What, exactly, is a Moc?
For more than a decade, this question has puzzled many fans and observers of UTC Athletics.
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Athletics Director Rick Hart has taken a major step to further distinguish the program’s identity. Two new graphic marks featuring a stylized mockingbird have been introduced into the Mocs’ graphic identity.
“We believe these additions to our existing package of marks create a professional, competitive image which will appeal to a broad constituency. Mockingbirds are fiercely territorial creatures which protect their homes with courage, determination, and skill. Those attributes reflect the intellect, spirit, and character of our athletes and alumni,” said Hart.
Chattanooga Athletics has been working to better establish a brand identity for the teams reflective of the university’s and community’s proud heritage. Last summer, a series of updated logos was introduced, including a new “C” to represent Chattanooga Mocs. The program has also been taking special efforts to stay true to its color palette—which includes navy blue and old gold.
“These may seem like little changes, but they are critically important to the overall success of our efforts to effectively market our program. We are proud to be the Mocs, and we are proud of our blue and gold heritage. These traditions deserve special attention,” said Hart.
The UTC Athletics Department changed logos in 1997, moving away from Native American imagery to a package of logos using railroad images, the nickname “Mocs,” and the Scrappy mascot. The new package emphasized UTC’s connection to Chattanooga and the city’s railroad heritage and incorporated the Tennessee state bird.
“We are proud to be Chattanooga’s team, and our logos will continue to pay homage to the rich tradition of our state, our city and our University,” said Hart. “If you go anywhere in the world and say ‘Chattanooga,’ the reply is ‘Choo Choo.’ This reputation transcends all languages, and we are proud to honor that heritage. At the same time, we will connect to the community and promote the institution through the use of a family of complimentary marks easily recognizable are representing UTC.”
Merchandise with the new marks will be available for purchase beginning at the UTC Homecoming game on September 20 when the Mocs host Jacksonville State at Finley Stadium. Following that game, the merchandise can be purchased in the UTC Bookstore.
