The Redbird Nickname
In 1923, athletic director Clifford E. "Pop" Horton and Daily Pantagraph sports editor Fred Young collaborated to change the nickname from "Teacher."

The Mascot - Reggie Redbird
The mascot is Reggie Redbird, a student dressed in costume. After a 1980 contest among Junior Redbird Club Members, the name Reggie, submitted by several members, was selected.

The suit was donated by Rick Percy, general manager of Clemens and Associates Insurance in Bloomington and a longtime member of The Redbird Club.

The School Colors
Horton wanted "Cardinals" because the school colors, set in 1895-96, were cardinal and white. Young changed the nickname to avoid confusion in the headlines with the Cardinals baseball team.

The colors for the Redbirds are PMS 186 (Red) and White.