Carthage College Athletics (2006)

In 2005 the NCAA issued new guidance that any member schools with "abusive or hostile" names would no longer host post season events. At the time the Kenosha, WI based Carthage Redmen were one of those schools. As an alum, I was honored to be able to redesign the image of the school as they became the Red Men and Lady Reds. The name Red Men originally came from the first location of the school which was Carthage, IL. There, the Carthage High School mascot is the Blue Boys, so the college formed a complimentary name. Over the years an association with Native American culture was formed. The school's academic symbol was a torch so that became a key focal point for the primary mark. Also, a shield shape, which was in reference to the Carthage of the Ancient Mediterranean, was used throughout the identity. A custom font was also developed. In an attempt to build a bridge to previous students, the original "C" was kept and put into a shield shape. The school recently made the decision to move beyond the Red Men name and is exploring new mascot names.