It was the changing of the English bulldogs Saturday afternoon in Athens.
10-month-old canine, Boom, was officially introduced as Uga XI during a pregame “collaring” ceremony before the Bulldogs’ G-Day spring scrimmage. At around 4 p.m. the collar was removed from Uga X, the winningest mascot in Georgia history, and placed onto Boom, to the delight of the cheering crowd at Sanford Stadium.
“BOOOM!” yelled the those in attendance after the “transfer of power” as described by announcers, was completed. Fans had been encouraged to find their seats early to watch the ceremony, which took place on the 10 yard line.
The stadium also saluted the retirement of Uga X, also known as Que, who was 2-1/2 years old when he took over as mascot in 2015.
Que finished with a record of 91-18, including back-to-back national championships in the last two seasons. The program also earned two SEC titles and victories in the Rose, Sugar, Orange and Peach bowls under his reign.
Que passed Uga VI (1999-2008) as the winningest bulldog in UGA history, and he was the second to win a national championship. The 9-1/2 year old didn’t make the trip to Los Angeles this year to attend the Bulldogs’ title game against TCU.
Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC
Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC
The line of solid white English bulldogs mascots has been supplied by the Seiler family of Savannah since Uga I, “Hood’s Ole Dan,” became the official Georgia Bulldogs mascot in 1956.
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