Mr. Damon Evans
Director of Athletics
University of Georgia

Dear Damon,

Let’s be honest. Georgia’s 2009 football season had more lumps than a bad batch of pancake batter. Thank goodness for the Dawgs’ 44-20 Independence Bowl beatdown of Texas A&M, which delivered a welcome dose of redemption to a team and coach who in recent weeks had been questioned more often than Tiger Woods’ judgment.

The Independence Bowl victory may not have been Georgia’s most prestigious or profitable, but as far as boosting morale (and 2010 season ticket sales), it may have been more valuable than the other bowl wins combined. So let me be among the last to offer you, the team and the remaining coaches a hearty “How ‘Bout Them Dawgs.”

Which brings me to the point, which is dogs. Specifically, mascots.

In the modern sports era, perhaps no college mascot has become more recognized or idolized than Georgia’s string of white English bullodogs known far and wide as Uga(s).

When Uga I led the team onto the field in his 1956 debut, a legend was born. Over the decades, Ugas I through VII led Georgia teams to several SEC championships, a national championship and once upon a time, a string of wins over Florida. Sports Illustrated even named one of the Ugas “The Nation’s Best College Mascot.”

No one is claiming the mascots were responsible for the wins, but having all those Ugas on the sidelines didn’t hurt. And fans sure do love those mutts.

When Uga VII died unexpectedly near the end of the 2009 season, the hearts of Bulldog fans could be heard breaking from coast to coast.

Then speculation arose about what would happen next, and all eyes turned to Savannah. Not because it’s a swell city, but because Savannah is the home of Bulldog fan Sonny Seiler, who has bred, raised and pampered Ugas I through VII and was expected to provide a replacement when needed. But no one expected a new dog would be required so soon.

Seiler said it would be premature to pick a brand new Uga for the seasonending Georgia Tech game and a possible bowl appearance. Instead an “interim” Uga was installed, a bulldog named Russ, who happened to be Uga VII’s half-brother.

Well, guess what, Damon. With Russ on the sidelines, the Dawgs smeared Tech, and Russ was invited to Shreveport for the Independence Bowl. Once again, Russ came through in style, barking himself hoarse as Georgia destroyed Texas A&M.

So here’s my question, Damon, why not give Russ the permanent job and promote him to Uga VIII? Bloodlines may be important, but I’m all about results and opportunity. Russ passed his audition with flying colors. Why not give him a shot at the big time?

I don’t want to sound insensitive, Damon, but most fans can’t tell one white English bulldog from another. It’s not like Russ resembles a Rottweiler. He looks like an Uga, and the team clearly responds to his leadership.

Damon, the time has come. Making Russ the head dog would not only be good for UGA, it would be good for America. We tell our school children that if they work hard and play by the rules, they can grow up to be president. In 2008, we proved it. It’s time UGA offered the same opportunity to all English bulldogs, not just a select few with the right connections.

Come on, Damon. Strike a blow for canine equality. Name Russ as Uga VIII. All UGA fans know how to give a dog a bone. Now it’s time to give one a shot at stardom. As the Beatles once begged, “All I am saying, is give Russ a chance.”

In your heart of hearts, Damon, you know it’s the right thing to do. Woof.

Your friend and Dawg fan,

Alex (Send your e-mail comments to: alex@newnan.com)