Big Red

In 1932, John Gray, as football coach and athletics director, changed Lamar University’s mascot from the Brahmas to the Cardinals and the school colors from maroon and gray to red and blue. The colors changed in 1960 to red and white. A student dressed in a larger-than-life cardinal costume, affectionately known as Big Red, cheers at athletic events and represents the university at on-campus and community events. Although he has had different images throughout the years, that still hasn’t stopped him from spreading spirit on campus and throughout the community. The new and improved mascot uniform was introduced at the end of the 2011 LU football season, as he led the team onto the field. Big Red’s character can best be described as someone who likes to pump up the crowd, joke around, groove to music, and greet fans.