By GT
WAC Confessions Staff Writer
The Washington College women’s lacrosse team is off to one of its most impressive starts in season history. With an 8-1 and their next matchup coming against conference rival Muhlenberg, they are about to unveil their biggest secret weapon. Ladies and gentlemen: Gus the Laxer.
Gus the Goose is a familiar face around campus, spreading school spirit and representing #GooseNation at many different campus events. But like any good WC mascot requires—Gus can tear it up on the lax field.
As many of you remember, Gus the Goose only recently appeared on the Washington College campus. Prior to her stint as a mascot, Gus spent two years of her collegiate eligibility playing for the neighboring Division I Naval Academy, where she was A First Team All Patriot League Selection, racking up 118 goals in just two seasons of competition. (Take note Hubley.)
Gus’ lacrosse background has been shrouded in mystery, after a dishonorable release from the Naval Academy for breaking league rules and going into full flight during games, turning the lacrosse matches into something more reminiscent of a Quidditch match. After repeated infractions, the Naval Academy forced Gus to leave, so she flew to the Shore where she became WC’s beloved mascot.
In the wake of their Top 20 ranking and their loss at the hands of F&M, Head Coach Juli Lankenship knew it was time to bring out their secret weapon. “Gus is an excellent midseason addition to the squad. Gus’s Division I experience and goal-scoring ability will add an extra boost to our offense. Gus also specializes in draw control. Gus also has that quality that is just hard to instill in athletes: she’s a born, fierce competitor,” she said.
Some opponents have been upset about Gus joining the team, calling it an unfair advantage, and questioning the legality of the addition to the team.
But senior Lathleen Karkin has some words for those naysayers. “Gus is perfectly eligible to compete as a member of our team,” she said “It really hurts her feelings when people say she’s a man. Do we need to accuse every successful female athlete of being a man these days? Gus could probably throw down against Brittany Griner. Just because Gus can probably score more goals than Bennett Cord and beat Jonny Poe in a footrace, doesn’t mean she needs to play for the boy’s team!”
Senior Party Ziccardi feels the same way. “Gus is a beautiful woman, and she just so happens to be an incredible athlete. Like, so what if Gus misses walking around and waving at a cardboard boat race? Who really cares? Her skills are better spent on the lax field.
“Gus is nervous for her big debut but is excited about her new role as a member of the team. “It’s definitely a lot of pressure on me to perform and come up big for the girls,” she said. “But they have been so supportive as I have made my transition from All Star Division I Laxer to DIII mascot, back to a NCAA DIII athlete.”
Look for Gus to make her big debut at the Shorewoman’s home matchup against Muhlenberg on Saturday. She is projected to be a leading scorer and force all over the field for the Shorewomen. She has been named as the Centennial Conference Player of the Week before ever competing in a match. And why? Because people all over the Centennial Conference are quaking in their boots, and with good reason. Fear the Goose.