CSUN INTRODUCES NEW LOGO.

Byline: Howard Beck Daily News Staff Writer

There's a new Matador in town, and his head is crowned with a shiny black helmet, adorned with a frantic-looking, crimson ``N'' pierced by a bullfighter's sword.

Cal State Northridge, aiming for a hip, slick and more marketable image, unveiled a piece of its new sports logo Monday. The capital ``N'' and sword have been placed on the side of the football team's helmets, which are now a glossy black.

The image will also be on Matadors baseball and softball caps this year, serving as the school's ``secondary'' logo, athletic director Paul Bubb said. A new primary logo - an updated version of the old matador - will be unveiled later this year.

Bubb and CSUN officials hope the new logo will generate increased interest and increased merchandise sales. They've got the endorsement of the football team, which trots out the new accessories Saturday at Boise State.

``It gives (the uniform) a little extra spice,'' said All-America linebacker Marc Goodson. ``It'll make us feel good on the field. To me, when I feel good, I play good.''

Wide receiver Jerome Henry and coach Jim Fenwick also gave the logo thumbs-up.

CSUN is working with a New York consultant to create a new image. The cost of the logos is undetermined but is expected to be at least $15,000.

Bubb said the cost of changing hats and helmets is negligible, because the helmets are repainted each season anyway, and the baseball and softball caps have to be reissued every year.

So far, so good, say the Matadors.

Goodson liked the use of black, saying, ``It will look intimidating.''

Fenwick liked the color scheme for another reason: ``Doesn't black make you look thinner?''