At CDL, we are proud to continue our longstanding partnership with Pittsburg State University (PSU), where we have had the opportunity to help enhance various athletic facilities over the years. Our latest project in the PSU Football locker room was both an honor and a challenge as it allowed us to blend tradition with modern design elements that truly represent the spirit of the Gorillas.
The project kicked off with a special request from PSU’s head football coach, Thomas Anthony. He wanted to display the John Roderique quote, “Tradition is worthless unless you work as hard as the people who created it. Remember and learn from those who came before you.” Originally, the plan was to use vinyl for the lettering, but our design team saw an opportunity to elevate the presentation even further.
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We proposed using black acrylic with directional lighting to give the quote a modern, impactful look. We also proposed relocating the lockers previously dedicated to Harlon Hill Trophy winners. Rather than simply moving them, our team designed a dedicated space to honor PSU’s prestigious award recipients. The new display features acrylic photos, information about each recipient, and a highlighted space to showcase the trophy itself.
In the area where the lockers once stood, we created a display for the team’s jersey, using red directional lighting to emphasize PSU’s branding. Additionally, we incorporated alternating brushed aluminum elements to balance the warmth of the overall space, giving the locker room a more modern and polished feel.
The design process included producing a detailed 3D render, which allowed the coach to visualize the updates. After a few minor adjustments, the final design kept the integrity of our original proposal intact. What’s even more exciting is that our team was able to manufacture and install the entire project in-house, saving PSU time and money.
The project is currently 95% complete, with just a few finishing touches left, including a trophy shelf. The team in our Sign Division has done an incredible job bringing this vision to life, and we look forward to wrapping it up in the coming days.
We are particularly proud of our ongoing relationship with PSU, not only because we have many Gorilla alumni among our employees but because they’re a big part of our hometown community. Over the years, we’ve partnered with the athletics department on several projects, including updates for football, baseball, softball, volleyball, and women’s basketball facilities.
Stay tuned for more updates on our work with Pittsburg State Athletics—there’s always something exciting in the pipeline!
