New lion uncaged

In addition to gaining a new arena for its basketball games, Old Dominion will be sporting a new athletic logo in 2002-03. The logo was unveiled April 18 during a special program at the Constant Convocation Center.

"As our athletic program enters a new era with the opening of the arena, initial discussions centered on what design we would place on the center court. These discussions spawned the need to provide a new, cutting-edge look for our teams," said Debbie Byrne, associate athletic director.

The logo, university officials believe, is one that alumni young and old, as well as current students, will embrace. In fact, said Karen Travis, director of university events and licensing, focus groups of current and former students, community members, donors, faculty and athletic department staff enthusiastically endorsed the new mark.

Featuring an action-moving lion with its right paw raised, the logo is fresh and contemporary, yet it incorporates a version of the crown from the previous identifier of a stylized, heraldic lion. It also ties in to Old Dominion's heritage through the use of a Columbia Blue accent color, which until fall 1986 was the primary school color.

"The university and athletic colors remain slate blue and silver; the Columbia blue will be seen in some instances as an accent and used to provide a historical reference to our past," Byrne noted.

The new logo, created by Rickabaugh Graphics of Columbus, Ohio, will be featured on athletic uniforms, retail merchandise and publications. The men's and women's basketball teams will be the first athletic teams to display the new look.

While the new logo replaces the former "running lion" logos, fans will be happy to know that the university's costumed mascot, Big Blue, will remain the same and continue to be a fixture at home games.