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Gym Dawgs win 10th title

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Issue 3 - Springtime in Georgia

From the Editor After a two-month hiatus we’re back with another issue of BI. And while we wish we could report multiple golf course and beach leisure outings, unfortunately they have been few and far between because of all the awesome happenings with Georgia athletics.

Where shall I begin?

Without question, the first shout out must go to the Georgia gymnastics team who won its tenth national title. And how fitting that their coach, Suzanne Yoculan gets to ride off into the sunset a winner. The script simply wouldn’t have been right, if the Gym Dawgs would have fallen short at Nationals in Omaha, Neb. And the tenacity of Yoculan certainly drove her girls to the victory. Like someone said to my wife, Cheri, on Twitter, certainly 10 national titles deserves a street name dedication on the Georgia campus.

Good luck Suzanne. You will certainly be missed. And the same can be said about your four seniors, Paige Burns, Abby Stack, Tiffany Tolnay and Courtney Kupets who will leave Georgia with the awesome distinction of being a national champion from their first season to their last. However, we at Bulldawg Illustrated aren’t quite finished with all of you as we have a special tribute planned in our next issue on June 24. Should be a blast to blow up the most decorated athletic program of all time at Georgia.

As I was planning my outline for this piece, I found it intriguing that Georgia athletics is losing one of its best coaches at the very same time it is gaining a new coach who is charged with building a program into something grander.

I’m not sure new men’s basketball coach, Mark Fox will be able to win 10 national titles, but he has certainly arrived to Athens doing all the right things to begin his pursuit.

At the G-Day game, I followed Fox after he was introduced

on the 50-yard line. Some coaches would have considered their job completed and gone about their business. However Fox headed towards the student section giving high-five and photo opportunities to as many people that wanted them. At the top of the section, I asked him if he was going to make it and simply smiled and said, “absolutely.”

A week later, I requested five minutes with Fox because I wanted to include him in this issue. Fox’ sports information director, Tim Hix sent me an email late that afternoon saying that the coach had assured him I would receive a phone call that day. Later in the evening I figured Fox was too busy trying to recruit players for next season and would hopefully contact me the next day.

How exciting it was when my phone rang at 9:20 p.m.

“Vance this is Mark Fox,” he said. “I apologize for calling so late, but I wanted to make sure I called since I told I would.”

Now I don’t know about you, but I’m a firm believer in doing your very best to always do what you say you’re going to do! Immediately I became a huge fan of Mark Fox. And like him, I was true to what I said and kept my interview to five minutes.

Fox said he is completely pumped to be in Athens and that rang true in his voice. I like the fact that he wanted the Bulldog Nation to know that his teams play the game of basketball the right way. And they always play for the name on the front of the jersey (not the back).

And I loved his answer when I asked him if he was a Celtic or a Laker. He went with the Lakers saying he could never root against Tex Winters who had been so good to him throughout the years. Just in case you don’t know it, Winters has been Phil Jackson’s right hand man at both Chicago and Los Angeles where the two of them have won nine world championships. Fox could certainly have worse mentors.

He cited Dr. Martin Luther King and Bill Gates as icons he admired, which shows he’s a coach with both compassion and innovation. Fox sincerely hopes the Bulldog Nation will get behind the team and fill Stegman Coliseum with a ton of noise next season. I ended our conversation asking him when the Georgia fan base could expect the Dawgs to be in the Big Dance (NCAA tournament). “As fast as I can get them there,” was the answer from the straight-up coach who I think will definitely be successful.

My goodness, I’m running out a space by the key stroke and haven’t even mentioned football yet. Oh well, you will just have to wait another paragraph or two because the success of other sports at Georgia has continued in 2009 and deserves some praise.

Kudos go to the Georgia men’s golf team, who won the SEC championship at the Frederica Golf Club on St. Simons. That makes six for Coach Chris Haack. However he and his team have their eyes on the national prize in the coming weeks. Best of luck goes to all of them, particularly seniors Adam Mitchell and Brian Harman.

And if you haven’t heard, David Perno’s Diamond Dawgs have picked up right where they left off last season and are leading the SEC. I encourage you to head to Athens and attend a game.

However you better get tickets before hand as Foley Field has had record-breaking crowds at every home stand thus far.

Okay I’m at emergency level now for space. Let’s talk some football.

First and foremost, I’m pleased to report that both the coaches and players were extremely focused during spring drills. Richt and company are back to basics and enforcing rules like tucking in jerseys and having every chin-strap buckled. Yes rules like those seem nagging, but the Bulldogs have responded well to the tightening.

Now at this moment, I’m sure all the arm-chair quarterbacks out there are floored and can’t believe all of those things haven’t been in place for every practice since Mark Richt came to Georgia. And while they would be correct, I would encourage them to realize that Richt’s change is an excellent sign that he and staff aren’t satisfied with winning 9 or 10 games every year.

Does this mean to book your flights to Pasadena for next January? Only time will answer that question. But I am pleased with the leadership of players like Joe Cox, Michael Moore, Rennie Curran and Jeff Owens. And players like Brandon Boykin, Sanders Commings and Carlton Thomas are emerging to become household names to the Bulldog Nation.

Yes, losing studs like Matthew Stafford and Knowshon Moreno won’t be easy, but I totally believe in this 2009 team and know they will be hitting the weight room hard this summer.

The best thing I take away from this spring for Georgia football is a group of young men who are focused on playing as a team.

And even more important, they have a real yearning to take down the Mighty Gators.

FYI … 193 days until kickoff in Jacksonville!

Fox.

BI

SWEEPSTAKES SWEEPSTA WEEPSTA AKE AKES

WINNERS ISSUE ISS SUE #3

contents

7

15

5 This is now number 14’s team

15 G-day wrap-up and fan photos

Murray Poole talks to Joe Cox and his fellow players who have the utmost faith in his leadership.

With ESPN, Stafford, Knowshon on hand, it was an exciting spring day in Athens.

6 Playing time solidified in spring

17 Pro-Day

See who showed their stuff on the Georgia football team during spring practice.

Former Bulldogs impressed NFL scouts in Athens.

7 Board of Regents Gala

Suzanne Yoculan goes out in style as her Gym Dawgs win another title. Perno’s Diamond Dawgs are rolling.

There were plenty of UGA people at this annual event and the BI camera found them.

9 Recruiting by Carlton DeVooght Sports Editor Jeff Dantzler Sales & Marketing Andrew Miller Austin Keeble Web Maven Cheri Leavy

21 Gym Dawgs win tenth title

Sports Murray Poole Layout/Design Vance Leavy Student Interns Mary Boyce Hicks Ryan Scates

Ad Design Cheri Leavy Andrew Miller Tech Support Chris Lee Cover Design Vance Leavy

Columnists Carlton DeVooght Al Hickson Reg Murphy Rob Sherrell Chad White Eddie Roche

Issue 3 - Spring, April 21, 2009 - Credits: Georgia Sports Communications

FOR ADVERTISING: call Andrew Miller - 706-248-8053 or andrew@bulldawgillustrated.com

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22 Men’s golf team wins SEC The Bulldog Nation came out in droves to watch Chris Haack’s team run away with the SEC title.

The 2010 class is already taking shape.

Publisher Cha Cha Cha Publishing Editor Vance Leavy Editorial & Ad Director Cheri Leavy

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Just the facts Since Mark Richt’s arrival at Georgia, the Bulldogs have posted more double digit win seasons than any Southeastern Conference school.

Georgia had not won an SEC championship since 1982, then Richt led the Bulldogs to the conference crowns of 2002 and 2005.

From 2002 – 2007, Georgia earned berths in three Sugar Bowls.

The Bulldogs had last appeared in New Orleans on January 1, 1983.

In 2008, the Bulldogs defeated LSU, Auburn and Tennessee all in the same season for the first time ever.

In 2008, Georgia’s run over seven consecutive triumphs over Tech came to an end, maintaining the Yellow Jackets eight straight victories from 194956 as the longest winning streak in series history.

Georgia has lost to Florida in 16 of the past 19 seasons.

Under Richt’s watch, Florida is the only school that Georgia has played multiple times, with a winning record against the Bulldogs. Richt’s Dogs are 7-1 vs. Tech, 5-3 vs. Auburn, 5-3 vs.

Tennessee, 3-1 vs. Alabama, 3-2 vs.

LSU, 6-2 vs. South Carolina, 7-1 vs.

Kentucky, 7-1 vs. Vanderbilt, 4-0 vs.

Arkansas, 4-0 vs. Ole Miss, and 2-0 vs.

Mississippi State. But the Bulldogs are 2-6 vs. Florida.

Since 2001, in Georgia’s two wins over Florida, the Bulldogs scored a combined ten touchdowns (four in 2004, six in 2007). In the six losses, the Dogs scored a total of seven touchdowns (posting one in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005 and 2008 and two in 2006).

Since Tennessee’s perfect 13-0 national championship season of 1998, only one SEC team has posted an undefeated season. Auburn went 13-0 in 2004, but did not play for or win the national title.

Over the last six years, two SEC programs have combined to win four BCS championships, with LSU capturing the crowns in 2003 and 2007 and Florida in 2006 and 2008.

Since 2002, Georgia has had six double digit win seasons. Florida has had two.

Florida has never had an undefeated season, suffering a loss in all three national championships seasons of 1996, 2006 and 2008.

In 2002, Georgia went 13-1, losing only to Florida, but didn’t get to play for the national title as Ohio State and Miami both had undefeated regular seasons.

In 2003, LSU went 13-1, losing only to Florida, but with no undefeated teams, played for and won the national championship. in 2007, both LSU and Georgia had 10-2 regular seasons, losing a pair of SEC games. But Tennessee, who beat the Bulldogs, topped South Carolina, Vanderbilt and Kentucky all by a field goal or less. LSU beat the Vols for the SEC title, earned a berth in the BCS Championship Game and won the national title. The Bulldogs won the Sugar Bowl and finished No. 2.

Dating back to the draft of 1998, four Southeastern Conference quarterbacks have been selected No. 1 overall.

Payton Manning, Tim Couch, Eli Manning and JaMarcus Russell combined to win one Southeastern Conference championship in their 11 combined years as starting quarterbacks at Tennessee, Kentucky, Ole Miss and Russell. If Matthew Stafford goes No. 1 overall, he’ll be the fifth SEC quarterback in the last 12 drafts picked in the top spot. The total of SEC titles won by those signal callers would be one in 14 years.

Dating back to the 1998 season,

SEC teams have won five national championships. The highest that any of the starting quarterbacks – Tee Martin, Matt Mauck, Chris Leak and Matt Flynn – were drafted was the fifth round. Tim Tebow is the fifth national championship starting quarterback and is back for his senior year at Florida.

Stafford, the likely top overall pick, will be the first Georgia quarterback to be drafted in the first round since Hall of Fame legend John Rauch, who was picked in 1949 after leading the Bulldogs to the 1948 Southeastern Conference championship.

Knowshon Moreno figures to be the first Georgia tailback to be drafted in the first round since Robert Edwards, who was picked in April of 1998 after leading the Bulldogs to a 10-2 season.

Over the last three NFL Drafts, Georgia has had four players picked in the first three rounds.

As quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator at Florida State, Richt mentored two Heisman trophy winners, Charley Ward and Chris Weinke.

At Georgia, Richt has coached two quarterbacks to SEC Offensive Player of the Year honors and the likely No. 1 overall pick in the draft.

Under Richt’s watch, the Bulldogs are 37-3 when a tailback runs for over 100 yards.

Amongst the great players from the state of Georgia who have starred away from Athens are Ward and George Rogers, who both won the Heisman Trophy, Auburn Outland Trophy recipient Tracy Rocker, two-time Auburn All-American linebacker Takeo Spikes, star tailbacks Eddie Lee Ivery, James Brooks, William Andrews, Lionel James and James Davis. The second pick of the 2005 draft, Ronnie Brown of Auburn, is a Georgia native. The second pick of the 2007 draft, Calvin Johnson of Tech, is a Georgia native.

All-American safeties Eric Berry of Tennessee and Morgan Burnett of Tech were the nation’s top two interceptors of 2008. Both are natives of Georgia.

My esteemed afternoon talk show co-host and standout Foley Field P.A. announcer Chris Brame did some tremendous research, finding that there were 86 Georgia natives in the NFL in 2008, and 25 played for the Bulldogs.

Georgia last beat Tennessee and Florida in the same season in 1988.

When the Dogs beat Florida and Auburn in 2007, in marked the first time that Georgia defeated the Gators and Tigers in the same season since 1982.

Georgia has beaten Auburn three straight times. That last happened in 1980, ’81 and ‘82.

Dating back to Jim Donnan’s second season of 1997, Georgia has won at least eight games in 12 consecutive years. The previous longest stretch of winning at least games in a season was the four year golden era of 1980-83.

Since 1997, Georgia is 10-2 in bowl games.

Hugh Durham was Georgia’s basketball coach for 17 seasons, taking over a program that had losing records in 23 of the previous 27 years. Mark Fox is Georgia’s sixth head basketball coach in the 15 seasons since Durham’s departure.

Richt is heading into his ninth season as Georgia’s head football, which will be the fourth longest tenure in Bulldogs annals. Vince Dooley was at the helm for 25 years, Wally Butts for 22 and Harry Mehre for 10. In six of the previous seven seasons under his watch, Georgia has won at least 10 games. Georgia now has 18 double digit win seasons.

Bulldawg Illustrated

POOLE SHOTS

By Murray Poole

This is now No. 14’s team Joe Cox has had his calendar circled for some time now.

The date is Sept. 5, 2009 and the site is Oklahoma State’s Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla.

That’s the day Georgia’s senior quarterback officially takes over the reins of the Bulldogs’ offense. The moment Cox has played over and over in his mind ever since he enrolled at UGA in 2005, following a recordbreaking prep career at Independence High in Charlotte, N.C. Joe Cox, you see, has waited a long time to become the University of Georgia’s starting quarterback. After redshirting in his first season in Athens in 2005, Cox watched from the sidelines over the next three autumns as the rifle-armed Matthew Stafford put up big passing numbers en route to his maybe becoming the NFL’s No. 1 draft pick in this weekend’s annual selection of the top collegiate standouts.

During those past three years, Cox did have his moments as a Bulldog quarterback.

Remember the Colorado game in 2006 when redshirt freshman Cox came off the bench in relief of Stafford and led Georgia on a game-winning touchdown drive in a 1413 thriller over the Buffaloes … Cox clinching the victory with a 20-yard touchdown strike to tight end Martrez Milner with just 46 seconds left to play.

That same season, Cox got his only start to date at Georgia at Ole Miss and teamed with Stafford to help the Bulldogs to a key road win. Then, this past season, in his redshirt junior campaign, Cox appeared in just three games but completed 11-of-15 passing attempts for 151 yards overall and hooked up with Aron White on a 19-yard scoring pass – the Bulldogs’ only touchdown – in Georgia’s 49-10 loss to the fifth-ranked Florida Gators.

But hey, Bulldawg Nation, this is a guy who never lost a game in high school, going 31-0 as a starting quarterback, and a guy who threw a North Carolina state record 66 touchdown passes at Independence High while leading his team to a fifth consecutive state championship his senior year.

Here is a guy, this Joe Cox, who could have been a starting QB at many schools around the Southeastern Conference these past three years. And, know this, although it was very, very tough for Cox to play the backup role to Stafford in the 2006, 2007 and 2008 football seasons, he never, ever thought about leaving the University of Georgia. He just had a sense that his time would come before he picked up his diploma from UGA. And now, with the ultra-talented Stafford having bypassed his senior year of eligibility for the riches of the NFL, Joe Cox’s time has indeed come in Red and Black. He’s now the leader of this 2009 Georgia football team and if you had a chance to be around the Bulldogs’ camp during the recently-completed spring practice session, you are aware of how highly regarded No. 14 is by his fellow teammates and the Georgia coaching staff.

Perhaps the guy lining up behind Cox in the Bulldogs’ backfield, junior fullback Shaun Chapas, summed it up best when he recently threw out this one-liner about Cox: “Joe is the man with the plan.”

And Cox does have a plan for this Georgia team, a plan that will hopefully enable the Bulldogs to accomplish what last year’s preseason No. 1-ranked team couldn’t accomplish. And that plan involves motivation, superb execution on the playing field and, a buying into a team unity of purpose that maybe wasn’t always present in 2008.

“For us (to win championships), it’s going to take everybody coming together this year and playing as a unit, in every single game,” said the 6-1, 210-pound Cox, a fiery redhead who brings much more of a vocal disposition to the quarterback spot than the somewhat laid-back Stafford. “We can’t have any breakdowns and when we do, we’ve got to have somebody step up, get focused and make the plays. In practice, our coaches are putting us under adversity as much as they can and giving us the chance to make the plays.”

Yes indeed, with the Bulldogs having put the cap on spring practice and with preseason camp in August not as far off as you might think, Cox is already counting down

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the days to that Sept. 5 afternoon – or night, depending on when television dictates – when the Dogs and Cowboys hold a good, old western shootout in the 2009 opener.

“It’s going to be pretty incredible,” said Cox. “I’ve been waiting on it and so much looking forward to it. And I’ll be waiting on it all summer. It’s going to be a little different, getting used to being the guy who gets the reps with the 1’s this season, but my main mindset now is just to get ready to play.

“My biggest goals are, No. 1, leadership and knowing what to do on every play of the game. I just want to have an overall knowledge of the game. I think I can make all the throws but I do know my limitations,” said Cox. “I’m not gonna want to throw a 70-yard pass because I know I can’t do it. I just want to get my feet set and make good and accurate throws” Cox said he’s got great faith in his offensive coordinator, Mike Bobo, and his offensive teammates.

“Coach Bobo has a good plan for the offense and guys are responding on both sides of the ball,” Cox stated. “It started the day we got back to lifting. Our seniors established what we wanted everyone to do, and the guys responded to us. I feel completely confident with this team right now. We have a healthy group of guys coming back that played last year, both offensively and defensively.”

And, oh yeah, if you’re wondering about the respect the Georgia players and coaches have for their new starting signalcaller, listen in on the following comments: Junior linebacker Rennie Curran: “Joe is really doing well overall. He’s owning up to that position of being a leader and everybody is feeding off of him.”

Senior safety Bryan Evans: “I really like Joe back there at quarterback. He’s been here for five years and knows what it takes to win.

He certainly can throw the ball well, and Joe is showing the mental toughness the team needs from its leader.”

Senior split end Kris Durham: “Joe has taken over really well. Because he’s been a backup and now a starter, he knows how to relate to people in both those positions. Because Joe’s been here the last four years, everybody listens to him and, really, he’s a lot more vocal than even I anticipated.”

Junior offensive lineman Clint Boling: “Joe’s really a vocal guy. He’s been here for so long everybody has looked at him as a leader all along. We all know what he can do.”

Sophomore tailback Caleb King: “Ever since I’ve been here, Joe has been my quarterback. I’ve always felt comfortable with Joe. He not only is showing leadership this year but every year he’s been here.”

Offensive coordinator Mike Bobo: “I tell our quarterbacks to watch Joe and they’ll know what to do. I’m very impressed with Joe and the way he’s accepted his role as our starting quarterback. I like the preparation he’s shown day-in and day-out. Joe believes in Coach Richt and the Georgia way, and that’s one of the main reasons we recruited Joe Cox … for that intangible reason he showed in school, leadership and how he was behind Chris Leak in high school and how he came in following a guy that’s a fivestar player. That put a lot of pressure on him in high school. (Leak) had won so many games in a row but (Cox) stepped in and really relished that role that he was going to take advantage of it. I think he’s doing the same thing here. I’m excited for him.”

And this from the head Bulldog himself, Mark Richt: “I think Joe’s rolling into a position (as far as leadership goes) that fits him like a glove, and that’s because of Joe’s preparation. From the time he got here until now, Joe has done it all along. I think the guys know it and the coaches know it. Like I said, Joe fits into this like a real comfortable shoe.”

Cox, with all his experience and knowledge of the Georgia offense, should fit so comfortably in guiding the Bulldogs’ attack this coming football season that Bobo’s unit will continue to put up big numbers. And if the Georgia offense is complemented by a mighty rebound from Willie Martinez’ defense, then No. 14, Joe Cox, could lead the 2009 Bulldogs to an SEC championship (and beyond) that always seemed to elude his famous predecessor, Matthew Stafford.

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5

Playing time solidified by several during spring camp

By Murray Poole BULLDAWG ILLUSTRATED With at least 18 Bulldogs sitting out this year’s spring practice with a varied assortment of injuries – players who are expected to contribute heavily to Georgia’s 2009 season – there hasn’t been a great deal of movement in the team’s depth chart.

In fact, one of the few announcements of one player being promoted above another came well beyond the midway point of the 15 spring sessions and it only involved a shuffle between second and third stringers. In that case, Georgia head coach Mark Richt noted that senior linebacker Marcus Washington has moved ahead of sophomore Marcus Dowtin for the No. 2 Mike position … behind starter Akeem Dent.

But while any major moves along the UGA depth chart likely won’t come until preseason camp begins in August, there are a number of Bulldogs who have impressed their teammates and coaches so much this spring that they are insuring themselves considerable playing time when the Dogs tee it up for real this autumn.

One can hardly talk with Georgia’s offensive and defensive players without hearing the names of Brandon Boykin, Nick Williams and Sanders Commings come up.

Boykin, a sophomore from Fayetteville who played in a backup role and on special teams as a freshman, has taken over the starting spot at strong corner and is rapidly becoming one of the leaders in Willie Martinez’ secondary. As has Commings, redshirt freshman cornerback from Augusta who is playing behind Boykin at strong corner and also seeing action in the nickel package.

“Brandon has really stepped it up in the secondary, and Sanders Commings has gained weight and gotten a lot stronger – he’s become a real physical player,” offered Bulldogs’ senior wide receiver Kris Durham, who goes against the two each day in practice.

“Brandon is a strong guy, he’s fast and you can’t believe how high he can jump,” said senior quarterback Joe Cox. “He’s a guy who can definitely be a big-time playmaker in the secondary for us.”

“Defensively, after Asher (Allen) left, Brandon Boykin has really been showing good leadership,” said Georgia sophomore tailback Caleb King.

Equally as impressive this spring has been sophomore linebacker Williams. The Bainbridge product came to Georgia as a safety, was then listed at Sam linebacker prior to the spring drills but now is holding now the No. 2 job at Will linebacker, behind All-America candidate Rennie Curran.

“Personally, I think both Nick Williams and Marcus Dowtin are really going to help us out,” related senior safety Bryan Evans. “They’re pretty much in on every tackle – you always see them around the ball.”

Bulldogs defensive coordinator and secondary coach Martinez has greatly liked what he’s seen from Williams and Commings, as well as Boykin.

“Nick and Sanders are making their presence known,” Martinez said. “Nick is a very high energy guy and we like that. We had a play the other day where he hustled to the football and ran his helmet through the opposing player. And Sanders has made a couple of plays in the scrimmages.

He’s getting a lot of repetitions and is taking on a lot at both nickel and corner. They both have a lot to learn but we like how they’re working and their attitude.”

Martinez says Boykin has adapted well to his new starting position at cornerback. “Brandon has a knack for catching the ball and has good ball skills,” said Martinez. “He needs more consistency and has a ways to go, but Brandon finds a way to make a play. He had another interception today,” pointed out Martinez, speaking after the Bulldogs’ ninth practice of the spring.

Boykin and Williams say they’re flattered to receive such accolades from their teammates and

coaches.

“Having them say this about me feels good,” said Boykin. “I’ve been working real hard this spring and if I can continue to get better, it should carry over into the fall. But I think a lot of the guys are doing a good job. Nick is doing great at linebacker and Prince (Miller) is really stepping it up and being a strong leader for us in the secondary.”

In Williams’ case, he appreciates the compliments the Georgia coaches and fellow players have thrown his way this spring but realizes he has a long ways to go, especially being new to the Will linebacker spot. “Coach Richt tells us to keep playing passionately,” Williams said. “Well, right now, I’m just trying to learn the game and it’s not up to me how much I play. But when you’ve got Rennie Curran playing in front of you, you just want to play like him. You don’t get any better than Rennie,” Williams said. “I see him run to the ball, and I realize I can do that, too.”

Georgia offensive coordinator Mike Bobo has been impressed with the performances of a number of young Bulldogs this spring.

“Tavarres King (redshirt freshman WR) is showing flashes,” Bobo said. “He’s become more consistent and is now learning how to practice. Aron White (soph. tight end) has also shown flashes.

He’s being more physical now at the point of attack. And I’ve been pleased with (soph. QB) Logan Gray,” added Bobo. “He’s been extremely accurate and showing a good knowledge of the offense.”

Because of Bulldog regulars such as Trinton Sturdivant, Chris Davis and Vince Vance missing the spring drills due to injuries, Bobo said it would be difficult to say any of Georgia’s offensive linemen are entrenching themselves on the depth chart at the moment. “Our top five linemen are doing a nice job but we’ve just got so many out,” he said. “But (soph. guard) Tanner Strickland is doing a nice job. He’s been one guy showing he wants to play football this fall.”

Bobo has also liked the progress of true freshman quarterbacks Aaron Murray – who passed for more than 100 yards with long TD strikes in each of the Bulldogs’ first two scrimmages – and Zach Mettenberger.

“I’ve been pleased with the way Aaron Murray has approached every single day,” said Bobo.

“He’s over here (at Butts-Mehre training facility) every time I come … in the meeting room or studying film. It’ll take time but Aaron’s putting it together. He’s got a natural whip (for an arm) and throws the ball on time. And I’ve been pleased with Zach Mettenberger’s approach,” said Bobo.

“He’s worked hard on his football knowledge, has a big arm and throws the ball well. Those two young guys, I’ve been impressed with their composure.”

Senior wideout Durham thinks all of the Bulldogs’ running back corps did good things this spring practice.

“I’ve definitely been impressed with our running backs,” Durham said. “Caleb (King), Carlton (Thomas) and Kalvin Daniels … I can tell they really worked hard in the off-season, and they have really improved. Among the receivers, I think Tavarres King has looked good. I’ve been impressed with his understanding of the offense after missing most of last season.”

And there are many other Bulldogs who have stepped up their performances considerably in the spring of 2009. In addition to Commings, Rennie Curran has been impressed with both sophomore defensive end Justin Houston, who was the star of the Bulldogs’ second scrimmage, and sophomore tackle DeAngelo Tyson. And Bryan Evans, for one, couldn’t help but notice the explosiveness of redshirt freshman tailback Carlton Thomas. “He keeps catching my eye,” said Evans. “He makes players miss and he scores touchdowns.”

Junior corner Vance Cuff, redshirt freshman safety Bacarri Rambo, junior fullback/tailback Fred Munzenmaier and sophomore center Ben Jones are other young Bulldogs who have drawn praise from their peers and coaches this spring session, clearly illustrating once more how keen the competition is going to be in the 2009 preseason drills when Georgia’s depth chart will indeed be solidified.

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RECRUITING NEWS

By Carlton DeVooght

2009 Finishes Strong, 2010 Class Off to a Good When I prepared the 2009 Signing Day recap for the Bulldawg Illustrated, you will recall that I said there might be more signees in the Bulldogs’ future. At the time, it looked like the Bulldogs would add one additional player to their 2009 signing class. The 2009 signing class was ranked as the ninth best class at the time with only 18 signees. Since signing day, the Bulldogs removed one signee from the class, but added three extremely talented young men, for a net total of 20 signees in the 2009 recruiting class. The Bulldogs post signing day blitz began with a big addition, no pun intended.

Kwame Geathers, the 6’6”, 320 lb offensive tackle/defensive tackle from Carters Bay High School in Carters Bay, South Carolina signed with the Bulldogs on February 20th.

Geathers, the younger brother of former Bulldog Robert Geathers, picked the Bulldogs over Tennessee and the University of Central Florida. Despite his imposing size, Geathers flew under the recruiting radar for many schools until his stellar performance in the Offense/Defense All-Star Game. In that game, Geathers recorded seven solo tackles and two sacks and was completely unblockable for the defensive tackle. At times he was double and triple teamed, to no avail. While he is currently listed as an offensive lineman, the Bulldogs like him at defensive tackle. With three seniors graduating next year at defensive tackle, Geathers adds even more talent to the 2009 group of defensive tackle signees.

Orson Charles was the one player that many recruiting analysts thought would sign with the Bulldogs after signing day. Initially ranked as the top tight end in the country, this Plant High School standout (6’3, 230 lbs, 4.55/40) is also ranked as the seventh best overall wide receiver in the country. Charles signed with the Bulldogs on March 6, 2009, deciding to play college football with his Plant High School teammate, Aaron Murray. He selected the Bulldogs over Southern Cal, Tennessee, and Florida. With the Bulldogs’ current lack of depth at tight end and injuries at wide receiver, Charles will have every opportunity to make an impact early in his career in Athens. This four star prospect certainly has a bright future ahead of him between the Hedges.

Many recruiting experts thought that Charles would be the last signee for the Bulldogs’ 2009 class. Coach Mark Richt and Coach Rodney Garner like to keep things interesting. On March 26, they signed the 20th member of the 2009 class, Brandon Bogotay.

In 2008 Bogotay was the kicker for Gross Martin College, a Junior College in El Cajon, California. As a freshman, Bogotay was named to the Pacific Conference All-Conference First Team, making 15 of 23 field goal attempts, including a long of 52 yards. He scored the second most points on the California College Athletic Associations’ list with 72 total points.

Most importantly, Bogotay has a sledge hammer for a leg, recording 24 touchbacks for Gross Martin last year and making a 65 yard field goal in practice. The young man from San Diego, California played soccer his whole life and did not start kicking for his High School football team until half way through his senior year. Coach Richt has indicated that Bogotay will have the opportunity to compete with current Bulldog kicker, Glenn Walsh and Jamie Lindley both for the kickoff and field goal responsibilities in 2009.

The addition of these three young men catapulted the Bulldog’s class to the sixth of the best signee class in the country and the third best in the SEC behind Alabama and LSU. Keep in mind that both of these schools signed more players than Georgia (Alabama – 28; LSU – 24) and that Georgia had a higher average star per signee (3.80) than either Alabama (3.68) or LSU (3.79). This class is a good mix of good players and talented linemen that will electrify the crowds between the hedges over the next 4 or 5 years.

Three of the members of the 2009 signing class are already enrolled in Athens and are participating in spring practice. Offensive Guard Dallas Lee from Buford High School in Buford, Georgia has opened some eyes with his tenacity and mean streak during spring practice. While it is anticipated that Lee will redshirt in 2009, he is making it very difficult for Coach Searels to justify keeping him off the field. With some of the injuries to upper class-

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men, Lee is getting some time with the second team offensive line.

Quarterbacks Zack Mettenberger and Aaron Murray were two of the most highly touted members of the Bulldogs’ 2009 class.

Murray, the number three ranked quarterback in the country is widely regarded for both his on field play and his leadership skills. So far in two scrimmages this year, Murray has already demonstrated that he is going to be a special player for the Bulldogs. Mettenberger, the standout quarterback from Oconee County High School was also one of the top eleven ranked quarterbacks coming out of high school last year. So far this spring, Mettenberger has shown incredible arm strength and is quickly picking up the Bulldogs’ system.

The Georgia wide receivers are having to adapt to the serious zip Mettenberger puts on the ball, in much the same fashion as the Georgia wide receivers had to adapt to a young quarterback named Matthew Stafford. The coaches have made no decisions as to whether one or both of these young men will redshirt in 2009.

Needless to say, the Bulldogs are extremely blessed to have two such talented young signal callers on their roster behind senior Joe Cox and sophomore Logan Gray.

Bulldogs Land First 2010 Jalen Fields, a strong side defensive end from Dalton High School in Dalton, Georgia was the Bulldogs’ first commitment. Fields stature is imposing (6’6”, 255 lbs) and he has the speed off the edge (4.65/40) that Coach Fabris loves. He committed to the Bulldogs on March 21, 2009 at UGA’s Junior Day. As a junior, Fields recorded 78 tackles, including 35 tackles for a loss and 10 sacks. He calls UGA his “Dream Offer”, and selected the Bulldogs over offers from Alabama, FSU, Tennessee, West Virginia and Ole Miss. He is a talented young man who should be ranked with at least 4-stars when the expanded rankings are released later this summer. Fields is the first of what will undoubtedly be another talented class for UGA. The Bulldogs are currently recruiting some of the best players in the country and are seriously involved with four of the top eight ranked players in the country. These 5-star prospects include running back Marcus Lattimore (Byrnes High School, Duncan, South Carolina), defensive end Jackson Jeffcoat (Plano West High School, Plano, Texas), defensive back Lamarcus Joyner (St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Fort Lauderdale, Florida) and James Hurst (Plainfield High School, Indianapolis, Indiana). I believe the Bulldogs will sign at least two of these four players in their 2010 class. The Bulldogs are also heavily involved with the top linebacker prospect in the country, Jeff Luck (Treasure Coast High School, Fort St. Lucy, Florida), whose older brother is close friends with former Bulldog Max-Jean Gilles.

The Bulldogs are also heavily involved with the top in state prospects. These prospects include the top ranked safety in the country, Alec Ogletree (Union High School, Union), four star defensive tackle Jeff Whitaker (Warner Robbins High School, Warner Robbins), four star wide receiver/athlete Da’rick Rogers (Calhoun High School, Calhoun), four star cornerback Ryan Ayers (South Paulding High School, Douglasville), linebacker Michael Taylor (Westlake High School, Atlanta), four star defensive end Garrison Smith (Douglas High School, Atlanta), defensive end/linebacker Neiron Ball (Jackson High School, Jackson), massive four star offensive tackle Jawuan James (North Gwinnet High School, Suwannee), four star wide receivers Antonio Goodwin (Washington High School, Atlanta) and Tai-ler Jones (Gainesville High School, Gainesville) and super speedy four star running back Mack Brown (Martin Luther King High School, Lithonia). The Bulldogs have also offered one of my favorite players, rising senior offensive tackle Brent Benedict from the Bolles School in Jacksonville, Florida.

These are just some of the names of the seventy athletes already holding offers from the University of Georgia this year. It appears that almost half of the top players in the country wish to make their decisions prior to the start of their senior football season. This will make for an exciting summer as we all count down to the kickoff of the 2009 Georgia Football Season.

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2009 spring practice diary

By Murray Poole BULLDAWG ILLUSTRATED Day 1, March 17

Under sunny skies and temperatures in the upper 60s, the Bulldogs opened up spring practice Tuesday by holding a two-hour workout.

Georgia practiced in shorts for their first non-contact workout of the spring. The Bulldogs worked on all phases of the game from special teams, offense and defense during the workout.

Georgia coach Mark Richt said it’s tough to gauge a lot when everybody is in shorts and there’s no contact, but overall he was pleased with the first day.

Richt noted that senior quarterback Joe Cox and sophomore quarterback Logan Gray had a solid first day of practice.

Day 2, March 18

Following Wednesday’s two-hour session, Richt was pleased with his team’s performance this early in the spring. “We had an outstanding practice today,� Richt said. “There were some things from (Tuesday) that we talked about in the coaches meetings and to the team and I think we corrected all of them for the most part. The defense was leading us with their effort and enthusiasm and as a whole, I thought we got better today.�

Day 3, March 20

The Bulldogs worked out for 90 minutes Friday, and the defense provided plenty of highlights. “Today was outstanding, especially the defense," said Richt. “Without question, the defense is setting the tone for the spring. They are getting after it. I really liked their hustle, enthusiasm and running to the football. If the offense can match that, it will be good for the team, but the defense is the lead dog right now.�

Day 4, March 21

The Bulldogs worked out in full pads for the first time Saturday, practicing for 90 minutes in Sanford Stadium. “It was a great day with the offense winning the three-on-three drill, and the defense winning the inside drill,� said Richt. “Spirits were high, and it was a day for the juniors to watch us in Sanford Stadium, and a great day to be a Bulldog.�

Redshirt freshman tailback Carlton Thomas provided one of the day’s highlights with a long touchdown run that excited his teammates, which they later shared with the media after practice.

Day 5, March 24

The Bulldogs resumed practice on Tuesday, working out in full pads for about 90 minutes on the Woodruff Practice Fields. “Today was kind of lukewarm,� Richt said. “It wasn’t bad, but it was not at the championship level. The energy level was not quite what we’ve seen, but we’ve got the rest of the week to get back on track in that regard. The guys have got to fight through. They’ve got to practice at a level that will make us a great team.�

Day 6, March 26 Georgia has almost reached the halfway point of spring practice, and Richt is encouraged by what he has seen.

After not being thrilled about Tuesday’s session, Richt said Thursday’s 75-minute workout in jerseys, shorts and shells featured “great hustle and lots of enthusiasm.� “We ran well during practice, we pursued as a unit, I liked the way we looked today,� he said. “(Brandon) Boykin had a couple of picks, and Joe Cox looked good. I’d say the most dominating player to this point has been Geno (Atkins). He’s tough to handle. Geno has had his way with just about everybody.�

A day later, it was revealed junior defensive end Demarcus Dobbs suffered a left foot, fifth metatarsal fracture in Thursday's practice that will sideline him for the remainder of the spring.

Day 7, March 30

With Friday’s practice being postponed due to inclement weather, the Bulldogs conducted their first official scrimmage of the spring Monday at Sanford Stadium, and Richt didn’t seem overly happy with the team’s effort. “I thought it was relatively even, kind of back and forth,� he said. “Wešve got a long way to go yet, but we also saw a lot of good things.

We’ve got to be able to handle adversity a little better on both sides of the ball. Things don’t always go the way you want in football, and you’ve got to be able to recover and play ball.�

Senior Joe Cox connected on 9-of-13 passes for 79 yards and a touchdown, while freshman Aaron Murray went 4-of-6 for 131 yards and a score.

Day 8, March 31

The Bulldogs practiced for an hour and a half in shorts and shoulder pads in the rain on Tuesday following Monday’s scrimmage at Sanford Stadium. “I felt better about the scrimmage after I watched the film than when I was walking off the field (Monday),� said Richt, adding that he could not remember any other time when he had a team at Georgia have five practices in one week during the spring.

Day 9, April 1

The Bulldogs practiced for two hours in shorts and shoulder pads on Wednesday during its third straight practice of the week. “It went well today,� said defensive coordinator Willie Martinez. “The guys came in ready to get after it and I thought their enthusiasm and work ethic were above average. We’re always trying to show improvement and by the ninth practice, it should be that way. It should show in your execution by then and I think we saw that today.�

Day 10, April 3

The Bulldogs held a 90-minute practice in shoulder pads and shorts on Friday afternoon in preparation for Saturday morning’s closed scrimmage at Sanford Stadium. “We want them to have a lot of juice in the morning,� Richt said. “The temperatures should be in the mid-40s or mid-50s and it is supposed to be sunny. I think the guys should be in the right frame of mind to have a good scrimmage.�

Day 11, April 4

The Bulldogs conducted their second scrimmage of the spring Saturday morning at Sanford Stadium.

The two-hour workout in full pads featured much better effort

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and enthusiasm compared to the first one, according to Richt. “It was hard-hitting, the energy was there all the time, and I saw some good leadership,� said Richt.

The defense started strong and no one was better than sophomore end Justin Houston. He was credited with four tackles, two tackles for a loss, two sacks and a 30-yard interception return for a touchdown. “Justin was the most productive defensive player Saturday,� said Richt. “He caught my eye and made a lot of plays. We missed some more opportunities to catch the ball.�

The longest touchdown play of the morning came from freshman Aaron Murray to sophomore flanker Israel Troupe. The pair hooked up on a 64- yard bomb right before halftime. Murray ended up 6-for-10 for 132 yards and two touchdowns.

Day 12, April 6

The Bulldogs practiced for an hour and a half in pads and shorts on a blustery Mondayafternoon.

With the wind gusting up to more than 30 miles an hour and temperatures dropping into the 40s, the Bulldogs had their first of three practices before the annual G-Day game arrives on Saturday.

Day 13, April 8

The big news coming out of Georgia’s 13th practice Wednesday was that senior wide receiver Kris Durham will miss the 2009 season due to a shoulder injury and will redshirt during the upcoming campaign. “Kris will have surgery in May and will redshirt and not play this season,� Richt said. “It's a decision we all think is in his best interest. He wants to make sure his senior year is a good, strong, healthy one. It’s really a sixth-month recovery time before you can go and train at full speed. That would be a tight window to be ready. If he didn’t have the option to redshirt and have a fifth year, the decision might be different.�

Day 14, April 10

The Bulldogs held a light workout in anticipation of Saturday’s G-Day Game.

Also Friday, Richt announced the Bulldogs’ Spring Awards winners. The awards are given annually at the conclusion of spring practice to recognize improvement, dedication and performance on the field.

Highlighting the list of awards were the recipients of the longstanding Coffee County Hustle Award given annually to the player(s) showing the most desire during spring drills. Recipients include quarterback Joe Cox, wide receiver Michael Moore, linebacker Nick Williams, defensive end Demarcus Dobbs and safety Bryan Evans.

Day 15, April 11 The Bulldogs put the cap on 15 days of spring practice with the annual G-Day game, which was played before a record crowd of 42,000-plus in addition to a nationally-televised (ESPN) audience. In a defense-oriented game, the Red team defeated the Blacks, 13-3. Starting quarterback Joe Cox passed for 105 yards while among the many defensive standouts were sophomore end Justin Houston and senior linebacker Marcus Washington, who each recorded three sacks ‌. something that was obviously lacking among Georgia’s pass rushers last season.

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Inaugural "Top Dawg" Pro-Am Invitational - The Georgia Club

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Tim Long of Memphis, TN

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Becky Nicholson of Athens, GA

FANS OF THE WEEK

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Bulldawg Illustrated

G-Day Game

By Murray Poole BULLDAWG ILLUSTRATED Just perhaps that old Georgia defense, the one that played like true Junkyard Dawgs and wouldn’t even dream of allowing an opponent to put 40 points on the scoreboard, is on its way back to Sanford Stadium.

After being treated rudely by Alabama, Florida and Georgia Tech last season, Willie Martinez’s Bulldog defense limited Michigan State to one touchdown and 12 points in Georgia’s 24-12 win in the Capital One Bowl and then showed signs of a continued resurgence in the April 11 G-Day Game.

Although admittedly aided by a Bulldog receiving corps that suffered six drops, the defenses of the Red and Black teams allowed only one touchdown all day as the Reds, featuring the first-team offense, defeated the Black team, which owned the first-team defensive unit, 13-3 before a G-Day record turnout of 42,458. The game’s lone touchdown came on the final play from scrimmage when redshirt freshman tailback Carlton Thomas zipped in from 20 yards out. That officially clinched the win for the Reds, which had earlier gotten a 51-yard field goal from Blair Walsh and a go-ahead 48-yard field goal from Andrew Jensen, with just 2:13 left to play. The Blacks’ only score came via a 24yard, second-quarter field goal by Jamie Lindley.

Defensively, the Red team limited the Black team to 158 total yards while the Black team checked the Reds to 171 yards total offense. Of course, keep in mind that the game was played with 8-minute quarters in the first half and then 10-minute quarters in the second half.

“I think our defense took this game very seriously,” said Georgia head coach Mark Richt, “and wanted to continue the edge they established this spring. The defense did a good job and especially did a nice job of defensing the run. Of course, in a game where you don’t play 60 minutes, the stats are going to be less. But I feel better with this score than if we’d had a 31-30 game.”

“The defense can react on so much of our stuff because they’ve practiced against us since day one,” said senior quarterback Joe Cox, who completed 9-of-16 passing attempts for 105 yards while being sacked three times by the Black defense. “This is just

part of going against your own defense. But I think we still did a good job. We made some plays to win the game.”

“We were going against one of the best defenses in the SEC,” declared sophomore tailback Caleb King, who managed only 22 net yards on seven carries due to several sacks by the Black defense. Thomas was the game’s leading rusher with 59 yards on eight carries. “It takes longer for the offense to jell,” added King, “but overall, I think we did pretty good.”

“I thought our backs ran well,” said Richt. “The sacks hurt the rushing total. And I thought our quarterbacks were pretty sharp. They were right on the money at times but we had too many drops. Obviously, it would have been nice to see our receivers hold on to the ball better.”

In addition to Cox’s showing, sophomore Logan Gray completed 9-of-13 attempts for 91 yards while guiding the Black team. True freshman Aaron Murray was 3-of-5 for 62 yards including a 43-yard hookup with Marquise Brown while also freshman QB Zach Mettenberger was 0-for-3 with one interception.

“I thought the defense played real well overall,” said sophomore end Justin Houston, who had four tackles and three sacks – for 20 yards in losses – for the Black team.

“This was supposed to be an offensive game but both defenses went out and played well. Marcus Washington (senior linebacker who also had three sacks) did a good job off the edge,” said Houston. “If he keeps doing like that, they may have to move him to defensive end.”

“Going against the same guys all spring, we know what they’re going to do and they know what we’re going to do,” said Reds senior offensive tackle Clint Boling. “We both know how to react. But I think our defense has got a chance to be something special this season. They’ve got a lot of guys back and are only going to get better.”

Richt, in summary, termed 2009 spring practice a very successful one.

“We established some nice habits all the while knowing we were short about 25 healthy bodies,” he said. “When the freshmen come in and we have about 50 more healthy bodies in here, I think we’ll have a chance to have a great season. We’ll have to have a great offseason and it’ll be up to our seniors to take charge and make sure that happens.”

(left-right) Skylor Prince, Michelle Clarke, Xavaian Prince and Ricky Clarke

(left-right) Brad Disque, Caroline Disque and Laura Disque

Tom Fell and Drake Scott (featured in BI web video section)

(left-right) Stephanie Sharp, Erin Sharp, Emma Sharp and Buck Sharp

(left- right) Kellie Landeche, Avery Huffman, Bri Huffman and Jennifer Kubu Delaney

(left-right) Steven Farmer, Tom Everett and Stephen (left-right) Rebecca and Jake Lee, Chip Hilley, Dennis Lee, Bill Hilley, Jim Conatser (featured in BI web video section) Kennedy

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(left-right) Jamie Mercer, Jay Mercer and Ellie Mercer

15

G-Day Game - visit www.bulldawgillustrated.com & enjoy video of fanfare

ESPN sideline reporter, Wendi Nix and Sarah Bailey

Mark Christensen and Tyson Browning

Tony Ball and Knowshon Moreno

(left-right) Matthew Stafford, Brennan Cox and ESPNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kirk Herbstreit

Big Jim Hickey and Coach Mike Bobo

Kelly Jancek and Nikki Johnson

Geoff Smith and Andrew Smith

Jackson Thacker and Trent Thacker

Coach Mark Fox with his assistant coach, Kiwanza Johnson

(left-right) CJ Woodruff, Chris Woodruff, Eli Kertscher and Jett Kertscher

Coach Mark Richt and Wendi Nix

Todd Hanner and Brett Berry

Knowshon Moreno and William Story

Russ Bell and Caroline Bell

Smisson Neel and John Neel

Garrison Hearst

(left-right) Hatch Means, Brennen Cox, Bailey Means and Chris Means (back row)

Kirk Herbstreit and Camp Anderson

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(left-right) Knox Delaney, Kim and Joe Delaney and Preston Delaney

16

Bulldawg Illustrated

Stafford, Moreno, Mo Mass, Asher and teammates shine at Pro-Day

Blake Barnes and Mark Richt

Stafford

Knowshon

(left-right) Kendric Miller, Knowshon Moreno and Kameron Mller

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Georgia Sports Hall of Fame Induction - Macon

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Mike Woods and Teresa Edwards

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Debbie Permar and Coach Vince Dooley

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Bulldawg Illustrated

Gym Dawgs win tenth national title

By Murray Poole BULLDAWG ILLUSTRATED Prior to the start of the 2009 Georgia Gym Dogs’ season, legendary head coach Suzanne Yoculan talked with Bulldawg Illustrated about her team going for an unprecedented fifth consecutive NCAA championship and the program’s 10th national title overall in this, Yoculan’s final season at the UGA helm.

“I try to reflect on my total 26 years here as a whole, and I don’t want our team to put too much emphasis on this year,” Yoculan said at the time. “I want to approach this season like any other. Just because it’s my last season, I don’t want us to approach it any differently. I just want our team to focus on the day-to-day things that we need to do to be competitive.

“I don’t like to put pressure on myself and I don’t want to put extra pressure on the team (to win another national title),” Yoculan added. “I like to practice what I preach. I just want our seniors to have a final year they can be proud of, and I want the team to focus on what we can control each day. Because,” she said, “if we do that, we’ll have a chance to win a fifth straight championship.”

Well, these amazing Gym Dogs certainly practiced what their head coach preached as they surged to that coveted fifth consecutive national championship this past Friday night in the NCAA Championships at Lincoln, Neb. No. 1-ranked and top-seeded Georgia thus sent Yoculan into retirement as a champion once again.

The Gym Dogs scored a 197.825, their second-best score of the year, to win the school’s jaw-dropping 10th championship.The 10 ties Utah for the most for a program. In addition, the five in a row ties Utah (1982-86) for the most consecutive NCAA titles won by a school.

Rival and SEC champion Alabama was second with a 197.575 followed by Utah (197.425), Florida (196.725), Arkansas (196.475) and LSU (196.375).

“This is such a special team,” said Yoculan. “Their oneness, their cohesiveness, their unity made it all so special. This is an incredible group. I have learned so much for them, and it’s an honor for me to end my career as the coach of this team.

“It really is a magical team that has so much fortitude and just love for the sport and passion, and they never quit. I feel blessed, and I actually lived it every day being around them, and that’s the thing I’m going to miss the most.”

Georgia opened on bars, scoring a 49.425 led by the incredible Courtney Kupets’ 10.0. Tiffany Tolnay posted a 9.9, followed by Grace Taylor and Gina Nuccio, each with a 9.85, and Kathryn Ding with a 9.825.

The Gym Dogs posted a 49.2 on beam as Kupets earned a 9.95 and Courtney McCool scored a 9.9. Georgia also counted a 9.875 from Tolnay, a 9.775 from Taylor and a 9.7 from Hilary Mauro.

Georgia came out of its first bye on fire, scoring a 49.575 on floor. After Abby Stack, Mauro, McComb and Taylor got 9.9s to open for the Gym Dogs, Kupets went 9.95 and Tolnay went 9.925.

Ending on vault, the Gym Dogs recorded a season-high 49.625. Kupets nailed the 10.0, while Ding and Tolnay each had a 9.95, Newby scored a 9.875 and McComb added a 9.85.

“Just incredible fight, from the mistake on the first event and the kind of pressure we felt,” Yoculan said. “We battled back on the uneven bars. The balance beam … shaky, shaky, shaky and more shaky. A lot of people might have lost confidence in us after that, but this team never doubted themselves.

“There was something special in the air when we went to floor and vault. When Abby started us with a 9.9 on floor, I knew that was it,” she said. “It felt like it was going to be our meet at that point.”

“We all wanted to send Suzanne back with something to remember,” Taylor said. “It was an amazing championship. It couldn’t get better than this. It was beautiful, and we’re so honored that we got

photo by Kevin Knoefs

to be part of this last year for her.”

On Saturday, Kupets then set the career record for the most individual titles at the NCAA Championships.

Hours after being named the AAI Senior Gymnast of the Year, Kupets won the bars, beam and floor titles, giving her nine in her career. Kupets broke the record of eight set by Kentucky’s Jenny Hansen. Kupets also became the first gymnast to win all four events at the NCAAs. She won bars in 2006 and 2009, beam in 2006 and 2009, vault in 2007 and floor in 2009. She also won the all-around titles in 2006, 2007 and 2009. Kupets missed the 2008 NCAAs due to an Achilles injury.

Kupets won the bars title with a score of 9.95.

Earlier on Thursday, with all-around national champion Kupets leading the way the Gym Dogs, who finished second to Alabama in the SEC Meet (only defeat of the season) but then dominated the Southeast Regional in Raleigh, N.C., posted the highest score in the first round of the NCAA meet.

Georgia scored a 197.45 at Nebraska’s Devaney Center on Thursday and moved into Friday’s Super Six finals.

In Thursday’s opening session, Kupets won the all-around title with a score of 39.8, including a 10.0 on beam. Kupets also won the all-around in 2006 and 2007, and she joins Kentucky’s Jenny Hansen as the only three-time all-around champs. Kupets’ 39.8 matches the highest figure for an allaround winner at the NCAAs, tying the mark set in 1995 by Hansen. It also gives Kupets six NCAA titles in her career, just two behind Hansen. Kupets earned All-America status in all five categories to wind up her career with 15 Tolnay, who ended her career with a school-record-tying 16 All-America citations, came in second in the opening session and sixth overall in the all-around with a score of 39.5. Tolnay earned four All-America honors at the NCAA Championships to tie the school record.

Grace Taylor picked up All-America honors on beam and bars, giving her seven in her career.

Courtney McCool earned All-America status on beam to push her career total to two. Kathryn Ding earned her first All-America citation on bars. Taylor and McCool were second on beam and Taylor was second on bars.

Red hot Diamond Dawgs lead the SEC

By Jeff Dantzler BULLDAWG ILLUSTRATED On the heels of last season’s incredible run to the College World Series Finals and Southeastern Conference championship – the Bulldogs third trip to Omaha and second league title in the last five seasons under the watch of the dynamic David Perno – Georgia is putting together another stellar season before record crowds at Foley Field.

Six weeks into the 10-week SEC schedule grind, Georgia sits alone atop the league standings and is ranked as high as No. 1 nationally. The Bulldogs opened the season with a school record 14 consecutive wins, then dropped a double-header to Alabama to open league play at 0-2. But Georgia has responded to win 13 of the last 15 conference contests to vault atop the SEC standings.

Baseball’s turnaround at Georgia has been nothing short of remarkable. Despite starting the 1990s with a national championship and new stadium, the Bulldogs ended the decade with the SEC’s fewest wins, worst record and worst winning percentage – a negatively remarkable feat considering that Georgia had a two-year headstart on conference newcomers Arkansas and South Carolina, who joined in 1992.

Legendary Hall of Fame coach Ron Polk was hired prior to the 2000 season, and he kept Perno off the staff of previous coach Robert Sapp. The Bulldogs won the SEC in 2001, Georgia’s first conference championship since 1954, and advanced to the College World Series. Polk returned home to take over the program at Mississippi

State, and after six long weeks and a host of “thanks but no thanks” from premier coaches across the country, Perno was hired.

In his eighth season, the three College World Series, two SEC championships and No. 1 rankings in 2009 are the ultimate testimony to his success. But the fervor and interest level surrounding the program have peaked to all-time highs, with the Dogs shattering a slew of attendance records. The highlight of the 2009 campaign was a three game series sweep of Mississippi State, in which Georgia drew over 12,000 fans, including a one day record crowd of 4,461.

For a program that was a laughing stock doormat in the 1990s, the Bulldogs of the 2000s have become the SEC’s premier program and one of the nation’s best. Since 2004, Georgia is one of just six schools to have made three College World Series trips, joining Cal State Fullerton, Miami, North Carolina, Oregon State and Rice. Dating back to 2001, Georgia has three SEC titles, no other school has won more than one over that stretch.

Here in 2009, Georgia is putting together yet another special season. Amongst the highlights: First baseman Rich Poythress, who hit .375-15-75 and won the national Gold Glove Award last season, ranks in the top two in the SEC in eight statistical categories. Poythress, who was the Scottie Pippen to All-American legend Gordon Beckham’s Michael Jordan, has stepped into the starring role and is a national player of the year candidate. The Grovetown, Ga. native leads the SEC in batting and the nation in RBI’s. His 35 career homers are tied with Georgia icons Derrick Lilliquist and Jeff Keppinger for the fifth most in school

Equestrian team are national champs

history. He ranks seventh all-time at Georgia in RBI’s.

The Bulldogs starting rotation of Trevor Holder, Alex McCree and Justin Grimm has been outstanding. Holder’s 21 career victories are fifth most in Georgia history, and his decision to forego professional baseball to return for his senior season is a huge reason the Bulldogs are back amongst the country’s elite.

Despite losing the NCAA’s leader in saves, All-American legend Josh Fields, the Bulldogs bullpen has been stellar, led by closer Dean Weaver and set-up man Will Harvill. Weaver is second in the SEC in saves, and boasts a sub-one earned run averge. Harvill leads the league in appearances and has a sub-two ERA. True freshmen have had an enormous impact for the Bulldogs, led by third baseman Colby May, the SEC’s seventh leading hitter.

Georgia is on pace to shatter the school home run record, paced by Poythress and veteran catcher/designated hitters Bryce Massanari and Joey Lewis.

A dramatic flair has been prevalent yet again. Junior outfielder Matt Cerione was the hero of each of the first two victories over Arkansas, driving in the game-winning run in the bottom of the ninth.

To have lost a pair of first round picks in Beckham and Fields, two of Georgia’s all-time greats, All-SEC third baseman Ryan Peisel, ace righthander Nick Montgomery and veteran catcher Jake Crane, the Bulldogs had some huge shoes to fill. But thus far in 2009, a tremendous mix of veterans and newcomers have put together a season to remember.

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21

Haack’s Dawgs win SEC Championship - Frederica Golf Club

(left-right) Jack Dinos, Coach Jason Payne, Adam Mitchell, Hudson Swafford, Harris Eng- (front right, left-right) Brian Harman, Eric Harman, Adam Mitchell, Jim Mitchell and Martha English (back row, left-right) Nancy Harman, David Swafford, Farzana Mitchell, Hudson Swafford, Jean Swafford, Harris English, Brian Harman, Russell Henley and Coach Chris Haack lish, Ben English, Russell Henley, Sally Henley and Chapen Henley

Sam Tostenson and Bowen Hendrix

Wayne Johnson and Stephen Johnson

(left-right) Mike Herrin, Buck Buchanan and Bob Hendrix

Maddi Cook and Mike Cook

(left-right) Coach Jason Payne, Adam Mitchell, Brian Harman and Coach Chris Haack. Mitchell and Harman are seniors now eyeing the NCAAs.

(left-right) John Lastinger, Brad Lastinger and John B. Lastinger

(left-right) Henry Bishop, Jim Bishop III and Jim Bishop

HEEALING ALING A HO OSPITAL SPITAL Hospitals, like other businesses, b can get Georgia sick. i k In I 2001, 2001 the h Southeast S Sou utheast h G i Health H lh System was diagnosed diagnoseed with a life-threatening illness. It was losing more m than $13 million per year year. r.

Just twelve months later, laterr, the hospital emerged from intensive intensivve care earning earning annual profits of over $11 million! million!

What was behind thiss amazing $24 million tur turnaround? naround? R Read the thrilling and infor mative account about about how strong leadership and sound management informative enabled one organization n to recover from the critical list list to become the best large hospital in the state of Georgia!

This book is for you if …

t :PV SF B CVTJOFTT FYFDVUJWF XIP XBOUT UP MFBSO IPX UP BQQMZ t :P PV SF B CVTJOFFTT FYFDVUJWF XIP XBOUT UP MFFBSO IPX UP BQQMZ effective ef fective leadership leaderrship principles and practicall management any business highly successful. techniques to make m succcessful. t :PV SF B IFBMUIDBSF QSPGFTTJPOBM XIP XBOUT UP CF JOGPSNFE BOE t :P PV SFF B IFBMUI PV FB IDBSF DB F Q QSPGFTTJPOBM P FTT P B X XIP P XB XBOUTT UP P CF JOGPS P NFE FE B BOE E FODPVSBHFE CZ UIF FYDJUJOH TUPSZ PG POF IPTQJUBM T BTUPVOEJOH FODPVSBHFE CZ Z UIF FYDJUJOH TUPS Z PG POF IPTTQJUBM T BTUPVOEJOH recovery. recover y. t :PV SF B DPNNVOJUZ MFBEFS XIP TFFLT HVJEBODF BOE NPUJWBUJPO t :P PV SF B DPNN NVOJUZ MFBEFS XIP TFFLT HVJEB BODF BOE NPUJWBUJPO for improving the t quality of healthcare in your yo our region.

Available for purchas Available purchase se at www.healingahospital.com www.healingahospital g p l.com

A Must Read!

Readd the First Chapter Online O for Free

ABBOUT OUT TH HEE AU UTHOR THOR David Herdlingerr is a coach. His company, company y, Herdlinger Herrdlinger Associates, provides personal and a team coaching services ser vices for fo or individuals and organizations worldwide. worldwide. Through the powerful powerful dynamics dynamics of coaching, he IBT IFMQFE UIPVTBOET PG FYFDVUJWFT BOE QSPGFTTJPOBMT BU BMM MFWFMT BOE JO IBT IFMQFE UIPVTBOET PG P FYFDVUJWFT BOE QSPGFTTJPOB BMT BU BMM MFWFMT BOE JO all types of organizations organizatio ons unleash their potential and an nd achieve more than th hey ever dreamed possible. they

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Pride, Loyalty & Tradition For 175 years, the UGA Alumni Association has proudly supported the academic excellence, best interests and traditions of Georgia’s flagship University. The passion and pride of our members play a vital role in helping UGA to achieve excellence in the classroom, provide enrichment on campus, and garner respect around the world. Tell the world you’re Proud to Say Georgia! Join Today!

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