What is a Reddie?

Throughout the years, the teams of Henderson State University have been known as “Reddies.” Several stories persist as to how the name originated, but no doubt it came from the color of the jerseys worn by the first football team. Early editions of student publications refer to the players as “Red Jackets” and at other times as “Red Men.” The initial edition of the Oracle, October 6, 1908, contains a story that Nellie Hartsfield had the honor of naming the football team the “Red Jackets” and received an annual pass to the games.

By 1908, however, the newspaper writers were referring to them simply as “Reds.” A plausible explanation for the evolution to “Reddies” is that it fitted into pep songs and yells better than the shorter and more blunt “Reds.” In later years, well-meaning sports writers have called the teams “Redskins,” “Indians,” and “Big Red,” but the name “Reddies,” apparently originating from the red of the red and gray school colors, has stuck and the teams therefore remain without the traditional mascot.

The name Reddies is for not only athletes, but for the entire student body. No other color could better portray the honor, courage, and loyalty that represent Henderson State University. Hendersonians proudly wear the Red and are fittingly known as Reddies.