Saint Francis University Unveils Red Wolves Identity for New Division III Era
From Red Flash to Red Wolves: Honoring Our Past, Embracing Our Future
Saint Francis University officially unveiled a new identity for its collegiate athletics program: the Saint Francis Red Wolves, marking a historic milestone as the University prepares for its transition to NCAA Division III competition in fall 2026. University officials shared the announcement at a surprise reveal party on Wednesday, June 3, for students, alumni, faculty, staff, and supporters in the Stokes Athletics Center DeGol Arena.
"For generations, Saint Francis athletics has been defined by spirit, resilience, and a commitment to excellence," said Director of Athletics Jim Brazill. "As we begin our Division III journey, the Red Wolves' identity reflects who we are as a Catholic, Franciscan university and the values that will continue to guide our student-athletes for generations to come."
While the SFU's athletics teams will now compete as the Red Wolves, the spirit of the Red Flash remains woven throughout the new identity. A stylized lightning flash is incorporated into the wolf's design as a tribute to the generations of student-athletes, coaches, and alumni who built Saint Francis athletics and established the proud Red Flash legacy.
"This is not simply a new mascot," shared University President Father Malachi Van Tassell, T.O.R. "It is a symbol of who we are. And importantly, it does not erase the Red Flash. In many ways, the Red Wolves carry the spirit of the Flash forward."
The new branding will begin appearing in phases across athletic facilities, uniforms, merchandise, digital platforms, and promotional materials throughout the University's transition to Division III competition in the Presidents' Athletic Conference. The new mascot will make his first live appearance this fall.
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The Meaning Behind the Mascot
A Story Rooted in Franciscan Tradition
The inspiration for the Red Wolves comes from one of the most beloved stories in the life of Saint Francis of Assisi: his encounter with the Wolf of Gubbio. According to tradition, the town of Gubbio lived in fear of a fierce wolf that terrorized the community. Rather than meeting fear with force, Francis approached the wolf with compassion, courage, and faith. Through understanding and trust, he transformed a symbol of division into one of peace, unity, and harmony. That story continues to resonate today because it reflects the values that define Saint Francis University. The Red Wolf represents courage in the face of adversity, the transformative power of compassion, and a commitment to community. It reminds us that true strength is found not in individual achievement alone, but in our ability to support one another and work together toward a common purpose.
The Strength of the Pack
The move to Division III athletics marks an important new chapter for Saint Francis University. Division III places an emphasis on the holistic development of student-athletes, encouraging growth in academics, athletics, faith, leadership, and service. In many ways, the wolf is the perfect symbol for this next chapter. Wolves are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and commitment to the pack. They thrive through cooperation and shared responsibility. Their success depends on supporting and protecting one another. Those qualities mirror the Saint Francis experience. As Red Wolves, our student-athletes will continue to compete with passion and determination while embracing the values of teamwork, community, and belonging that define both Division III athletics and our Franciscan mission.
Honoring the Legacy of the Red Flash
As SFU embraces the Red Wolves identity, we do so with deep respect and gratitude for the generations of student-athletes, coaches, alumni, and supporters who proudly represented the Red Flash. The Red Flash is an enduring part of Saint Francis history. Its spirit, energy, and competitive drive helped build one of the most respected athletic traditions in collegiate sports. That legacy remains central to our new identity. A closer look at the Red Wolves logo reveals a deliberate tribute to the Red Flash. The stylized red markings in the wolf's mane are shaped to resemble a bold flash of lightning—a visual connection to the generations who came before us. The message is simple: the Flash is not gone. It is the fire that powers the pack.
A Logo That Tells Our Story
The new Red Wolves logo was designed to do more than represent a mascot. It was created to reflect the values, traditions, and faith that make Saint Francis University unique. Within the logo are several intentional elements:
- The red mane contains lightning-inspired shapes that honor the University's historic Red Flash identity and preserve its legacy for future generations.
- The white contours within the wolf's ears subtly form the shape of angel wings, symbolizing the Franciscan tradition and the spiritual purpose that guides our community.
- Negative space within the design evokes the pine-covered landscape of Loretto and reminds us of our identity as the "University among the Pines."
- Three intentional indents within the design represent the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, reflecting the Catholic foundation at the heart of Saint Francis University.
The new visual identity was created by Pennsylvania artist, illustrator, and educator Brian Dumm, whose work has appeared in more than 200 national and international publications. Dumm brings more than 25 years of professional experience in fine arts, illustration, and graphic design, with notable clients including Scholastic Inc., McGraw-Hill Publishing, Sheetz Corporation, and the Pittsburgh Steelers. His work has been exhibited throughout Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Ohio, and he is represented by Storybook Arts Inc. in New York.