Two of the most spirited members of the Marshall University community hung up their hooves this spring as they graduated – both leaving behind a legacy of energy, joy and school pride as the students behind the beloved mascot, Marco.
Luke Jeffrey: Yeager Scholar to Marshall legend
For Luke, a Logan, West Virginia, native and Yeager Scholar, the journey to becoming Marco started with a childhood photo.
“I was maybe four years old when I first met Marco at a game,” he recalled. “There’s a picture at my grandmother’s house.”
What began as admiration turned into action after he met a former Marco who shared stories about the role. That inspiration led Luke to audition – and land – the iconic gig his freshman year.
Luke, who graduated this spring with a bachelor’s degree in accounting, spent four years as Marco and described the experience as transformative. Originally shy, he found confidence inside the suit.
“Being Marco helped me come out of my shell. The line between who I was as a person and who I was as Marco started to blur, and it helped me realize people might like Luke just as much,” he said.
His favorite moment? Running onto the field at the Notre Dame game, where Marco’s high-five from a player turned into an accidental glove toss. “We walked in as underdogs and left feeling on top of the world.”
After thousands of photos, countless high-fives, and immeasurable memories, Luke is headed to Georgetown University Law Center this fall.
Gauge Goff: A newcomer who made a big impact
Gauge, a South Charleston native and history graduate, became Marco more recently — but made his time count. As a transfer student, Gauge didn’t plan on joining the mascot ranks until a fraternity brother, who was also a former Marco, encouraged him to audition.
Despite only beginning in May 2024, Gauge quickly became immersed in the role. He cites his trip to the Sun Belt basketball championships in Pensacola, Florida, as a highlight and said the interactions with fans, especially kids, were unforgettable.
“Helping make events like football and basketball games even more special for fans and kids was the best part,” Gauge said.
He also learned patience, an essential skill while managing rowdy crowds or navigating the world with limited vision in a mascot suit.
Now that he’s earned his degree, Gauge plans to join the Army National Guard and later attend police academy – continuing a life of service and leadership, just as he demonstrated as Marco.
More than a Mascot
Both students agree: Marco is more than a fuzzy face at a football game. He’s a symbol of pride, unity and joy at Marshall.
“Marco is everywhere,” Luke said. “You might see him for just a few minutes, but those moments matter. They stay with people.”
For these graduates, their Marco experience shaped not just their time at the university, but the people they became.
“It has been an extreme honor and pleasure to get to take on this role,” Gauge said. “I have had the time of my life being Marco and wouldn’t have wanted to have spent my senior year doing anything else.”
As they pass the horns to the next generation, Luke and Gauge leave behind more than just memories. They’ve set a standard for what it means to represent Marshall University with heart, humor and Herd pride.
