Dixie trades soldier for bird

The gray Confederate soldier uniform of Dixie State College's old mascot is long gone, replaced finally by a red bird.

The Dixie board of trustees held a special meeting earlier this month to vote in favor of a red hawk concept.

Dixie's nickname will remain the Rebels, but in 1999 it was decided the soldier mascot was too controversial. A recent five-month process saw the hawk soar to public popularity. The board vote was the final say.

Now college officials will hold mascot tryouts. A costume has yet to be designed. The big bird is expected to be entertaining Dixie's football audience by Sept. 10.