Navy Hopes Bill The Goat Continues To Be Good Luck Against Army

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Tradition, pride and glory: all words that describe Saturday's clash between Army and Navy in Baltimore. Two special cheerleaders will be on the sideline to help root on the Midshipmen---and they aren't human.

Marcus Washington has more.

When you have a rivalry more than a century old like Army/Navy, you're going to need some pretty exciting fans.

Since the fourth game of the Army and Navy in 1893, Bill the Goat has been the Naval Academy's mascot.

"We won of course," said a Navy fan.

Ever since, Bill has been good luck. And now, there are two goats. Yes, both goats are named Bill because two is always better than one. Bill 33 and Bill 34 are somewhat legends around the base, often being stopped for pictures.

There have been a total of 34 goats to wear the honor of mascot.

"I think it's great. I think they need to be here more often," said a Navy fan.

Bill and Bill lead a very lavish lifestyle in an undisclosed location. The reason for that is because as part of a prank, each academy would steal the other's mascot.

"Oh yes, we're ready to crush Army again," said Navy fan Shannon Campbell. "We're going to play and we're going to win."

"On ships, they would have kept a staple of animals to feed the crew, for eggs, milk and meat," said Midshipman Will Gurzynski. "Goats just made sense."

You can watch the Army/Navy game Saturday on WJZ. Our pre-game coverage begins at noon.

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