New logo picked for Crystal Lake South

A new gator will soon prowl the halls of Crystal Lake South High School now that the school board has approved the winning submission in the school’s contest to replace its logo.

Students and staffers selected a logo created by Lake in the Hills resident Michael Ullrich, which features menacing eyes peering over the top of the word Gators in block letters. Although Ullrich’s children will not attend the Crystal Lake High School District 155 high school, his nieces and nephews are future Gators.

A fresh logo was needed after the school was contacted by officials from the University of Florida who asked Crystal Lake South to stop using its Gator logo. The university’s logo is a registered trademark and the high school was infringing on the trademark.

Matt Koll, activities director at the high school, said the winning design encapsulated the requirements for the new logo.

“We wanted a recognizable gator that was crisp in quality and that had a timeless element so that we aren’t replacing it every five years,” Koll said. “Beyond that, it was up to the students and staff of the school to decide which one they liked best because if they’re not behind the gator there is no point to the process.”

Koll said the school received 46 submissions, ranging from professional designs to students using crayons.

Ullrich, who studied graphic design in college and is now a marketing director, said the challenge drew him to the contest.

“I knew I could do this,” Ullrich said. “I wanted Crystal Lake South to have a fresh, new logo that would last for centuries. I am excited to be the person who can say, ‘That’s my logo.’”

The school will begin using the new logo on its letterhead, hallways and school apparel starting next fall, District 155 spokesman Jeff Puma said. Large areas such as the gymnasium floor and a tile mural will be replaced gradually.