Russ Is Uga IX

FOOTBALL

“Russ,” the half-brother of Uga VII who has served two terms as interim mascot for the Dawgs, has received a “battlefield promotion” and will assume the title of “Uga IX,” according to an announcement by UGA Director of Athletics Greg McGarity.

Official ceremonies will be conducted prior to the Georgia-Florida Atlantic home football game in historic Sanford Stadium, Saturday, September 15th. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. and will be carried live on CSS.

"Like many great and memorable Dawgs, Russ has earned the opportunity to serve in this capacity,” said UGA president Dr. Michael F. Adams. “I am confident that he will represent the Dawg Nation very well and continue the grand tradition of Ugas."

“Russ has endeared himself to the Georgia people over the last three years,” said UGA Director of Athletics Greg McGarity. “His dedication to duty when called upon has been exemplary and it’s fitting that he takes his place in the official line of Georgia mascots.”

Russ has served as interim mascot for a total of 23 games. Following the unexpected death of Uga VII on November 19th, 2009, Russ served as interim mascot the final two games of the 2009 season and the first six games of 2010. Uga VIII was introduced on October 16th, 2010 prior to the Georgia-Vanderbilt game. Russ was pressed back into duty prior to the 2010 Liberty Bowl and stayed on following the untimely death of Uga VIII in February, 2011.

Russ roamed the sidelines at all 14 games during the 2011 season. While serving in the interim role, Russ has posted a record of 14-9 including the 2011 SEC Eastern Division championship.

The continuous line of Georgia mascots has been owned by the Seiler family for 56 years.