Olivet College (OC), based in Olivet, Michigan, has empowered the spirit of the school and found a way to connect better with its students through the identity refresh of its popular custom mascot, as well as the introduction of a new face.
The identity refresh of the Olivet College Athletics identity began in August 2017, with the goal of creating a cohesive brand that empowered the spirit of the school and better connected with today’s athletes, students, alumni and staff members.
While this transformation started with a brand-new logo for the athletics department, it ended with the identity refresh of its existing mascot Clyde as well as the creation of a brand new female mascot to join him.
Before we get into the identity refresh, let’s first take a look at Olivet College and how it came to get its first-ever mascot.
When did Olivet College first introduce a mascot?
Olivet College is renowned for its prominence in the athletics community. In fact, along with Albion College and Michigan State University, OC founded the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) in 1888 - the nation's oldest collegiate conference.
Olivet College’s various athletic teams, nicknamed the Comets, participate in intercollegiate sports as a member of the MIAA.
Before 1932, Olivet College did not have this official nickname or a mascot. However, over the years, unofficial mascots for the college included a number of dogs and even one sheep. Jack the Dog was the most popular and was even featured on an Olivet College postcard.
However, as other schools in the MIAA athletic conference began adopting mascots and nicknames, OC decided it was time its athletic teams had an official mascot, too. In 1932 students and faculty were invited to submit names that signified action, speed and mobility - with the eventual winner being the Comets.
The transformation of Clyde
Clyde the mascot had evolved from those early days, however, Olivet College still believed that it was time for a completely new transformation. The organizations wanted to change Clyde from a mild-mannered sidekick to a powerful athletic competitor - and it worked!
Clyde’s new looks make him look like a stronger and braver character than ever before, and this has allowed him to embody OC’s school spirit, success and commitment to excellence.
The creation of Haley
More importantly than the transformation of Clyde, Olivet College introduced the new character of Haley - the first female mascot to ever represent the school.
Haley was created to be a leader. She is bold, fast, tenacious, resilient and empowering. This, along with her warm personality and energy, has meant she has become a clear crowd favourite and her passion for athletics is easily transferred to those cheering on OC’s athletic teams.
The design of the duo exemplifies the Comets as fierce competitors
Everything about the transformation of the Comets was done to showcase the school’s various teams as fierce competitors, and this has shone through with the design of the mascots. Boasting OC red and a powerful build, as well as icy blue hair, Haley and Clyde represent every bit of speed and power associated with a comet as it bursts through the sky.
This powerful and strong look inspires the crowd to support the team’s athletes and cheer them on.
Inspired by Olivet College’s mascot transformation and want to know how you can use mascot marketing to promote your own college or brand? Contact BAM Mascots today for more information.
