New athletic logo to distinguish Case from other schools
by Matt Cannan
For anyone who has walked into the Veale Center in the last two weeks, you've likely noticed that the Case Spartans are sporting a brand-new logo. Although unrelated, the move follows the lead of fellow University Athletic Association schools Washington University in St. Louis and Emory University, who also recently unveiled new athletic logos.
The change comes as a great relief to many of the athletes and coaches throughout the athletic department, who had grown tired of seeing the former Spartan head displayed on letterhead, T-shirts, and uniforms almost haphazardly in varying directions and fonts. Further, the new design completely eliminates the similarities that the former logo held with Michigan State's athletic logo. The new logo is a made of three elements: the mascot, the wordmark “Spartans,” and the university name.
Although the department has grumbled about the logo for years, the first substantive action was not taken until 15 months ago when Sports Information Director Craig Jantz approached newly appointed Athletics Director Dave Diles.
“Prior to speaking with Dave [Diles], Michigan State had expressed to me some interest in regards to the similarity between our logo and theirs,” said Jantz. “I went to Dave because I thought it would be a worthwhile, value-adding initiative for the department to take.”
Once Diles had received a consensus agreement from the department that a new logo was needed, he was ready to jump into action.
“After talking with the coaches and players, it was clear that we needed a design that is unique, distinctive, and clearly our own,” said Diles.
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Further, due to its overwhelming approval, the logo will begin appearing on select athletic merchandise in the university bookstore.
In addition to the logo itself, the coaches and the university printing contractors were given a 12-page handbook detailing design elements of approved colors, placements, and uses for the Spartan logo.
“Our objective with the new logo and usage booklet is to have a mark that over time builds equity within the department and distinguishes our athletics programs from those of any other university,” Diles said. “With the new logo I think we have accomplished that goal.”
Source:
Observer
