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Three months and one global pandemic later, the OIL's 15th season commemorative coins have arrived. Be sure to email the commissioner your address so he can mail yours to your doorstep. -
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OKLAHOMA CITY — Arrogant Americans manager Justin C. Cliburn announced the first re-brand in franchise history Tuesday. The new identity is a complete 180° from the arrogance and hubris of the Arrogant Americans: Welcome the Underdogs to the OIL.
The first Arrogant Americans logo was created 10 years ago today, in time for the 'Mericans' fifth season in the OIL. Now, a decade later, their manager said it had run its course.
"The Arrogant Americans brand was good to us for 14 seasons, but it was time for a change," Justin C. Cliburn said. "The new name, logo, and uniforms are based on the humble beagle, which may seem odd to some."
Cliburn's first dog was a beagle, and he owned three over his lifetime, most recently "Battle." The color scheme evokes the beloved tri-color beagle, while the helmet is reminiscent of the Philadelphia Eagles — only with a floppy dog ear instead of an eagle's wing.
The new brand identity was developed by Impressions Media Group, a graphic design firm based in New York.
"Beagles are an honorable breed — kind, curious, active, and blue-collar. They have been working dogs for hundreds of years," Cliburn said. "Their personality is humble, but they have a deafeningly loud bark and howl when provoked. They are small in stature but carry a big stick. In short, they are the ultimate underdog."
When asked how he calls the winningest team in OIL history underdogs, Cliburn was clear. "It doesn't matter what players did before you. Three previous championships have nothing to do with today. This team went 4-9 last season; as a result, they do not deserve to be associated with the glory of the Arrogant Americans. It's time for an attitude adjustment, and the Underdogs name is just the first step."
When pressed, Cliburn denied that the identity crisis was in response to Lucky Enuf surpassing the 'Mericans on the all-time championships list. Lucky Enuf won a record-fourth OIL Bowl in 2019.
The Underdogs will begin play in 2020, and team merchandise will hit store shelves immediately. Fans may follow the Underdogs on social media at @Underdogs_OIL. #KeepHowling -
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Exactly 10 years ago, we launched OklahomIraqis.com and a new era of the OIL was born. As a league, we were approaching our fifth season, and "The OIL" wasn't yet in our vocabulary. It was either the OklahomIraqis League or just "the league," not that either name was uttered much in the offseason. So it isn't a coincidence that I started this site that offseason, just one month before I was scheduled to leave the Oklahoma Army National Guard. Leaving the 158 meant I would no longer see the guys at least once a month, and this site was the first step to keep up the communication outside of football season. I think it's been a success.
And the launch of the website was the catalyst for what the OIL is today. To see how different things were then, just look at the first OIL logo and first blog post:
While typing in oklahomiraqis.com will still get you here, the site has changed exponentially. It averages over 1,600 unique visitors per week during the offseason and has grown from about a dozen pages to well over 100. The logo has evolved while remaining true to its roots, and the team names and logos have improved dramatically.
Of course, none of this would be possible without the cooperation of the league members, as begrudging it is at times. Thanks for all the help over the years.
On this 10th anniversary of the league website, what are your favorite additions? What would you like to see moving forward? -
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This is a little late, but it's important. Our SECFOR brothers lost another one. On February 19, 2020, Aaron Helton died in Duncan. Helton was on the 2005-2006 mission and the 2008-2009 Ramadi deployment. At least 20 158th brothers were at Helton's funeral, and he received full military honors.
Helton lives on in the OIL through the Hard Targets, whose logo is based on the former First Platoon Hard Target. Rest in peace, brother. -
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SHAWNEE — Four-time champion Kevin Pyle has another helmet to place on his mom's mantle. The neon green 2019 version, again produced by HelmetNation.com arrived at the Commissioner's office Friday. It's now visible in the championship helmet gallery located here.
