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Since becoming the Washington State University Athletic Director, Bill Moos has been working on a “brand and identity program” for school sports, with revamped team wardrobes as a top priority. The goal of the Couger makeover was to create a consistent look across all athletic programs, making it easy for fans and potential recruits to identify with WSU. As a former Athletic Director at Oregon, Moos, together with Nike, had helped to attract national attention for the Ducks each time new team fashions were introduced. He hopes the uniform changes at WSU will generate the same type of publicity for the school and its athletic programs.

The Cougers debuted their new gear last night. The unveiling included student athletes from football, men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball and baseball, all of whom will wear the unis for the 2011-2012 year. The sports fashion overhaul was a result of a year of collaborations between the Washington State Athletic Department and Nike.

“One of my priorities when I became athletic director was to have a recognizable look across our department and athletic programs,” said Moos. “We have what I and many believe to be the best logo in college athletics, yet we have not had the consistent look on our apparel or throughout our facilities that allows instant recognition for that brand.

The Cougars updated look is not as flashy as the Ducks and there are definitely not as many uniform combinations. But the new threads should certainly help to increase exposure. Crimson and gray hues and new lettering and numbers will be consistent across the board for each program in the athletic department,

“I’m hopeful and truly believe we’re going to move Cougar athletics into a position to be consistently competitive in the new Pac-12 Conference,” Moos said. “In order to do that, we need to be proud of how our appearance is, how we represent the university.”

Only time will tell if their calibur of play can keep up with their new high-calibur fashions. For now, here’s a look at the Cougars’ new digs. You can check out player reactions here. What do you think?

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