The Carthage Red Men/Lady Reds

Carthage’s men’s athletic teams have carried the nickname “Red Men” since the 1920s.  Referring to the color of their uniforms, the Red Men had no association with Native American imagery in those years, nor is there any today.

With the rise of women’s intercollegiate athletics in the late twentieth century, the teams chose the nickname “Lady Reds” in the 1980s.  Again, that name referred to Carthage athletic colors.

Flame imagery characterizes both academic and athletic identity at Carthage.  The crest of the College features a torch and flame, and the highest award conferred by the College is the “Carthage Flame.”  The athletic logotypes for the Red Men and the Lady Reds feature a stylized flame symbolizing heat, fire, and commitment.