Canadian Interuniversity Sport - University of Windsor

New Logo and Slogan for the Windsor Lancers

The Windsor Lancers have officially kicked off a new era in Lancers Athletics by unveiling a new logo and slogan to their student-athletes, coaches and special guests at a celebration Monday night at the St. Denis Centre.

Gord Grace, Director of Athletics, said the new Windsor Lancers logo represents an evolution of the current Lancer logo which has been in use for over 50 years.

"The new Windsor Lancers brand will help to enhance the image and reputation of our athletics program, as well as help generate a renewed sense of excitement with our student body, fans, friends and alumni," says Grace. "We are focusing on a new spirit and momentum, while still respecting the tradition and successes achieved throughout the history of our program."

The process of updating the Lancer logo began in September, 2002 when Grace formed a branding committee comprised of coaches, staff and student athletes to examine the state of the logo.

"It became clear after the celebration of our 50th anniversary that our students, coaches, fans and alumni were ready for a change," said Grace.

The committee talked to a number of organizations to develop concepts and prototypes of the new logo and chose Mindbox Creative Group, an emerging local marketing and advertising company, to help bring their vision to light.

"Though it was a long process, our committee was unanimous in our recommendation of the new logo," said Eric Vandenbroucke, Marketing Manager for Athletics. "I believe the time and effort that was put forward on this project shows in how excited our students, coaches, and alumni have been with the final product."

"It's the most exciting time on campus that I have seen in my 18 years with the University of Windsor," Track and Field Head Coach Dennis Fairall added. "With so much positive change happening in Athletics with our facilities and the success of our teams, there couldn't be a more appropriate time in my opinion to launch the new logo."

Besides the branding committee, the new logo was also tested on a student committee, coaches and administration and University of Windsor alumni.

"We took all of our stakeholders into account and came up with a logo that we believe is exciting and yet still honours the tradition of Lancer Athletics," said Grace.

The Lancers also unveiled their new slogan "Ready for the Frontline" which will be used in a variety of ways by the department.

"The tag line serves as a statement by our teams and athletes that we're ready for battle and ready to compete at the highest level across the country," said Vandenbroucke. "It will also be used as our recruiting slogan as we challenge the top student athletes across Canada if they are "Ready for the Frontline" and ready to join the Windsor Lancers."

Merchandise with the new Windsor Lancers logo will be available for the Christmas season, with a kiosk being set-up at the St. Denis Centre in the Athletic Department Main Office. For more information on Windsor Lancers merchandise, please contact 519-253-3000 ext. 2435 or via email at lancers@uwindsor.ca.

The Windsor Lancers logo and the graphic version of the slogan "Ready for the frontline!" is available by contacting the Athletic Department at 519-253-3000 ext. 2435 or via e-mail at evander@uwindsor.ca. It will also be made available at the following web site http://www.mindboxcreativegroup.com.

(Source: Eric Collard, Windsor Sports Information)

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