Local high school forced to change logo in dispute with university

(7/13/07 - KTRK/THE WOODLANDS, TX) (KTRK) -- A single letter has led to a logo dispute between a local high school and a Big 10 college, and the little guy lost this football fight. Who knew the letter "w" could cause so much trouble?

The Woodlands High School is having to change its letter logo because it's just too close for comfort for the University of Wisconsin. It might seem funny, but it's serious business for the University of Wisconsin. We spoke to the Conroe ISD superintendent, and he said he first found out about the problem a year ago. He contacted Barry Alvarez, football coach and athlete director for the University of Wisconsin, and was told not to worry about it.

Even though they said it was no big deal, the university apparently changed its mind, and The Woodlands is having to change its W.

Craig Todd is a real Highlander. As a soccer player who moved to Texas from Scotland eight years ago, he can't believe Wisconsin is badgering his school about its logo.

He said, "I don't understand why they're making a big deal about it. It's just another W."

But to Wisconsin, it's not just another W -- it's the 'motion W' they've had trademarked for 11 years. The school told Eyewitness News that other schools using the motion W dilutes the identity and reduces the value to the university. And so, it has asked 40 schools in 26 states to change their W's.

It didn't help The Woodlands that the football team appeared on national television, and Badger alums everywhere complained to their alma mater.

"I honestly don't think it's all that big of a deal," said Woodlands High School senior Kevin Waller. "I mean, we're all the way down across the country."

Woodlands High School senior Michael Wagner said, "They really shouldn't be that outraged about the shape of that W. Seriously."

And for rising senior Craig Todd, the Highlanders just aren't the same with a different W.

"I don't want to see it changed," he said. "I like it the way it is."

A lot of people in the area like it the way it is. But it is going to be changed a bit, over the next few years.
(Copyright © 2007, KTRK-TV)

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