PULLMAN, Wash. A consistent look for Cougar Athletics has been a focus for Bill Moos since he became Washington State University director of athletics in March 2010. He will introduce a department-wide brand and identity program at 7 p.m. Monday, April 11, at the Davenport Hotel in Spokane. 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 athletics, 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,” he said. “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 said. “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 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 the uniforms. A brand and identity standards manual will be presented that provides guidelines for the appropriate use of logos.
In addition to providing Cougar teams with a consistent appearance, the partnership with Nike will benefit Cougar student-athletes through continued innovation in performance advantages.
“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 athletics is a result of a year-long collaborative effort between the department and Nike that included consultation with athletic administrators, coaches and student-athletes. Representatives from the department and Nike will be at the event to provide additional information about the scope and benefits of the brand and identity program.