University of Massachusets Athletics
Ask Ian Answers
 |  Athletic Director Ian McCaw |
March 18, 2003
Dear Ian:
I am a faithful fan and student at UMass. I have heard some about the new, uniform color scheme and athletic logos that will be introduced. When will they be released and how many new logos will there be? For example, Boston College a few years back came out with about 3 or 4 logos as opposed to just one. Finally, will the classic UMass script logo remain or will it be replaced? Thanks a lot
Matt Smith
Amherst, Mass.
Matt,
Thanks for the e-mail. We anticipate the the primary mark, the UMass script, will remain similar and be a centerpiece among our identifiers. We will be producing several secondary marks and a children's mark. In addition, it is likely that we will add a new accent color. Stay tuned as we complete this process by early in the summer!
Ian
Ian,
A football-related question for you. Has the program abandoned its attempts to play early season homes games at night? I thought the William & Mary home night game of several years ago was a unique success!
Carl W. Kosarick, '94 Sport Management
East Berlin, Pa.
Carl,
Coach Whipple and I agree with you that night football has and would be very successful. The night game versus William & Mary in 2000 was one of the best crowds in recent years.
Unfortunately, McGuirk Stadium does not have permanent lights and bringing in temporary lighting is both expensive and impractical. We are interested in securing some private funding that would allow permanent lights to be constructed at the facility.
Ian
Ian,
I recently purchased a UMass hat, which was made by Zephyr. This hat was different though. On the front of the hat was a new Sam the Minuteman Logo, and on the back was the traditional UMass Script. The new logo was fresh and exciting for a longtime UMass fan who had grown bored with the same old hat with the UMass Script on the front.
Anyway, my question is, am I looking at the new logo? If so, great job! Another question I have concerns uniforms. I assume that with the new logo in place, our basketball uniforms are in for a major overhaul. As a fan, I would like to see the old script incorporated while at the same time having the new logo be the main attraction. I was wondering if you had considered black alternate uniforms. These would not only be fresh, but would sell the best if you plan on selling replicas. Either way, I look forward to the changes. Thank you.
Mike Raposo
Amherst, Mass.
Mike,
We are in the early stages of the logo and brand development project working with Phoenix Design Company from New York. They have developed logos for LSU, Arkansas, Brown and several professional teams. We will have a very good outcome with this project.
At this point, we are looking to develop a strong, consistent look that best represents UMass Athletics. Our colors, fonts and logos must be consistent and of high quality.
We will keep you up to date on our progress.
Ian
Ian
What input do you and Coach Lappas have on the quality (or lack thereof) of the A-10 basketball referees for the 2002-2003 season? They do not seem to be as 'good' as previous years; not as consistent. They do not seem to want to consult with each other on close plays. I remember one game where it looked like one official wanted help from an other one on a call and this guy turned his back to him. I thought they were supposed to work as a team. I do not mean to infer that they are the cause of our basketball problems; but many 'bad'calls do detract from enjoyment of a game.
Thanks for attending many of the Sports Luncheons.
George Reed
Amherst, Mass.
George,
Thanks for your question about officiating. The Atlantic 10 does provide a mechanism for feedback from basketball programs in its evaluation of officials. We are able to provide evaluations of officials which are taken into account as they rate officials and make future assignments.
Also, thanks for your mention of the sports luncheons. I have enjoyed attending the luncheons and appreciate the hard work of the committee.
Ian
Mr. McCaw:
I am currently on the swim team here at UMass. I've been here for three years now and I've come to realize that you have one of the best swim coaches in the nation. If Coach Yarworth had half the amount of scholarships our competitors had we would be a nationally ranked program. He has won four straight coach of the year honors and three straight swimming and diving titles in the Atlantic Ten Conference. My question for you is, what is your take on the men's swim team and Coach Yarworth? Also, what is the possibility, if any, that the men's swim team get more scholarships?
Peter Tawczynski
Holden, Mass.
Peter,
Thanks for your kind comments regarding Russ Yarworth and the men's swimming program. We are delighted in the team winning its third straight Atlantic-10 championship. Coach Yarworth continues to do outstanding work and maximize the limited resources he has at his disposal.
Ian
Dear Ian:
Why isn't a service available that shows us the current status of grads who turn professional athletes. This would include only former UMass athletes who are still playing a sport. Also include their current statistics, situation, team, etc.
Paul Wisnewski
Three Rivers, Mass.
Paul,
Thanks for your question. In a number of communities the local media provides an update on professional athletics from the area or local school since the readership enjoys following these individuals. We do provide some of this information in media guides, however, we do not keep it as up to date as you describe.
Once the smoke clears from this year, we can discuss this possibility with our staff.
Thanks for your support!
Ian