Cougs unveil new uniforms, branding, colors

Athletes model football uniforms at Davenport unveiling. Above l-r are Jared Karstetter, Coach Paul
Wulff, Jeff Tuel and Tyree Toomer. Photo by WSU Athletics. 

Click here to see photo gallery of new
uniforms
.

SPOKANE, Wash. – Washington State University Director of Athletics Bill Moos introduced a departmentwide brand and identity program at a formal public unveiling and fashion show Monday, April 11, at the Davenport Hotel.

 
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 WSU and its student-athletes, most notably on team uniforms.
 
Long-time priority
WSU football teams trailer, used to transport equipment
to away games. Photo by Tim Marsh, WSU News Center

“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.”
 
New crimson and gray colors
The unveiling featured student-athletes from football, men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball and baseball modeling the new uniforms. The designs 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 was also presented that provides guidelines for the appropriate use of logos.
 
In addition to ensuring consistency, Cougar student-athletes will benefit from the continued innovation and unique performance advantages that the partnerships with Nike will deliver.
 
Moos’ motto
“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 WSU 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.