February 13, 2006 MSU unveils new Champ logo

Champ, the mascot for Montana State University, has a new look that will appeal to children of all ages.

MSU officials will unveil the new Bobcat logo, called a youth mark, at the university's men's basketball game Saturday, Feb. 18 against the University of Idaho.

Designed by Bozeman artist Robert Rath, an MSU graduate, the new Champ graphic is athletic and appealing. Julie Kipfer, MSU's director of marketing, said the image targets children ages 5-10, but will appeal to Bobcat friends and fans of all ages.

"Champ is a major part of athletic events and kids love him," Kipfer said. "We wanted to take it to the next level, by offering a branded logo that could capture the excitement."

Kipfer said the idea for the new logo followed last fall's introduction of a new mascot costume that was more "kid-friendly."

"We wanted to integrate the champ mascot costume with this new mark," she said. She stressed that the graphic would not replace the current Bobcat logo used by MSU athletics, rather it will be an additional graphic tool geared to a specific target audience.

Kipfer said the Bobcat youth logo, the first at MSU, will soon appear on everything from children's sleepers, t-shirts, sweatshirts and other items such as toys, backpacks, and blankets. It will also be linked with the Lil’ Cats Club and other promotional materials.

Kipfer said Rath is an avid Bobcat fan who graduated from MSU with an art degree in 1989. He is a former artist with MSU graphics who has also worked as a designer and illustrator on "Goosebumps" and "Star Wars" books and character merchandise.

She said her office contracted with Rath to design the youth mark not only because of his professional experience, but also because he is an avid Bobcat sports fan and the father of two young children who also enjoy Champ and Bobcat games.

She said her office contracted with Rath to design the youth mark not only because of his professional experience, but also because he is an avid Bobcat sports fan and the father of two young children who also enjoy Champ and Bobcat games.

"Robert Rath, the designer did a fantastic job capturing the personality of champ -energetic, outgoing and fun," Kipfer said. "He makes kids smile."

Return to regular view	Text-only	Updated: 8/18/2006