Live Mascot History
Before 1926, the University of Indianapolis was called Indiana Central College, and the mascot was the “Warrior.” By 1927, interest in a new mascot had escalated, and a group of fans convened in Men's Hall after a basketball game to "choose a name that would do justice to the scrapping Crimson and Grey Warriors," according to Downright Devotion to the Cause by Fredrick Hill.
They agreed on the Greyhound, citing the animal’s “speed, jumping prowess and fighting heart."
Though Indiana Central's athletes had come to be called Greyhounds in the 1920s, nearly four decades passed before a serious effort was made to acquire a resident mascot.
Dixie
In 1965, the college received a gift from Edgar Bright ’26, former coach and athletic director at Indiana Central. One of his Greyhound racers had suffered a broken leg in a pile-up at a curve in the track and would not be able to race again. The campus community happily welcomed three-year-old Dixie as the first live mascot, and she was introduced to the student body following Christmas break in January 1966.
“Dixie loves to be petted, or in other words spoiled. Although she gets nervous around crowds, she doesn’t at Wilmore Hall. It is there that she sleeps in a different room every night; she eats; and she is walked twice daily by Wilmorians. [Indiana] Central is proud of Dixie. Those who don’t know her - especially the Freshmen - should take a few moments to introduce yourselves to her.” – Excerpt from The Reflector, 1967
Dixie was on campus for about two years before returning to her home state of Florida in December 1967.
Timothy O'Toole
In October 1978, Indiana Central University announced the arrival of a second live mascot. Timothy O’Toole, a five-year-old retired racing Greyhound, moved from Florida to Indianapolis thanks to the generosity of Edgar Bright ’26. Described as a “large dark blue-grey male,” he lived with Dr. Ken Borden’s family, proudly representing the university until 1981.
"Timothy O’Toole is not an ordinary greyhound, but a real live mascot for Indiana Central...Timothy has brought a lot of enthusiasm to the campus. Not only is he a fellow greyhound to all of the central students, but he has the distinction of being a member of the Fellow’s Club." – Excerpt from the Oracle yearbook, 1979
Grady
Grady I served the University of Indianapolis from November 2019 to May 2026, and became the third mascot in school history. He was proclaimed “Mascot Emeritus” at the Spring Commencement ceremonies in May 2026 and retired with honor.
Grady was also the name of a UIndy costume mascot in the 90s, modeled here by Amanda East '99 (elementary education) who proudly suited up as Grady during her four years on campus.
As the University’s first live mascot in forty years, he reconnected generations of greyhounds from alumni to prospective students to families and friends. He brought joy to the campus community every day and served as a UIndy ambassador in our local and state communities. Without him, our program would not have grown large enough to garner international recognition and lead to Grady II.
Upon retirement, Grady I was adopted by his handler, Coran Sigman, and became their family dog. Coran Sigman serves as the handler to Grady II. Therefore Grady can still provide insight and guidance to “the new kid” from the comfort of his couch at home.
Grady II
Grady II is a retired racing greyhound from New South Wales, Australia. In October 2025, he officially became the fourth live mascot in school history. He spent his first year on campus shadowing his “big brother” and learning the ropes from Grady I. G2 is spunky and extremely affectionate. He loves attention and is eager to step into the spotlight.
Coran Sigman ‘14, ‘21 (sociology/communications) will remain Handler to Grady II and adopted Grady I as her family dog.
