We fought hard and well against the longest of odds. And in the end, our half-court heave met the same fate as Gordon Hayward's. Given the opportunity to break with tradition, to leaven three centuries of self-seriousness with a hint of whimsy, to boldly go where no institution of higher learning has gone before, William & Mary chose...the Griffin.Yes, it has an eagle's head and a lion's body, symbolizing the College's historical debt to both the United States and Great Britain. And sure, it'll play well with the Harry Potter demo. But how do we explain this to our children? How do I look into my daughter's perplexed eyes and answer her question: "Why does it have a naked man's legs and a tail?"
Why, indeed, sweetheart?
On this sad occasion, I feel it both appropriate and necessary to cast about for a silver lining. And in the Griffin's animated namesake, I think we may have found just such a balm.
I suspect Peter may make the occasional appearance in these parts as the Griffin assumes his place in W&M lore. And if you think today's announcement signals the end of the Wren, I think you may underestimate the power of our stubborn laziness.
Go Wrens!
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