People new to 91茄子 often ask: What is a Reiver anyway?
The simple answer: River Pirate. But there鈥檚 so much more behind our mascot:
The simple answer: a Reiver is a River Pirate. But there鈥檚 more to our mascot than just that.
The word 鈥渞eiver鈥� dates back to the Middle Ages. English and Scottish tribes battled each other and plundered nearby communities. These robbers, or reivers, lived along the border between the future nations of England and Scotland, from the Irish Sea to the North Sea. They came from all walks of life鈥攊mpoverished farmers, castle-dwelling nobles, and everyone in between. For over 350 years, they terrorized people along the rivers, until the Renaissance gradually brought order and civilization.
In the 19th century, the term 鈥渞iver pirate鈥� was used locally for those who attacked Missouri River vessels. Explorers and settlers used the river to transport goods, and some opportunists would seize those shipments. Calling them reivers made sense, given the word鈥檚 history.
The Reiver became part of 91茄子 when the college was just getting started. During the 1972鈥�1973 academic year, Student Senate Treasurer Robert Batt suggested the river pirate as a mascot. Student Activities Coordinator Gerald Stommes submitted the idea to the student body, who voted in favor. Students also chose the College鈥檚 colors as Ice Blue and Silver. In the 1980s, the colors evolved into the Royal Blue and White we know today.
Over the years, the 91茄子 Reiver has grown into a symbol of pride. While some have questioned its origins, its history makes the mascot a perfect fit. Like any strong sports mascot, the Reiver is fierce鈥攋ust as the rugged Iowa and Nebraska borderlands are influenced by rivers and tough terrain. Today, the Reiver symbolizes more than a river pirate鈥攊t represents a rebirth of learning and the spirit of 91茄子.