New year, new logo for Union athletics

JACKSON, Tenn — It’s new year, new bulldog at Union University, as the school unleashes their athletics logo on Blackstock Court.

“Totally different than what it was,” sophomore guard, Brennan Bowling said about the new court. “All the different colors. Whenever we first saw it, it threw us off at first because of all the colors. Its really nice and I think everybody’s gonna enjoy it.”

“We were like this is real cool, we like it and it’s just different, plus the big bulldog in the middle of the court.” freshman guard, Jada Perkins said.

The old Buster Bulldog is retiring after more than a decade.

“I think the bulldog looks pretty mature,” Union Women’s Basketball Head Coach, Mark Campbell said. “Looks a little bit mean, but also I think pretty respectful too, so I think it’s a great picture of what we want to represent as an athletic department.”

The new court features additions like the Gulf South Conference logos, and an exact copy of the signature from the court’s namesake, Coach David Blackstock.

“You want something that your public buys into,” Union Athletic Director, Tommy Sadler explained. “You want something that makes your arena a little bit different than just any gym that you walk into so it gives us a new look. It’s a new year and a new dog and a new gym floor.”

The upgrades Blackstock Court came along with some changes that were needed as being part of the NCAA.

Coaches and players said they new design will help make an already good home court advantage even better.

“After Christmas really a new season as we enter the year too, I just think it obviously can bring some excitement to when somebody comes to a game,” Campbell said.

Sadler said they have more plans for changes in the Fred, including replacing the bleachers on the visitors side of the arena that are original to the gymnasium that opened in 1975.