Bowl Preview

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11/2011

From the editor : vance leavy Well Bulldog fans, it’s hard to believe, but the 2011 season for our beloved football team is all but over.

Like it has been said many times, a new season takes an eternity to begin and then it’s over in a blink of an eye. I don’t know about you, but I’m quite satisfied with this latest campaign.

Yes, we proved to still have a ton of work to do in order to be on par with the LSUs of college football. But the Georgia Bulldogs are definitely back on the rise.

This past Saturday, Cheri and I attended the Senior Gala and even though the event runs long, we always leave it with a great feeling because the evening celebrates the many hours these young student-athletes put in to represent the University of Georgia on the football field.

We had an even better time this year because we took our two Athens’ home delivery paper boys … Hatton Abernathy and Frank Sinkwich IV to the event. Seeing a 10 and 12 year-old flock to their favorite players certainly reminds you what college football really is all about. It’s about loving your team, no matter what. And believe me on the way back from the Gala, these youngsters certainly held their Dawgs in the highest regard.

What a cool thing it was to see.

Thankfully there was plenty to celebrate as we got to shake hands with some incredible seniors and thank them for a job well done. Folks like Ben Jones, Brandon Boykin, Drew Butler, Cordy Glenn, just to name a few, have been awesome Bulldogs.

And while it’s always tough to digest that their time at Georgia is waning, it’s great to know the example they showed throughout their careers will most definitely carry over to future teams.

However before I cheat these guys out of their last game, we all know there’s one more as Georgia faces Michigan State on January 2 in the Outback Bowl in Tampa, Fla. It’s going to be a great game and the Bulldog Nation and the team better be ready as Sparty always travels well, particularly when their team is extremely strong, which is definitely the case in 2011.

To get everyone ready for the bowl game, we got a former employee of BI to send us a Top 10 things to do in Tampa. Michael Santos moved there a year ago from Athens and certainly has given our readers some great ideas on page 7.

Enjoy. We look forward to seeing a ton of Red and Black in Tampa to begin 2012 in style.

The Senior Gala wasn’t the only thing to happen in Athens this past

Saturday. Thousands of diehard Bulldog fans came to Sanford Stadium for Larry Munson’s memorial service. And let me tell you, it was certainly a treat for me to be on the field to cover folks like Michael Adams, Vince Dooley, Tony Barnhart, Larry’s two sons (and several others) eulogize one of the greatest Bulldogs of all time.

We all have our favorite calls, from Belue to Scott, to Butlers’ 60-yard bomb to the Hobnailed Boot in Knoxville, but my love of Munson began in 1978 when Rex Robinson kicked the winning field goal in Lexington.

I was only six, but I vividly remember having to go out to one of my parent’s car in order to get a better radio signal. They were out to dinner at the Red Barn on St. Simons and I have no recollection as to whether I told my baby sitter that I had even left the house. However I made my whereabouts known, when I came running back in letting my siblings know that Rex had made the kick.

And then there was Herschel’s debut that like most folks came to me from the voice of Larry Munson. My Dad and I had resorted to our good luck charm of him rubbing my head. And then #34 started running over people. Go you Herschel Walker.

On page 10, you will find some photos from the Memorial and also quotes from some of Georgia’s biggest names and fans of Larry Munson. We appreciate everyone participating to help make the page a keepsake for our readers.

President Adams’ final words on Munson certainly were dead on …

“We are all better because he gave the bulk of his professional life fully and completely to this place. He literally fought the good fight for us, finished the course and will be smiling on Sanford Stadium for all eternity. Rest in peace, Larry.”

Now that I have wiped a tear or two away, it’s time to wrap up this final issue of Bulldawg Illustrated for 2012. I would like to say thanks to everyone involved with putting out these 18 issues. Your work is most appreciated. To our advertisers, we say thanks because without you we wouldn’t be able to connect our faithful fanbase to its beloved football team. And to Coach Richt, his staff and most importantly, their team we give the biggest salute. You performed to an outstanding level this season and did it with nothing but class. Good luck on January 2 and may the new year bring even better success.

Please look for our coverage from Tampa online following the game and we’ll see you in late February to take a look at the 2012 Georgia Bulldogs’ signing class.

Until then, Happy Holidays and Go Dawgs!

Bowl Preview Cha Cha Cha Publishing Editor Vance Leavy Editorial & Ad Director Cheri Leavy Sports Guru Jeff Dantzler Public Relations Director Andrew Miller Sales Kelley Blanton Andrew Miller Holly Stanfill Alan Lanier Sports Murray Poole, Travis Ragsdale Layout/Design Vance Leavy Sports Photographers Rob Saye, Ryan Scates Ad Design Cheri Leavy, Andrew Miller Fan photogragher Renee Couvillon Columnists Carlton DeVooght. Al Hickson Reg Murphy, Rob Sherrell Loran Smith. Chad White Online Student Editor Travis Ragsdale Interns Ashley Hanna, Janell Niederriter, Pierce Persons

Bowl Preview, December 13, 2011 FOR ADVERTISING OR TO SUBSCRIBE:

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With the Southeastern Conference about to crown an incredible sixth straight national champion, the question that Georgia’s faithful are asking is simple. Can the Bulldogs be next?

After going through disappointing campaigns in four of the previous five years, Georgia’s program took huge steps forward in 2011. Things were bleak after an 0-2 start, but the Bulldogs kept their fight and reeled off ten consecutive victories, earning a berth in the SEC Championship Game and making some history along the way.

Georgia beat arch-rivals Tech, Florida, Auburn and Tennessee for the first time since the powerhouse 1981 SEC champions. The ten-game winning streak was the program’s longest since the mighty 1982 SEC champions finished the regular season with a perfect 11-0 mark.

Clearly the Bulldogs caught an enormous break on the schedule, missing LSU, Alabama and Arkansas, who were ranked No. 1, No. 2 and No. 3 headed into the final week of the regular season. The Fightin’ Tigers and Crimson will play January 9 for the national championship. Just as obvious, Tennessee, Florida and Auburn, which have combined to win five of the last 15 and three of the previous five national championships, are all way down this season. The Volunteers (5-7), Gators (6-6) and Auburn (7-5) combined record is a rare 1818.

But those victories over Tech, Florida, Auburn and Tennessee are an enormous boost for good old fashioned Bulldog pride and those four triumphs figure to carry tremendous weight in recruiting. Georgia has the potential to close out this recruiting class in strong fashion, which is a must.

As enjoyable as the 2011 campaign has been, LSU’s 42-10 demolition of the Bulldogs was a stark reminder that there is another rung on the ladder of success to be climbed for all of Georgia’s dreams to come true. There was no debate leaving the Georgia Dome that the Fightin’ Tigers have significantly more good players than the Bulldogs. Georgia’s talent level and depth just don’t match up.

It starts in recruiting, and the Bulldogs 2011 surge began with an excellent class this past February. It continued on the field, highlighted by those signature victories over the rivals. Now the Dogs have to follow it up with another strong class. And then do it all again.

Alabama’s last four recruiting classes have been ranked No. 1, No. 1, No. 3 and No. 2 nationally. LSU has annually produced top five classes, and their crops are almost always underrated because there are parts of Louisiana (fellow Swamp People fans can certainly relate) that are very difficult for scouts and out-of-state coaches to reach, evaluate and/or recruit. Plus, almost every big-timer in the Pelican State committs to LSU early, and the recruiting services have to sell subscriptions.

Prior to Nick Saban’s arrival at LSU, the Fightin’ Tigers finished with a losing record in eight of the previous 11 seasons. But beginning with Saban and continuing with

Les Miles, LSU has gotten talent-rich Louisiana’s best. As strong as the prep talent is for LSU to recruit, the Peach State is even better.

It is much more difficult for Georgia due to the number of powerful programs so close to the Peach State’s borders, and Tech is a much more viable in-state adversary than Tulane. But when Georgia can get the best of the best, a strong majority of the state’s top prospects, then the Bulldogs can be as good as any team in the land.

There is a rich history, tremendous support system and phenomenal in-state talent. That’s why the Georgia job is viewed by coaches across the country as one of the five best in college football.

With the momentum going and the situations at Georgia’s rival SEC schools, the iron is hot and the Bulldogs can strike.

In the short term, it is important to knock off 10-3 Michigan State, which fell by three in a thrilling Big Ten Championship Game, in the Outback Bowl. The Bulldogs started the season with a twogame losing streak, and after the accomplishments of the regular season, Georgia doesn’t want to end the campaign with one.

Then Georgia needs to close with another stellar class.

Next season, the Bulldogs have a chance to be very good and put together a top flight record. Tennessee is rebuilding with Derek Dooley. Florida has trouble with Will Muschamp. It looks like the schedule, with SEC expansion, will have the Bulldogs trading a trip to Tuscaloosa to take on Alabama for a trek to Missouri.

South Carolina has never beaten Georgia three straight times, and the health of the magnificent Marcus Lattimore, who sadly suffered a severe knee injury this year, could be a question mark.

Georgia should again top Tennessee, Florida, Auburn and Tech. If the Dogs win in Columbia, and avoid a slip-up (watch out for Vanderbilt) the regular season could be a perfect one.

Yes there will be questions on the offensive line and at kicker and punter. But Georgia has strength and talent across the board and a tough but manageable schedule. The Bulldogs defense should be excellent, led by a stellar crop of linebackers, and the offense is loaded with excellent skill position personnel. The special teams must be shored up. Certainly Georgia coach Mark Richt will make significant changes here, like perhaps hiring or shifting a current assistant to become special teams coach.

With the addition of some instant impact performers – and Georgia certainly turned out of slew of stellar newcomers this season – from the ensuing recruiting class, the Dogs talent should be the cream of the crop in the SEC East.

The expectations should be sky high for 2012 – slaying the rivals and returning to Atlanta with a better record than this season with a team much more capable of capturing the crown and being the next school from the toughest league in the land to hoist the crystal ball in January.

Bulldawg Illustrated

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By Murray Poole

Hartman Howell carries on dad’s UGA legacy

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sistant and still coach the Georgia kickers. He did that for two more years before retiring at 77 years old.”

Howell pointed out that Bill Hartman not only tutored the Bulldog punters during his years as a volunteer and graduate assistant coach but also the Georgia placekickers as well.

“He had some great kickers during that time … Kevin Butler, Allan Leavitt, John Kasay, Todd Peterson and Rex Robinson,” she said.

“And, of course, Kevin Butler is the only kicker to make the College Football Hall of Fame.”

Bill Hartman, Jr. passed away in 2006.

“Daddy was 12 hours from being 91 when he died,” said Howell. “He would have been 91 on St. Patrick’s Day. And the unusual thing was that my mom passed away on her birthday and, as I said, daddy was just 12 hours from his birthday when he passed away.”

Barbara’s brother, Bill Hartman III, is also well known in the sports world for his many years spent in the Atlanta television market. “Bill worked with WAGA for about 25 years and then he went to WSB and spent from 10 to 15 years with them, where he was the weekend sports anchor,” she said. “Of course, he also graduated from the UGA journalism school and he retired about two-and-a-half years ago. For the past two falls, Channel 5 has asked Bill to report on the High School Game of the Week and he’s enjoyed that a lot.”

As you would expect, Howell has season tickets for Georgia’s football games. She loves watching the Bulldogs play each Saturday but also carries out her duties at the home games.

“Part of my job is to visit with our donors, especially in the sky suites,” she informed.

And, you must know, Howell says she’s ecstatic over the Bulldogs’ success this season … the rebounding from the 0-2 beginning and the now 10-3 season mark Georgia will take into its Jan. 2 Outback Bowl matchup with Michigan State.

“It’s really amazing,” she declared. “I’m not sure anybody thought after going 0-2 that we’d win 10 straight. I’m pleased and excited and just glad to see Coach Richt do so well. He’s a wonderful and outstanding man and a great coach.

We’ve had such success with him and I hated to see the direction we were going the past two years but am just ecstatic now to see it turn around. I’m happy for Coach Richt and happy for the team. Like everybody else, I wish we could have won the SEC overall championship but then, LSU is really something else … especially that Honey Badger (Tyrann Mathieu). I think our future is really bright and I was really excited this past week to see us get a commitment from Keith Marshall (nation’s top prep running back). We had a young team this year and I think the sky’s the limit, I really do,” said Howell. “I’m not all that familiar with Michigan State,” she added, referring to the Dogs’ upcoming bowl game. “But they have the same record we do, with 10 wins. We’ve played them twice in the past and won both of those games and I hope we make it three in a row, and I think we will.”

What I’m wondering today is that if every time Georgia’s record punter, Drew Butler, booms one high into the stratosphere, Barbara Hartman Howell sometimes thinks of her dad, knowing that he would have been proud of the way Butler kicks a football, the same way he was proud of Drew’s famous dad, Kevin, when he performed under Bill Hartman’s watchful eye some 28 years ago.

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Bill Hartman, Jr. is truly one of the iconic figures in the University of Georgia’s football history.

Out of Thomaston, Ga., Hartman earned All-America honors as a Georgia fullback in 1937 when he served as captain of the Bulldogs. He then played two seasons with the Washington Redskins and in 1938, while filling in for Redskins tailback Sammy Baugh, Hartman completed 13 consecutive passes against Brooklyn.

Hartman returned to UGA in 1939 to serve as the Bulldogs’ backfield coach under head coach Wally Butts and served in that capacity until 1956. Continuing his contributions to his alma mater, Hartman then was asked by head coach Vince Dooley in 1970 to serve as the Bulldogs’ volunteer kicking coach, which he happily did until his retirement in 1994. The last years of his volunteer status, of course, came under then head coach Ray Goff.

Bill Hartman was inducted into the State of Georgia Sports Hall of Fame in 1981 and the UGA Circle of Honor in 1999. And in 1984 came Hartman’s biggest honor, that of being inducted into the National College Football Hall of Fame.

So Hartman’s contribution to the Bulldog football program is immeasurable and it seems most appropriate and fitting that his legacy is being carried on today around Georgia athletics by his daughter, Barbara Hartman Howell, who works in the Butts-Mehre Building as UGA Assistant Director of Development.

Howell works with annual giving and annual gifts to the athletic program and is also considered a goodwill ambassador who works toward forming a closer relationship between the UGA Athletic Association and its donors and also the association’s peers on campus and in the Athens community.

“I’ve been in various capacities with the Georgia Bulldog Club since 1986 when daddy was chairman,” said Howell. “It was then the Georgia Student Education Fund and was under the Georgia Bulldog Club and was the annual fund for football tickets’ priority. It’s gone through several name changes since. But dad was chairman right up until his death in 2006.”

Again appropriately, the name of the UGA annual gift-giving fund is the William C. Hartman, Jr. Fund. “Not only does it include ticket priority but also major gifts … if someone wants to endow a scholarship or give money toward the athletic general endowment fund,” noted Howell. “But it’s all under the Georgia Bulldog Club.”

Howell has wonderful memories of her father and his many years of guiding young athletes on the Georgia campus.

“Daddy played at Georgia from 1934 to 1937, was captain of the ’37 team and not only played in the backfield but was their punter also,” she said. “After he graduated in 1937, he played those two years for the Redskins before Coach Butts called him and asked daddy to come back and be his backfield coach. Daddy admired Coach Butts so much and actually played for him at Georgia Military College before he played at Georgia. Daddy really loved Athens and in the NFL in the late 1930s, you didn’t make a lot of money like they make today.

So he returned to Georgia as Coach Butts’ backfield coach and was fortunate to coach Frank Sinkwich and Charley Trippi. They led Georgia to its first SEC championship, the Rose and Sugar Bowls and the eventual National Championship in 1942,” she recalled.

Howell said she can’t remember just everything her dad told her about Sinkwich – the Bulldogs’ 1942 Heisman Trophy winner – and the legendary Trippi, who still resides in Athens today and is universally regarded as Georgia’s greatest ever all-around football player.

“I just know daddy thought, along with everybody else, that those two were just amazing backs and that, other than Herschel, he thought Trippi and Sinkwich were the best to ever play at Georgia,” Howell said.

Howell noted that after her dad retired from Butts’ coaching staff in 1956, he went into the life insurance business. “I remember daddy said he got away from coaching in order to spend more time with his family,” she said. “And he had a very successful career in life insurance but when Coach Dooley was hired, he asked daddy to come back and coach the kickers … since daddy had been a punter also. Daddy served as a volunteer coach at that time and he coached the Georgia kickers until he was 75 when the NCAA said a school couldn’t have a volunteer coach. So,” Howell recalled, “at the age of 75 daddy enrolled at Georgia and went back to school for two years in the Terry College of Business. He did that so he could be a graduate as-

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Outback Bowl Preview Bulldogs looking for eleventh win of season to top off strong 2011 rebound

By Travis Ragsdale

W

hile many in the Bulldawg Nation are still reeling following another very tough loss in The Dome, the team has moved on and is looking forward to a match-up in the Outback Bowl on January 2nd against the Michigan State Spartans. It’s a very interesting match-up and should turn out to be one of the better bowl games of the season. Michigan State is a very-well coached team and matches up at most positions on the field with Georgia. The Dawgs will certainly have their hands full to get that coveted 11th win of the season.

Running Back Carousel It’s been a wild ride in the 2011 version of the UGA backfield hasn’t it? Dawg fans expected for Isaiah Crowell to come in and immediately be the go-to guy. And some of the time, he lived up to those expectations. Then there were the other times when he was taking himself out of the game due to fatigue and injuries. When he was in the game, he was as good as advertised. It’s easy to see that Crowell has all the ability in the world. But now, fans aren’t sure whether they are going to have that Crowell or the chandelier-version of Crowell. Either way, nobody knows what to expect from him or any of the rest of the UGA running backs corps. There’s Carlton Thomas who, when not suspended, has shown some serious flashes of improvement from a year ago. Ken Malcome has finally started seeing the field after being in the doghouse since he arrived in Athens two summers ago. And don’t forget about Richard Samuel who will be coming off his ankle surgery. Coach Richt said a few weeks ago that the primary running back position for the Outback bowl is an “open competition.” This would indicate none of the previously mentioned backs have a stronghold on the running back position, including Isaiah Crowell. Dawg fans are hoping that one of these young men can take control because the Michigan State defense is stout against the run. Sure, they haven’t faced an offensive line as big as Georgia’s but they have faced some teams who are very proficient in the run game such as Wisconsin and Michigan. While playing teams like that, the Spartans have only allowed 104.3 yard rushing per game. Ultimately, if the UGA offensive line can handle the Michigan State front seven, it shouldn’t matter what running back is in the game.

Kirk Cousins faces an SEC defense Kirk Cousins is a legend in Michigan State football lore already and he hasn’t even graduated yet.

He holds the record for most wins as a Spartan quarterback as well as most passing touchdowns and completions. His 65 touchdown tosses are tenth most in Big Ten history. To this point in 2011, Cousins has thrown for 3,016 yards, 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Clearly, Cousins has the pedigree to challenge any defense in the country with his poise and veteran leadership. With all due respect to Kirk Cousins, he hasn’t faced defense like the one that Georgia will field on January 2. This isn’t the first time that Cousins has seen this Georgia team though. He saw a bit of action against Georgia in the 2009 Capital One Bowl when these two teams faced each other that year. But that was only for one short series in the second quarter. Plus, this Georgia defense is much better than the 2009 version. No matter what, the offensive game plan will fall onto the shoulders of Cousins and the Spartans passing game.

Head Coach Mark Dantonio knows that he won’t be able to run against this Georgia defense. Georgia fans are hoping that Todd Grantham and the rest of the Georgia defense are ready for the air assault that Michigan State is likely to put on them.

photo by Rob Saye

Three weeks of bowl prep means nothing With the Outback Bowl not being until the 2nd of January, Georgia and Michigan State will have ample time to watch plenty of game film against each other and create the perfect game plan for each other. Generally, with both team having this much prep time, the adjustments that each team makes in preparation are just offset by their opponent. What this game will ultimately come down to is the second half adjustments that each coaching staff can make. There will be so much game planning in the coming weeks for each of these teams and it’s likely for naught. With all that game planning (as is the case in most bowl games) the first half of this game is likely to be a stalemate with both teams having a very good idea of what’s coming from each other. The advantage will go to the team that can go into the locker room at the half, and quickly identify and isolate the weakness of their opponent. While the Bulldog offensive staff is not too keen on making second half adjustments, the defensive staff is and has proven time and time again that they are one of the best at making adjustments at the half to counter the offensive attack they are facing.

Intangibles Keep in mind that Sparty is coming off a 39-42 loss in the Big Ten Championship game at the hands of Wisconsin, a team they beat earlier in the season. Chagrin abounds in East Lansing after a 10-3 season that many have deemed a disappointment. Spartan fans believed that with the veteran leadership of Kirk Cousins, this season would be special for them. Now, the only satisfaction they can muster from this season is coming down south and beating an SEC team in the heart of SEC territory. Make no mistake, Michigan State has a good ball club and would love nothing more to add a win against Georgia to their already impressive resume. For Georgia, they are coming off a season that to many, was a surprise. 10-3 is a heck of a bounce back from 6-7 the year before. Georgia has had momentum all season and they need it again to help get the ball rolling with recruiting this off-season. A win against Michigan State would help with not only that but would also help provide the team with a bit to look forward to when spring practice rolls around. Good thing about this year, is that Georgia players are actually excited about their bowl game unlike last year which led to the fiasco against Central Florida. That excitement around this game should translate into success on the field in the Outback Bowl against the Spartans of Michigan State.

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Bulldawg Illustrated

Top Ten Things to do in Tampa, Florida for the Outback Bowl

By Michael Santos

5. Spend an Afternoon in Ybor City

For all the ‘Dawg fans traveling for the Outback Bowl, welcome to Tampa! Over a year ago I left Athens and moved here, and while I can’t offer you some couch space, I can suggest some fun things to do and places to see while you’re in town for the Bowl.

One of the notable historic areas in Tampa, Ybor City will make you think of New Orleans with its wrought iron porches and brick-lined streets. A must-stop in the area is the Columbia, an iconic Cuban restaurant located on the east end of the neighborhood. Make a visit to King Corona Cigars for a hand-rolled special to help you get ready to celebrate a Bulldawg win.

1. Find a Place to Stay The Westin on Harbour Island is located right in the middle of downtown Tampa and features some great views of the city while being close to many of the urban attractions. Just downstairs is Jackson’s Bistro, a great place for food and drinks right on the water. Central to the Tampa/St. Pete/Clearwater areas is the Doubletree Inn, the meeting place for the Tampa Alumni Bulldog Club gameday parties. Mention you’re a Bulldawg at the Player’s Club restaurant and get ready for the five-star treatment.

6. Kick Back on Howard Ave.

2. Cruise Bayshore Drive and Dine in South Tampa

The Howard Avenue area features a youthful, vibrant bar scene. Start off with food and appetizers at Cheap, a hip spot on Howard Ave, or Bungalow, a cool Five Points style-house made into a fun restaurant-bar. Afterwards, walk south to enjoy the night life at World of Beer, Yard of Ale, or McDinton’s Irish Pub (wave to the Gator fans, they’re everywhere).

Make sure to drive down Bayshore Drive on the Hillsborough Bay for some great views of the water. While you’re in the area, make sure to try out the world-renowned Bern’s Steakhouse or Ceviche Restaurant. If you want to treat yourself to dinner at Bern’s make sure to call ahead for reservations.

Ceviche is an excellent tapas restaurant with a fun vibe and great crowd.

7. Bring Your Clubs and Tee It Up It is golf season year round in Tampa. You’ll find courses scattered all through the area, but I would suggest making the drive out to Innisbrook, site of the PGA Tour Transitions Championship, or TPC Tampa Bay. A hidden gem is Westchase Golf Course, a fun, tight track that is closer to Tampa.

8. Tour Hyde Park Village Ensconced in one of the classic neighborhoods in Tampa, Hyde Park Village features many refined shopping and dining options. Catch a movie and dinner at the premium movie theatre Cinebistro or enjoy shopping the many boutiques in the area.

3. Enjoy the Channelside Area A launching point for cruise ships headed to the Caribbean, Channelside features a number of restaurant options and fun attractions like Splitsville Lanes, an upscale bowling lane and dinner lounge, and Howl at the Moon, a boisterous, late night piano bar. Also, the Florida Aquarium is just walking distance away.

4. Watch Some Hockey Also in the Channelside area is the St. Pete Times Forum, home of the Tampa Bay Lightning. A highlight during the week leading into the bowl game is Outback Bowl Night on Tuesday, Dec. 27, a special night welcoming all UGA alumni and friends to the game.

9. Have Some Fun in the Sun Tampa has a ton of options for those looking to put their toes in the sand. While the water might still be a tad cold, the weather will be good enough to enjoy St. Pete and Clearwater beaches. Don’t underestimate Sand Key State Park Beach if you’re looking to get in and out quick.

10. Don’t Forget St. Pete St. Petersburg has a number of great attractions and restaurants on its inner bay. The newly renovated Salvador Dali museum is near the many restaurant options located near the lively Pier District.

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7

SEC Championship Georgia- LSU Sterling Pridgeon and Eric Ullman

Justin Walker, Clay Huffman and James Underwood

Cole Stanfill, Wells Scott, Thananyu Kerdpoka and Renee Couvillon Marshal Murphey, Bob, Leslie, Penny , Robyn and Lynch Mcguinn

Laura Kaplan, Brooke Schaeffer Kaplan, Mark Schaeffer, David Schaeffer Jack Schaeffer and Justin Kaplan,

Rob Gannaway and Sarah Hovis

Walter Nixon, Alex Nixon and Eliza Nixon

Deanie and Barry Wynn

Shane and Amy O’Neill

Jennie Kushner and Becca Barrow

Caitlin Delinsky, Molly Wenske and Kathleen Haley Bauguss, Emily Bordon and Courtney Alvis Goggans

Mitzi Boyd and Carl Williams and Lynn and Edd Ryan and Dani Wright and Apryl and Stan Amber Brownlee, Ronnie Land and Shannon and Price Nathan Szoke Stanfill Britt Walker, Gaylene Ward, Kelley Blanton, Trish Pruitt and Kelley Glenn

Jenna Lederhaus, Jim Herrera, Kathy Arkle and Laura Upper

Martin Kendrick, Conly Flynt, Lauren Slavich and Addie Prewitt

Duke LaRoushe, Chris Gaillard and Brandon Youmans

Gunby Garrard and Brant Garrand

Erin Andrews, Chris Fowler and Tony Barnhart

Alfred and Lisa Boykin, Sharon Potts and Kate Mitchell

Kathy and Neely Young

Carter McInnis and Morgan McInnis

Greg Miller, David Pollack and Robbie Miller

Nancy Claxton and Joey Claxton

Jed Darden and Nick Bedo

Governor Bobby Jindal (LA), Sandra Deal and Kara Armstrong, Steve Weinstein and Mike Reich Governor Nathan Deal

David and Sue Youngerman and Kelley and Mike Cameron Watson, Shannon Bohannon, Travis Watson, Chris Poston, Melissa Poston, and Ford Bohannon Blanton

Adam Cohren, Mike Hendrix, Jason Crepea, Dan Plevak and Rachel Plevak

Austin Scott and Wells Scott

Brian Fortson and Montie Claussen Turner Armstrong, Adam Gobin, Laurie Harris, Brad Harris and Bob Harris Jared Wall, Molly Joiner, Linda Wise, Thomas Hinson, Steve Wise, Lee Poole, Phillip and Cheryl Lawson

Joan Morris, Katie McMahon and Clay Morris Shaunean Burnett and Kelly Burnett

Glenn Morris, John Dowdy and Bonnie Dowdy

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9

Bulldog Nation bids farewell to Larry Munson “I remember Larry as the most memorable announcer we’ve ever had, and we’ve had some good ones. I don’t think we will ever forget his most famous remarks when we were playing Florida down in Jacksonville and Buck Belue passed to Lindsay Scott … ‘Buck in trouble, throwing on the run, Lindsay has it on the 25, the 35, 45, run Lindsay, run!’ And another one of his famous lines, ‘There goes Herschel, there goes Herschel!’ Of course, he was talking about The Goal Line Stalker. Then that game in 1982 when Georgia stopped an Auburn drive and we won a third straight SEC championship … ‘Hunker down one more time!’ Georgia quarterback John Lastinger killed the clock and it clinched the Sugar Bowl and Larry said, ‘Oh, look at the sugar falling out of the sky, look at the sugar falling out of the sky!’ You know, in the early 1970s, the late Billy Joe Brown of Athens produced those cassettes of Munson’s calls and everybody still plays them today at the tailgates.”

- Dan Magill " I was 15 years old when Larry became the Voice of the Dogs. In those days when the Dogs weren't playing in Athens of course everyone was gathered around the radio to hear Larry's description of the field, the uniforms, which way the wind was blowing, etc. to as he would say "get the picture". It was so exciting to hear his always unpredictable descriptions of the plays taking place on the field. I think my favorite was the 1975 Georgia/Florida call of "GATOR BOWL ROCKING, STUNNED, THE GIRDERS ARE BENDING NOW. LOOK AT THE SCORE ... “Larry's impact of the University of Georgia is immeasurable. He united thousands of Georgia fans on Georgia football Saturdays and his love for and loyalty to the Red & Black was undeniable.”

- Barbara Hartman Howell

“I always said that Larry became a folk hero here. When he first came, he was very good as a professional but only with time did he acquire that Bulldog spirit and become heart and soul one of us. That’s when he became a classic homer … ‘We crushed their face (with a hobnail boot),’ ‘Run Lindsay run,’ and because of that, not only those that attended the games but thousands and thousands that never saw a game had 50-yard line seats with Larry. And because he became a folk hero, he will be that way for generations to come, not only a folk hero to the Bulldog Nation but one who is recognized nationally. Larry won numerous awards for his broadcasting and his unique style carried the breath of this entire nation.”

- Vince Dooley

“Larry had a sixth sense for saying things out of the ordinary. He was a product of the Big Band era and might well have gone into the entertainment business.

In a sense that is what he did. He was on stage on Saturday afternoons with his riveting commentary. He always rose to the occasion. While he was a little bit of a loner, he enjoyed people and was accommodating when people--including casual acquaintances--came around. He was a classic story teller, giving us the picture as graphically as it could be done over the air waves. He stimulated our imaginations, he electrified our emotions and when he told us the Bulldogs had no chance to win the game, we never believed him. He didn't believe it either, having seen so many of Vince Dooley's teams rallying in the final quarter. He was always asking for a miracle, and more often than not, we got one. When that happened nobody could describe the ultimate glory of the moment like Larry Munson.”

- Loran Smith “It’s hard to measure Larry’s impact on UGA football in mere words. His impact is more easily measured by the sheer volume of fans who quote his calls on a regular basis and pass that memory down to their children, or who bought his highlight tapes or who buy his videos now, and relive their favorite Bulldog moments with Larry over and over and over. How many Georgia fans own a bulldog named Munson? It’s a natural! That’s how you determine how much he meant to Georgia and the Georgia people. As a lot of folks like to say, he’s on Georgia football’s Mt. Rushmore, along with Herschel Walker, Vince Dooley and Uga. Larry is indeed a broadcasting icon that I will deeply miss but one in which I, and the rest of the Bulldog faithful, will never forget.”

- Scott Howard

“Larry Munson is the greatest college football announcer ever and a Bulldog immortal. His contributions can't be measured. He delivered endless moments of excruciatingly joyful memories for legions of fans with his incredible talent, passion and delivery. Larry Munson is on the Mt. Rushmore of the Georgia Bulldogs and his magic and memory will live forever.”

- Jeff Dantzler

Munson Movie Group - Summer Williams, Mercer Elmore, Jenny Edwards, Misty Canup, Catie O’Neal, Emily Edwards, Lauren Greer, Natalie Mann and Leah Shiver

Grant Campbell, Will Campbell, Ben Brown and Chad Brown

Senior Gala Beth Bennett and Michael Bennett

Jim Thompson and Michael Thornton

Shelton Stevens and Kevin Butler

Jim Gilmer, Mark Richt and Lia Gilmer Danielle Davison, Hannah Couch, Elise Cashman, Taylor Buie and Shannon Dooley

Travis Tidwell, Jon Jenkins and Brent Timmerman

Aaron Murray and Mary Beth Ehalt Hank Williams, Hugh Willams, Jack Williams, Greg Bingham and Connor Norman

Damian Swann, Drew Wilson and Corey Moore Cornelius Washington and Jarvis Jones Vance Leavy and Ben Jones

Jean Dantzler, Watts Dantzler and Carol Causby

Amy Sherrell, Kevin Butler and Rob Sherrell Thomas and Avita Settles and Cornelius Washington Frank Sinkwich, Aaron Murray and Hatton Abernathy

Laura and Wayne Cooper

Charles Conley, Chris Conley and Christina Conley

Mark and Kathy Slonaker

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Orson Charles and Germaine Thomas

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Pam Norman, Hannah Drum, Conner Norman and Roger Norman

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Join alumni, facu Join faculty, ulty y, and celebrating UGA’s students in cele b ting UGA bra A’s 227th Anni A iversary as the th nation’s nation ti ’s Anniversary ÀU VW VWDWH FKDUWHHUHG XQLYHUVLW\ \ ÀUVW VWDWH FKDUWHUHG XQLYHUVLW\ Uni versity Emer ritus Professor University Emeritus Dr r. Betty J ean Craig C Dr. Jean Craigee

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2 2012

TWO T WO O’CLOCK U UGA CHAPEL

www.alumni.uga.edu www w..alumni.uga.edu

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•

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GO DAWGS! Cheer on the Bulldogs in the Outback Bowl. Get your t-shirt today!

Don’t forget to visit us online at www.ugabookstore.com for all of your last minute holiday gifts. /ugabookstore

12

Bulldawg Illustrated

JD’s Bowl Preview

By Jeff Dantzler December 30 (Friday) Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl (6:40 PM ET) Nashville Mississippi State (6-6, 2-6 SEC) vs.

Wake Forest (6-6, 5-3 ACC)

December 31 (Saturday) Hyundai Sun Bowl (2 p.m. ET) El Paso Utah (7-5, 4-5 PAC-12) vs.

Ga. Tech (8-4, 5-3 ACC)

December 31 (Saturday) AutoZone Liberty Bowl Memphis Cincinnati (9-3, 5-2 Big East) vs.

Vanderbilt (6-6, 2-6 SEC)

December 31 (Saturday) Chick-fil-A Bowl (7:30 p.m. ET) Atlanta Virginia (8-4, 5-3 ACC) vs.

Auburn (7-5, 4-4 SEC)

These two met in the 2005 Emerald Bowl and Utah humiliated the Yellow Jackets 38-10.

Chan Gailey’s seat got much warmer.

Tech has now been to a bowl every year since 1997, including four straight under Paul Johnson’s watch.

Utah has now been nine consecutive seasons, the two years with Urban Meyer and seven in a row with Kyle Whittingham.

Tech was in the upper middle of the pack in the ACC and has the chance to win nine games for the third time in four years. Utah has to be kicking itself for not winning the awful PAC-12 South.

A second bowl trip in the last four years and the postseason in James Franklin’s first campaign is an outstanding accomplishment. The Commodores nearly picked off Georgia, Arkansas and Florida to add to the win total. Jordan Rodgers has emerged as an outstanding quarterback and Zac Stacy is a terrific tailback. Cincinnati was in the thick of that Big East quagmire, but couldn’t separate itself and come out on top of the league. Had the Bearcats won the conference outright, they would have been BCS bound for the second time in three years. Florida blew Cincinnati out in the 2010 Sugar Bowl. The Bearcats have the chance for 10 wins and Vanderbilt has an opportunity for a winning season – accomplishments that aren’t every day in the Queen and Music Cities.

For defending national champion Auburn, which lost an enormous amount of talent, this is a good bowl and a chance to go 8-5 and finish in the top 25.

The Tigers losses are to Clemson, Arkansas, LSU, Georgia and Alabama. Without question, Auburn had the toughest road schedule in the nation, playing the first four of the aforementioned foes away from home, plus South Carolina in Columbia.

A fresh Michael Dyer will be difficult for Virginia to handle. The Cavaliers are one of the surprise teams in the country, coming out of nowhere to go 8-4. Auburn has an outstanding history in the Peach/Chick-fil-A Bowls and the Georgia Dome will have a heavy Tiger flavor.

January 2 (Monday) Capital One Bowl (1 p.m ET) Orlando Nebraska (9-3, 5-3 Big Ten) vs.

South Carolina (10-2, 6-2 SEC)

January 2 (Monday) TAXSLAYER.com Gator Bowl (1 p.m. ET) Jacksonville Ohio State (6-6, 3-5 Big Ten) vs.

Florida (6-6, 3-5 SEC)

January 2 (Monday) Rose Bowl Game presented by Vizio (5:00 p.m. ET) Pasadena Wisconsin (11-2, 6-2 Big Ten champions) vs.

Oregon (11-2, 8-1 PAC-12 champions)

January 2 (Monday) Tostitos Fiesta Bowl (8:30 p.m. ET) Glendale Stanford (11-1, 8-1 PAC-12 vs.

Oklahoma State (11-1, 8-1 Big 12 champions)

Steve Spurrier did one of his all-time great coaching jobs. The Gamecocks kicked starting quarterback Stephen Garcia off the team and then suffered the most devastating injury of any team in the country.

All-American Heisman candidate Marcus Lattimore was lost for the season with a severe knee injury suffered while blocking in a 14-12 win at Mississippi State. Getting to 10 wins despite this is amazing. For the second straight year, the Gamecocks swept Georgia, Florida and Tennessee. The defense is flat out nasty and will have to carry South Carolina against Nebraska’s powerful running attack. A head-scratching loss to Northwestern stings in Lincoln. They were a different team on the road. Along with the loss in Evanston, the Cornhuskers got blown out at Wisconsin and Michigan.

The storylines in this one seem made up. Florida and Ohio State played for the 2006 national championship, with Urban Meyer’s Gators blasting Jim Tressel’s Buckeyes 41-14 in Tempe. These two powerful programs with great coaches couldn’t have forseen what was coming – and then the twist. Meyer stepped aside, for the second time and this one for good, for health concerns after leading the Gators to a pair of national championships and three 13-1 campaigns in a four season stretch. Florida hired Texas D.C.r Will Muschamp, a UGA grad. Ohio State had won six straight Big Ten titles. Then came Tattoo – gate and the departure of Tressel.

Both schools go 6-6 and guess who the Buckeyes hire? Why Meyer of course, who’s passionate departure speech about his love for Florida and throwing on some other school’s colors seems quite disingenuous. But hey, it’s not about the money.

It’s the amount. The big story is whether he’ll be there.

This should be a dandy.

The Rose Bowl is always fun to watch with the weather and that beautiful field and the pageantry. The Wisconsin faithful are already there. Story is, on their last trip, the stadium and nearby bars ran out of beer. But you escape a Wisconsin winter for a few days in Pasadena, you’re going to enjoy. There is all kinds of star power with a couple of Heisman finalist tailbacks - Monte Ball (2011) and LaMichael James (2010) – and stellar quarterbacks, Russell Wilson and Darron Thomas.

Oregon has won the league three straight years, while Wisconsin is back in the Rose bowl for a second straight year. Last season, the Badgers fell to TCU in Pasadena, while Oregon lost to Auburn in the BCS Championship Game. Both are hungry for a Rose Bowl crown and two, not three, loss season.

For once, we get No. 3 vs. No. 4, and these two high powered offenses should put on a tremendous show.

This is a great appetizer for the BCS Championship Game, which pits the country’s two best teams. It will be Andrew Luck’s final game at Stanford. He’s going to be the No. 1 overall pick and leave quite a legacy. The Cardinal’s record the last two seasons is 23-2 – with sweeps of Notre Dame and Southern Cal both times. That’s rarified air on the farm. For Oklahoma State, as bitter as that upset loss at Iowa State following that tragic plane crash, to rally back and humiliate Oklahoma was a great triumph. Mike Gundy has done a fantastic job, and those facilities that Mr. T. Boone Pickens’ enormous gift paid for have been a recruiting extravaganza.

January 3 (Tuesday) AllState Sugar Bowl (8:30 p.m ET) New Orleans Michigan (10-2, 6-2 Big Ten) vs.

Virginia Tech (11-2, 7-1 ACC)

January 4 (Wednesday) Discover Orange Bowl (8:30 p.m. ET) Miami West Virginia (9-3, 5-2 Big East) vs.

Clemson (10-3, 6-2 ACC Champions)

January 6 (Friday) AT&T Cotton Bowl (8:00 p.m. ET) Dallas Kansas State (10-2, 7-2 Big 12) vs.

Arkansas (10-2, 6-2 SEC)

January 9 (Monday) Allstate BCS Championship Game (8:30 pm ET) New Orleans LSU (13-0, 8-0 SEC Champions) vs.

Alabama (11-1, 7-1 SEC)

Dennard Robinson had another sensational year, the Wolverines beat Ohio State (though that enthusiasm was tempered with the archenemy’s hiring of Urban Meyer) and Brady Hoke has produced a 10-win season and major bowl berth. The hungry Michigan fan base really needed this. Virginia Tech is in shock. The Hokies went 11-1, losing only to Clemson. Then in the rematch for the ACC title, the Tigers who lost two straight badly, blasted the surging Hokies again. Virginia Tech is limping in, and the BCS is catching heat over how the mediocre ACC gets two teams in?

The answer, the Hokies travel and the bottom line is putting fans in the SuperDome.

All of those great Orange Bowls that pitted Oklahoma and Nebraska against the likes of Alabama, Miami and Florida are merely magic memories. The ACC and Big East tie-ins have completely crippled this great game. So adding to match-ups like Wake Forest-Louisville, Kansas-Virginia Tech and Iowa-Ga. Tech in recent history, it’s West Virginia and Clemson, who have six combined losses. This one’s not that bad, but both of these teams have looked awful at times and really good at others. Geno Smith is an outstanding quarterback for the Mountaineers. Sammy Watkins is arguably the best freshman in the country. This Tigers dynamo receiver should flourish on the fast track in South Florida.

Razorback fans can make the case that they are the third best team in the country.

Granted they were blowouts, but the Hogs lone two losses came to LSU and Alabama. Bobby Petrino has Arkansas in the Sugar Bowl and then the Cotton Bowl with back-to-back double digit win seasons.

Nice job cutting ties with Houston Nutt.

Bill Snyder is an incredible story for Kansas State. They were the losingest school in history and he had them winning 11 games a few years later. He retired. They were again irrelevant. He comes back, they’re 10-2 and playing in the Cotton Bowl. Kansas State has an outstanding offense. This one could be a shootout.

In what was the most highly anticipated regular season game since the classic 1971 Nebraska 35-31 victory at Oklahoma, the Fightin’ Tigers edged the Crimson Tide 9-6 in Tuscaloosa. There is the rematch debated, getting No. 1 vs. No. 2 debate, and plenty that can be talked about. But this is certain.

These are the two best teams in the country. They slaughtered everyone else they played by strikingly similar scores and separated themselves in the nation’s toughest league, and then from the rest of the nation. There are stars, All-Americans, Heisman finalists and first round picks all over the field. It’s a toss-up again. LSU’s 2003 and 2007 national titles were won in the Super Dome and that’s where this one is. Of course Alabama has won a national title or two in the same building through the years. It’s an all-time tough ticket. Should Bama win, especially if it’s close, the Associated Press Poll will likely put LSU No. 1 and we’ll have a split poll SEC co-national championship to add to the league’s dominance. .

Expectations were high for Mississippi State after last year’s 9-4 campaign, which included wins over Georgia, Florida and Michigan in the Gator Bowl. State slipped to 6-6 this season, but again, the Maroon Bulldogs losses are the country’s most distinguished blemish list. Last year, it was Auburn, Alabama, Arkansas and LSU, which accumulated a whopping 45 total victories. This season, MSU has lost to LSU, Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Georgia and South Carolina, who have totaled 61 wins. The Demon Deacons had a couple of near misses and a signature win over Florida State. Dan Mullen and Jim Grobe are excellent coaches who compete, despite not having the resources that other conference schools enjoy.

From Tailgating to Tea Parties

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Bully Ball set for February 18

By Murray Poole

F

Januaryy 21

2012

BULLDOG B ULLDOG 100

Celebrate Cele brate W With ith Us Congratulations to the 2012 Fastest Congratulations Fastest a Growing Growing Bulldog Wee will celebrate year’s Businesses! W celebrate this t y ear’s honorees January on J aanuary 21 at at an awards awards banquet baanquet at at the Atlanta Marriott Deborah Mar riott Marquis. Keynote Keynote speaker, sp peaker, De borah Norville, anchor of “Inside Edition” Ed dition” and 1979 Georgia graduate, graduate, will lead attendees atttendees to the highlight WKH ÀQDO UDQNLQJV DQG RI WKH HYHQLQJ³WKH UHOHDVH RI WKH HYHQLQJ³WKH UHOHDVH RII WKH ÀQDO UDQNLQJV DQG countdown countdo wn of the 2012 Bulldog Bulldoog 100.

The T he UGA Alumni Association Association n is pleased to honor this year’s year’s cclass lass and eextends xtends a thank you you to its program prog ram sponsors. sponsors.

For tickets opportunities, F or o tic kets and sponsor oppor tunities, please visit: www.uga.edu/alumni/bulldog100 www w.uga.edu/alumni/b . ulldog1100

www.alumni.uga.edu www w.alumni.uga.edu .

14

or all in the Bulldawg Nation who know, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that Uga is the very best collegiate mascot in the land, there is something in place that should touch the hearts of every fan of Uga and animal lovers alike.

It’s the Georgia English Bulldog Rescue and its accompanying Bully Ball event.

The Georgia English Bulldog Rescue (GEBR) was formed in January of 2009 by Ruthann Phillips of Winder and Florida resident Jennifer Aaron after seeing the need for a bulldogs’ rescue in this state.

“Ruthann was rescuing bulldogs on her own and because there was no large rescue organization in Georgia, she was sending them across state lines,” said Kelley Brim Hollowell, a member of the board of GEBR, which is a 501 c3 rescue. “And so Ruthann and Jennifer, who runs an English Bulldog rescue down in Florida, formed the rescue in Georgia so this state would have its own large independent rescue of bulldogs. This is a foster-based rescue,” Hollowell explained. “The rescue usually has 25 bulldogs at one time but there’s no sheltering of the dogs, they’re put in foster families.”

Hollowell said the Georgia English Bulldog Rescue program entails exactly what the name says. “We take in only English Bulldogs, it’s a pure-bred rescue. We take in bulldogs no matter how poor of a shape they’re in and no matter what age … no matter how bad the situation is,” she said. “We’re always looking for foster parents, adoptees, anybody looking to give a neglected bulldog a second chance at life.”

Realizing the need to raise funds and support for the Georgia rescue, Hollowell originated the Bully Ball event in the summer of ’09.

“I formed the Bully Ball after seeing that the rescues were struggling to meet the financial demands of the high number of bulldogs that were entering the rescues,” she said. “Many were in danger of shutting down due to the lack of funds. Donations were down in a bad economy, but the dogs were still pouring in. So being a Georgia graduate (class of 1991), I decided to reach out to the Bulldawg Nation for help to save the breed of our mascot.”

Wally with Sonja Rice at 2011 Bully Ball

And Hollowell said the help she received was beyond her wildest imagination.

“Three key people I reached out to in thebegining are very big Bulldawgs … Loran Smith, Sonny Seiler (Uga owner) and Vince Dooley,” Hollowell related. “And they gave me 100 percent of their support and advised me on a lot of things, how to reach out to the Bulldawg Nation and so on. They just thought it was a great idea. And this really took off from there,” she said. “We’ve reached out to some famous UGA football alumni and they’ve been awesome … people such as Matt Stinchcomb, David Greene, Tommy Lyons, Rankin Smith, Jr., John Lastinger, Greg Talley, Scott Woerner and Kevin Butler. Those guys have been awesome,” said Hollowell. “In fact, Kevin Butler was our honorary chairman at our 2011 event and then Dan Reeves, even though he’s a Gamecock, will be the honorary chairman of the 2012 event.”

The third annual Bully Ball, Hollowell noted, will be held on Saturday, Feb. 18, at 103 West in Atlanta. There will be a featured dinner and casino with numerous auction items and 100 percent of the proceeds will go to the vet bills of the bulldogs that are in the rescues.

“Any fans or alumni who would like to donate an auction item or help sponsor, we have many different levels of sponsorship available,” said Hollowell. “The website for the rescue is www.georgiaenglishbulldogrescue.org, and our website for the Bully Ball is www.thebullyball.com A great event for a great cause, as all animal lovers can attest.

Bulldawg Illustrated