Colorado College Tigers Logo PNG
Since 1978, the “Tigers” have defended the honor and sports glory of the colleges in Colorado Springs, having a formidable mascot as their emblem. The Colorado College Tigers logo symbolizes danger, strength, aggression, and constant readiness for defense.
The Colorado College athletic program dates to the late 19th century. The “Tigers” name appeared in 1899 after a football win over Colorado School of Mines, with ties to Princeton influencing the choice. Black and gold became the core colors, and in 1994, students voted to keep the nickname over “Cutthroat Trout.”
Hockey defined the program’s identity. In 1938, Broadmoor Ice Palace opened, and Colorado College played its first game against Giddings Department Store. In 1947–48, the venue hosted the first NCAA hockey championship, with the Tigers participating multiple times.
Under coach Cheddy Thompson, the team won its first national title in 1950, defeating Boston University 13:4. Finals followed in 1952 and 1955 against Michigan, and a second title came in 1957 under Tom Bedeau, again beating Michigan.
Colorado College became a founding member of the Mid-West Collegiate Hockey League in 1951 and later of the WCHA in 1959, alongside the University of Denver, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, and North Dakota. After 1958, the program declined, including a 0–23 season in 1961–62.
Revival began in 1993 under Don Lucia, who led the team to the MacNaughton Cup and an NCAA final in 1996, where they lost to Michigan. The team reached Frozen Four again in 1997 and 2005, with wins over UMass Lowell, Vermont, and Michigan. Players Peter Sejna in 2003 and Marty Sertich in 2005 won the Hobey Baker Award.
In 2013–14, Colorado College joined the National Collegiate Hockey Conference with Denver and North Dakota. In 2021, the team moved to Ed Robson Arena. Over 40 players reached the NHL, including Stanley Cup winners Bill Hay, Doug Lidster, Jaden Schwartz, and Curtis McElhinney.
Meaning and History
The emblem from 1978-2019 is presented as a quadrangular shield with a round base. On it is depicted the head of a tiger, with its mouth open and sharp fangs exposed. The pattern is rendered in chaotic black-and-yellow lines. The style is far from realistic: the animal is not detailed and looks disproportionate. The top part of the shield is divided by an uneven white horizontal line.
In February 2020, the Colorado College Tigers sports department introduced a refreshed logo. The leaders admitted that the previous tiger shield version was unsuccessful: it was difficult to reduce or embroider things. Therefore, in 2019, they entrusted the veteran company Joe Bosack & Co. to conduct a major redesign. Experts surveyed faculty, students, and team members to reach a consensus.
What is Colorado College Tigers?
The Colorado College Tigers are the sports department of Colorado College in Colorado Springs, comprising 16 student teams. They compete in two NCAA divisions – III and I. The hockey players are part of the National Collegiate Hockey Conference, and the women’s soccer team competes in the Mountain West Conference. The rest of the teams are part of the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference.
1978 – 2019
2020 – today
They retained their old shape but added two pointed mountains at the top of the shield, inspired by the educational institution’s emblem. They also worked on the tiger, giving it a more realistic appearance. Artists managed to convey the wild predator’s danger, strength, and aggression. And by combining white, orange, and black, they made the drawing more volumetric.