The Eastern Kentucky Colonels are a notable NCAA sports program representing Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) in Richmond, Kentucky. Since their establishment in 1906, the Colonels have become a strong presence in collegiate athletics, particularly excelling in football and basketball.

Meaning and History

Eastern Kentucky University has a rich tradition of athletic success, marked by multiple Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) championships in football and significant NCAA tournament appearances in basketball. The Colonels have built a legacy of competitive spirit and excellence, influencing generations of student-athletes and maintaining a prominent place in the NCAA.

Logo Evolution

The Eastern Kentucky Colonels logo has undergone several transformations, reflecting the university's evolving identity.

• 1965-1968: The original logo featured a black-and-white illustration of a Southern gentleman, a figure associated with the university's historical roots. He was depicted with a black coat, holding a cane and tipping his hat in greeting.
• 1968-1974: This iteration saw the gentleman in a different pose, with the cane pointed upwards and a yellow hat, maintaining the same iconic Southern gentleman figure.
• 1974-2004: The logo took on a more caricatured style, showing the gentleman with a flag in one hand and a badge in the other. The flag featured EKU and the badge bore the letter "E." These elements were colored in burgundy and white.
• 2004-2006: The logo featured the “EKU” acronym in maroon with a white outline. The letter "K" had an extended tail, giving the logo a more dynamic appearance.
• 2006-2017: The logo transitioned to a stylized colonel with flowing hair, reflecting a more modern design. The full name of the team was placed next to the mascot.
• 2017–Present: In 2017, the logo underwent a final revision, eliminating any references to KFC and using a purple acronym of the team's name. The letters are styled with serifs and tilted to one side, with a long triangle beneath them.

Sports Programs

Eastern Kentucky University sponsors over 15 sports teams, including both men's and women's basketball teams, which have had notable achievements. The men’s team has made seven NCAA Tournament appearances, and the women’s team has won the Kentucky Women’s Intercollegiate Conference Tournament five times.

The Eastern Kentucky Colonels football team is one of the university’s most successful programs, winning 20 OVC conference titles and two Division I-AA National Championships.

Colors

• Maroon: Pantone 209, Hex #8A0039
• White: Pantone P 1-1 C, Hex #FFFFFF

These colors have been an essential part of the team’s visual identity, maintaining consistency across logos and uniforms.