waschle’s wife, Lisa. The business is located at 2525 Veterans Ave. in Vandalia.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held in late September at Champion Trophies & T’s, to acknowledge the new ownership of the business. The four partners are: Marc Waschle, Tracie Dickenson, Brian Arenas and Lisa Arenas

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