Algoma Thunderbirds get new look for first year of OUA play
SAULT STE. MARIE, Ont. - The Algoma Thunderbirds are now members of both the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) and the Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS), and they have got a whole new look as they begin play this year. The Algoma University Thunderbirds Varsity Athletics Program will start the season this September sporting a new visual identity and website.
"We felt that it was important to celebrate our move to the OUA in a symbolic way, and what better way to do that than by updating the visual identity," said Kevin Hemsworth, Director of Marketing and Communications at Algoma University. "The new logo retains the important features of the old mark, with greater emphasis on the Thunderbird icon, in a more contemporary and visually appealing way."
The new logo was developed entirely in-house, and will appear on team jerseys and other University merchandise.
The logo was presented to the student-athletes at the annual Athletics Banquet earlier this spring, and was subsequently voted on. Although the student-athletes showed a great deal of loyalty to the old mark, they voted to adopt the new logo moving forward. Student-athletes were also seen sporting their new logo at the Rotaryfest Parade this past Saturday on the University float.
"Along with the new logo comes an exciting year for Algoma athletics as we enter the OUA, so wearing this new Thunderbirds logo marks a new journey for us and I believe this is a big step for a bright future," said Karissa Kajorinne, a member of the Algoma Thunderbirds Women's Basketball Team.
The new identity was launched in conjunction with a new athletics and recreation website, www.algomathunderbirds.ca. It features prominently in the masthead. The new site was designed to showcase the teams and student-athletes in all six sports. Season schedules and full team rosters are now available.
"The new site and logo are an exciting step forward for Thunderbirds Athletics," said Mark Kontulainen, Director of Athletics at the University. "We wanted to raise our game now that we are competing at the top level of university sport in the province, and we feel as though we've done that."
Thunderbirds begin competition in the OUA this fall in basketball, cross-country running, Nordic skiing, curling, wrestling, and soccer.
Source: Algoma Sports Info
