The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
JCU ATHLETICS GETS REBRAND
University celebrating 100 years of sports
One-hundred years ago, John Carroll’s first sport was men’s basketball.
Its first-ever game was Dec. 20, 1919. Today, JCU fields 23 varsity teams. The Blue Streaks’ primary uniform colors are blue and white, with navy as a secondary and gold as an accent.
What exactly is a Blue Streak? Well no one isn’t exactly sure. Legend has it years ago an announcer during a JCU game yelled, “Look at that Blue Streak go!”
It’s caught on quite well at the Division III college, where 20192020 will be of note all season on campus. JCU is celebrating its 100th year of sports.
In early 2018 under former Athletic Director Laurie Massa, the University began the process of a rebrand with its sports logo. It took more than 12 moths to complete, and involved discussion groups and online surveys with current athletes and alumni, plus coaches, athletic administrators and JCU leaders.
“The people here are excited because it’s a unification of the university,” said JCU athletic director Michelle Morgan of the rebrand. “I’m a big believer that we own the color blue. That’s important. It’s in our name, so let’s lead with that.”
Morgan is about to begin her second season leading JCU sports.
“It’s still important to me. That’s still down the line. (JCU) President (Michael) Johnson would like to see us have a field house.” — John Carroll athletic director Michelle Morgan
She admits to being a “brand nerd,” so this project is near to her heart, but it goes beyond that.
Morgan said the rebrand and celebration is a way to “recognize our past, but prepare for our future” with the key being, “How do we sustain success going forward?”
The answer is all around the JCU campus. The biggest facelift was the replacement of the turf at Don Shula Stadium. It was completed Aug. 2. There’s also an upgrade of equipment in the weight room used by all JCU teams in the basement John Carroll is undergoing a rebranding as part of its 100th year of sports.
of Shula Stadium.
Other upgrades on campus:
• Mike Moran Court — the home for JCU men’s and women’s basketball team —
was resurfaced.
• The softball field and locker rooms for the softball and volleyball teams are getting upgrades.
• The racquetball courts near the basketball arena will be converted to a fitness studio.
• And of course, “We have to make sure the new brand is everywhere,” said Morgan.
As for featuring JCU’s 100-year history of sports via the school’s website (JCUsports.com), that will be spearheaded by Assistant Athletic Director Chris Wenzler and his sports information staff.
Two key events will be highlights this season. First is the return of former JCU All-America linebacker and
VASJ graduate London Fletcher, who will be honored at the Sept. 28 Mount Union home game. Fletcher is part of the next class to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
On March 14, a black-tie gala reception and celebration is set at the Cleveland Marriott Downtown at Key Tower.
A historical look back of JCU sports isn’t complete without a big-time nod to legendary football coach Don Shula, a graduate of JCU who played football, then went on to become the NFL’s winningest coach.
Shula is 89, was born in Grand River and is a graduate of Harvey High School.
Morgan said there are no formal plans for Shula’s return,
considering his age and the fact he lives in Florida. However, she said Shula will be featured in the JCU celebration and doing so via remote is a possible option.
There are also future projects under consideration, said Morgan. The first being an upgrade to the campus’ tennis courts and the biggie — an indoor practice facility for all sports teams.
“It’s still important to me,” said Morgan of an indoor facility on campus. “That’s still down the line. (JCU) President (Michael) Johnson would like to see us have a field house.”
For now, JCU’s 100-year celebration and rebranding takes center stage in 201920.