johnnysama Posted March 13, 2020 Share Posted March 13, 2020 I was on newspapers.com, and found more background info on the Saskatchewan Roughriders' new logo and uniform set for the 1985 season. This is from the Regina Leader-Post's April 23, 1985 issue. From this, we now know a few things about who was behind the redesign (the logo was by a local artist named Brian Danchuk, the uniform set was designed by Phil Kershaw, Norm Fong, and a couple guys from Russell Athletic, the Alabama uniform company). If any of these guys are available, I'd like to know what the thinking was behind the redesign. It'd be nice to have more insight on this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnnysama Posted March 13, 2020 Author Share Posted March 13, 2020 A transcription of the article, for the benefit of those who can't make out the text: NEW LOOK ROUGHRIDERS By Nick Miliokas - L-P Sports Writer The Saskatchewan Roughriders today unveiled the logo and uniforms they believe will provide their Canadian Football League team with a distinct new identity. Beginning with the 1985 season, which marks the 75th anniversary of professional football in Saskatchewan, the Riders will sport uniforms and helmets the designers believe capture the essence of speed. The flashy new uniforms and helmets were modelled during a news conference this morning by two Rider running backs, Craig Ellis and newcomer Darrold Clardy. A silver and black trim has been added to accent the traditional green and white. The jerseys, both home and away, bear a "Pride 75" patch and the pants are silver. The helmet design resembles the wrap-around decal used by the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League. It features a stylized "S" that replaces the one which, in years gone by, invited comparisons with logos used by Spalding, and Safeway, and Sheraton Hotels. The logo was conceived by Brian Danchuk, a Regina freelance artist. The uniforms were designed by a task force headed by Phil Kershaw, a member of the Rider management committee, and equipment manager Normie Fong, working in conjunction with Butch Gardiner and Mike Sanford, two sporting goods suppliers based in Alabama. "We decided about a year and a half ago that the logo needed to be changed," said Keith Critchley, the Roughrider president. "It wasn't distinctive enough. We wanted our own logo. We decided a good time to introduce it would be the 75th anniversary. We looked at a wide range of ideas and we did a number of designs. The project started in 1983. This is the culmination." The unveiling marked the latest in a number of new looks sported by the team through its 75-year history. When the franchise was born in 1910, as the Regina Rugby Club, the uniforms were purple and gold. The colors were changed to blue and white in 1911, to conform with those of the Regina Amateur Athletic Association. In 1912, a switch was made to black and red. These colors remained synonymous with the Roughrider Football Club for the next 36 years. The familiar green and white was introduced in 1948. The Riders have worn these colors for 36 years, and they will continue to do so . . . with a few minor alterations. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wade Heidt Posted March 13, 2020 Share Posted March 13, 2020 The piece de resistance was the wraparound logo on the helmet. Bold move by the Riders and a team celebrating its 75th anniversary. At that time in the CFL, all 9 teams has the centre stripes on the helmets prior to the Riders making the change. Was not a fan in 1991 when they ditched the silver pants for green pants. Going mono-green in 1991 (unfortunately they are in the mono-green today). However, was a fan of what they did in 1992. Brought the silver pants back for just at home and kept the green pants for the road. I did like that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.