Beloved Bulldogs Uga through the years

John James game of his tenure. Seiler’s Uga Three attended six bowl games in nine years, culminating with the greatest prize in college football.

Entering the annual G-Day spring football game on April 15, Georgia fans looked forward to seeing a variety of new faces.

The Bulldogs brought in a number of talented freshmen and transfers, injecting the team with a dose of intrigue. Even with all those new faces, perhaps the most-anticipated debut came before the game even started.

Boom, a 10-month-old English bulldog, received the signature Uga spiked collar at G-Day, officially adding him to Georgia’s line of beloved mascots. The Seiler family have owned and cared for every Uga dating back to 1956, raising the dogs from their home in Savannah, Georgia.

Now, Boom is carrying on a legacy of the bulldogs who barked before him. Here’s a look back at each of his predecessors, all the way back to the beginning.

Uga IV, Seiler’s Uga Four: 1981-89

Seiler’s Uga Four carried on the successful legacy of his predecessors, appearing at a bowl game during every year of his span as Uga. He was also the first mascot ever invited to attend the Heisman ceremony.

Over nine seasons, Uga IV compiled a 77-27-4 record, though there is one flaw in his resume: before a road game against Vanderbilt in 1986, Seiler’s Uga Four jumped off a hotel bed, injuring himself in the process. He was briefly replaced by his son, Otto, who led Georgia to a 3-1 record during his time as the interim Uga.

Uga V, Uga IV’s Magillicuddy II: 1990-99

Uga IV’s Magillicuddy II endured a widespread era of success. In the 1998-99 season, Georgia claimed four NCAA team titles – women’s swimming and diving, women’s gymnastics, men’s tennis and men’s golf – and placed second in the Directors’ Cup race. His success was recognized by Sports Illustrated in 1997, when he was voted the magazine’s “Best Mascot of the Year.” He also appeared in Clint Eastwood’s “Midnight In The Garden Of Good And Evil,” which was filmed in his hometown of Savannah, Georgia.

Uga VI, Uga V’s Whatchagot Loran: 1999-2008

Until this past year, Uga V’s Whatchagot Loran was the winningest mascot in Georgia history, ending his reign with an 87-27 record. Along that line, Uga VI was also the biggest Uga in university history, weighing in at 65 pounds — 20 pounds heavier than Uga V. Despite losing the ‘winningest’ title, Uga VI is still holding onto one title. From his start at the Georgia-South Carolina game in 1999, Uga VI oversaw more games than any other Uga thus far.

Uga VII, Loran’s Best: 2008-2009

Loran’s Best was introduced to fans at Georgia’s season-opener in 2008, a 45-21 win over Georgia Southern. Uga VII won 10 games during his first season, capping off the year with a win at the Capital One Bowl.

Uga VII only had one full season as Georgia’s mascot, passing away unexpectedly in 2009 due to heart issues. At the next game, players wore a commemorative decal on their helmets, and a wreath was placed on Uga VII’s doghouse.

Uga 0: Before the Seilers

Georgia’s inaugural football season took place in 1892, featuring a game against Auburn in what was the start of ‘The Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry.’

Georgia’s mascot for the game wasn’t a dog, though. On February 22, 1892, Georgia was represented by a goat. Its tenure lasted until 1894, when the team first featured a dog as its mascot.

Trilby, a female bull terrier, was also the mascot for the Chi Phi fraternity. According to some, Trilby and her 13 puppies were the inspiration for the ‘Bulldog’ moniker that Georgia still bears.

The last of Uga’s predecessors was an English bulldog named Mr. Angel. Mr. Angel was the first English bulldog to serve as Georgia’s mascot, a tradition that’s stuck for the past 80 years.

Uga I, Hood’s Ole Dan: 1956-66

The first Uga wasn’t actually born to the Seiler family. He was given to Cecelia Seiler by a friend and made his first appearance during Georgia’s home-opener against Florida State University. Hood’s Ole Dan was given the title Uga I as an abbreviation for the University of Georgia.

After his death, Hood’s Ole Dan was buried in a marble vault near the main gate of the south stands at Sanford Stadium. His next seven successors were all buried there alongside him.

Uga II, Ole Dan’s Uga: 1966-72

Ole Dan’s Uga was introduced during a pregame ceremony at homecoming in 1966. Georgia beat Kentucky 27-15 in the homecoming game, and proceeded to win every remaining game that season.

That was the start of a successful run for Ole Dan’s Uga. Until his retirement in 1972, he presided over two SEC championship victories and five postseason appearances for the Bulldogs.

Uga III, Seiler’s Uga Three: 1972-80

Seiler’s Uga Three had a very successful time as mascot. He oversaw the 1980 season, when Georgia football claimed its first national championship in school history.

Uga III retired after that season, ending his career on the 100th

10 places in Athens to try before you graduate

Jayden Henson

DOOLEY’S BAR AND GRILL

$–$$ 259 E. Broad St.

Don’t miss out on trying this bar-fare restaurant, named after beloved football coach Vince Dooley. Popular items include the buffalo chicken rangoons, served with a sriracha honey lime sauce, as well as the “Junkyard Dawg,” a deep-fried hot dog wrapped in bacon and served on the basic grilled cheese or a bun.

ZZ & SIMONE’S

$$ 1540 S. Lumpkin St., Suite 4

This newer addition to the Five Points neighborhood carries well known Italian entrees like rigatoni alla vodka and chicken parmesan as well as classic Italian pizzas. Save room for tiramisu or gelato.

ADD DRUG

¢ 1695 S. Lumpkin St.

The counter at this old-school pharmacy offers a nostalgic experience and great value. Stop by for coffee and eggs for breakfast, or a creamy shake and hot dogs for lunch.

PALOMA PARK

$$ 235 W. Washington St.

Opened in 2021, this popular spot takes a lively approach to TexMex, with fusion items like chimichurri fries, Southern chicken tacos and nachos grande. Drinks match the vibe with margaritas and, yes, palomas on draft.

SLATER’S STEAKHOUSE

$$$ 1653 S Lumpkin St.

Impressing a date? Parents in town? Head to Slater’s for cooked-to-order steaks like the 16-ounce ribeye and entrees such as duck with celery root puree and a bigarade sauce. Add-ons include decadent sauces such as the au poivre, made with black peppercorn, cream and cognac; bone marrow butter; crab Oscar; and more. This steakhouse may be fancy, but not too fancy for onion rings, complete with a side of black pepper aioli.

WEAVER D’S DELICIOUS FINE FOODS

$ 1016 E Broad St.

Made famous for owner Dexter Weaver’s slogan, “Automatic for the People,”

Uga VIII, Big Bad Bruce: 2010-11 Big Bad Bruce was diagnosed with lymphoma in 2010, causing a short reign for UGA VIII. He appeared at the final six regular season games that year, but due to his condition, he missed the 2010 bowl game.

Uga VIII was named after the late Dr. Bruce Hollett, a professor at Georgia’s College of Veterinary Medicine and a longtime caretaker of the Uga family.

Uga IX, Russ: 2012-2015 which became the title of an R.E.M. album, this bright green restaurant on East Broad Street is popular for juicy fried chicken and signature meat-andthree plates. Try the sweet potato souffle or broccoli casserole.

When Russ officially began his tenure as Uga in 2012, it wasn’t his first appearance as Georgia’s mascot. Russ served as the interim Uga after Uga VII’s death, and was called upon again after Uga VIII died.

Georgia won the SEC East twice during Uga IX’s reign, claiming a pair of bowl victories during that time as well.

Uga X, Que: 2015-23 Que was inducted as Uga X before a matchup against Georgia Southern on Nov. 21, 2015. He is the winningest Uga in Georgia history, surpassing Uga VI this past season. His 91-18 record includes two SEC championship victories and back-to-back national championships.

Uga XI, Boom: 2023-present Boom is the newest Uga, adopting the moniker prior to the G-Day game on April 15, 2023.

Uga XI is arriving at a time of unprecedented success for Georgia football. If the team can keep this up, then Boom may be challenging Que’s winningest record sooner, rather than later.

MAMA’S BOY

$-$$ 197 Oak St.

Consistently voted Best Brunch in Athens by The Red & Black readers, Mama’s Boy turns out indulgent fare like salmon cakes Benedict and Georgia peach French toast. You don’t want to miss trying this classic breakfast spot in the Classic City.

CALI N TITO’S

$ 1427 S. Lumpkin St.

This lively spot features empanadas, fish tacos and Cuban sandwiches. The spacious outdoor seating makes it a popular destination for groups, making it a good place to stop before or after graduation with friends and family

HOME.MADE

$$ 1072 Baxter St.

Updated Southern fare shines at this elegant, understated restaurant. The menu varies, but staples such as pecan trout and stellar vegetable plates are cozy and familiar, as are snacks like deviled eggs and cheese straws. Start next door at its glam companion cocktail bar, Sidecar.

TRAPPEZE PUB

$$-$$$

269 N Hull St.

Famous for its enormous craft and imported beer selection, this pub at the corner of Hull and West Washington streets serves superior bar fare, catering to carnivores with items such as the Double Pig (braised pork plus bacon). But vegetarians and vegans have options like the veggie Reuben. Try the signature raspberry ketchup.

CHAIR Libby Hobbs

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The May 4, 2023 issue of The Red & Black published an article on A3 and our website that did not meet our journalistic reporting and ethics standards. The story in question was about multicultural student organizations and was titled “Lack of staff leaves multicultural student organizations without direction.” The Red & Black sincerely apologizes for these errors made in the reporting and editing process. The Red & Black has since removed the article.

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