Goodbye Old Friend

Utah State University debuted their new logo Saturday afternoon to mixed reviews. Many people took to Facebook to complain about the simplistic design, some claiming they could have easily designed it themselves with Microsoft WordArt. While this may be true, the fact of the matter is the most famous, easily recognized logos in the world are also the most simple ones. Take this logo for example. 

The logo is so beautifully simple that any combination of orange and purple make people think of FedEx. The arrow formed by the negative space is just icing on the cake.

I fully understand that we as a university aren't trying to sell shipping supplies and services, but the same principles of simplicity apply to sports logos. If you don't believe me, take a look at the picture below and see which logos stick out as the most recognizable.

Nebraska? Simple as can be. Kentucky? Pretty basic. Virginia Tech? The list goes on and on. I personally like the new U-State logo. That's not to say that I don't love the old logo (see, that's the reason for the blog title) If you need more proof, just look at what I did in Minecraft.

Perhaps I am more willing than most to allow a new identity for USU to be established. If Athletic Director Scott Barnes is to be believed, Utah State will soon be saying a bittersweet (but mostly sweet) goodbye to the Western Athletic Conference for what should be slightly greener pastures in the Mountain West Conference, or as I like to call it WAC 2.0.

If you still need more reason to like the new logos, just take a gander at the new bull logo. Personally, it is everything I expected of a big blue revamp and more. The varying color schemes are brilliant, and will finally give some variety to garnish the beloved blue and white. Some might think this is a slap in the face of tradition. These are probably the same people that replied to the new logo saying "I really liked the 'A'". Well, I've got some good news for you. The A is not going anywhere. The A belongs to the school and represents pretty much everything besides athletics. As was clearly stated in the original press release, the new logo is the new identity of USU Athletics. 

Speaking of the bull logo...

I saved the best for last, but I am going to make you work for it. My favorite part of the new-look unveiling today was the uniforms. They are spectacular in their beautiful simplicity. I highly encourage you to read the article by our departing Statesman Sports Editor Tyler Huskinson and check out the new apparel for yourself via Tavin Stucki's photographs. http://www.usustatesman.com/usu-athletics-unveils-new-logo-1.2737084#.T5zjC6tYu3E

So, to all you new-logo-haters out there, take solace in the fact that it will grow on you. My first three gameday shirts will remain good reminders of the old identity of Aggie Athletics, and my next and final gameday shirt will be the beginning of a bright future. Oh yeah, three former Aggies were drafted into the NFL over the weekend. Bobby Wagner and Robert Turbin to the Seattle Seahawks and Michael Smith to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. How many were drafted from that school down south? ZERO! Go Aggies!