Here comes the new WSU

On Monday, WSU will reveal it’s new “brand identity” to the world at a press conference in Spokane.

Is anyone else a bit nervous?

First of all, I can’t tell you how happy I am to hear that the school will finally lock in a true color of crimson so we won’t be seeing red, scarlet and everything in between on the players and the fans.

What worries me is this:

Granted, when Oregon started on this path, they didn’t really have a decent logo or any sort of presentable identity short of an angry Donald Duck, but I still fear the possibility of going overboard.

Let’s hope the foundation of the WSU Cougar head logo will keep Nike from losing control of their common sense.

Here’s the release from the school regarding the changes:

PULLMAN, Wash. – Washington State University Director of Athletics Bill Moos will introduce a department-wide brand and identity program Monday, April 11 at 7 p.m. at the Davenport Hotel in Spokane, Wash.

Since becoming athletic director in March, 2010, Moos has been focused on a consistent look for Cougar Athletics. Upon his hiring, and dating back to his days as a WSU student-athlete and later an associate athletic director, Moos has seen multiple colors, fonts and styles used to brand Washington State and its student-athletes, most notably on team uniforms.

“One of my priorities when I became athletic director was to have a recognizable look across our department and athletic programs,” said Moos. “We have what I and many believe to be the best logo in college athletics, yet we have not had the consistent look on our apparel or throughout our facilities that allows instant recognition for that brand.

“From the outset of our discussions with Nike I challenged them to be innovative, unique and to align the look of Cougar Athletics with the premier programs in America,” Moos continued. “After seeing the final product, I believe they delivered on all counts.”

During the unveiling, student-athletes from football, men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball and baseball will model new uniforms for the 2011-12 year. The uniforms will incorporate new crimson and gray colors along with new lettering and numerals that will be identical across each uniform. A brand and identity standards manual also will be presented that provides guidelines for the appropriate use of logos.

In addition to providing Cougar teams with a consistent appearance, Cougar student-athletes will benefit from the continued innovation and unique performance advantages that the partnerships with Nike will deliver.

“I believe our new look is consistent with my theme for Cougar Athletics, which is, honor the past, live the present, create the future.” said Moos. “We live by that motto and I believe this brand and identity effort with Nike will make Cougars of all generations extremely proud.”

The brand and identity program for Washington State Athletics is a result of a year-long collaborative effort between the Athletics Department and Nike that included consultation with athletic administrators, coaches and student-athletes. Representatives from the Athletics Department and Nike will be present at this event to provide additional information about the scope and benefits of the brand and identity program.

Go Cougs!