CONWAY,
Ark. (January 28, 2019) – Warrior Athletics has a new look, and Hendrix student-athletes,
coaches, and fans got the first glimpse tonight in the Wellness and Athletics
Center.
The new
Warrior symbol, an orange-and-black helmet, replaces a barbarian-influenced
illustration (think Mel Gibson’s character in Braveheart), which debuted in 2007 and was later named Ivan in
honor of the late coaching legend Ivan Grove. Grove served Hendrix Athletics
from 1924 to 1962 and was instrumental in changing the Hendrix mascot from the
Bulldogs to the Warriors. Ivan the Warrior filled a six-year void that began in
2001 when the College decided to eliminate the Native American
imagery that had been used to promote Warrior athletics for a number of years.
The new
symbol is the most recent update to the Hendrix Athletics graphic identity
system. In addition to the helmet, the “H” and “Shield” logos used by the
Athletics Department were refreshed as well.
“Our logos
hadn’t been updated in more than a decade. Meanwhile, that decade was the most
significant period of growth for Hendrix athletics,” said Amy Weaver, director
of athletics and head softball coach for the College. “So, it was time for a
new look, and our coaches and student-athletes are really excited.”
A committee
of coaches, student-athletes, alumni, faculty, and staff was formed a year ago
to discuss options for a new symbol. The committee’s goal was to help develop a
new symbol to celebrate the competitive spirit of Warrior Athletics and the
values of the College. After initial concepts by an outside firm, the symbol
was finalized by the College’s Marketing Communications Office.
“It’s not an
easy process to change logos, but we had so much support from our community
that we felt like we were making the right decision at the right time for us,”
said Weaver. “We are thrilled with the result. It’s simple but strong, and it
represents our whole program very well. I think our coaches will use it more
often on gear and our current and future student-athletes will really embrace
it.”
Hendrix
College President Bill Tsutsui agreed.
“A helmet
is an iconic piece of a Warrior’s armor in a variety of historical traditions,”
he said. “This new symbol honors our tradition as Warriors, builds on the
success of our intercollegiate athletics program, and celebrates the diversity
of today’s Hendrix student-athlete.”
The new
symbol will make its public debut later this week.
The
Athletics Department will celebrate the new Warriors symbol Friday, February 1,
at the women’s and men’s basketball games in the Wellness and Athletics Center.
There will be free promo items given to fans during the game.
Apparel and
other products bearing the new Warriors symbol will soon be available at https://hendrixwarriorsshop.merchorders.com.
About Hendrix College
A private liberal arts
college in Conway, Arkansas, Hendrix College consistently earns recognition as
one of the country’s leading liberal arts institutions, and is featured in Colleges That Change Lives: 40 Schools That
Will Change the Way You Think About Colleges. Its academic quality and
rigor, innovation, and value have established Hendrix as a fixture in numerous
college guides, lists, and rankings. Founded in 1876, Hendrix has been
affiliated with the United Methodist Church since 1884. To learn more, visit www.hendrix.edu.