COMMENTARY: Mizzou Unveils New Uniforms, Begins New Era
Posted on 16. Apr, 2012 by Alyssa McKee in Sports, Sports Articles
Monday, April 15 –
As Hall of Fame cornerback Deion Sanders said, “If you look good, you feel good. If you feel good, you play good.”
After unveiling its new Nike uniforms during halftime of the spring game on Saturday, Missouri is hoping that’s the case.
And it should be.
If you think uniforms don’t make a difference, take a look at the Oregon Ducks. Once an obscure program, they are now one of the best in the nation. They went from finishing in the Associated Press Top 25 poll just once before 1994 to winning the Rose Bowl this past season. Not bad.
The Ducks get it. Now, Missouri does too. The sports world is filed with iconic images.
Brian Wilson’s beard, Chris Anderson’s tattoos, and Anthony Davis’ unibrow just to name a few. Each is a unique trademark.
It’s like having the best college recreation center or being named the hardest working city in America. It makes headlines. It gets people talking. And it sells.
As revenue rises, the athletic department receives more funds. This helps recruiting, putting a talented squad on the field. The wins pile on, which brings added spotlight. It becomes a cycle.
At the very least, the new uniforms show the Tigers are gearing up to compete. It’s why Mike Alden wore a wide grin on Saturday. It’s why nearly 19,000 fans attended in rainy weather conditions. It’s why each and every one of them should be excited about the future.
A future in the SEC: a conference where tradition dominates.
Now, Missouri has one too. Innovation.
I’m not talking about the “optimal lightweight performance and protection.” Let’s face it: nobody cares.
I’m talking about adapting change and understanding how it helps attract top recruits. The new jerseys look good. Good enough to impress five-star recruit Dorial Green-Beckham.
It may be superficial, but so are a lot of things in life. Remember, we live in a generation where people will camp overnight and trample each other to buy the newest pair of Air Jordans.
Missouri was smart enough to understand leaving the Big 12 was a good idea and it is smart enough to understand replacing the old jerseys is too.
It’s all in the process of polishing the Missouri brand and making it a premier athletic program. It started with the move to a new conference. Then, a new recruit came in. Add the new threads, and its all part of a new beginning.
What’s next? Hopefully a new stadium.
-Mihir Bhagat
Staff Writer
23Sports