CANFIELD, Ohio - A school mascot has come back to roost at the home of the Fighting Cardinals. While other birds are flying south for the winter, Big Red is now making a nest in Canfield.

Thanks to support from the Canfield High School Gridiron Club, enough money was raised to give the team mascot a new, fiercer look.

Big Red has been the high school mascot for more than half of a century. The newest mascot was introduced at a Friday afternoon pep rally.

Big Red will make appearances at athletic and community events beginning with the elementary school tailgate on Friday and the varsity football game.

"It is our hope that this will only further enhance the heightened atmosphere of school spirit that is ever present at Canfield High School," said assistant principal David Mullane.

The Canfield Gridiron Club is a non profit volunteer based organization with a mission to provide financial assistance to the football program.