The History of Ole Miss' Colonel Reb

I realize that this is a site devoted to various origins of team colors, but I thought this was an interesting bit of info as well. Colonel Reb, who was recently banned by the NCAA as Ole Miss' mascot is really based on an african-american custodian who worked at the school during the early 1900's. The image of Col. Reb is based upon african-american custodian "Blind" Jim Ivy. Jim Ivy, obviously earned the nick name "blind" because he was in fact blind!

Mr. Ivy was a die hard Rebel fan and a student favorite among the university. When Ole Miss students and fans would approach Ivy and ask "how have the Rebs been this season", "Blind" Jim was notorious for replying, "Must be doing well, Ain't seen 'em lose a game yet!"