One afternoon each year a unique tradition brings a little good-natured sparring and a lot of school spirit to the University of Mary Washington.
Devil-Goat Day – which turned 99 last week – pits students who graduate in odd years (Devils, who wear red) against those set to finish in even years (Goats, who wear green) in a friendly competition that provides some much needed fun before final exams. The heart of campus – Ball Circle and this year also “The Beach” at Mason and Randolph halls – fills up with giant inflatables, fan-favorite lawn games, fair foods, free T-shirts and more. And seniors and sophomores race against juniors and first-years to capture points for participation and wins.
“It’s like a school field day but for big kids. It’s just that feeling of friendly competition,” said Caroline Rous of Newport News, who showed up for the Goats with fellow-first year student Abbey Napolitano of Radford. The two, who had just conquered the Kapow Obstacle Maze, met as high-schoolers at summer camp and developed a shared love for Mary Washington before becoming roommates in Willard Hall.
Senior Jordy Santana, a Devil, spent part of the day watching the action play out from his Adirondack-chair perch. A political science major and member of the men’s soccer team, Santana came straight from his How to Change the World class in hopes of snagging an extra-large Devil T-shirt. “There’s people out here dancing and having fun,” he said. “It’s great to have a little made-up rivalry.”
UMW President Troy Paino and mascot Sammy D. Eagle made appearances at the event, which was hosted by Class Council and drew more than 1,400 participants. But it may have been the little stuffed Sammys dressed in their own Devil-Goat T-shirts that made the day.
“The surprise giveaway of stuffed Sammys went over especially well, as did the addition of volleyball and dodgeball this year,” said Dean of Students and Associate Vice President for Student Affairs Melissa Jones. “Everyone was so excited to show their school spirit and rep their Devil or Goat status. We can’t wait for Devil-Goat Day’s 100th anniversary next year!”
Sophomore Lydia Fredericks, an elementary education major from Nokesville, took the afternoon challenge – including its iconic tug-of-war battle – to heart. “Devils won last year,” she said, “so obviously we had to come back and win again.”
First-year student Tabitha Melendez, who hails from Virginia Beach, took a more congenial approach, slurping down a raspberry, cherry and mango sno-cone before trying her luck on a mechanical bull-type ride called Harley the Hog. “This event,” she said, “is a great way to come out and get to know everyone in your class.”
Anna Koutsouftikis – an Arlington native double majoring in studio art, along with women’s, gender and sexuality studies – agreed, calling the event part competition, part camaraderie. She and fellow sophomore and studio art major Nina Cherry from Arlington engaged in a giant lawn game of Scrabble and kept their eyes on the prize.
“With tug of war, you’re all in it together,” Cherry said. “The only thing that matters is if you’re a Devil or a Goat.”
And sometimes even that can’t tell the whole story. When a broken rope foiled this year’s epic tug-of-war battle, Jones stepped in to fire up the iPhone footage and review an instant replay of the match.
Regardless, the Goats claimed the day! Until next year …
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