New mascot in training at Naval Academy

WASHINGTON — If you’ve attended a Navy football game, you’ve seen mascot Bill the Goat.

He’s ready for retirement, so two new goats are in training.

This Saturday, the two animals will appear on the field for Navy’s game against Air Force. “Bill 35” and “Bill 36” are twins, Angora goats donated by Navy fans from Texas.

Bill’s job is to mingle with fans, walk on a leash and snack on peppermints.

The Navy mascot should display friendliness toward Navy fans and “terrific hostility” toward West Point, a Naval Academy press release said.

And the press release doesn’t say this, but the new Bill the Goat should be somewhat stealthy. Kidnapping the Navy goat is a tradition in the Navy-Army rivalry.

Navy says “Bill 35” and “Bill 36” will stay in comfortable quarters.

WTOP’s Kate Ryan contributed to this report.

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