HOUSTON – Smart Financial Credit Union is positioning itself as one of the University of Houston's biggest fans as evidenced during a recent football game against East Carolina University. As the official game sponsor, Smart Financial played host to a pre-game tailgating function Prior to kickoff, Jason Deitz, vice president of marketing, was presented with the official game ball in recognition of the credit union's support for the Cougar Athletic Program. "College athletics offers a great atmosphere and we have a lot of fun bringing clients and employees of the companies we work with to games," said Deitz. "They see that we're involved as a sponsor, that we're supporting the community, and they always have a great time." Smart Financial has been a sponsor of the University of Houston Athletic Program for the past two years. After signing its original contract with ISP Sports, the exclusive rights-holder to UH Athletics, in October 2002, the credit union has reached a multi-year partnership with UH sports that includes game sponsorships in football, basketball, and baseball, signage in campus athletic facilities and radio advertising.