MIDSHIPMAN ON BEING NAVY'S 'BILL THE GOAT' MASCOT: 'SURE, WHY NOT?'

摘要

According to legend, sailors aboard a Navy vessel that was docked at Baltimore were planning to take a beloved pet goat, who had died, to be taxidermied. Along the way, one of them suggested they stop off to see a Navy football game, but they had to bring the goat skin with them. "While watching the first half of the game, one of the officers came up with an idea for some half-time entertainment," according to Naval Academy history. "When half-time arrived, he romped up and down the sidelines cloaked with the goat skin barely covering his blue uniform." Navy won the game and attributed the luck to the goat. And in 1893, as part of the fourth Army-Navy clash, a live goat was officially made the academy's mascot. That proud tradition carries on today. Not only is there an actual goat, but Midshipmen also have the chance to join the mascot team and don the horned headdress to serve as "Bill the Goat." Last year, the captain of that team was now-Ensign Grant Vigneault.