Share
It is very refreshing to finally have a Canadian Institution value and promote their varsity athletics with the same zest and zeal as our American counterparts. The Guelph Gryphons have significantly invested in athletics and it is paying off in a big way with branding and buzz building happening on campus, off campus and across the country.
Canadian athletic scholarships offered by the University of Guelph now help attract our brightest and best academic athletes, preventing them from being sought out, and searching for support, from institutions south of the border. The University is investing 40 million into the 50 year old W.F Mitchell Centre, with a capital campaign under way for a 120,000 square foot expansion.
The University of Guelph athletic website features an impressive array of sporting teams, recreational athletics, a fan zone, and areas for alumni, athletes and students alike to participate in school spirit, culture, and community building. The Gryphons sporting teams are stepping up and ranking nationally as the teams to beat, bringing attention across Canada to the university.
Guelph athletes can be easily spotted proudly sporting their stylish hoodies and t-shirts, promoting the Guelph brand daily across campus, to all audiences who walk past their way. Corporations are paying attention and partnerships, advertising and sponsorships are taking shape.
The enthusiasm, excitement and understanding of how athletes can shape your institutional brand was present at a recent soccer game against York University.
Young primary school students from the local community crowded on the grass hillside to cheer on their Gryphons. Guelph students took a break from classes to catch the action in the stands, and adults, young and old, were entertained by the match. The drums were beating, hand-made teams signs were waving and the blow horns were trumpeting. Soccer athletes were all smiles when young students flooded and lined the fences during and after the game for high fives and autographs.
And so the Gryphon athletic story, is a one of brand building. At every institution across the country, there are athletes waiting for you to tell their story, so you can share your story and build your brand.
