Lil' Red
In today's world, Lil' Red has become a topic of great relevance and interest to society in general. Since its inception, Lil' Red has captured the attention of people of all ages and profiles, generating debate and reflection around its different aspects. Whether due to its impact on culture, its relevance in the scientific field, or its influence on the history of humanity, Lil' Red has managed to transcend borders and generations, becoming a fundamental topic that continues to arouse interest and curiosity. In this article, we will thoroughly explore the different aspects related to Lil' Red, delving into its meaning, importance and impact in the contemporary world.
| Lil' Red | |
|---|---|
 Lil' Red in 2007 | |
| University | University of Nebraska–Lincoln |
| Conference | Big Ten |
| Description | Inflatable farm boy in red overalls |
| Origin of name | Contest |
| First seen | 1993 |
| Related mascot(s) | Herbie Husker |
| Hall of Fame | 2007 |
| Website | Lil' Red |
Lil' Red is one of two active mascots of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Created in 1993 to represent the school's volleyball team and appeal to younger fans, he quickly became popular and his use was expanded across all sports. Lil' Red is depicted as an inflatable farm boy wearing red overalls and a sideways hat, and is often seen with Herbie Husker.
Earlier mascots
The University of Nebraska used many unofficial mascots in its early decades, most often a variation of an anthropomorphic ear of corn named Cornhead Guy, Johnnie Husker, or Old Man Cornhusker.[1] The earliest mascot to appear on the sideline (not just as a logo) was Corncob Man, a man in green overalls with an ear of corn for a head who debuted in 1955.[1] Husky the Husker (a ten-foot-tall farmer) and Mr. Big Red (a man in a blazer commonly referred to as Harry Husker) gave way to Herbie Husker in 1974.[2] Herbie became the school's first official mascot in 1977.
History
Lil' Red was created in 1993 after a statewide contest to find a counterpart for Herbie Husker to appear during simultaneous football, basketball, or volleyball games. Associate athletic director Barbara Hibner led the contest, hoping a second, more precocious mascot would appeal to younger fans.[3] Lil' Red quickly became so popular that the university discontinued the use of Herbie in 1995, though he was later reinstated.[4] The mascots are now frequently seen together across all sports. Nebraska says Herbie and Lil' Red are not intended to be related, but describes them as "best friends."[3]
The mascot is manufactured by Omaha-based Signs & Shapes International, Inc. The operator of the costume wears a belt with an attached air circulation system, which brings in over 100 cubic feet (2.8 m3) of outside air per minute. Due to the outfit's incredibly light weight, the larger-than-life mascot can run, dance, shake hands, and crowd surf. Lil' Red is frequently seen bouncing on his head, a stunt that requires the wearer to maneuver the costume into an upside-down position while inside.[3]
Appearance
Lil' Red is a blond-haired, blue-eyed inflatable farm boy who stands over eight feet tall. He dresses in red overalls and a white undershirt with a sideways baseball cap. His appearance is essentially unchanged since he was created in 1993.[3]
Awards and popular culture
Lil' Red won the national championship at the NCAA National Mascot Competition in 1999. He received the "Golden Silly String Award" as an inductee into the Mascot Hall of Fame in 2007.[5]
Lil' Red starred in a children's book, The Legend of Lil' Red, written by Paul Rea and published by Husker Books in August 2008.[6]
References
- ^ a b "Photos: Husker mascots, past and present". The North Platte Telegraph. September 9, 2019. Retrieved February 20, 2025.
- ^ "Lil' Red's forebears: The history of Nebraska's on-field mascots". Lincoln Journal Star. August 30, 2008. Retrieved March 17, 2022.
- ^ a b c d Andrew Stewart (December 11, 2021). "All Hail Herbie". Nebraska Alumni Association. Retrieved February 21, 2025.
- ^ Jordan Pascale (January 29, 2022). "How White Supremacy Changed Herbie Husker". Nebraska Public Media. Retrieved February 20, 2025.
- ^ "Lil' Red earns official invite to mascot hall". Nebraska Athletics. September 15, 2007. Retrieved February 21, 2025.
- ^ Collin Spilinek (September 29, 2018). "After 10 years, Lil' Red children's book still reaching young Husker fans". Omaha World-Herald. Retrieved February 22, 2025.
