Spring Break
Oregon State athletics happy as new identity sinks in
Rebranding of OSU as OS has helped eliminate confusion with Ohio State, Oklahoma State, even rivals U of O
Tori Hill
Issue date: 4/2/09 Section: Sports
How many ways can one identify Oregon State? There is the Beaver, OSU, Oregon State and now the new and unique OS logo.
Oregon State athletics have been represented as a whole by the OS logo for two years now, and just as the new logo was intended to, it has created a distinct identity with which Oregon State is no longer confused with other universities nationwide.
In 2005, both the women's softball team and the men's baseball team were competing nationally at the College World Series. At that time, Oregon State athletics decided that there needed to be a change in logo - a logo that would, without a question, represent the Beavers nationally.
"In 2005, we had both the softball team and the baseball team in their own respective College World Series and that was right before we rolled this [OS Logo] out," said Matt Arend, Associate Athletic Director. "It was pretty obvious that, although they were the same team, they looked completely different."
Throughout the years, Oregon State has been confused with other universities such as Ohio State, Oklahoma State and in some cases University of Oregon. The Ducks have branded the "O," and the block O is very distinctive to Ohio State. Then of course, the logo "OSU" is recognized by Oklahoma State, which also embodies the same orange and black school colors.
"We've done a very good job since we've rolled out the OS identity program of creating one look for all our sports teams," Arend said. "They look different than the other OSUs and different from the other OSU that is black and orange."
The initial reason for the change was to allow for fans, students and Oregon State athletes to identify with one another as being a part of the same university. What has resulted is much more than that. The consistent representation of Oregon State has allowed for recognition at all levels, in many different athletics.
"When you have a football team that beats No. 1 USC, you want people to know who you are," said Beau Walker, student and fan.
Oregon State athletics have been represented as a whole by the OS logo for two years now, and just as the new logo was intended to, it has created a distinct identity with which Oregon State is no longer confused with other universities nationwide.
In 2005, both the women's softball team and the men's baseball team were competing nationally at the College World Series. At that time, Oregon State athletics decided that there needed to be a change in logo - a logo that would, without a question, represent the Beavers nationally.
"In 2005, we had both the softball team and the baseball team in their own respective College World Series and that was right before we rolled this [OS Logo] out," said Matt Arend, Associate Athletic Director. "It was pretty obvious that, although they were the same team, they looked completely different."
Throughout the years, Oregon State has been confused with other universities such as Ohio State, Oklahoma State and in some cases University of Oregon. The Ducks have branded the "O," and the block O is very distinctive to Ohio State. Then of course, the logo "OSU" is recognized by Oklahoma State, which also embodies the same orange and black school colors.
"We've done a very good job since we've rolled out the OS identity program of creating one look for all our sports teams," Arend said. "They look different than the other OSUs and different from the other OSU that is black and orange."
The initial reason for the change was to allow for fans, students and Oregon State athletes to identify with one another as being a part of the same university. What has resulted is much more than that. The consistent representation of Oregon State has allowed for recognition at all levels, in many different athletics.
"When you have a football team that beats No. 1 USC, you want people to know who you are," said Beau Walker, student and fan.
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