Who Was Cy Young — and Why Every W&L Athlete Should Know His Name

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In Episode 2 of Generals on the March, host Thomas Wakefield sits down with Dr. Neely Young, Class of 1966, historian, and grandson of Cy Young — widely considered the greatest athlete in Washington & Lee University history.

Dr. Young takes us back to W&L's forgotten golden age, a period from roughly 1910 to 1940 when a small school in Lexington, Virginia was competing — and winning — against the likes of Army, Navy, Auburn, Georgia Tech, and the entire Ivy League. He shares the story of his grandfather Cy Young, a four-sport letterman who won 16 letters, coached W&L basketball, earned All-American honors in basketball, and may have broken the world record in the 100-yard dash.

Beyond the stats, Thomas and Dr. Young explore what made W&L's athletic identity so distinct — the 1953 cheating scandal that led to the decision to go Division III, Robert E. Lee's early support of student athletics, the founding of the Southern Conference, and how that culture of excellence and community still echoes through the program today.

Whether you're a W&L athlete, alum, or just a fan of great sports history, this one's worth your time.

About Generals on the March:

Generals on the March is a storytelling podcast that brings the athletic legacy of Washington and Lee University to life. Through in-depth conversations with past and present athletes and coaches, the series explores what it truly means to compete at W&L: on the field, in the classroom, and beyond. Blending personal stories with institutional history, the podcast highlights the values that define the Generals while uncovering the often underreported moments, teams, and traditions that have shaped W&L athletics over generations.