The moment that UConn desperately awaited and the one their legendary Head Coach Geno Auriemma thoroughly deserved is here. After his exceptional services of 40 years, an 85-41 win over Fairleigh Dickinson got the 70-year-old past Tara VanDerveer’s magical 1216 number and onto the path to form his legacy. However, including a literal goat as a part of the celebrations might be something UConn will look back at in the upcoming days.

10,299 present at the Gampel Pavilion were in for a surprise when a goat became a part of honoring the new winningest NCAA coach. While it may be a unique and innovative idea in the eyes of many, animal rights organization PETA has reprimanded the university without mincing any words. In an official statement to TMZ Sports, they claim the goat “was visibly anxious.” In addition to this, UConn will also be receiving a letter later in the week urged “to make this cruel courtside spectacle its last.”

“The University of Connecticut can’t conn people into thinking it’s okay to subject a stressed-out animal out to the chaos of bright lights and screaming fans,” added PETA. The spectators at the Gampel Pavilion were quite amused and astonished as the moment occurred. So much so that they couldn’t hold their excitement, so they started capturing it.

It wasn’t so with PETA, as the goat handler wasn’t spared as well. Summarising its actions, PETA further said, “either didn’t notice or didn’t care that his collar was digging into his neck.” As soon as the ceremony was concluded, the school officials handed the goat back to the local farm from where it was borrowed.

While some stern words followed Geno Auriemma and Co., the Husky chasing a 3-peat was all praises to mark the memorable occasion.

Dan Hurley hails Geno Auriemma

From one great to another. Present at the Gampel Pavilion was back-to-back national championship coach Dan Hurley, taking inspiration. But that wasn’t the only gesture the 51-year-old extended. Before becoming a part of NCAA history, Hurley spared a thought or two on Geno Auriemma’s mentorship.

He went on to express, “I went over and I would watch practice. I’d watch him with the media and at events with donors. Obviously, I come here and I’m still rough around the edges. I don’t have that polish. I’ve picked up, I think, on leadership qualities, how he handles his players. Obviously, I learn from watching them play. You pick up some tactical things, too.”

Shedding more light on their bond, Hurley also revealed that he and Geno Auriemma don’t miss a chance to witness each other’s tactical brilliance. “For me, it’s more, I ask him things directly. I’ll ask him things because he watches all of our games and I watch all of his games. So I’ll ask. I don’t always have to wait for a text from him”, Hurley concluded.

Hardly anyone would argue that Geno Auriemma’s attributes are synonymous with greatness. The little off-court blemish may have marred the occasion, but it still doesn’t take away what the 11 NCAA Division I champion coach accomplished in 40 years. UConn fans will hope there’s so much more before Auriemma thinks about hanging his boots.