Devil Goat Day: the traditional class competition continues

By THEODOSIUS ZOTOS

Grab your green or red and put your game faces on — today is the big day. Every year on the Thursday of the last week of classes, the most anticipated and epic UMW event of the year takes place. This event is known as Devil-Goat Day, and for most students (and sometimes even the faculty and administration) the day is a chance to prove which class reigns supreme over the other. The highly anticipated UMW event is organized by Class Council and has been in place for almost 100 years, making it one of the oldest traditions at UMW.

Graduating classes are split into two teams: even graduation years as goats and odd graduation years as devils. This year will feature a momentous clash between the devils from the classes of 2017 and 2019 and the goats from the classes of 2018 and 2020.

In recent years, the Devil-Goat Day tradition has included inflatables, pizza, a rock wall, snow cones, funnel cakes and, arguably the most important, free t-shirts. Each year, the freshman class officers spend the entire year planning the event and add their own touch on such an already unique event. Although Devil-Goat Day will include familiar options, such as inflatables and food, students can always expect a brand-new design for t-shirts and promotions.

Freshman biology major Ellie Kilmon and Class of 2020 Vice President said, “We are so excited to see everyone’s reaction to this year’s t-shirts. I am so proud of everyone who had a hand in the design process.”

Some of the new installations to this year’s celebration include tug-of-war competitions between Devils and Goats, festive playing cards, and even a snapchat geo filter. However, students can still expect a courageous countdown by fellow Devil and Dean of Student Life, Cedric Rucker, who is no stranger to the Devil-Goat Day tradition.

Kilmon went on to say “apart from all the fun and competition, Class Council is excited to see the whole campus come together. It reminds us that we are one big family.”

With a win from the Devils last year and a win from the Goats the year before, it will be interesting to see which group of competitors will come out on top and claim the crown.

Dean Rucker reflected on the event’s history and upcoming celebration, saying, “despite our differences and competitive spirits on Devil-Goat Day, at the end of the day we are all reunited as Eagles.”