Best Vintage Illinois High School Logos

March 20, 2024

Sports teams universally rely on logos for identity and branding. While some teams choose modernization, others celebrate tradition by using vintage logos. The resurgence of nostalgic aesthetics, particularly notable in high school sports, allows schools to honor their heritage and establish a distinct brand. This article explores the history and modern usage of sports logos, focusing on high school teams while ranking the top five emblems and providing honorable mentions for Illinois high schools.

Logo Evolution

Throughout sports history, team logos have evolved across different eras. Initially, logos featured simplistic lettering representing either the city/school or team name. This evolution incorporated illustrations, mascots, and diverse symbols. Over time, logos have adapted to reflect changes in design, technology, and cultural trends. Some programs have even returned to classic logo styles, such as vintage mascots wearing team attire while holding pennants/flags or showcasing the brand in other ways.

Clubhouse Curation

The Clubhouse Athletic brand revolves around retro sportswear, featuring an alternate logo—a cub holding a clubhouse flag—paying homage to Chicago sports teams such as the Cubs and Bears. When Clubhouse collaborates with its customers, it frequently produces vintage-style products, sometimes working with a team that uses old-school logos. The boys' basketball program at Pinckneyville High School in Southern Illinois uses a cartoon panther dunking a basketball as its logo for the fan wear jersey created by Clubhouse.

Top Five

Illinois high school sports feature unique mascot names, many with a rich history that defines their brand. These schools have carefully developed their logos to enhance brand visibility. While some institutions have chosen modern designs, the following list breaks down five of the top vintage Illinois high school logos, alongside a selection of honorable mentions.

Hoopeston Area High School Cornjerkers (Hoopeston, IL)

Description: The ear of corn, with human characteristics, skillfully handles various sports equipment, showcasing its athletic abilities in tribute to Hoopeston, known as the "Sweetcorn Capital of the World."
Opinion: No other team on the planet has the name "Cornjerkers," and the school has designed a logo that perfectly embodies the athletic program, the mascot, and the history behind its name.

Larkin High School Royals (Elgin, IL)

Description: Two logos of the Royals: one featuring its face, by a red and blue 'L' for Larkin, and the other a full royal figure waving a flag representing the team.
Opinion: Larkin assigns a face to their mascot name, providing the school with the identity of a resilient leader who takes pride in representing the name through its crown and flag.

Lincoln Community High School Railers (Lincoln, IL)

Description: The primary logo, featuring a man holding an axe as a railsplitter, also known as President Abraham Lincoln's nickname, stands in contrast to the basketball program’s logo, where the figure spins a ball instead of an axe.
Opinion: Most programs choose animal or object mascots, but Lincoln sets itself apart by using a railsplitter to represent its brand, giving it a unique identity, especially due to the historical significance associated with the name.

St. Edward Central Catholic High School Green Wave (Elgin, IL)

Description: A green wave in motion, holding a St. Edward megaphone and resembling the movement of a sprinter, carries an intimidating face upon its crest.
Opinion: The green wave, similar to the Tulane University logo, stands out uniquely in Illinois high school sports due to its distinctive mascot name and the competitive appearance of the wave crest cartoon emblem.

Zion-Benton Township High School Zee-Bees (Zion, IL)

Description: At first glance, this insect appears to be a typical wasp, but in reality, it's a Zee-Bee wearing a sweater with the initials 'ZB,' symbolizing the school's mascot and name, Zion-Benton.
Opinion: The fierce-looking Zee-Bee, with its classic style, incorporates the two letters "ZB" on its sweater, honoring the school's mascot and name, highlighting the thoughtful design behind the brand.