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Uga (mascot)
Encyclopedia
Uga is the name of a lineage of English Bulldog
s owned by Frank W. "Sonny" Seiler
, which have served as the mascot of the University of Georgia
(UGA) since 1956. Although the University is located in Athens, Georgia
, the dogs have lived with the Seilers in Savannah, Georgia
.
In addition to Uga, a person in the costume of a bulldog also performs as Hairy Dawg
at Georgia Bulldog athletic events.
home football
game, most away games, and many University-related functions. Uga wears a spiked collar and a red jersey with varsity letter. In 2007, he wore a black jersey for the "Blackout" game against Auburn University
. Uga is friendly and outgoing, and loves to lick children who attend the games. His jersey is made from the same fabric as the players' official game jerseys. Uga is even issued an official student identification card. Uga travels in an air conditioned
dog house and sits on bags of ice at games, as the breed is susceptible to heat stroke (a problem in the humid southeastern United States
).
To date, there have been eight dogs to carry the name "Uga", which is derived from an abbreviation for the University of GeorgiA. Each is a descendant of the original Uga, usually being the son of the predecessor. Deceased Ugas are interred in a mausoleum
near the main entrance to Sanford Stadium
. An epitaph describing each dog graces the mausoleum nameplates. Several Ugas have "retired" as part of elaborate pre-game ceremonies, during which there is a "passing of the bone" and the new Uga begins his reign. Uga even has his own cheer, "Damn good dog!" that the fans shout, during the ceremony. This tradition dates back to the very first Uga.
Uga VI died of congestive heart failure on Friday, June 27, 2008. Seiler reported that on the evening of his death Uga VI "was breathing heavily" and died soon thereafter. University of Georgia Athletics Director Damon Evans
called the date of Uga VI's death "a sad day for the entire Bulldog Nation." As on any sad day for the University of Georgia, the university's flag was flown at half staff. Published reports touted Uga VI's win-loss record in Georgia football as the best in the University's history.
Uga VII was named as "Uga VI's Loran's Best" on Friday August 29, 2008, the day before the school's first home game of the 2008 season
. He was officially introduced on Saturday, August 30, 2008, at that game, which UGA won. Uga VII died on November 19, 2009. His doghouse was left vacant, with a wreath placed on it, for the game on November 21 against Kentucky. Russ, another bulldog from the Uga family line, filled in as an "interim mascot" for the Georgia Tech game and the bowl game, similar to Otto stepping in for Uga IV. UGA went on to win both games under Russ's watch. Regarding the selection of a permanent mascot, however, the Seilers have said, "There’s lineage out there we can depend on in unforeseen cases such as this."
On October 16, 2010, during a ceremony before the homecoming game against Vanderbilt, the collar and role of Uga was passed to "Big Bad Bruce", making him Uga VIII.
On January 7, 2011, the university reported that Uga VIII was diagnosed with lymphoma and was responding well to treatment. However, Uga VIII died on February 4, 2011. Russ will again serve as interim mascot.
The names "Magillicuddy," "Loran's Best" and "Whatchagot Loran" were given in honor of longtime Georgia icons Dan Magill
and Loran Smith, respectively (when former lead radio announcer Larry Munson
called Smith for a sideline report, he asked "Whatchagot Loran?"). Uga VIII, "Big Bad Bruce", was named after UGA veterinarian
Dr. Bruce Hollett.
Bulldog
Bulldog is the name for a breed of dog commonly referred to as the English Bulldog. Other Bulldog breeds include the American Bulldog, Olde English Bulldogge and the French Bulldog. The Bulldog is a muscular heavy dog with a wrinkled face and a distinctive pushed-in nose...
s owned by Frank W. "Sonny" Seiler
Sonny Seiler
Frank W. "Sonny" Seiler is a Savannah, Georgia, attorney who, despite success in the courtroom and a prominent role in the bestselling book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, is best known as the owner of perhaps the world's most famous dynasty of bulldogs...
, which have served as the mascot of the University of Georgia
University of Georgia
The University of Georgia is a public research university located in Athens, Georgia, United States. Founded in 1785, it is the oldest and largest of the state's institutions of higher learning and is one of multiple schools to claim the title of the oldest public university in the United States...
(UGA) since 1956. Although the University is located in Athens, Georgia
Athens, Georgia
Athens-Clarke County is a consolidated city–county in U.S. state of Georgia, in the northeastern part of the state, comprising the former City of Athens proper and Clarke County. The University of Georgia is located in this college town and is responsible for the initial growth of the city...
, the dogs have lived with the Seilers in Savannah, Georgia
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah is the largest city and the county seat of Chatham County, in the U.S. state of Georgia. Established in 1733, the city of Savannah was the colonial capital of the Province of Georgia and later the first state capital of Georgia. Today Savannah is an industrial center and an important...
.
In addition to Uga, a person in the costume of a bulldog also performs as Hairy Dawg
Hairy Dawg
Hairy Dawg is the costumed mascot of the University of Georgia Bulldogs. Hairy Dawg was designed and created by Tom Sapp, a 1969 Georgia graduate and the founder of Real Characters, Inc...
at Georgia Bulldog athletic events.
Background
The dogs, tended by members of the Seiler family, are present at every Georgia BulldogsGeorgia Bulldogs
The Georgia Bulldogs are the athletic teams of the University of Georgia. The Bulldogs compete in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I and are members of the Southeastern Conference...
home football
Georgia Bulldogs football
The Georgia Bulldogs football team represents the University of Georgia in football. The Bulldogs are a member of the Southeastern Conference and are frequently a top-25 team. The University of Georgia has had a football team since 1892 and has an all-time record of 738–398–54...
game, most away games, and many University-related functions. Uga wears a spiked collar and a red jersey with varsity letter. In 2007, he wore a black jersey for the "Blackout" game against Auburn University
Auburn University
Auburn University is a public university located in Auburn, Alabama, United States. With more than 25,000 students and 1,200 faculty members, it is one of the largest universities in the state. Auburn was chartered on February 7, 1856, as the East Alabama Male College, a private liberal arts...
. Uga is friendly and outgoing, and loves to lick children who attend the games. His jersey is made from the same fabric as the players' official game jerseys. Uga is even issued an official student identification card. Uga travels in an air conditioned
Air conditioning
An air conditioner is a home appliance, system, or mechanism designed to dehumidify and extract heat from an area. The cooling is done using a simple refrigeration cycle...
dog house and sits on bags of ice at games, as the breed is susceptible to heat stroke (a problem in the humid southeastern United States
Southeastern United States
The Southeastern United States, colloquially referred to as the Southeast, is the eastern portion of the Southern United States. It is one of the most populous regions in the United States of America....
).
To date, there have been eight dogs to carry the name "Uga", which is derived from an abbreviation for the University of GeorgiA. Each is a descendant of the original Uga, usually being the son of the predecessor. Deceased Ugas are interred in a mausoleum
Mausoleum
A mausoleum is an external free-standing building constructed as a monument enclosing the interment space or burial chamber of a deceased person or persons. A monument without the interment is a cenotaph. A mausoleum may be considered a type of tomb or the tomb may be considered to be within the...
near the main entrance to Sanford Stadium
Sanford Stadium
Sanford Stadium is the on-campus playing venue for football at the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia, United States. The 92,746-seat stadium is the seventh largest stadium in the NCAA. Architecturally, the stadium is known for the fact that its numerous expansions over the years have been...
. An epitaph describing each dog graces the mausoleum nameplates. Several Ugas have "retired" as part of elaborate pre-game ceremonies, during which there is a "passing of the bone" and the new Uga begins his reign. Uga even has his own cheer, "Damn good dog!" that the fans shout, during the ceremony. This tradition dates back to the very first Uga.
Uga VI died of congestive heart failure on Friday, June 27, 2008. Seiler reported that on the evening of his death Uga VI "was breathing heavily" and died soon thereafter. University of Georgia Athletics Director Damon Evans
Damon Evans
Damon M. Evans is the former Athletic Director at the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia.After graduating from Gainesville High School in Hall County, Georgia, Evans played football for UGA, and graduated from the Terry College of Business in 1992 with a Bachelor of Business Administration ...
called the date of Uga VI's death "a sad day for the entire Bulldog Nation." As on any sad day for the University of Georgia, the university's flag was flown at half staff. Published reports touted Uga VI's win-loss record in Georgia football as the best in the University's history.
Uga VII was named as "Uga VI's Loran's Best" on Friday August 29, 2008, the day before the school's first home game of the 2008 season
2008 Georgia Bulldogs football team
The 2008 Georgia Bulldogs football team competed in American football on behalf of the University of Georgia in 2008. The Bulldogs competed in the East Division of the Southeastern Conference . This was the Georgia Bulldogs' eighth season under the guidance of head coach Mark Richt...
. He was officially introduced on Saturday, August 30, 2008, at that game, which UGA won. Uga VII died on November 19, 2009. His doghouse was left vacant, with a wreath placed on it, for the game on November 21 against Kentucky. Russ, another bulldog from the Uga family line, filled in as an "interim mascot" for the Georgia Tech game and the bowl game, similar to Otto stepping in for Uga IV. UGA went on to win both games under Russ's watch. Regarding the selection of a permanent mascot, however, the Seilers have said, "There’s lineage out there we can depend on in unforeseen cases such as this."
On October 16, 2010, during a ceremony before the homecoming game against Vanderbilt, the collar and role of Uga was passed to "Big Bad Bruce", making him Uga VIII.
On January 7, 2011, the university reported that Uga VIII was diagnosed with lymphoma and was responding well to treatment. However, Uga VIII died on February 4, 2011. Russ will again serve as interim mascot.
Genealogy of Uga namesakes
| Dog | W | L | T | Pct |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uga I | 53 | 48 | 6 | .523 |
| Uga II | 42 | 16 | 3 | .713 |
| Uga III | 71 | 32 | 2 | .684 |
| Uga IV | 77 | 24 | 4 | .731 |
| Uga V | 65 | 39 | 1 | .624 |
| Uga VI | 87 | 27 | 0 | .763 |
| Uga VII | 16 | 7 | 0 | .696 |
| Uga VIII | 4 | 2 | 0 | .667 |
- Uga I ("Hood's Ole Dan", 1956–1966) – the original, a grandson of a bulldog that accompanied the Georgia football team to its Rose Bowl1943 Rose BowlThe 1943 Rose Bowl game, played on January 1, 1943 was the 29th Rose Bowl game. The University of Georgia Bulldogs defeated the UCLA Bruins 9-0. The game returned to the Rose Bowl stadium after being played at Duke Stadium the year before...
victory and national championship in 1942. One SEC football title (1959). - Uga II ("Ole Dan's Uga", 1966–1972) – two Southeastern ConferenceSoutheastern ConferenceThe Southeastern Conference is an American college athletic conference that operates in the southeastern part of the United States. It is headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama...
(SEC) football titles (1966 and 1968) and one national title (1968 Litkenhaus poll). - Uga III ("Seiler's Uga Three", 1972–1981) – presided over Georgia's second consensus national championship season in 1980 and two SEC championships (1976 and 1980).
- Uga IV ("Uga III's Magillicuddy/Seiler's Uga Four", 1981–1990) – was the first live mascot ever invited to a Heisman trophyHeisman TrophyThe Heisman Memorial Trophy Award , is awarded annually to the player deemed the most outstanding player in collegiate football. It was created in 1935 as the Downtown Athletic Club trophy and renamed in 1936 following the death of the Club's athletic director, John Heisman The Heisman Memorial...
presentation in 1982 when, while wearing a tux, Uga IV accompanied Herschel WalkerHerschel WalkerHerschel Junior Walker is an American mixed martial artist and a former American football player. He played college football for the University of Georgia Bulldogs and earned the 1982 Heisman Trophy. He began his professional career with the New Jersey Generals of the United States Football League...
to the Downtown Athletic ClubDowntown Athletic ClubThe Downtown Athletic Club was a private social club and athletic club in a 35-story building located at 19 West Street, in Lower Manhattan, New York City, USA.-History:...
; two SEC championships (1981 and 1982). - Uga V ("Uga IV's Magillicuddy II", 1990–1999) – portrayed his father, Uga IV, in the motion picture Midnight in the Garden of Good and EvilMidnight in the Garden of Good and EvilMidnight in the Garden of Good and Evil is a non-fiction work by John Berendt. Published in 1994, the book was Berendt's first, and became a The New York Times bestseller for 216 weeks following its debut....
and was on the cover of Sports IllustratedSports IllustratedSports Illustrated is an American sports media company owned by media conglomerate Time Warner. Its self titled magazine has over 3.5 million subscribers and is read by 23 million adults each week, including over 18 million men. It was the first magazine with circulation over one million to win the...
in 1997; propelled to the national spotlight when he lunged at an AuburnAuburn UniversityAuburn University is a public university located in Auburn, Alabama, United States. With more than 25,000 students and 1,200 faculty members, it is one of the largest universities in the state. Auburn was chartered on February 7, 1856, as the East Alabama Male College, a private liberal arts...
wide receiver, Robert Baker, during a game in 1996. - Uga VI ("Uga V's Whatchagot Loran", 1999–2008) – two SEC championships (2002 and 2005), two Sugar BowlSugar BowlThe Sugar Bowl is an annual American college football bowl game played in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Sugar Bowl has been played annually since January 1, 1935, and celebrated its 75th anniversary on January 2, 2009...
victories (2003 and 2008), and more than 20 victories over ranked opponents, more than any Uga before him. Uga VI was also larger than any of his predecessors, weighing in at 65 pounds. Uga VI has the best winning percentage and most wins overall of any Uga. - Uga VII ("Uga VI's Loran's Best", 2008–2009) – his tenure ended abruptly, near the end of his second season, when he died of heart failure on November 19, 2009.
- Uga VIII ("Big Bad Bruce", 2010–2011) – introduced at the Oct. 16, 2010, homecoming game against Vanderbilt. On January 7, 2011, UGA officials announced that Uga VIII had been diagnosed with canine lymphoma, which led to his death on February 4.
The names "Magillicuddy," "Loran's Best" and "Whatchagot Loran" were given in honor of longtime Georgia icons Dan Magill
Dan Magill
Daniel Hamilton "Dan" Magill, Jr., longtime Sports Information Director, Head Tennis Coach, and Georgia Bulldog Club secretary for the University of Georgia, is known throughout the state of Georgia and the South for his unparalleled contributions to the Georgia Bulldog athletic program...
and Loran Smith, respectively (when former lead radio announcer Larry Munson
Larry Munson
Lawrence Harry "Larry" Munson was a sports announcer and talk-show host based out of the U.S. city of Atlanta. He was best known for handling radio play-by-play of University of Georgia Bulldogs football games from 1966 to 2008...
called Smith for a sideline report, he asked "Whatchagot Loran?"). Uga VIII, "Big Bad Bruce", was named after UGA veterinarian
Veterinarian
A veterinary physician, colloquially called a vet, shortened from veterinarian or veterinary surgeon , is a professional who treats disease, disorder and injury in animals....
Dr. Bruce Hollett.
Temporary mascots
Although there have been eight Ugas to date, five other bulldogs (four from the same family line) have served as temporary sideline mascots.- Bugga Lou – 1971 – This unrelated, female, brown-and-white bulldog filled in for an ailing Uga II for the South CarolinaSouth Carolina GamecocksThe University of South Carolina's 19 varsity sports teams are known as the "Gamecocks". The unique moniker is held in honor of Thomas Sumter, a South Carolina war hero who was given the name "The Carolina Gamecock" during the American Revolution for his fierce fighting tactics, regardless of his...
and FloridaFlorida GatorsThe Florida Gators are the intercollegiate sports teams that represent the University of Florida located in Gainesville, Florida. The "Lady Gators" is an alternative nickname sometimes used by the Gators women's teams...
games during the 1971 season. - Argos/Knute – 1972 – The dog's given name at birth was Argos, but he had been given to another family member and had his named changed to Knute before he was called into service. Knute served as temporary mascot for the first game of the 1972 season against BaylorBaylor BearsBaylor Bears refers to the sports teams of Baylor University. Baylor's men's sports teams are nicknamed the Bears, and some women's teams are nicknamed the Lady Bears. Student athletes participate in the NCAA's Division I, and Baylor is the only private school in the Big 12 Conference...
, since Uga II had died and the future Uga III wasn't deemed to be mature enough to serve yet. Uga III was introduced for the second game of the 1972 season against North CarolinaNorth Carolina Tar HeelsThe North Carolina Tar Heels are the athletic teams for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The name Tar Heel is a nickname used to refer to individuals from the state of North Carolina, the Tar Heel State...
. - Otto – 1986 – Otto, the older brother of Uga IV, filled in for him during four games in the 1986 season after Uga IV injured his left hind knee jumping off a hotel bed prior to a game against VanderbiltVanderbilt CommodoresThe Vanderbilt Commodores are the NCAA athletic teams of Vanderbilt University, located in Nashville, Tennessee. The university fields 16 varsity teams , 14 of which compete in the Southeastern Conference...
. Otto finished with a 3–1 record. He also served as co-mascot for the Georgia TechGeorgia Tech Yellow JacketsThe Yellow Jackets is the name used for all of the intercollegiate athletic teams that play for the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, Georgia. The teams have also been nicknamed the Ramblin' Wreck, Engineers, Blacksmiths, and Golden Tornado. There are 8 men's and 7 women's teams that...
game that year with Uga IV. Legendary former coach Vince DooleyVince DooleyVincent Joseph Dooley was the head football coach and athletic director at the University of Georgia. During his 25 year coaching career at UGA, Dooley compiled a 201–77–10 record. His teams won six Southeastern Conference titles and the 1980 national championship...
has said that Otto was his favorite Georgia mascot, "because he came off the bench and got the job done." - Magillicuddy I – 1989 – He filled in for an ailing Uga IV, his brother, at the 1989 Peach Bowl. Uga IV died after the end of the 1989 season, but Magillicuddy was considered to be too old to be named the new mascot.
- Russ – 2009–present – After the death of Uga VII, his five-year-old half-brother, Russ, was selected to be the interim mascot for the final two games of the 2009 season2009 Georgia Bulldogs football teamThe 2009 Georgia Bulldogs football team represented the University of Georgia in 2009. The Bulldogs competed in the East Division of the Southeastern Conference . This was the Georgia Bulldogs' ninth season head coach Mark Richt. The Bulldogs finished the season 8–5, 4–4 in SEC play and won the...
. He continued as interim mascot for the first 6 games of the 2010 season2010 Georgia Bulldogs football teamThe 2010 Georgia Bulldogs football team represented the University of Georgia in 2010. The Bulldogs competed in the East Division of the Southeastern Conference . This was the Georgia Bulldogs' tenth season for head coach Mark Richt...
and participated in a "passing of the collar" ceremony for Uga VIIIUGAUGA or Uga may refer to:UGA* University of Georgia** Uga , the English Bulldog representing the University since 1956* Uganda* United Golf Association* "Ultra Graphics Array", more commonly called "Ultra eXtended Graphics Array" or UXGA...
before the Homecoming game against VanderbiltVanderbilt Commodores footballThe Vanderbilt Commodores football program is a college football team that represents Vanderbilt University. The team currently competes in NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision as a member of the Southeastern Conference...
. Less than two months later, Russ once again served as interim mascot for the 2010 AutoZone Liberty Bowl2010 Liberty Bowl (December)The 2010 Liberty Bowl, also known as Autozone Liberty Bowl, was the fifty-second edition of the college football bowl game, and was played at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium in Memphis, Tennessee. The game started at 3:30 PM US EST on December 31, 2010...
due to an illness suffered by Uga VIII. After the death of Uga VIII five weeks later, it was announced that Russ would continue as interim mascot for an indefinite period. Russ opened the 2011 season and will continue to serve until an UGA IX is chosen.
See also
- Bulldog breedsBulldog breedsBulldog Breeds is a collective name for various breeds of dog of a particular type, also known as Bull Breeds.-Baiting sports:The sport of baiting animals has occurred since antiquity, most famously in the Roman Colosseum, a direct precursor to the modern Spanish bullfighting...
- Damn Good DogDamn Good DogDamn Good Dog is a documentary detailing the history of the Uga dynasty, which was produced by Nowhere Productions, directed by Erica McCarthy. Damn Good Dog is a full length movie about the life and times of Uga, the mascot of the University of Georgia Bulldogs and Nation's Most Famous College...
– a documentary detailing the history of the Uga dynasty - BullyBully (Mascot)Bully, the official school mascot of Mississippi State University, is an American Kennel Club registered English Bulldog, given the inherited title of "Bully". In 1935 the first official bulldog mascot was named "Ptolemy" though there are earlier reports of other bulldogs serving as unofficial...
- A similar dynasty of live bulldog mascots for the Mississippi State Bulldogs sports teams - Handsome DanHandsome DanHandsome Dan is a bulldog who serves as the mascot of Yale University's athletic teams. In addition to a person wearing a costume, the position is filled by an actual bulldog, the honor being transferred to another upon death or retirement...
- A similar dynasty of live bulldog mascots for the Yale Bulldogs sports teams - Jack the BulldogJack the BulldogJack the Bulldog is the official mascot of the Georgetown University Hoyas athletics teams. Jack has been the name of at least four live Bulldogs since 1962, when the name first came into use. The current incarnation of Jack is an English Bulldog born in 2003 whose full name is John S. Carroll....
- A smilar dynasty of live bulldog mascots for the Georgetown Hoyas sports teams - List of Bulldog mascots
External links
- FindAGrave.com entries for all mascots buried at Sanford Stadium
- Jacksonville.com's A Lazy Day with Russ video
Other reading
- A Damn Good Dog Turns 50!, by Dawn Downes in the October, 2006 Atlanta DogLife Magazine (link to magazine)