Top Ten NCAA Football Logos (BCS conference edition)
“No more pencils
No more books
No more teachers
Dirty looks
…school’s out for the summer!”
The words of Alice Cooper once had merit as I turned in that last final of the spring semester and proceeded to break my number 2 pencil on the way out the door. Freedom was realized and the summer months flew by as the fall semester arrived far too quickly.
These days, the months of June, July, and August drag on with nearly no end in site. As I long for the upcoming college football season to arrive, I’m left counting the days until I’ll get my fix from EA Sports’ NCAA ‘09 on July 15th. For the next week, however, I’ll occupy myself with a common college athletic message board topic…logos!
One month ago, I released my ranking of the top 10 NCAA football logos (non-BCS conference affiliated edition). It may be a lengthy title, but after having been corrected by several readers, clarification was in order. The time has come for me to reveal my ranking of the more financially established universities. Again, the logos were graded on a 5 point scale in three categories (any ties were broken by personal preference):
- Cleanliness / Drawability - This category is based on two important purposes of a collegiate logo. A logo should be clean enough to make an attractive car decal or adorn an alum’s golf bag. Additionally, with many Fridays of my youth spent attempting to draw logos to represent the next day’s upcoming NCAA football matchups on the wide-ruled notebook paper in my Trapper Keeper binder, I learned the value of a logo’s simplicity which I’ve termed “Drawability”.
- Creativity - This category is basically created to award logos which are more than a combination of the school’s acronym. I recognize that there’s value in a letter-based logo, but for the purpose of my ranking, I wanted to reward artistic creativity.
- Recognition Value - Probably the most important aspect of a logo is it’s ability to be recognized as representing that specific University. While my perspective on this category will differ from someone in another part of the country, I tried to assess the logo’s value nationally as best I could.
*A 2-point bonus was awarded for logos used on a school’s helmet.
Let’s begin…
Honorable Mention:
These logos received consideration but were unable to crack the top ten.
10. South Florida Bulls - Big East Conference
Overall, the Bulls’ logo may be my favorite of the bunch. It’s the perfect combination of a bull and a “U”…two of the logos to come. It’s clean. It’s simple. It’s brilliant! With the established history of the other logos on the list however, I couldn’t justify a higher ranking.
9. Pennsylvania State Nittany Lions - Big Ten Conference
I can’t tell you how hard it was to drop this logo to number 9. My fear of disappointing Joe Pa nearly influenced my assessment here but I felt I had to be true to the system. So, while I’ve always loved their white helmets with the single navy stripe, my ranking places a premium on the free logo advertising that a helmet can provide causing Penn State to settle in at #9.
8. Michigan State Spartans - Big Ten Conference
The second representative of the Big Ten, the Spartans nickname includes a lot of pressure to graphically depict the Peloponnesian War participants with strength and honor . An artistic representation of the famous helmet and plume combination does just that. Unfortunately, because recent years have demonstrated indecision regarding what to put on the side of the helmet (sometimes going with the simple “S”), I was only able to award one point for the helmet bonus.
7. Kansas State Wildcats - Big Twelve Conference
There’s a lot that can be said about the K-State athletic program. You may choose to refer to them as Beasley State or Juco-U, but regardless of what you call them, they have a great logo. Let’s be honest, it’s hard to work with a primary color of purple and the Wildcat nickname isn’t exactly original, but their logo is both masculine and unique.
6. Iowa Hawkeyes - Big Ten Conference
From childhood, I was intrigued by the Hawkeyes’ logo assuming it was a pirate’s parrot instead, but Iowa’s logo stands the test of time. Representing one of the state’s nicknames, the Hawkeye (much like the Kansas State logo) is relatively simple but still distinctive.
5. Louisville Cardinals - Big East Conference
This logo screams “up and coming program” and is the perfect blend of modern direction and classic simplicity. Additionally, the combination of their move from Conference USA to the Big East and Louisville’s apparent agreement to alternate Thursday night games with Va Tech has made the red-feathered bird recognizable throughout the nation.
4. Miami (FL) Hurricanes - Atlantic Coast Conference
In the athletic community, the University of Miami has long been referred to as “the U” for one reason…their logo. There is no incorporation of a nickname or designation of the institution’s location but their gridiron success has made this orange and green symbol much more than just the 21st letter of the alphabet.
3. Texas Longhorns - Big Twelve Conference
This graphic representation of their mascot Bevo is a classic. Not only is the logo one of the most easily recognized in the country, but the accompanying hand gesture blows the others out of the water. It’s simple enough for an elementary schooler to draw but it’s creative as well.
2.Colorado Buffaloes - Big Twelve Conference
While the logo doesn’t have the history that many others on this list possess, the Buff’s success in the early 90’s meant I was forced to take notice of this logo. This one includes both the mascot and and the acronym and the strength of the bison represents football well.
1. Washington State Cougars - Pacific Ten Conference
The Cougars’ logo incorporates everything I value in a logo.
- It’s clean and fairly simple.
- It represents their mascot
- It incorporates the school’s acronym
Some may think it’s too tricked up but even if “WSU” weren’t hidden within the design, the cougar alone would make the top 10. The school’s letters are an added bonus.
Disagree with my ranking? Let me know. Vote for your favorite and make your case known in the comments.
Check back for my overall NCAA logo rankings which will include those schools not affiliated with a BCS conference.
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July 10th, 2008 at 9:32 am
Unbelievable….Its pretty hard for me to imagine that A&M does not make the list. Do you realize the amount of pub this posting would receive if A&M cracked the top ten.
July 10th, 2008 at 9:38 am
First, I’d like to know how Arizona St recieved some consideration. I’ve always made fun of their “sun devil.”
Second, shouldn’t part of your critera be “would the average wife or non-sports fan know what school that represents?” My wife would in fact probably only know two of your top ten (Texas and maybe Colorado). Although my wife is probably below average on the topic of college logos. If that were part of the critera though I would think UNC should get some love.
July 10th, 2008 at 9:59 am
Is it ok for me to write off your entire ranking due to the fact that Colorado is on that list? Seriously? Maybe I wouldn’t care if they came in as honorable mention, or maybe even number 10…but 4? Bogus.
July 10th, 2008 at 10:03 am
i feel like there should be at least one representative from the SEC.. but i don’t actually know who it would be, so maybe you’re right.
and the idea of the louisville cardinal on that list sickens me. what bird do you know that has teeth? sick.
July 10th, 2008 at 12:36 pm
As an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan, of course I’m biased towards the Iowa logo. That said, it really is a clean crisp logo that actually the UI has trade marked because so many schools were copying their logo.
July 10th, 2008 at 1:10 pm
The reason the SEC wasn’t represented was that the best logo of the conference (florida) is very complex and not found on their helmet.
Tell me why colorado is so bogus?
For the most part, i left off schools with simple letters as their logo. the list would’ve looked COMPLETELY different if i were basing it solely on recognition value.
July 10th, 2008 at 1:40 pm
While WSU’s logo is a cunning combination of creativity and crafty cat camoflauge I have to say that there is a certain “je ne sais quio” to a logo that has the depth of tradition to avoid conspicuous display on the side of a man’s head but yet can elegantly adorn the side of a lunch box! http://us.st12.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/elitedeals_2006_1682167563
July 10th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
The WSU logo should get at least another recognition mark, because their (logo) flag has been seen on ESPN Football CollegeGameday shows continutally since 2003.
.
July 10th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
Colorado’s place on this list is bogus:
A) because it is number 2
B) because it is not creative in the least
C) the “strong” looking buffalo looks like it just jumped out of a mario game
D) number 2?!?!
E) 4 points for creativity? A buffalo and a CU?
F) Sure its recognizable, it spells out exactly what school is being represented
need more?
July 10th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
WSU’s logo is hands down the best one in the nation. You know why. One: First and formost it was not thought up by some think tank or design team. It was desinged many years ago by a student who acutally just passed away recently. He gave the rights to WSU, and never once asked for any monitary gain fron it. The same artist evolved the logo when Washington State College became Washington State University. Two: Unlike a Paw, a Gator, a set of Horns, the Miami U, a Cardinal, a Spartan Helmet, the Wildcat Symbol, and the Hawkeye. WSU’s logo is unique only to our school, with the WSU intertwined in the Cougar Head. It is a symbol than can only mean one thing and would look rediculous if it was placed anywhere else. I bet in a matter of 10 minutes on the intranet I could find a HS using each one of these other logos. Heck I can think of one right of the bat, Union HS in Tusla and I am not even fron there. Check it out sometime a red and black Miami U.
July 10th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
i think everyone is in agreement that the Miami U is by far the dumbest college logo of all time… well, everyone except jonathan.
July 10th, 2008 at 9:21 pm
The WSU logo was designed in 1936 by a student Randall Johnson. He is now gone but the Coug Logo lives on.Go Cougs!
July 11th, 2008 at 12:32 am
Arizona States logo is stupid.
July 11th, 2008 at 6:03 am
I gagree with Jonathan in the greatest of “the U.”
July 11th, 2008 at 9:56 am
From a pure design standpoint, the Cougar logo is a very bad design. It is quite awkward to use (I know as I use it all the time). From a equity standpoint it has a lot of equity (originally created in 1936). From a recognition standpoint it does have lots of recognition especially regionally. But equity and recognition does not make a logo well designed.
July 11th, 2008 at 9:57 am
Sorry, WSU’s logo looks like it belongs on an Arena Football 2 helmet.
The fact that it’s creative doesn’t detract from the fact that it’s ugly and too abstract.
July 11th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
Go Cougs! Kevin was right on. The Coug head is not only recognizable and creative, but uniquely meaningful to WSU fans. Unlike a simple set of letters or outline of an animal’s head used by little league teams around the country; the WSU logo has one meaning world-wide. And “dude” from a design standpoint, trust me, any student from WSU can replicate the coug head in second flat. As a former designer with the proper license and rights to replicate the design, I can tell you it looks fantastic on anything.
July 11th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
Is South Florida a “drinking” college? The logo has an upside down bottle through the head of the bull. Definitely a logo to be proud of…
July 14th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
Colorado? WSU? Come on!
All I can say is quote JFK, our 35th President: “Why does Rice play Texas?” John F. Kennedy, September 12, 1962
July 15th, 2008 at 10:44 am
The WSU logo has a unique combination of characteristics. AFAIK it’s the only D-1 logo in the US that combines the mascot and the school’s complete acronym into a single graphic. And anywhere you go in the world, if you see that logo, you’ll probably hear someone yell “Go, Cougs!” immediately afterward.
That said, I’ve never seen any particular merit in the Colorado Buffalo logo. It’s just an animal with letters pasted on it. I think Texas A&M’s iconic ATM belongs on the list rather than the CU logo.
July 15th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
As a WSU Grad, I am obviously biased and quite proud of the COUG head. That said, anyone who didn’t go to WSU will obviously think that thier logo is the best.
I would also point out that Miami’s logo does indeed incorporate their mascot, the Hurricane’s, as the 2 sides of the U form the “cone” of a hurricane, which is why they don’t touch at the bottom. Certainly can be missed though, much like many either see the WSU or the Cougar Head, but not both (or for that matter, most don’t see the arrow in the FEDEX logo).
Finally, there is a school in Texas (Abilene Cooper) that does use the COUG head as a logo, or did for awhile. It happens . . .
July 15th, 2008 at 6:57 pm
You couged it on this one, not familiar with the term, here in Washington state it means you screwed up. I’m sure all WSU alumni are very familiar with it. It should be noted they only use that logo half of the time,( I think for away games) the other half they just have cougs written on their helmet. Awful choice for number one, go DAWGS.
July 15th, 2008 at 7:52 pm
Go Cougs!!
July 15th, 2008 at 9:21 pm
First off, Chris; you can s the d. Its hard times for you, loosing how many straight games to us? Why dont you go hug your tree and eat a granola bar.
Second, “DUDE”; your a douche bag. Design standpoint? really?
Third, This is a horrible list. WSU is clearly #1, but where is ASU? UNC? Boise St? And i think were all in consenses, get Colorado out of there. And Penn St!
Fourth, GO COUGS!!
July 16th, 2008 at 12:08 am
The Coug Head is near to all Cougs hearts. How many other schools logo was designed by a student not a marketing firm. The guy that made it saw almost no cash if any at all. I have a friend that went on safari in Africa with his Wazzu hat on and was riding through a village and some 10 year old kid gave a CO COUGS!
I wake up evry day and thank God I am not a dawg.
July 16th, 2008 at 1:31 am
T dub, when you win a national championship let me know, wait first you should try to win a Rose bowl. Wow you have won three in a row against UW, doubt you can get the seven in a row we got. Why don’t you go to the coug and do what all cougs do best, pass out.
July 16th, 2008 at 9:24 am
Chris,
I think you should also mention that the basketball team has beat your dawgs 7, thats right folks, 7 striaght times now. The Coug Logo is one to be very proud of. And by the way…..you probably already know but your Dawgs bite and bark and our Cougs hunt and kill.
July 16th, 2008 at 11:32 am
I am a UW student of 4 years and the funny thing is that I know the WSU fight song….
Fight, fight, fight for Washington State!
Win the victory.
Win the day for Crimson and Gray!
Best in the West, we know you’ll all do your best,
So, on, on, on, on! Fight to the end!
Honor and glory you must win!
So, fight, fight, fight for Washington State and victory!
but I have no idea what our’s is. I like UW bu it just seems that when it comes to the atmosphere we really have nothing on WSU…. I mean every school competition in the last 5 years against them we have lost. I have seen the Coug flag raised on the space needle more times than our own flag and Seattle is our HOME TOWN. 2 years ago some WSU student wrote something on our online forum on our own website and a UW alumni, who thought he was all big and bad decided to speak for the Dawgs and challenge the Cougs to a pride contest. Well…. on our own website the Cougs beat us by 74% (the contest was set up on the UW website and alumni from both schools had to vote).
We pretty suck compared to these kids… so Chris… stop embarrassing us and don’t wake this sleeping Giant.
GO DAWGS
July 16th, 2008 at 11:35 am
The WSU Coug logo is brilliant, both in design and branding. It is an obvious choice at first place.
I am certain the post was about logos, not team records.
Which is good news for the floundering Huskies. I hope Jake Locker can make a difference and save Willingham’s job.
July 16th, 2008 at 11:45 am
Jake I was not arguing about records. I believed that was irrelevant to the discussion. No one can actually propose the idea that a better logo makes for a better team. I was simply stating a correlating matter. The fact being that a logo encompasses the spirit of the school and what is a better measure of spirit than student pride. Nate from WSU can speak about this matter… he is an old buddy of mine from the SW who speaks constantly about student life at WSU.
July 16th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
…. WSU uses the logo on their helmets when they do play away… check this pic out…. http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/ABPub/2007/11/09/2003948233.jpg
July 16th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
Nice call Chris Rotter - wrong and completely uninformed - typical Dawg.
“It should be noted they only use that logo half of the time,( I think for away games) the other half they just have cougs written on their helmet.”
I can understand why you might be confused. We wore “COUGARS” on the helment when we beat the Dawgs on their home field last fall.
July 16th, 2008 at 2:43 pm
Go Cougs!
July 16th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
Go Cougs!!!! Just one more thing that leaves the fuskies in the dust
July 16th, 2008 at 5:10 pm
Go Cougs!
July 17th, 2008 at 12:14 am
Ballard coug check your info, the first major decision made by your new coach was to use WSU logo and the cougars logo depending on home or away, they will only use the WSU logo with the crimson helmet for special occasions, thanks for playing.
July 17th, 2008 at 12:17 am
As a WSU grad I’m delighted to see our Cougar logo rated so highly. The incorporation of the school acronym into the logo has a double history. Prior to 1959 the school was Washington State College. The original 1936 WSC logo, made official in 1937, was based on those school letters. The vestige of the original WSC is still present the base of the cougar’s eye. When the school was “upgraded” to a university, the C was pushed up to merge with the S and the jaw separated to make the U. This actually made for a better logo (more properly called a “herald).
July 17th, 2008 at 10:32 am
As a Coug living in Texas, I will agree that the Cougs head logo is truly unique and will inspire a “Go Cougs” response no matter where you are(even in the Munich airport.)
It’s also cool to hear an outsider (UWSUCKA2004)mention and recognize the school spirit. I actually started out at the UW, transferred to WSU, went back to UW, and finally graduated from WSU….there is definately something about the isolation of the Palouse the cold of winter and the college town of Pullman that pulls people together - typically as underdogs - that stays with you. The logo is our representation of that feeling - and we’re proud and happy to be recognized.
That said, shouldn’t the Wolverines “logo” at least have honorable mention status? And while there only letters, certainly A&M and UCLA pass the instant recognition and cleanliness test.
July 17th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
It is amazing to see a “Best Logo” contest become a WSU VS UW contest! It is amazing because the Dawg logo is not ranked and it’s also the symbol of my daughters middle school. Now you know why the UW logo is such a joke. I feel the Iowa Hawkeye should have been #2 or possibly #1. Am I the only one who sees the I in the middle of the Hawkeye utilizing the “eye” of the bird? That’s cool! However, I am a Coug and must vote WSU logo #1. Also, has anyone ever seen a UW flag on ESPN? I haven’t. Hey “Dude”, only someone with no imagination and creativity would say the WSU logo is “awkward to use”! What school did you go to the University of McDonald’s? Let’s not forget that the WSU mascot with the WSU logo one the best mascot championship not once but back to back. UW never did that either!! One last thing, UCLA does not have a logo. Letter only do not count!
P.S. Nice fight song UCLA. It goes like this: U.C.L.A. Fight Fight Fight. My 10 year old can come with something better!
July 17th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
It is amazing to see a “Best Logo” contest become a WSU VS UW contest! It is amazing because the Dawg logo is not ranked and it’s also the symbol of my daughters middle school. Now you know why the UW logo is such a joke. I feel the Iowa Hawkeye should have been #2 or possibly #1. Am I the only one who sees the I in the middle of the Hawkeye utilizing the “eye” of the bird? That’s cool! However, I am a Coug and must vote WSU logo #1. Also, has anyone ever seen a UW flag on ESPN? I haven’t. Hey “Dude”, only someone with no imagination and creativity would say the WSU logo is “awkward to use”! What school did you go to the University of McDonald’s? Let’s not forget that the WSU mascot with the WSU logo won the best mascot championship not once but back to back. UW never did that either!! One last thing, UCLA does not have a logo. Letters only do not count!
P.S. Nice fight song UCLA. It goes like this: U.C.L.A. Fight Fight Fight. My 10 year old can come with something better!
July 17th, 2008 at 12:30 pm
I have to apologize to the UCLA alumni. When using the scale to determine the best logo, UCLA should be number 1.
Here’s why:
Cleanliness/draw ability: 5 stars - Hey, my 3 year old can draw a U, C, L and an A.
Creativity: It’s UCLA. 5 stars: This is the top of their ability to be creative
Recognition Value: 5 starts: If you can read, you know what it means: University of Children living Alone.
Helmet Bonus: 10+! Powder blue with yellow. Yummy!!
GO COUG’S
July 17th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
It’s nice to see our tradition recognized…and even if it wasn’t we will still honor it as one of the best. Once a coug always a coug.
July 17th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
WSU’s logo is an excellent choice for top NCAA logo! It has it all: design, simplicity, originality, and serious recognition value. Randall Johnson, the designer and Wazzu alumnus sold his design to then Washington State College for a token dollar. Best deal the University ever made.
Want to understand Cougar Pride? Watch Tom Hanks’ movie “Volunteers” sometime. UW2004SUCKA gets it — thanks for the props.
You’ll have no trouble recognizing us on GameDay. Go Cougs!
July 17th, 2008 at 10:14 pm
WSU is one of two school logos i have always been able to recognize. The other one was BYU, but that was because of my entire family attending BYU
July 18th, 2008 at 12:27 am
Thoroughly enjoyed reading all the blog lines. The Wazzu Logo was, is and will be the best of the best. I was in Rhonda Spain, April 2008, Cougar logo cap on, Go Cougs shouted out not once but twice. The story of the logo is the real deal–and a documentary was or is being made about the student, the man and the legend. For the real story regarding the origin of “Huck the Fuskies” take a nostalgia trip to memory lane Joe Albi Stadium Spokane WSU vs. UW November 1967 and my special thanks to then Governor Daniel J. Evans, a Fuskie, for being such a sore looser!
Go Cougs!
July 18th, 2008 at 10:24 am
The best part about this whole thing… Say what you will people, we struggle at times to win on the palouse, but we don’t care. While UW’s pride centers on winning football games, once a Coug, always a PROUD Coug, regardless of the record. And we got the right guys in the right place now. Coach Tony is the stud of the PAC 10. Paul will get us back to where we need to be. I saw a study a few year back that WSU Alumni give back at a higher percentage rate than any other school in the nation. “How do you like them apples?”
July 18th, 2008 at 11:46 am
Stories like CougDude’s in Spain are not uncommon. I’ve received a “Go Cougs!” in Italy. I once saw a Cougar sweatshirt across a busy boulevard in Vladivostok, Russia. I shouted “Go Cougs!” but traffic was too loud for the person to hear me.
WAZZUSIGEP is right: Once a Coug, Always a Coug. It is true that our alumni do give back to the university on a higher per capita basis than any other group of alumni. In our competition with UW to donate money to Katrina victims the Space Needle was painted crimson, not purple. Our flag flies at every single ESPN GameDay no matter where in the country it is (and keep in mind, they don’t announce the location until a few days prior). It’s pride in the greatest college experience around — and we’ve got a logo that lives up to it!
July 18th, 2008 at 12:43 pm
I love #6 the Hawkeyes
July 18th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
Go Cougs!!!
July 18th, 2008 at 5:55 pm
Hey chris rotter. get your facts right. WSU has won a rose bowl, in fact we went and won it before you guys did.
July 19th, 2008 at 2:00 am
I’m a huge Husky fan and even I must admit that the Washington State logo is…*hangs head*…pretty awesome.
July 19th, 2008 at 6:09 am
Coug Pride!!!
I am glad to be a part of the longstanding Washington State tradition. I can’t imagine being anywhere else but in Pullman with my fellow Cougars.
GO COUGS
July 19th, 2008 at 7:46 am
I am a Cougar, as is my brother, aunt, uncle, father, and mother. A few of the aforementioned are professors at different colleges. What needs to be said is that there really never has been any understanding by UW alumni about the WSU bond, because most of UW grads are primarily from the greater Seattle area. Cougars all have a common bond in that we enjoyed all of our college years in a COLLEGE TOWN. We all decided to go to a place where we could really enjoy genuine college life and learn what comraderie really means in the first person. I’m sorry to say to you University of Washington graduates, but you never had the chance to experience that. I have several friends that have graduated from UW, but I can tell you, they do not posess any type of spirit for UW athletics whatsoever. However, EVERY SINGLE ONE of my friends from WSU is damn near crazy about our football and basketball. Only 23% of your student population attends 1 football game a year. Compare that to a staggering 48% at WSU. Hey, and good work with Romar! He’s super sweet! Way to waste talent! I know this is horrible…but the only thing Husky about the UW is their women! That’s wrong…sorry…but kinda true?
July 19th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
Going THru Paris Airport security last February wearingt my Coug cap. Three “go Cougs” in ten minutes. They love Coug Basketball.
July 25th, 2008 at 4:00 am
Had a friend who served in the 2nd Iraq war saw an Iraqi boy that was wearing a shirt with the WAZUU logo on it. The logo has international appeal. Also, remember to watch for 2 Cougar student atheletes at the summer Olympics in Beijing: underclassman Diana Pickler in the Heptathlon and alumnus Bernard Lagat from Kenya; frontrunner in both the 1500m and 5000m. Go Cougs! … for the Gold.
July 29th, 2008 at 11:08 pm
Best thing about being a Coug is having pride in our school and friendships that survive the test of time. I have been out of college for 30 years but yet I still make it back to almost every football game and my closest friends are still those that I met at WSU. Once a Coug always a Coug.
July 29th, 2008 at 11:18 pm
I have to agree that our logo is one of the most unique logos around. And obviously a lot of pride: just look at the votes! The story behind its creation is cool… and it’s true, Randall Johnson created it as a student & never received financial gain for it.
I don’t even give my worn-out Cougar clothes to Goodwill because I don’t want that precious logo to fall into the wrong hands.
Other teams’ fans can talk smack about our athletic records in an attempt to downplay the significance of our logo. But true Cougs love that logo not because of any win-loss record but because we love our SCHOOL, love the Palouse, and love the memories of our alma mater.
July 30th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
The WSU Logo is the best ever!
I have married a wonderful man 39 years ago, a WSU Cougar & Dad of the Year 2006. We had the great pleasure of raising our four sons, who are also WSU Cougars. We have two daughters-in-law, one who is a WSU Cougar and one who is an Honorary Cougar, such as I. Even though I am “just” an Honorary Cougar…..I finally, appreciate the famous saying at WSU and around the world of , “It’s a Coug thing….you wouldn’t understand!” because……….
A few months back a friend was over and we were going through some of my clothing, including my WSU T-shirts….she said, “Toss it!” as I was holding it up.
I said, “I don’t know, I love this WSU LogoT-shirt! It is one of my favorites of the many I own!”
She said, “It has grease marks on it, for God sake, Toss it!”
So, reluctantly, I put it in the (Goodwill) pile. I fully agree with WSU92_93.
Later, after she had left….I went back to that pile and pulled it back out. Since then, I have PROUDLY worn it many times (even out in public) with the grease marks that will not come out.
This morning as I had laundered the T-shirt ‘one more time’…I was folding it and thought….”It’s a Coug thing…..and SHE just wouldn’t understand!”
Go Cougs!!!
Karen
July 30th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
GO COUGS!!!
Ryan Leaf was a prick… but GO COUGS!
July 30th, 2008 at 7:43 pm
#1 couldn’t be more correct! GO COUGS!! I know a lot of people are talking about the logo getting international recognition outside of the country, in fact, the same happened to me several times while visiting my family in Spain. I didn’t understand it at the time because I hadn’t even lived in Pullman yet. I replied back with a GO COUGS! It only seemed right. We are now 8 years after the fact, and I have graduated and moved on. One thing stays constant, my love and passion for WSU. It is hard to explain to outsiders, easy to understand for those that have been there. GO COUGS is more than a saying, more than two words, and nobody will ever take that away from us. So I join Cougar Nation by saying GO COUGS!! Butch was mascot of the year it is only fitting that our logo is #1
GO COUGS!
July 30th, 2008 at 7:59 pm
The WSU logo is the best, it is seen everywhere. We love Pullman.
GO COUGS!!!!
July 31st, 2008 at 7:22 am
Best logo for the best school
GO COUGS!!!
July 31st, 2008 at 2:45 pm
I graduated from WSU and now work there after being gone for 15 years. It is the greatest place on earth to go to school. And we are the underdog. But that is the best part. Win or Lose we are all still COUGS!! Don’t forget when the Space Needle was painted Crimson and Gray with the Cougar logo on top. Be sure to attend this years football game at Seahawk Stadium, “MY Color is CRIMSON”, August 30th!!
July 31st, 2008 at 11:22 pm
As a third generation Coug who gets to go to Mom’s Weekend to see our fourth generation son and attend all the home football games, my heart is so full of Cougar Lovin’ right now after reading all these heartfelt notes. UW2004SUCKA, you are top of the class when is comes to good sports. I’m sure that our love and pride in our school,is what keeps us wearing the logo all over the world leading to the increase in recognition. My son just got a “Go Cougs!” in Switzerland a few weeks ago. As so many of you eluded to, there are real advantages to being “stuck” in Pullman. We couldn’t go home every weekend and that deepened our connection and committment to WSU.
I lived with Randall Johnson’s daughter. and he came to Dad’s Weekend. He was a great guy. What a gift he gave to his alma mater when, after decades of use, he sold WSU the rights to the logo for a dollar.
Go Cougs!
August 1st, 2008 at 9:03 am
I have married a wonderful man, a WSU Cougarand Dad of the Year 2006. We have had the great pleasure
of raising our four sons, who are also WSU Cougars. We have two daughters-in-law, one who is a WSU Cougar and one who is an Honorary Cougar, such as I.
Even though I am “just” an Honorary Cougar…..I finally, appreciate the famous saying of “It’s a Coug thing….you wouldn’t understand!”
because……….
A few months back a friend was over and we were going through some of my clothing….she said, “Toss it!” as I was holding it up.
I said, “I don’t know, I love this shirt! It is one of my favorites!”
She said, “It has grease marks on it, for God sake, Toss it!”
So reluctantly, I put it in the (Goodwill) pile. I fully understand WSU92_93 comments about this great logo falling into the wrong hands.
Later, after she had left….I went back to that pile and pulled it back out. Since then, I have PROUDLY worn it many times (even out in public, dear friend)
with the grease marks that will not come out.
This morning as I had laundered the shirt ‘one more time’…I was folding it
and thought….”It’s a Coug thing…..and SHE just wouldn’t understand!”
Love being an Honorary Coug & a Coug MOM,
Karen
August 1st, 2008 at 9:09 am
My apologies, as I didn’t see my post from the previous day and wanted to be sure it was posted ….so in honor of the WSU logo I decided to write it again…. then I saw that it was posted previously. What the heck…..GO COUGS !!!
Karen
August 1st, 2008 at 11:43 am
This is what I love about Cougs. They are involved and informed. By reading the blogs I was reminded that the Cougs won one of the first Rose Bowls, that two WSU Cougs are in the Olympics, others believe that to be a Coug you have to be “special”, I agree, and our logo is known all other the world!
Roxanne Johnson was in my pledge class at WSU and I had the honor of meeting her father Randall Johnson. I actually told him then that I thought his logo design was the “best in the world”. I thought that then and I still believe that today!
Go Cougs!
August 1st, 2008 at 6:49 pm
I will let the ex football coach from WSU explain what it’s like to be a Cougar.
“I can’t define it; I can’t tell somebody who isn’t a Cougar what it’s like. There’s something that happens at Washington State, you quietly and subtly become infected. There are very few people I’ve ever met who have gone to WSU and not come away with a favorable impression … Washington State was a passion. Being a Cougar was a passion.”
-Jim Walden Head Football Coach 1978-86
August 1st, 2008 at 10:13 pm
Having grown up in Seattle I, like many others, can attest to the fact that dogs (as in uw) just don’t get it. WAZZU really IS something special and Cougs love it for all the right reasons. Rose Bowls come and go…but Cougs NEVER give up on their team. Likewise, we don’t need a tyee club to mandate what our teams do in the name of donating. So many of us contribute because of our fundamental belief in something bigger then ourselves. GO COUGS!
August 2nd, 2008 at 7:57 pm
I agreed with you
August 3rd, 2008 at 11:05 pm
GO COUGS!
August 4th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
If I had wanted to grow up to be an asshole, I would have gone to UW. Every Sunday at church I thank God for my family, my health, and being a Coug. I grew up in Seattle a dog fan but chose WSU over UW and it’s the best choice I ever made. As for The Coug head, it is classic, clean, and has a superior story (we love you Randall Johnson) to the dogs of UW. In fact, people should know that the dogs’ current logo was designed by Nike less that 10 years ago to replace their retarded fluffy husky perched on top of the W. This Coug would like to send out his best to all the Cougs who have posted and continue to support the best School in the PAC NW!
August 4th, 2008 at 9:00 pm
It’s great to read the emails from the Huskies who are classy enough to admit there is a difference in school spirit. In Colorado we even have a few Huskies who come to Cougar events because they enjoy the fellowship. This spirit is reflected in the love Cougs have for the logo and the story behind it - which have been cited many times in this thread. I’m stunned to see that this design blog has turned into a Cougar support thread! What else is there to say, but (you knew this was coming): GO, COUGS!
August 5th, 2008 at 3:03 pm
A few years ago when visiting Thailand, I was entering the new shopping mall in my wife’s hometown of Ayyuthaya, when much to my surprise I spotted an attractive Thai teenage girl coming the other way wearing a tee-shirt with the WSU Cougar logo! Now you have to know that in Thailand they don’t follow American sports. To them, football means only one thing - English soccer. This young lady was wearing the Cougar logo for only one reason, as a FASHION statement! And for about the billionth time in my life, I was PROUD TO BE A COUG!
August 6th, 2008 at 9:05 am
Last week I climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa. I made it up to the 19,300 ft summit for sunrise in negative 30 degree temperatures. I proceeded to shed my 9 layers down to layer 3, sporting my favorite Cougar shirt. Everyone thought I was crazy and maybe so… I am crazy about my alma mater and so proud to be a COUG.
August 6th, 2008 at 9:36 am
I remember - I think - about when WSU went to the cryptic cougar logo. I was a “redshirt” football player back in 1970 or thereabouts and went up to get a decal of the new WSU Cougar for my helmet after practice one day. Each week the helmets were painted and the logo decal replaced. But because I was on the “Scout team” - (the guys who run the opposing team’s plays against our starting offense/defense so our players are familiar with their opponent) - Coach Jim Shanley (from the Jim Sweeney days) wouldn’t give me one. He said “Denny you’re on the Scout team (aka the Sh*t Team) and you don’t get one.” I was crushed. I’d worked my butt off just like everyone else that week, I didn’t have a scholarship and a simple, crummy decal would have made my day. Oh well.
I eventually got the decal on my helmet (there’s always a way) and eventually used that helmet with the WSU logo for skydiving. One day one of my student skydivers from the smokejumper base in Twisp borrowed my helmet and the opening shock of the parachute knocked it off. I watched it fall 3000 feet the way to the ground - where it shattered in the rocks on the shore of the Methow river.
I’d kept that old style football helmet all those years and it, along with my favorite Cryptic Cougar decal were lost and gone forever!
But I’m glad to see the logo has endured all these years and is now considered one of the best in college football (and other sports). Now if the Cougars could just field a competitive team this year…
August 6th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
Go cougs
August 6th, 2008 at 9:38 pm
GOSH, DENNY BRESLIN. I TOOK A 16 MM FILM PRODUCTION COURSE AT WSU IN 1971, AND ONE OF OUR EXERCISES WAS TO FILM “A PROCESS.” I FILMED DENNY PACKING HIS PARACHUTE, (COMPLETE WITH MANY CUTAWAYS AND CLOSEUPS.) I REMEMBER FILMING HIM CAREFULLY RUNNING THE CHUTE ROPES THROUGH HIS FINGERS, LAYING OUT THE CHUTE, ETC. THE WSU LOGO HELMET…I DON’T REMEMBER THAT. I MAY FIND THAT FILM SOME DAY…..BUT PROBABLY NOT, UNLESS IT’S BURIED DEEP WITHIN MY MOM’S ATTIC SOMEWHERE. I NOMINATE DENNY TO DO A PRECISE PARACHUTE LANDING AT MARTIN STADIUM, LANDING SMACK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE COUGAR LOGO ON HOMECOMING DAY! GO COUGS!
August 7th, 2008 at 4:02 am
Hands down, the best logo in the nation. That one Husky
dude, Chris Rotter, what a LOSER….Sorry about what happened to Don James. He was the one class act UW ever had. But that was a long time ago. Get over it buddy. Your glory days are long gone. Jake Locker is good but one player does not make a great team. Willingham is a good man but he really hasn’t won consistently anywhere. And, everyone knows that Tony Bennett is the baddest of the bad-assed. He could have left but he signed long term. Because he knows the Cougs love him and he loves the Cougs. Something you Seattle F’s just wouldn’t understand. All I can say again, is get used to it. You’re going to be finishing second in a lot more than logo contests for the foreseeable future!! Peace.
August 7th, 2008 at 4:13 am
Oh, one other thing. I remember back in ‘82. The Cougs had just beaten USC in Martin Stadium for their first win against ‘SC in years. After the game, we were partying back at the apartment and I got a wild hair to call coach Walden at his house to offer congratulations. Imagine my surprise when his wife answered their home phone and was the nicest, sweetest person you could imagine! She was so happy and proud and genuinely thankful for the call. Another outstanding example of what it is to be a Coug!!
August 7th, 2008 at 6:22 pm
Growing up in a Coug household was the best! Once a COUG, always a Coug. Congrats on your selection of best logo. GO COUGS!!!!
August 12th, 2008 at 8:56 am
For Tim Mellin,
Wow, if you ever find that film - please contact me (dbreslin@mac.com). I seem to remember your filming that project. Great story.
Do you remember the WSU students getting in trouble for, and the WSU president apologizing to UW for - the “Huck the Fuskies” sign at the Apple Cup in Seattle back in the late 60’s?
Or, do you remember Wazoo student (Terry something…) who, after many beers, became increasingly upset that Stanford was beating us something like 49-0, jumped out of the stands in Spokane (Jim Plunkett was their QB, 1968) - just as Stanford’s running back headed for another touchdown and tackled him on the 2 yard line? The ref’s gave Stanford the touchdown, the cops carted him off in handcuffs, and the fans took up a collection for his bail!
I don’t think they make “good old days” like they used to anymore!
August 18th, 2008 at 4:32 pm
I feel like I walked into a WSU poop rally. Go Huskies!
August 19th, 2008 at 6:13 pm
i know this logo was rated high for drawability, but I cant draw that.
August 20th, 2008 at 7:39 pm
Go Louisville Cardinals. It’s nice to see others appreciate our beloved “Louie.”
Pay no attention to the UK fan who asked about why no SEC logos. The Cats don’t like us Cards too much. Go figure….