The Evolution of the Marshall University Logo: A Symbol of Tradition and Transformation

Marshall University, located in Huntington, West Virginia, boasts a rich history and a strong athletic tradition embodied by its teams, collectively known as the Marshall Thundering Herd. The university's visual identity, particularly its logo, has evolved over time, reflecting the institution's growth and the spirit of its athletic programs. From its early days as Marshall Academy to its current status as a comprehensive public research university, Marshall's logos have served as emblems of its identity.

Early Athletic Identity: From "Big Green" to "Thundering Herd"

Initially, Marshall athletic teams were known as the "Big Green." However, in 1925, Huntington sportswriter Duke Ridgley coined the phrase "Thundering Herd" to describe the football team, a moniker that would eventually become synonymous with Marshall athletics. The original logo for The Thundering Herd was created in 1927 when it first joined the NCAA as an independent program. It featured two crossed lightning bolts with “Marshall” written across them in all caps font style, along with “Thundering Herd” written underneath in script lettering - both on a green background which represented school colors at that time (green & white). As early as the 1930s, buffalo mascots began making sporadic appearances at Marshall sporting events.

The Emergence of Marco: Marshall's Beloved Mascot

In 1954, the editors of the Marshall University yearbook created a buffalo character named "Marco," derived from "Marshall College," as the school was then known. A buffalo costume was purchased for a booster club in 1965, marking Marco's return to sporting events. In 1970, a live buffalo was introduced as Marco, trained to perform at halftime during football games.

Logo Evolution: From 1970 to the Present

The Marshall Thundering Herd logo has undergone several significant redesigns since 1970, each reflecting a modernizing aesthetic while retaining core elements.

1970 - 2001: The Original Buffalo Logo

The original logo, designed in 1970, featured a vibrant green-and-white color scheme. The design included a fierce-looking bull wearing a hat with the word "Marshall" on it. The bull was positioned above a large, serif "M" in green with a double white and green outline.

2001 - 2011: A Sleek, Modern Update

The 2001 redesign introduced a more modern and sleek version of the logo, maintaining the same concept as its predecessor. The bull's head and the "M" were redrawn with smoother lines and cleaner contours. The bull was rendered in brown, while the "M" adopted a dark forest green hue. The bull's eyes were also green.

2011 - 2015: A Brighter Shade of Green

In 2011, the color palette was tweaked, with a brighter, lighter shade of green used for both the "M" and the bull's eyes. The overall composition remained unchanged.

2015 - Present: A Glowing Green Emblem

The 2015 redesign focused again on the color palette, opting for a light and glowing green. This created a bright, high-contrast emblem, making the bull's eyes appear more prominent. The design elements and shapes remained consistent with the early 2000s version.

The Significance of Marco Today

The updated mascot was posted on HerdZone in early April. Not only did the logo receive an update, but Marshall’s apparel line did as well. The HerdZone Stadium Store located at Marshall’s Joan C. Edwards Stadium launched all-new gear to show off this reimagined look. Marshall student Logan Adkins said the presence of Marco remains significant on campus, especially in settings like football games and other large events. In fact, students at Marshall can even become Marco, if they wish to. The position requires the person to be a current Marshall University student, have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale as well as a few other requirements.

Marshall University Athletics: A Tradition of Excellence

The Marshall Thundering Herd is the intercollegiate athletic collection of teams that collectively represent the Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. As a participant in NCAA Division I (FBS for football) and a member of the Sun Belt Conference, Marshall fields 16 varsity teams. The university's commitment to athletics is evident in its various facilities, including:

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Joan C. Edwards Stadium: The football stadium, seating 38,019, opened in 1991 and was renamed in 2003 to honor a major donor.
Cam Henderson Center: Home to men's and women's basketball and volleyball, this 9,048-seat arena is named after the innovative coach who led the basketball team from 1935 to 1955.
Veterans Memorial Soccer Complex: A 1,006-capacity soccer-specific stadium, home to the men's and women's soccer teams.
Jack Cook Field: A 3,500-seat baseball stadium that opened in 2024.
Dot Hicks Field: The softball stadium, opened in 2008, is named after a pioneer of women's sports at Marshall University.
Guyan Golf and Country Club: The home course for Marshall's golf teams since the late 1940s.

Marshall's athletic achievements include a national championship in men's soccer in 2020. The men's basketball team gained notoriety under Cam Henderson, inventor of the fast break and the 2-3 zone defense who coached the team from 1935 to 1955. As head coach of the Herd men's basketball team, Henderson compiled a record of 362-159 and won the 1947 NAIA National Championship.

A Symbol of Resilience: Overcoming Tragedy

The Marshall Thundering Herd's history is marked by both triumph and tragedy. The Southern Airways Flight 932 crash on November 14, 1970, which claimed the lives of 75 people, including 37 members of the football team, remains a pivotal moment in the university's history. The tragedy has had a lasting impact on the university and the Huntington community. A fountain and plaza at the center of the school campus is dedicated to the victims of the crash. The water does not flow from November 14 until the first day of spring football practice the following year. Despite this devastating loss, the program rebuilt itself and achieved remarkable success, becoming a symbol of resilience and determination.

Marshall University: A Legacy of Growth and Achievement

Marshall University has evolved significantly since its founding in 1837. From its humble beginnings as Marshall Academy, the institution has grown into a comprehensive public research university offering a wide range of academic programs. In 1937, the college suffered the effects of a devastating flooding by the Ohio River. Numerous structures were extensively flooded. The West Virginia Board of Education authorized Marshall College in 1938 to offer the master's degree in six programs: chemistry, education, history, political science, psychology, and sociology, as the institution underwent another expansion. The university's commitment to academic excellence is reflected in its various colleges and schools, including the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine and the Robert C. Byrd Institute.

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