Oberlin, Ohio – Already known for having one of the most distinctive nicknames in collegiate athletics, the Oberlin College Department of Athletics and Physical Education is adding a mascot to its family of logos.
 
Oberlin's athletics teams will forever remain the Yeomen and Yeowomen, but in 2014 the department will officially welcome a squirrel mascot to its department-wide branding scheme.
 
The albino squirrel has been a part of the college's history dating back to the 1970s and has become an endearing icon in recent years. Often found in Tappan Square, the squirrels have held a special place in the hearts of many Obies.
 
The local folklore is if you see one of the squirrels on campus, you will have good luck that day.  If that's true, the baseball team definitely saw some squirrels last spring and the women's cross country and men's soccer teams this past fall, as those teams recorded their best seasons in school history.
 
"The squirrel mascot will provide a visual that our student-athletes, alumni, and fans can identify with," said Delta Lodge Director of Athletics and Physical Education Natalie Winkelfoos. "It is something that has represented Oberlin College for a long time and we are happy to make it a part of the athletics identity."
 
Jim Ward of Collegiate Branding created the squirrel logo with a sense of movement and fierceness to create an athletic feel to the image. Ward also created the department's newest family of logos and word marks in 2010.
 
Fans can expect to see the squirrel appearing in a variety of ways in the coming weeks and months.