By Mark Hansel
NKyTribune managing editor
Midnight Madness is a tradition in college basketball and Camp Ernst Middle School in Burlington embraced that concept at a pep rally at the school Friday afternoon.
UK’s “Big Blue Madness” and other similar events focus on basketball, but Camp Ernst’s “Blazer Madness” was an all-inclusive event.
Boys and girls basketball teams, cheerleaders, the dance team, the school’s Special Olympians and members of groups and clubs were all recognized during the pep rally.
Camp Ernst Principal Stephanie Hagerty said the school wanted to make sure all of the students were included in the rally in some way.
“We didn’t know what to expect because it’s something for everybody involved with this,” Hagerty said. “It was pretty cool to see them come out with a banner and all the school was here to cheer about it.”
The school also introduced a new Trailblazer mascot and logo at the rally. Local sports marketing and branding expert, Jim Ransdell, whose daughter, Cassidy, is a seventh-grader at Camp Ernst, came up with the idea and designed the logo.
Over the years, the school logo has featured a trail cat and a variety of lettering and symbols, but lacked a consistent, recognizable brand. Ransdell decided to use his skill set to help change that.
“I just sat down one day and looked at what the school had, as far as logos and thought I would give it a shot and try to make it look a little more professional and collegiate,” Ransdell said. I talked to (school officials) about the possibility of doing it and they were really excited about it, so I just sat down and worked with them to rebrand it. It gives the school a whole new look.”
The log includes the words “Trail Blazers” preceded by a stream of flames and a fierce-looking panther in the school’s traditional blue and gold colors.
Camp Ernst Athletic Director Drew Bredenberg said the students embraced the concept, as evidenced by the raucous crowd at the rally.
“This is as good as any midnight madness anywhere in the state,” Bredenberg said. “We engaged over 1,000 kids at this rally and every one of them feels like they are a part of this project and this school today.”
Contact Mark Hansel at mark.hansel@nkytribune.com
Thank you for coming out Mark! It was very exciting to unveil the new logo. The coolest part was recognizing the teams including the Special Olympics team.