FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 2, 2007

Missouri Southern unveils new athletic logos

Joplin, Mo.   The Missouri Southern Athletics Department has announced a facelift.  For the first time since the Lions began playing sports at the NCAA level, Southern has a new logo package.

 We simply felt the time had come for a new look and a new identity,  said Athletics Director Sallie Beard.   Our identity as a department had become a bit fragmented.  Some coaches used the old logo and some didn t.  Some had even come up with alternative logos.  What we ultimately want is for our coaches and players to wear a unified logo that identifies them as Missouri Southern Lions.  We know that this type of branding takes time, but we think we now have the logo that will allow us to achieve these goals. 

The announcement capped off a process that has taken nearly two years. 
Local graphic artist A.J. Wood painted a roaring lion that was the inspiration for this logo.  Wood then converted his original painting to a digitized version that could be used as a logo.  Several focus group sessions were conducted to gather feedback, and some adjustments were made to Wood s design.  A final version was decided upon and presented to University President, Dr. Julio Leon for approval. 

 Our initial focus group really gave us great direction,  Beard said .   They let us know that there was a desire for a new look, and that the new logo needed intensity, pride, and just a more athletic overall look.  From there, the gathering of opinions on our various early versions was very interesting.  It s amazing to see the difference in what one person sees in a logo versus what another person might perceive.  The process was a real eye-opener. 

The new logo will be highlighted in several ways.  The football team will sport a radically different helmet in 2007 which will make use of the new lion head.  The basketball floor has been repainted.  Interviews will be conducted in front of a new media backdrop, and all newly-ordered gear will feature some version of the new logo.

 We think this logo is one that our athletes and fans will wear with great pride,  Beard said .   One thing is for certain.  When you wear this logo, you are a Lion.