Aug. 20, 2007

Heritage Line Photo Gallery

Heritage Line Press Conference

ATHENS, Ohio-The Ohio University Athletics Department unveiled five Heritage marks in a press conference Monday afternoon in the Convocation Center.

Over the past few months, Ohio Athletics has been working with its licensing and merchandising partner, Licensing Resource Group, and Joe Bosac Design Company to create and introduce for a limited time a fun and unique program that will bring back to the marketplace some of the most popular marks and logos in Bobcat history. The marks are:

Interlocking OU - This mark dates back to the 1900s and was one of the first University marks seen on athletic gear. It was used on Ohio's basketball uniforms as well as on sweaters and jackets worn by members of our earliest football and baseball teams.

OHIO - This mark dates back to the 1940s & 1950s. This mark was worn primarily by the men's basketball team and was on the warm ups of the 1941 NIT runner up team.  This mark was also on the basketball court at Grover Center while it served as home to Ohio Basketball in the 1960s. 

Attack Cat - This mark dates back to the 1960s and 1970s. This mark was the original midcourt logo at the Convo and received national exposure when Bobcat basketball standout Walter Luckett was on the cover of Sports Illustrated in 1972.

Full Body Bobcat- This mark represents the first time that Ohio used a full-body Bobcat logo. It was featured prominently during the 1960s and 1970s.

The Paw - This mark came into use in 1978 and was worn on the Bobcat football helmet.  The Paw Print received national exposure in 1984 when the Bobcat basketball team advanced to the NCAA basketball tournament. 

This announcement will allow licensees and retailers to expand their current product offering and bring back looks such as the popular "Paw Print" mark. The collection will also be supported with custom signage, hang tag options and other collateral materials.

"During my first two years in serving as Director of Athletics, Ohio University Alumni and fans have shared with me their tremendous pride in various logos that our athletic teams have worn in the past," said Director of Athletics Kirby Hocutt. "This great interest led us down the path of pursuing the Heritage Line."

These marks will only enter the merchandising marketplace and will not be used as official marks for Ohio Athletics.

Retailers in the Athens area will sell products with the Heritage marks one month before they will be released to all other licensees and retailers, which is currently scheduled for September 20, 2007.