Griff's Story


	Every mascot has a legend -- this is Griff's (in case you wanted to know why we have a Gryphon...)
	The year was 1776. Colonel William Richardson, founder of Caroline County, became a hero of the American Revolution when he led his men into battle against the British. It is said that he led the charge with a mystical sword called Le Sabre, that gave him the agility of a panther, and the eyesight of a falcon. It is also said that as Richardson and his men vanquished those British bulldogs, the spirit of a Gryphon - a mythical animal with the head of a falcon and the body of a panther - appeared on the horizon, and Richardson knew victory was near! In his Last Will and Testament in 1825, Col. Richardson bequeathed his own heroic traits to his beloved south county. To the people of Preston he gave his cat-like ferocity; to those of Federalsburg he left his instincts as a bird of prey. Le Sabre, the symbol of his power, was passed down through his family, from generation to successive generation, until it was lost. Legend foretold that only when the traits of the panther and the falcon became one - became the Gryphon - would the south county find the sword, and its true destiny. Le Sabre resurfaced in 1961, and it was then that the people of the south county knew that the Gryphon was on the move. The sword was buried secretly on the grounds of the newly built “South Caroline High School,” which was renamed in honor of the heroic Richardson. Panthers from Preston and Falcons from Federalsburg met for the first time in 1962, to carry on together - as Gryphons. Never was there a more perfect union than in the spirit of the Gryphon. He is wise, honorable, and valiant. He embodies the qualities of our greatest hero, Col. Richardson. His greatest enemy is the Bulldog! Last year, as a result of secret excavations underneath Colonel Richardson High School, a small chest was discovered under the exact spot where the new logo is painted in the gym. When archaeologists opened the chest, they discovered Le Sabre, perfectly preserved. At the moment they pulled out the sword and it caught the light of the sun, they heard the SCREEEEEE of a falcon, and the ROAAAAR of a panther. And standing behind them, spoiling for a fight with some bulldogs, was: Griff. The spirit of Colonel Richardson, come to life! Henceforth, whenever Colonel Richardson High School goes to battle, the Gryphon represents that fighting spirit from long ago!