The True Story of Reitz's School Colors

Reitz Mirror Article from Sept. 1924.

Many Reitz Fans know that the original school colors were Purple and Gold, but the reason for the change to Blue and Grey is less widely known.  The reason most often cited is that Reitz gave up Purple and Gold so Lincoln High School, the African American High School, could have them; Blue and Grey was adopted because Reitz sits on the border between the old North and South.  There are several reasons that this is unlikely.  First, Lincoln High School was opened in 1928, three years after Reitz abandoned their original colors. Second, the idea that a white school would give up their school color for an African American school during a time of widespread racism seems very unlikely.  Third, there is no mention in any records of the proximity to the border between the north and south factoring into the discussion for the new colors. 

The change in the school colors is more closely tied to the football team.  In the April 16, 1924 Reitz Mirror, the school newspaper, it was reported that a student forum held a discussion of changing the school colors from Purple and Gold to Blue and Grey.  At that time, no reason was stated for the possible change and no position was taken by the Mirror. 

The following fall, the Mirror of September 19, 1924 stated that “Much talk has been circulated about the school colors being changed.”  It goes on to state that “The football sweater and jerseys (sic) are blue and gray so the colors don’t correspond”.  The Mirror went on to call for a change in the colors of the football uniforms or a change of the school colors.  Students were encouraged to make their appeal to the faculty and Mr. Bosse, the school principal.

The following spring, in June of 1925, The Mirror announced that new football equipment had arrived.   “The sox are solid Blue this year instead of purple and gold,” the Mirror reported.  The article also described the jerseys as being blue with gray stripes and the sleeves with big grey numbers on the back.  

The official change was finally made the follow fall.  As recorded in the 1926 yearbook calendar, on October 19, 1925, the Hi-Y club held its first meeting.  Evidentially a vote was held and the school colors, Blue and Grey, were finally decided upon.

Calendar Entry from the 1926 Reitz Yearbook.

While Reitz giving its school colors to the upstart African American high school is a nice story, and the connection of Blue and Gray to the Civil War may make geographic sense, they both appear to be false.  The real story reinforces what many Reitz fans already know:  football is and always has been very important at Reitz.  The color of the football jerseys ultimately drove the decision to make Blue and Gray the official colors for FJ Reitz High School.