Allan Hancock Athletics unveils redesigned "Spike" logo

SANTA MARIA - Allan Hancock College debuted an updated and redesigned version of the college's bulldog mascot "Spike" during a live event on Wednesday. 

After teasing the announcement for several weeks on social media, the college invited students, staff, and community members to the Joe White Memorial Gym, where an updated look of the college's beloved bulldog was revealed. The new logo features a modern take on the iconic Spike that embodies the pride, toughness, loyalty, and determination of Hancock's athletes and the college's students.  

"This new design honors the legacy of Hancock's past while propelling the values of the college's 'bulldog spirit' into the future," said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. "We are excited to present a Spike that represents the tenacity, energy, and honor exhibited by our athletes and students."   

The college has maintained the bulldog mascot in various forms since the 1920s, including both illustrated versions as well as actual, live bulldogs. The updated mascot unveiled on April 27 was designed in-house by the college's Campus Graphics Department after more than a year of research, discussions, and feedback solicitation from athletes, faculty, staff, students, community members, and other college stakeholders. The new Spike logo marks the start of an effort to update and unify the college's athletic branding and graphic identity standards. 

 "We're very excited for our student-athletes, our institution, and our Bulldog Nation community to receive this fresh new look," shared Athletic Director Kim Ensing. "I truly believe that 'New Spike' will be a great source of pride and a great representation of athletics here at Allan Hancock College." 

The updated version of Spike is now proudly displayed on Hancock's basketball gym floor, and is available for purchase on college apparel in the bookstore. The revamped Spike will be rolled out into non-athletic related areas of the college in a phased approach. 

"We are excited to showcase the 'new Spike' and move into the implementation phase of installing his likeness in areas where appropriate throughout the college," said Hancock Public Affairs & Communications Director Lauren Milbourne. 

To see Hancock's updated Spike logo and to learn more about the process behind its development, visit https://www.hancockcollege.edu/countdown/ or the Hancock Athletics website at http://www.ahcbulldogs.com. 

(Shelby Scott, Allan Hancock College Athletics)