This story is courtesy of Lake Superior State University.

SAULT STE. MARIE---The Lake Superior State University Athletics Department announced the unveiling of its brand new website, LSSULakers.com, Thursday following an extensive redesign and restructuring process spanning nearly six months.

The new-look site replaces the previous edition of LSSULakers.com, which was initially launched in the spring of 2015. The new design will have a cleaner and simpler look with easier navigation on both desktop and mobile devices.

“The new website design elevates the presentation to be reflective of the level of program we are striving to become,” said Director of Athletics, Dr. David Paitson. “It provides a foundation for efficient communication with our campus, student body, alumni, fan base and the EUP community.
 

“Launching a new digital home for an athletic department is no small task and I’d like to specifically thank Athletic Communications Director, Cullen Maksimowski and Marketing and Ticketing Coordinator, Hunter Perry for their tireless efforts to update and shape the content,” Paitson said.

The new LSSULakers.com was designed to not only serve as the primary source of information for Lake State Athletics but also offer fans a more intimate, behind-the-scenes look into of the department as well as the specific sports programs through social media and other multimedia platforms.

“Social media is at the heart of the new design as our athletic Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages are woven into both on the home page and the team specific pages allowing us to directly engage with our followers,” said Paitson.

As part of the relaunch process, a brand new Lake State Athletics Instagram account was created along with seven new team specific Facebook and Twitter accounts to provide more comprehensive program coverage.

“A strong social media presence is a must-have in today’s collegiate athletics landscape,” said Maksimowski. “Digital information is produced, distributed and consumed in such a rapid fashion that our messaging has to flow quickly and efficiently through our social outlets for us to be effective.

“Additionally, one of our objectives as a smaller school with a limited number of media resources, is to tell the stories of our student-athletes. Our efforts to expand our social reach by introducing an Athletics Instagram page, expanding our team coverage and integrating them into the new site will help us achieve that.”

The launch of the new site is also a significant step outlined in the overall mission of the Athletics department helping increase its presence and visibility throughout the Lake State campus as well as the community.

"The new digital home for Lake State Athletics will help to enhance the overall fan experience and engagement,” said University Marketing and Communication Director, Kellie Greener.

“The site is attractive and easily navigable and provides a great way for Lakers far and wide to stay up-to-date with what's happening across our university and, more specifically, in athletics.”

Another significant feature of the new website layout is an increased emphasis placed on the Lake State alumni and letter winners. Located on the main navigation bar, is the letter winners tab which features an updated list of LSSU’s all-time letter winners, Hall of Fame inductees, upcoming events with the LSSU Alumni Association as well as a mentoring program which will be introduced in the near future.

“The cleaner and uncluttered design of the new Athletics website will make it easier and more enjoyable for alumni and fans to follow Laker Athletics,” said Director of Alumni Relations, Susan Fitzpatrick.

“Specifically, I like the new, easy-to-see, list of upcoming events and how the new ticket section incorporates all athletics events in one simple location. I especially like the way all the sponsors are centrally located and summarized in one place. This makes it easier to see the many local businesses that are supporting Laker Athletics.”

LSSU Athletics encourages the campus, community, fans, alumni and sponsors to check out the new site, follow @lssuathletics on social media and provide feedback and suggestions for improvement.

Website questions and feedback can be submitted via email at  [email protected].