Deep breath everyone. It may be a lousy logo replacing a lousy logo, but it is only a secondary logo. For example, that needed replacement of the 1997-era “Pittsburgh” logo and panther head in the Pete that was in the paper today. It’s not like it’s going to be with the new dino-cat. They will just have the block “PITT.” Right?

That’s because a giant tile logo that reads “Pittsburgh,” built at a cost of more than $100,000 into the main lobby floor of the Petersen Events Center, will be torn up and modified under an effort to put the “PITT” back in Pitt athletics.

Jeff Long, the school’s athletic director, yesterday confirmed the planned work this summer inside the 12,500-seat arena, which opened in 2002 and is home to the school’s basketball teams.

He said the Panther head inside the logo also will be updated to a newer, sleeker version announced last month.

Oh, wait. Crap.

It would have been fine with just the big block lettered logo. Clean, simple and uncomplicated. On the bright side, when you go into the Pete, you will at least be able to stomp on that dino-cat to get some of the frustration out of your system.

Via Chas at the FanHouse, we get a solid interview of Dave Wannstedt. He talks about last year’s horrible finish to the season and then addresses the possible carryover to this year.

We’ve had a very good offseason. You know, we’re such a young team – I think we only had six seniors starting for us total last season. We’ll probably have five this year. We’re a sophomore/junior team, and we’ve made some changes on the staff.

Changes in staff have been made, sure, but not the change that everyone wants to see involving a certain defensive coordinator.

Which freshmen does he think will come in and make a quick impact?

I think LeSean McCoy has to make an impact on our team, the running back. I think that Tommie Duhart, the top defensive lineman, may make an impact. And then the rest of the team may get a little bit of special teams work.

Then we finally get some insight on the mustache.

SB: When did you decide you were going to adopt the mustache as your signature look?

DW: Well, I always thought the Charles Bronson look was the way to go, and I didn’t realize it would take off. The biggest problem I have is that I don’t have much skill with a razor in my hand. I’ve butchered that thing up more times than not. I had never really given it any thought until someone told me I was on the 10 most viewed mustaches on some Internet service, up there with Charles Bronson and Tom Selleck and myself. So it’s crazy. I’ve been at games in stadiums with students who have pictures drawn up, and that’s all they talk about. It’s hilarious. I don’t plan on shaving it off, that’s for sure.

SB: So is your mustache the source of all your power?

DW: I don’t know. You’d have to ask my wife.

If they want to attract fans they should give away “Wannstedt Mustaches”. Just ask Scott McKillop if it works; the Pirates give away all kinds of garbage, put a horrible team on the field, and still draw plenty of fans.

Pitt linebacker Scott McKillop, a marketing major, is getting plenty of valuable experience this summer. Having to market and promote such a bad team, he gets plenty of work in as a Pirates intern. At least it sounds like he does a good job.

He heard about the internship from someone in the Pitt athletic department who knew someone who worked for the Pirates. But he landed the internship through good interviews, not because he was an athlete.

“He doesn’t have that aura about him at all,” said Chris Serkoch, who is the Pirates’ manager of special events and McKillop’s boss.

“He takes initiative. I didn’t know he was a football player at first.”

For home games, McKillop arrives several hours before game time to help with various office duties, pregame activities and in-game promotional functions.

One night he found that only three of the four costumes were filled for the Pittsburgh Pierogi Race, so at 6-2, 245 pounds, he managed to fit himself in the Cheese Chester Costume.

Secondly, I went to the walkout (or lack thereof) on Saturday night. I got up and walked, and my recap of it all is here. I got to the park right when the gates opened and was there to see the ceremonial first pitches that weren’t the real first pitch done right before game time. One of those was thrown out by wide receiver Derek Kinder.

More photographic evidence after the jump.

(more…)

The Pitt Athletic Department has confirmed the new logo through a press release to the media, an e-mail to Panther Club members, and on the website.

The University of Pittsburgh’s torch-cut Panther head, first unveiled in 1997, is being reintroduced with a sleeker, more polished look. The new mark is the result of the creative efforts of the Pitt Athletic Department and Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC).

I called that they would use the word “sleeker”. By the way, we also know who to blame for coming up with this.

But wait, there’s more of this drivel…

The new Panther head will be a secondary mark for Pitt Athletics. The primary logo will remain the arching block-style PITT, first introduced in 2005. The PITT logo will continue to be the featured mark on the uniforms for each of the University of Pittsburgh’s 19 intercollegiate teams.

“We have been known as Pitt for more than a century and that name and logo will continue to be our primary identity,” Athletic Director Jeff Long said. “After receiving consistent public feedback, we felt the time was right to give our Panther head a more refined, contemporary look and one that is easily reproduced and recognized.”

Merchandise with the “sleeker” Panther will be available in stores beginning July 2. Those of you who can’t wait that long can shop on the Pitt online store which is carrying the new clothing as we speak.

Most people you ask will say any logo choice that the Pitt Athletic Department makes which doesn’t involve changing back to script is a wrong choice. Even if you don’t think that, I’m sure we can all join in saying this is about as bad as it gets.

What we have is a replacement of secondary logo including a “sleeker,” more “modern” look. Yeah, right. Expect to see both of those words in the press release.

Some are calling it “Dinocat 2.0,” others saying it looks like a harmless dog. The topic has six pages (and counting) on the message boards. Chas also wrote about it over at the FanHouse.

I’m moving across town, meaning less computer/blogging time until everything is complete (hopefully soon), and it makes the drive to Heinz Field only about 10 minutes longer. I don’t think this was ever considered as part of the new house:

They’re offered by York Heating and Air Conditioning and come in a variety of NCAA teams. Seriously, they’ll put a logo on anything if it squeezes some cash out of people. Better make sure you order your Furman Paladins air conditioner before they run out.

The Pitt Athletic Department is out trying to do extra promotions for Pitt. They have apparently put together a “summer tour.” I don’t want to mock this. I’m sure there’s some benefits to this. I want Pitt promoted in the community.

That said, I have to mock this. All because of this one bit.

Take photos with Roc the Panther and Pitt player cut-outs

This isn’t serious, right? People still do this? Take pictures with cardboard images?

You know, even in jest. Just for fun, if you actually do this sort of thing I don’t want to know you.

After seeing some reports killing Gray early in the week, it seems he has been among the most consistent performers at Orlando.

Pittsburgh center Aaron Gray is the only player in Orlando who is averaging more than six rebounds and 14 points per game. Gray has posted averages of 15.5 points and seven rebounds in his two games to date, with another game this afternoon.

That naturally has the revisions going on how Gray has looked at the camp and his draft status. At the very least, the concession is that he hasn’t slid in the draft projections.

Aaron Gray had yet another solid performance here today, following up on his good performance yesterday, and he’s thus far succeeded in not hurting his stock here at the camp, though not really improving it much either. Gray got all his scores coming off post-ups and pick-and-rolls, getting to the basket and hitting a lay-up or going to the line, or by settling for a turnaround jumper from about five feet away from the basket.

…

Gray had two very nice back-to-the-basket plays on the game, one coming on a turnaround jumper off the glass from five feet out, and the other coming on a fake spin one way into a spin back the other, where he laid the ball perfectly in the basket after spending just a second with his eye on the hoop, showing good awareness of where he was with the ball.

Gray scored 16 points of 5-9 shooting and a stunning 6-7 of FTs.

Apparently, a lot of teams and people watching this are still most impressed that Gray has slimmed down further (Insider subs.)

Gray probably will move up a few spots in the draft just by showing up to camp in great shape. His body is clearly more chiseled, his abs ripped and his stamina better than at Pittsburgh.

He put up a very solid performance on both ends of the floor — though he was lacking much in the way of competition.

Again, being in such great shape, in preparation for the NBA draft camp goes a ways to showing NBA scouts and people how serious and willing to work hard Gray is.

Pittsburgh center Aaron Gray continued to show off his streamlined physique and bulked-up offensive game. After delivering 15 points and nine rebounds Wednesday, Gray returned with a 16-point, five-rebound effort Thursday. Gray has shown scouts that he has a traditional big man’s power game, muscling up shots close to the basket while also being active on both backboards. Gray has been a bigger presence in the lane than he was when I saw him during the season for the Panthers.

Over at Hoopsworld, they have several writers offering takes and reporting on players.

One current NBA assistant coach had this to say: “Everyone wants to talk about what he can’t do, but he’s an NBA player.” The scout noted that he will likely be a late first round or early second round selection which was right about where most people had him slotted before he came to camp.

…

At 7’ 270 pounds, Gray provides the presence in the middle that so many teams are after. But don’t look for Gray on a running team. He isn’t the fastest big man out there — “He is what he is,” said one scout — but another assistant coach contends that he can succeed with the right guards getting him the ball inside.

You know, I know I mentioned Eastern Conference teams would likely grab him, but I could also see him working in the Spurs system.

There are very few fans that would be against a return to the script Pitt and colors from Pitt’s better days. There’s been plenty of discussion about it and I don’t care why we’re not wearing it, whether it be something legal or someone just making an executive decision about it — I just want to see a return to those colors.

Are we going to see that soon? Well, there are some seemingly small changes being made according to Sitting Ringside.

The “PANTHERS” across the chest will be replaced with “PITT” and blue pants will return for the first time since 2003, when they were worn against Virginia Tech.

It seems like we’ll never get to the point where we see the same jerseys that we wore against Youngstown State in that throwback game. Thankfully I picked mine up in that auction of the game-used jerseys because we might never see them on a Pitt team regularly for a while.

Apparently Pitt gear is on sale for a Father’s day promotion. If you order stuff online, and add the promotion code “DAD” in the spot at checkout, you get 20% knocked off the total purchase. That isn’t half bad.

The deal runs until June 16.

I had toyed with trying to go to the Blue-Gold game. Really. If for no other reason then a trip to the ‘Burgh and maybe a night out. The wife, however, has me on a variation of home detention this month. The good news, is I and others who can’t make it to Heinz Field can watch from the comfort of our own computer (hat tip to Pitt Panther Fans).

Pitt will be streaming the Blue-Gold game live via their All-Access/CSTV.com feature. This event, though, will be a freebie. They use the Windows Media Player stuff. The coverage starts at noon this Saturday.

They come out with new Oakland Zoo tee shirts each year. The next marketing gimmick might be upon us: “postseason shirts”.

The men’s shirt says “Together!” and the women’s has “We Got This!” on it.

If you’re looking for a way to get rid of $20 then click here.

I nearly forgot, in the Zeise Q&A the issue of the script helmets Palko and Blades wore was addressed — sort of.

Q: What is your take on the script Pitt helmets worn by Palko and Blades at the Senior Bowl? Is this a sign of things to come?

ZEISE: I had no less than 25 inquiries about this very subject which means some of you need to get a grip on this script thing. The helmets worn by Blades and Palko were worn because the two kids decided they wanted to wear them. It was not an athletic department decision, it has no significance for the future of the uniforms. It was not appreciated by certain members of the athletic department, who felt the kids should have been made to wear Pitt’s current logo on a national stage. So in short, according to people within the athletic department, there is no chance that Pitt will go back to the script next year or in the near future. The current logo — the one that was on the helmets last year — will remain in place. So please put an end to this script silliness. It isn’t going to happen.

Only 25? Not sure I’m buying the explanation. Especially since there is still no addressing where they came from. As has been noted by others, the script and the lettering was not some decal over the regular helmet. Are they saying — however obliquely that the players had or had access to alternate helmets? There’s just something that isn’t adding up correctly.

I’m still trying to make the judgment as to whether the Big East made the right call on releasing the schedules this week. Or should they have waited until after NLI Day on Wednesday. I realize some schools are now taking orders and send out renewals immediately. Still, for Pitt, at least it might have been a little better to wait until after signing day when there would be a more tangible sense of optimism to let the fans know what the schedule is.

Instead, it’s a bit of spin from AD Jeff Long.

“We understand that and we know that where we are in terms of televised appearances is reflective of how our season went and what expectations are of our team. At the same time, there are going to be other windows to negotiate to get certain games on television and so we anticipate things will change. Certainly the fact that we were picked to play West Virginia on championship Saturday speaks volumes about how we are perceived nationally.”

That unless Pitt is playing a team that has national recognition and achievement at the moment, there is little interest in Pitt outside of the fanbase?

On the positive side, they still haven’t raised ticket prices and seem genuinely desirous of getting as many bodies in the stands as possible.

Pitt is offering two new ticket promotions this season: “First and 10,” which provides fans the chance to buy one season ticket at full price and get a second for $10; and “7 in ’07,” which allows groups of four or more to reserve season tickets for a $77 deposit as part of a payment plan through August that allows for a minimum savings of $289.

Current season-ticket holders who renew online will receive a $10 discount. Single-game tickets, if available, won’t go on sale until August.

The WPIAL is happy about the way Pitt’s schedule looks. West Virginia high schools may not be so thrilled.

Arch rival Pitt has been moved back to the final game of the regular season.

The 100th edition of the Backyard Brawl will be played Dec. 1 in Morgantown.

It’s the latest date ever for a WVU-Pitt game and also conflicts with the Super Six high school football championships in Wheeling that weekend.

Amusing to note that the MAC had to redo two season openers with WVU and Pitt. Pitt was supposed to face Bowling Green, but they needed to be swapped out because they were overbooked. That’s why Pitt will face Eastern Michigan. Bowling Green will now be on the schedule in 2008.

WVU was supposed to start with Ball State, but they too were overbooked so the Mountaineers get Western Michigan.

Paul Zeise has another Q&A. My, linebacking seems bleak.

Q: Is there any reason to have hope given the Panthers’ situation at both defensive end and linebacker?

ZEISE: There is always hope — every one starts the season 0-0. I think you are correct, linebacker to me — not quarterback — is the biggest issue for this team. The Panthers need to do some serious reloading here and unless there are some athlete/running back types in this recruiting class headed for linebacker I’m not sure I see much help. You’d hope Tommie Campbell can take the next step as a player but the other positions are way up in the air. I think defensive end is going to be OK. It won’t obviously be like the Florida Gators defensive end situation, but it will be pretty good. I think between Doug Fulmer, Joe Clermond, Greg Romeus, Chris McKillop and, perhaps, a guy like Tommie Duhart, the position will be in good shape.

Don’t worry, Paul Rhoads will handle it. Ah, there’s a reason why the door in my home office has a well worn dent the size of my head.

Now as for the subject of getting season tickets this year. I’m renewing, as much to be able to gather with my friends as much as anything else. It’s really the only chance we get during a year to coordinate and meet at the same time given where we live, our schedules and family responsibilities.

I also understand why other don’t want to renew whether it’s the retention of Paul Rhoads — and the dedication to excuse making. Or if it’s simply not wanting to hear the excuses. The last two years it has been all Walt Harris’ fault for not leaving the cupboard well stocked. This year it will be youth.

2008 will be the end of excuses. No one will accept them at that point. Pitt’s football department from the AD to the coaches to the interns. They are putting everything to that year, so they better be right. My sense is 2007 is kind of a “hold on, until next year” sales job.

Fans for Script have the pictures of Palko wearing a Pitt helmet at the Senior Bowl with a script “Pitt” on the side. Have to admit, I had spent the entire day on b-ball duty for AOL, so I never tuned in. The write-ups on the game were complimentary for Palko.

Pittsburgh quarterback Tyler Palko also found success upon entering the game, making several nice plays to keep a North drive alive before the half. On a third-and-six, Palko completed a nice out to Notre Dame wide receiver Rhema McKnight for 13 yards and a first down. Two plays later, Palko again faced a third down, this time needing eight yards to move the chains. Seeing the middle of the field unmanned, the Pitt passer used his feet to make something happen, scrambling 16 yards down to the 15-yard line. Later in the drive, Palko would proceed to do his best impression of Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre, shoveling the football backhanded and on the run to Kansas State running back Thomas Clayton, who caught the impromptu pass and ran to the four-yard line. The drive would eventually stall there, forcing another Crosby field goal.

Apparently Pitt teammates didn’t believe the North would win.

“Football is a game of willpower,” said North linebacker H.B. Blades, who played at Pittsburgh but grew up in Fort Lauderdale. “We heard all week how we were underdogs.

“Even guys on my own team (at Pitt) when I called back this week, they were saying, ‘Hey, the South has guys from Florida, Florida State, Texas, Auburn. You guys are going to lose.’

“So even my own team didn’t give us a chance.”

A 27-0 shut out of the South.

That still brings thins back to the script helmets. The picture of Palko during practice in the week show the same Pitt helmet we’ve seen for the past two years with the block “Pitt.” So now, in the Senior bowl — still with the newer color scheme — there is the script on the side; but no explanation.

It’s not like the players would have done it themselves. I have trouble believing Coach Wannstedt was acting on his own — though that is possible. Nothing at the Pitt website. So is this some sort of grass roots/underground change to the logo or some sort of subtle test-marketing? I have to believe the helmets came from the athletic department. Guess we’ll find out soon.