By David Goldman, Sports Editor
It’s been quite some time now since Gettysburg’s own Billy the Bullet has been on campus. Billy made his Gettybsurg debut in 1976, and since then, he has been cheering on Gettysburg athletics and making himself a friendly “face” around campus. It has been over 10 years since Billy has left campus, and he is now set to return on April 27 for the last men’s lacrosse game of the season.
You may be wondering where Billy has been all these years. Well, he has not just been slumming it on the couch, but has actually been a part of the famous NCAA Division III Mascot World Tour (D3MWT). As a member of this tour, Billy was joined by other highly decorated Division III mascots, such as Marshall the Mammoth of Amherst College and Swoop the Eagle of Emory. These mascots, along with over 50 others from around the country, traveled all over the world to perform shows full of mind boggling stunts and pure entertainment.
“It was one of the best experiences I’ve ever been a part of,” said Billy over a Zoom interview. “To be able to showcase my talents alongside these amazing mascots, and to represent Gettysburg College while doing it was truly something special.”
Billy and the rest of the mascots performed in front of countless sold out crowds over the 10 year span. The show consisted of an opening tricks act where the mascots would perform their best stunts. After that, there was a comedy portion followed by a fan engagement segment. Billy said that his favorite part of the show was the fan engagement part because “it made the show different every night.”
Billy is not the only one excited about returning to Gettysburg, but students have also expressed their joy after hearing rumors of the return.
“I think it’ll really bring the school together and spark some more pride across Bullet nation,” said Adrian Walsh ‘24. “It will be cool to see how many students attend his return game.”
It is safe to say that Billy’s return is much anticipated. Even for those who have never heard of Billy, it will certainly be amazing to see the fan favorite mascot back on campus.
Billy the Bullet, Gettysburg College’s current mascot. (Photo Courtesy of Gettysburg College)
