Ocelots release new logo, seek fresh start

WESLACO — New year, new look.

The Rio Grande Valley Ocelots unveiled their new logo at an event Thursday at Paradise Road House. The change goes with the new name for the team, as they ceased being the Bravos shortly after the 2010 season ended.

"This is a very exciting time for us, anytime a change happens, it’s always really big," Ocelots general manager John Cannon said. "Basically, we’re starting our own identity now. Out with the old, in with the new."

The Ocelots will be joining the Southern Premier Soccer League and will play 22 home games this season at Brownsville Sports Park, which is expected to be renovated with some individual seats and ready for the 2011 season.

The team will hold combines and tryouts across the Rio Grande Valley in order to get the best possible talent evaluated. They will have a theme night for every game. They will be selling beer this year and will be totally re-doing their concessions.

The new season will certainly have a different feel.

"To be an ocelot is to have a fresh start," Ocelots owner Kru Kayan Sitsanthaparn said. "Now we’ve enjoyed a little break and we’re able to regroup and take a totally different but positive direction as to what it is that we’re trying to do."

The logo, a traditional soccer-style crest with a light red background, has an ocelot situated firmly on top. It’s quite different and much more stylish than what they had when they were the Bravos.

"This is a very exciting time," Cannon said. "The logo is unbelievable, it still brings chills down my spine just thinking about it."

The Ocelots are also in negotiations with FC New York of the first division in hopes of becoming associated with them. They are also making strides to be affiliated with both Mexican and other American teams.

All in all, the franchise looks a lot different now than it did at the beginning of last season.

"We should definitely have a very competitive team (this year)," Sitsanthaparn said. "Because when it’s all said and done, it’s definitely about representing the Valley." 

Todd Orodenker covers sports for Valley Freedom Newspapers. You can reach him at (956) 982-6663 or via e-mail at torodenker@brownsvilleherald.com.