For the first time, sales of WSU merchandise out-sold merchandise from the University of Washington.

"We have a great logo," said Tim Pavish, director of WSU Alumni Relations. "It's visually dynamic and incredibly popular."

Apparently many people agree with Pavish, as this year WSU surpassed UW in annual sales for logo licensing royalties. In an August news release, the Collegiate Licensing Company released its annual sales rankings for the 2006-07 fiscal year. The rankings represent the royalties earned by each college for the sale of their logo and name. WSU ranked No. 34 among the top 75 colleges, while UW trailed at No. 36.

"Students, alumni, and fans all contributed to the WSU logo success," Pavish said.

Lindsey Joslin, a human development and teaching major, likes her crimson T-shirt. Even though she doesn't buy a lot of Cougar merchandise, she wears her shirt to work and football games. And when UW is involved? "Then it's important," she said.

WSU grossed $819,000 in licensing royalties for this fiscal year, WSU Trademark Licensing Manager Alyce Anderson wrote in an e-mail to The Daily Evergreen. Last year, WSU got $627,000. These figures contain all money gathered for the WSU logo, trademarks and word marks, Anderson wrote.

Mel Taylor, the director of special projects and external affairs for WSU, thought alumni were influential in the recent win.

“This is certainly driven by alumni,” Taylor said. “We have had sales to Cougs as far away as Australia in recent weeks.” There are more factors than increased alumni interest, however. Taylor said the win was due in large part to last year's success of the men's basketball team. "The biggest factor though has to be the athletics and our thanks to Tony Bennett and the WSU basketball team should be at the top of our list," he said.

In addition to the athletics department, the WSU marketing and trademark departments are innovative in their use of new logos, Taylor said. The new Palouse Ridge Golf Course logo is an example of recent creativity, he said. He said they also have done an excellent job of protecting the logo.

Taylor said he hopes this is the beginning of a trend for WSU.

“You know crimson and gray are a lot easier on the eye than purple and gold,” Taylor said.