Click to view the new Northwest logos

For nearly two decades, Northwest Missouri State University athletics has been represented by the Bearcat paw. Today, Northwest is proud to unveil a modern and consistent brand that will carry the future of Bearcat athletics and uphold the history of the iconic logo.

“The paw has been and will continue to be Northwest Missouri State athletics. I feel I have as much invested in the paw over the last 20 years as anyone, and this modern look will serve Bearcat athletics well into the future,” said Northwest Director of Athletics Mel Tjeerdsma. “The integrity of the paw is still intact and will continue to bring pride to all Bearcats.”

The new logos include a modernized paw, new Bearcat head, new athletic marks and a unique font specific only to Northwest. In addition, Bobby Bearcat has been updated and brought back with a kid-friendly look. All the logos and marks were created in a way to help keep a consistent look for Northwest athletics both in print and apparel.

Several secondary logos were also created for use, including Bearcat eyes and claw marks. These marks add to the variety of logos for teams, fans and alumni to use when representing Northwest athletics.  The new set of unified marks was developed to build upon the tradition and pride associated with Bearcat athletics as well as to create a consistent brand ensuring easy recognition in the community, throughout the region and the country.

“The changing of the logo is about more than just changing the symbol that we wear on our jerseys,” said senior track and field athlete Adrienne Cornelius. “It’s about continuous improvement and striving to be the best we can be. We are building into the future and weaving into the Bearcat fabric a new look on our tradition of excellence.”

The process of updating the logos began more than a year ago. The new athletics marks were designed and developed by Rickabaugh Graphics, a company with extensive experience in collegiate athletics branding. Rickabaugh used input from many members of the Northwest community – including students and student-athletes, community members, Northwest coaches, alumni, faculty and staff – to create an array of designs that kept with the tradition of the original paw logo.

“I am a traditionalist when it comes to trends within college athletics and believe our new brand stays true to the paw,” head men’s basketball coach Ben McCollum said. “This new family of logos allows us to keep the foundation of the paw, but gives us an updated look and feel for the next generation of Bearcat athletics.”

“College athletics is going through an unprecedented change, and this modern look for our new family of logos will help Northwest stay current,” Tjeerdsma said. “The future is very bright for Northwest athletics, and this update represents that change in an excellent light.”

Along with the new branding for Northwest, the Department of Athletics has unveiled an online store, www.ShopBearcats.com that will offer a large selection of Bearcat apparel.

Bearcat Athletics has also partnered with several local merchants throughout the branding process to gather input and feedback and to assist in the development of the new logos.  The Bearcat Bookstore, along with Maryville retailers The Student Body and Jock’s Nitch Sporting Goods have provided assistance with Northwest’s unveiling event. All three retailers, as well as other area vendors, will carry merchandise bearing the new marks and have also provided items to the University for the unveiling ceremony.

— Northwest Media Relations —For nearly two decades, Northwest Missouri State University athletics has been represented by the Bearcat paw. Today, Northwest is proud to unveil a modern and consistent brand that will carry the future of Bearcat athletics and uphold the history of the iconic logo.

“The paw has been and will continue to be Northwest Missouri State athletics. I feel I have as much invested in the paw over the last 20 years as anyone, and this modern look will serve Bearcat athletics well into the future,” said Northwest Director of Athletics Mel Tjeerdsma. “The integrity of the paw is still intact and will continue to bring pride to all Bearcats.”

The new logos include a modernized paw, new Bearcat head, new athletic marks and a unique font specific only to Northwest. In addition, Bobby Bearcat has been updated and brought back with a kid-friendly look. All the logos and marks were created in a way to help keep a consistent look for Northwest athletics both in print and apparel.

Several secondary logos were also created for use, including Bearcat eyes and claw marks. These marks add to the variety of logos for teams, fans and alumni to use when representing Northwest athletics.  The new set of unified marks was developed to build upon the tradition and pride associated with Bearcat athletics as well as to create a consistent brand ensuring easy recognition in the community, throughout the region and the country.

“The changing of the logo is about more than just changing the symbol that we wear on our jerseys,” said senior track and field athlete Adrienne Cornelius. “It’s about continuous improvement and striving to be the best we can be. We are building into the future and weaving into the Bearcat fabric a new look on our tradition of excellence.”

The process of updating the logos began more than a year ago. The new athletics marks were designed and developed by Rickabaugh Graphics, a company with extensive experience in collegiate athletics branding. Rickabaugh used input from many members of the Northwest community – including students and student-athletes, community members, Northwest coaches, alumni, faculty and staff – to create an array of designs that kept with the tradition of the original paw logo.

“I am a traditionalist when it comes to trends within college athletics and believe our new brand stays true to the paw,” head men’s basketball coach Ben McCollum said. “This new family of logos allows us to keep the foundation of the paw, but gives us an updated look and feel for the next generation of Bearcat athletics.”

“College athletics is going through an unprecedented change, and this modern look for our new family of logos will help Northwest stay current,” Tjeerdsma said. “The future is very bright for Northwest athletics, and this update represents that change in an excellent light.”

Along with the new branding for Northwest, the Department of Athletics has unveiled an online store, www.ShopBearcats.com that will offer a large selection of Bearcat apparel.

Bearcat Athletics has also partnered with several local merchants throughout the branding process to gather input and feedback and to assist in the development of the new logos.  The Bearcat Bookstore, along with Maryville retailers The Student Body and Jock’s Nitch Sporting Goods have provided assistance with Northwest’s unveiling event. All three retailers, as well as other area vendors, will carry merchandise bearing the new marks and have also provided items to the University for the unveiling ceremony.

— Northwest Media Relations —