The Generals Redoubt

In Episode 103 of Generals on the March, host Thomas Wakefield sits down with freshman long jumper Mason Mandis. They cover his decision to choose W&L over D1 offers, a standout first indoor season, the grind of balancing college athletics and academics, an unexpected passion for Latin, and finding brotherhood through the fraternity scene. A great listen for anyone curious about the D3 athlete experience at Washington and Lee.

In Episode 103 of Generals on the March, host Thomas Wakefield sits down with Mary Schleusner — three-time All-American, Division III National Player of the Year, and the all-time record holder for rebounds and double-doubles in D3 women's basketball. Mary reflects on why she chose W&L, why she stayed, and how she helped transform the Generals' program into a national contender. From a 31-1 season and an Elite Eight run to the team concept of MUDITA — finding joy in the success of others — Mary shares what made her four years at Washington and Lee truly unforgettable. Whether you're a Generals fan or just love great sports stories, this one's for you.

What did the Founders really mean when they wrote "All men are created equal"?

In Episode 2 of Founding Philosophies, Kamron Spivey sits down with David Gowdy of the George Washington Center for Constitutional Studies to explore one of the most debated phrases in American history. They trace the idea from John Locke to Jefferson's original draft of the Declaration, examine the compromises that shaped the Constitution, and follow the phrase through Lincoln, Frederick Douglass, and the fight to end slavery — asking what it means for Americans today, 250 years later.

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

Dr. Young unpacks W&L's forgotten golden age, when a small school in Lexington competed against Army, Navy, Auburn, and the Ivys — and won. He shares the remarkable story of Cy Young, a four-sport, 16-letter man who earned All-American honors, may have broken the world record in the 100-yard dash, and coached W&L basketball!

They also dig into the decision to go Division III, Robert E. Lee's early influence on student athletics, and why that culture of excellence still defines W&L today. Go Generals!

In the premiere episode of Generals on the March, host Thomas Wakefield sits down with Will Knight, a standout football captain and track athlete who embodies the Washington and Lee experience. From Durango, Colorado to Lexington, Virginia, Will shares his journey of competing at the highest level while pursuing academic excellence and building lifelong connections.

In This Episode:

• Why Will chose W&L over other schools and what surprised him most

• Balancing two varsity sports with a rigorous liberal arts education

• The unique culture of Division III athletics at Washington and Lee

• Memorable moments from the Trinity game in San Antonio

• Navigating the path from economics major to investment banking

• The impact of the Honor System and small class sizes

• Advice for making the most of the W&L experience

Will Knight is a First Team All-ODAC selection (2025), football team captain, and former track athlete who competed in shot put and discus. He's now heading to Evercore's investment banking division, hired by W&L football alumni who opened doors through the university's powerful network.

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.

First in War, Forgotten by His Countrymen: Lessons on Light Horse Harry Lee; Founding Philosophies Ep. 101

Discover the remarkable and tragic life of Henry "Light Horse Harry" Lee III—Revolutionary War hero, Virginia governor, and father of Robert E. Lee. In this episode of Founding Philosophies, host Kamron Spivey sits down with author Ryan Cole to explore why this brilliant military tactician and eloquent statesman has been largely forgotten by history.

In this episode:

• Light Horse Harry Lee's daring military exploits during the Revolutionary War

• His pivotal role in Virginia's ratification of the Constitution

• The famous eulogy: "First in war, first in peace, first in the hearts of his countrymen"

• Lee's passionate advocacy for monuments to preserve the memory of the founding generation

• The tragic downfall: bankruptcy, debtor's prison, assault, and exile in the West Indies

• Wisdom from exile: the letters of advice Lee wrote to his children, including young Robert E. Lee

• Why flawed heroes still matter and what we can learn from their aspirations

About the Guest: Ryan Cole is the author of biographies on Light Horse Harry Lee and the Marquis de Lafayette's return to America. His work brings to life the complex, often contradictory figures who shaped our nation.

Recorded at Fancy Hill in the George Washington Parlor—a fitting setting for this conversation about Revolutionary War heroes and the enduring lessons they offer.

#FoundingFathers #AmericanHistory #LightHorseHarryLee #RevolutionaryWar #RobertELee #GeorgeWashington #History #Podcast #250thAnniversary

Welcome to Episode 4 of "On My Honor." In this feature, host Kamron Spivey is joined by senior student-athlete Jordan Kach for an honest conversation about the W&L Honor System. Together, they discuss how this unique institution of trust shapes academics, athletics, and campus life, how it continues to set W&L apart from other institutions, and what we can do to reinforce it.

Whether you’re a current student, alum, prospective General, or just curious about W&L’s culture, this episode offers valuable insights into what it means to live “on my honor.”

Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes in this series! #WashingtonAndLee #HonorSystem #OnMyHonor #Podcast #StudentLife #Integrity

This episode features honest insights from a freshman within the W&L community. Hear an authentic look at what the Honor System, our community of trust, and academic integrity means to new students. Perfect for prospective students, parents, or anyone curious about campus life at Washington and Lee University.

Don’t forget to leave your feedback in the comments, subscribe for more episodes, and join the conversation about the future of the Honor System at W&L!

Visit our website for a full .PDF transcript: https://www.thegeneralsredoubt.us/videos/trust-and-community-among-freshmen

🎙️ Welcome to Episode 2 of "On My Honor"! This week, host Kamron Spivey sits down with Alex Kagan, junior and editor-in-chief of The W&L Spectator, for an in-depth conversation about the Honor System at Washington and Lee University.

In this episode, Kamron and Alex explore the history, traditions, and current debates surrounding the Honor System—one of W&L’s most distinctive features. They discuss what the Honor System means to students and alumni, and the challenges it faces today, including recent proposals for change and the importance of student engagement.

You’ll hear insights from recent student and faculty polls, reflections on orientation and campus culture, and a behind-the-scenes look at how The Spectator covers these critical issues. Whether you’re a current student, alum, or just curious about W&L’s unique community values, this episode offers thoughtful perspectives and lively discussion.

Welcome to the first episode of "On My Honor," a podcast miniseries exploring the Honor System at Washington and Lee University! 🎙️

In this episode, host Kamron Spivey, '24, sits down with senior Tim Johns, '26, to discuss the history, culture, and future of honor at W&L. From first impressions as a student to the impact of the Single Sanction policy, Tim shares candid insights about what makes the Honor System unique—and why it matters. The conversation also dives into timely topics like academic integrity in the age of AI, the importance of pledging assignments, and how honor shapes life on and off campus.

Whether you’re a current student, alum, or just curious about honor codes in higher education, this episode offers a thoughtful, inside look at one of the nation’s most distinctive traditions. Stay tuned for similar interviews, and please let us know how to improve our program!

Transcript is available here: https://www.thegeneralsredoubt.us/s/When-Honor-Meets-AI-Transcript.pdf