Remembering A Georgia Legend - Sonny Seiler

Remembering a 

georgia legend 

Sonny Seiler! 

VS. 

Frank W. “Sonny” Seiler | February 20, 1933 – August 28, 2023

GEORGIA BULLDOGS 

• 

2023 SCHEDULE • 

Lorie Petersen 

BUSINESS 

DEVELOPMENT OFFICER 

Susan Bogardus 

WATKINSVILLE 

MARKET PRESIDENT 

OUR TEAM 

MEANS BUSINESS. 

UT MARTIN 

@ATHENS, GA 

BALL STATE 

@ATHENS, GA 

SOUTH CAROLIINA 

@ATHENS, GA 

UAB 

@ATHENS, GA 

AUBURN 

@AUBURN, AL 

W 48-7 

W 45-3 

W 24-14 

SEPT. 23 

7:30PM 

SEPT. 30 

TBA 

With BankSouth’s championship 

Business Banking services, you’ll be 

tackling challenges, intercepting risks, 

and winning business. 

KENTUCKY 

@ATHENS, GA 

VANDERBILT 

@NASHVILLE, TN 

OCT. 7 

TBA 

OCT. 14 

TBA 

BYE OCT. 21 

• Iron-Clad Defense Against Fraud: Fraud 

protection measures ensure your hardearned 

assets are secure. 

• Merchant Services Touchdowns: Accept 

more payment options from your customers 

and score those critical sales. 

• Online Access, On Your Terms: 

24/7 access to your financial 

game plan, allowing you to call 

the shots from anywhere. 

BankEasy. BankSafe. BankSouth. 

BANKSOUTH.COM/BUSINESS 

FLORIDA 

@JACKSONVILLE, FL 

MISSOURI 

@ATHENS, GA 

OLE MISS 

@ATHENS, GA 

TENNESSEE 

@KNOXVILLE, TN 

GEORGIA TECH 

@ATLANTA, GA 

SEC CHAMPIONSHIP 

@ATLANTA, GA 

OCT. 28 

3:30PM 

NOV. 4 

TBA 

NOV. 11 

TBA 

NOV. 18 

TBA 

NOV. 25 

TBA 

DEC. 2 

4:00PM 

7911 MACON HIGHWAY, 

WATKINSVILLE • 706.769.8200 

Scan this code 

with your 

phone’s camera 

for instant 

online access 

CHECKING | SAVINGS | LENDING | DIGITAL 

EQUAL HOUSING LENDER. MEMBER FDIC. NMLS #688851.

SERVING ATHENS FOR 

45 

years 

During our more than 45 years in business, it has always been 

important to not only serve Athens and its surrounding community’s 

vehicle needs, but also be a dedicated charitable partner. 

We contribute over $150,000 annually to the Athens Community 

Council on Aging Meals on Wheels, Salvation Army, Project Safe, 

Athens Area Humane Society, and many other local based 

philanthropy and education groups. 

athensbmw.com • 706.549.5340 | philhugheshonda.com • 706.549.3530 | hughessubaru.com • 706.715.6300

#1 BEST SELLING AMERICAN WHISKY 

AS 

VO T E D 

2017 

B Y TH E WO R L D 

’ S 

B EST B AR S

Don’t Fumble Your Health 

Schedule Your Prostate Exam Today. 

Prostate cancer often doesn’t have symptoms – that’s why early detection can save your life. 

Men age 40 and over can get a FREE prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test screening on one 

of the following dates. Appointments are required. 

Saturday, Sept. 16 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 

Community Health & Wellness Fair 

Camden County Recreation Center | 1050 Wildcat Drive, Kingsland 

Tuesday, Sept. 26 | 4-7 p.m. 

Southeast Georgia Physician Associates-Primary Care 

21300 Hwy. 82, Suite C, Waynesville 

Thursday, Sept. 28 | 4-7 p.m. 

Southeast Georgia Health System Outpatient Care Center 

2500 Starling Street, Brunswick 

To learn more or make an appointment, call 

855-ASK-SGHS (855-275-7447).

UGA V. UAB 

BULLDAWGILLUSTRATED 

IN THIS ISSUE 

VOLUME 21 NO. 6 

COCKY GO HOME! 

TYKEE SMITH WITH THE PICK 

PHOTO BY: ROB SAYE/BI 

TRIBUTE TO SONNY SEILER 

EULOGY BY LORAN SMITH | 13 

TRIBUTE TO POPPIE BY MARGARET STORY 

BARDWELL | 16 

TRIBUTE TO SONNY BY DINK NESMITH | 19 

GRAND GEORGIA BULLDOG COUPLES: CECELIA AND 

SONNY SEILER | 20 

SPORTS 

GEORGIA vs UAB 

PLAYERS TO WATCH | 22 

THE FIVE | 26 

FROM THE INTERN: COBY SERINA | 27 

A VIEW FROM … BIRMINGHAM | 28 

ROSTER | 30 

SOCIAL 

GEORGIA GIRLS: BETH LADD | 32 

MIXTAPE: TERRY ALLEN | 35 

GAMEDAY PHOTOS | 36 

PROUST Q&A: WELLS ELLENBERG | 49 

MORE SPORTS 

STATS THAT MATTER | 51 

FROM THE FIELD | 52 

BUTLER’S PLAYERS OF THE GAME | 53 

JD’S TOP 12 | 54 

OUR TEAM 

EDITOR: Vance Leavy 

CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Cheri Leavy 

MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR: Greg Poole 

CHIEF SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR: Jeff Dantzler 

ART DIRECTOR: Stacey Nichols 

SALES: Caroline Kinney 

SPORTS: Jeff Dantzler, Cal Gosslee, Greg Poole, 

Coby Serina, Clay Watkins 

MULTIMEDIA SUPPORT: Hamilton Culpepper 

PHOTOGRAPHY: Greg Poole, Rob Saye, 

Blane Marable 

COVER: Rob Saye 

COLUMNISTS: Hamilton Culpepper, Loran Smith, 

Kevin Butler, Caroline Champion 

DELIVERY: John Cook, Wright Cook, Rob 

Freeman, Anna French, Scarlett French, Flynn 

Kelly, Caroline Kinney, John Kinney, Eleanor 

Morgan, Henry Morgan, James Morgan, Jack 

Sawyer, Cullen Sewell, Henry Stokes, Champ 

Vance 

ISSUE 6: UAB 

September 19, 2023 

BULLDAWGILLUSTRATED 6 ISSUE SIX • UAB

PEARCE SPURLIN 

TIGHT END #88 

ON PEARCE: 

LORAN SMITH: 

ON PEARCE SPURLIN 

STANDING BULLDOG PRINTED POLO, 

Associate Director, UGA Athletic Association 

Public Relations & Development 

Pearce Spurlin III, a native of Rosemary Beach, FL, played high school 

football at South Walton High where he became highly regarded as one 

of the top tight end prospects in the nation. He was ranked the No. 

15 prospect in the state of Florida and the No. 3 tight end prospect in 

the state. His junior season he caught 74 balls for 1,404 yards and 20 

touchdowns. He enrolled early, arriving in January so he could participate 

in spring drills. He also played basketball and lacrosse in high school, 

a highly regarded all-around athlete standing 6’7” and weighing 240 

pounds; a great prospect for the Dawgs. 

UGA SEC NEEDLEPOINT BELT, CLASSIC FIVE POCKET PANTS 

146 E CLAYTON ST 

ATHENS, GEORGIA

FROM THE 

EDITOR 

VANCE LEAVY 

EDITOR IN CHIEF 

Remembering a Georgia legend … Rest in peace, Frank W. “Sonny” Seiler! 

T 

here 

is no doubt in my mind that Frank W. “Sonny” Seiler 

sure would have absolutely loved this past weekend in 

Athens. From the pulse of the big rivalry game being 

felt as early as Wednesday or Thursday to the bustling 

Athens bars and restaurants on Friday night to the ideal 3:30 p.m. 

kickoff that ended with the climax of our Bulldogs having to dig 

deep to get another victory on this 2023 campaign. 

If you knew Sonny, then you know how much he loved every 

facet and essence of what being a diehard Georgia Bulldog 

encompasses. In fact in 1956, he loved it so much that as a law 

school student (with his newlywed bride Cecilia) he added 

another dimension to the allure of the University of Georgia. 

Yes, I’m talking about Uga … the greatest mascot on the planet, 

whose lineage continues today because of the dedication of 

Sonny and his family. 

Unfortunately, Sonny 

departed to heaven 

on August 28, but 

not without leaving a 

monumental legacy. My 

wife, Cheri, and I attended 

Sonny’s celebration of life 

in Savannah and I must 

say it was terrific. It was an 

upbeat celebration of a 

life well lived. 

Just after Sonny’s 

passing, we decided that 

our tribute to him would 

go in this UAB issue. We 

wanted to make sure 

we had enough time to 

guarantee our sendoff 

would be special for a 

man we so loved and adored. It was on the way back to Athens 

(after the service) that this special tribute section (pages 13-20) 

really began to take shape. Cheri and I marveled at the wonderful 

job Sonny’s oldest grandchild, Margaret Story Bardwell and 

Loran Smith did with their eulogies. Since both were so special, 

we decided to ask them if they minded us printing them in 

their entirety in our tribute. Thankfully, they agreed, so now our 

readers (along with some fun Sonny images) get the privilege of 

enjoying the wonderful words spoken about a wonderful, man 

and Damn Good Dawg. 

Also, in the Sonny tribute section, enjoy a column that longtime 

Georgia newspaperman Dink NeSmith wrote after Sonny’s 

passing. I loved how Dink spoke of Sonny’s distinct voice. It is 

definitely what I’m going to miss the most. It was always robust 

and upbeat. Thanks so much Dink for sharing. 

In the section, you will also find the first installment of Loran 

Smith’s new writing series called Grand Georgia Couples. Of course, 

Loran and I were in lockstep that Cecilia and Sonny Seiler had to 

debut this fun series. After all, they are the quintessential University 

of Georgia grand couple. I know you will enjoy Loran’s piece. 

And last but certainly not least (two pages past this one), Jeff 

Dantzler knocks it out of the park with his wonderful sendoff to 

Sonny. Nice job, JD! 

Finally, in wrapping up my preview of our Sonny tribute, I want 

to express how much Cheri and I appreciated our friendship and 

relationship with Mr. Seiler. In similar fashion to him creating 

and maintaining the Uga legacy, Cheri and I started Bulldawg 

Illustrated because of our love of the University of Georgia and 

its beloved football team. And now with a blink of an eye, we are 

in our third decade of producing our publication. We love you 

so much Sonny Seiler and promise to continue to put as much 

passion in BI as you and your family have with overseeing our 

University’s mascot. 

Rest in Peace, Frank W. “Sonny” Seiler. 

Beyond our special tribute, this issue of BI will certainly get you 

ready for the night game versus UAB. As I mentioned above, I 

have no problem that this 

2023 Georgia team had to 

overcome some adversity 

in beating South Carolina. 

In fact, as far back as the 

summer (and leading all 

the way up to kickoff) I told 

my closest friends that we 

(the team) would truly find 

out whom our quarterback 

was when we went into 

the locker room at halftime 

down either 20-7 or 14-3 

CHERI LEAVY AND VANCE 

LEAVY WITH SONNY 

SEILER THIS PAST APRIL 

to the Gamecocks. Darn 

if I didn’t nail it. I believed 

this because I knew Shane 

Beamer would bring his 

team into Athens ready 

to fight from the opening 

whistle. And that they did! Also, I was a firm believer (and still am) 

that this team was going to be a work in progress in the month of 

September. Again, correct, but who is counting. 

However, what I didn’t get right was that I thought potentially 

someone other than Carson Beck would take the field in the third 

quarter. Kirby Smart stuck with his guy and our Dawgs scratched 

out a heckuva SEC victory. By the way, Beck has yet to throw an 

interception in three games for all the complainers out there. 

The game on Saturday night is another opportunity for this 

team to get better, which is in fact happening each and every 

week. Let’s light up Sanford in support of them. 

I’m running out of space, but I encourage you to enjoy our 

Social section features highlighting Beth Ladd (Georgia Girls, 

pages 32, 33), Terry Allen (MIXTAPE, page 35) and Wells Ellenberg 

(Proust Q&A, page 47). Terry’s selection of music is as epic as his 

photography that Athenians have enjoyed for decades. And Wells 

loves golf, Hemingway and Jimmy Buffet. Enough said. And Beth’s 

Reba McEntire quote is priceless. 

Enjoy the good times Georgia fans and enjoy being a Georgia 

Bulldog like Sonny Seiler did for 90 years. See you in Sanford on 

Saturday. Go Dawgs!! 


BULLD 

Airs live from 

Sunday morn 

following a 

Host Jeff D 

Casual, 

Old-Fashioned 

STEAKHOUSE & SEAFOOD RESTAURANT 

ENJOY 

GREAT FOOD 

& GOOD COMPANY 

& COCKTAILS ON 

ATHENS BEST PATIOS 

DAILY SPECIALS • SUNDAY BRUNCH 

Coastal vibes on the corner 

of historic Five Points - 

Walking distance to 

Stegman Coliseum and 

Foley Field 

BULLDOG 

BRUNCH 

Airs live from Hilltop each Sunday morning 

from 10 am - noon following a Georgia 

football Saturday. Hosts Kevin Butler and Jeff 

Dantzler with producer Adam Gillespie. 

2310 West Broad Street in Athens 

(706) 353-7667 | HILLTOPGRILLE.COM 

CORNER OF 

LUMPKIN & MILLEDGE 

ATHENS • (706) 850-3451 

Marker7CoastalGrill.com 

ENJOY 

GREAT FOOD 

COCKTAILS 

AND GOOD COMPANY ON 

ATHENS BEST PATIOS 

DAILY SPECIALS • SUNDAY BRUNCH 

AND 

BRINGING COASTAL CUISINE 

TO THE CLASSIC CITY 

CORNER OF LUMPKIN AND MILLEDGE 

IN THE HEART OF FIVE POINTS ATHENS 

(706) 850-3451 | MARKER7COASTALGRILL.COM

FROM THE 

booth 

JEFF DANTZLER 

@jeffdantzlerTV 

Beloved Bulldog Legend, Frank W. “Sonny Seiler will forever be remembered 

“The nose of the Bulldog is slanted 

upwards, so it can breathe without letting 

go.” - That quote from Sir Winston Churchill, 

the original British Bulldog, was engraved on 

a granite nameplate sitting atop the desk of 

the legendary Georgia Bulldog Dan Magill. 

One of the great legends of 

the University of Georgia has 

ascended to Bulldog Heaven. 

Just before the 2023 season 

began, Frank Wilkins “Sonny” Seiler passed 

away at the age of 90. Patriarch to the line 

of English Bulldogs universally recognized 

as Uga, the world’s greatest and most 

famous mascot, Sonny Seiler was and will 

forever be one of Georgia’s favorite sons. 

For decades upon decades, Uga has 

patrolled the Georgia sideline. He’s been 

in movies and tv shows, graced the cover 

of Sports Illustrated as “The Nation’s No. 

1 Mascot,” donned a tuxedo for Herschel 

Walker’s 1982 Heisman Trophy ceremony, 

gone after an Auburn wide receiver and 

been photographed and written about on 

countless occasions. 

Uga puts the “Bulldogs” in the University 

of Georgia Bulldogs! 

Were it not for the Seilers, there would be 

no Uga. 

It is impossible to think about the 

University of Georgia and the Georgia 

Bulldogs without thinking about Uga, and 

it’s impossible to think about Uga without 

thinking about Sonny Seiler. 

He was a loving and devoted husband 

to his late wife Cecelia, adoring father to 

their four children: Swann, Charles, Bess 

and Sara, and his grandchildren and great 

grandchild. 

Sonny Seiler loved his family, he loved 

the University of Georgia, he loved Athens, 

he loved his native Savannah, and he 

loved dogs - the four and two-legged 

varieties. 

For his ‘day job,’ Sonny Seiler was a 

lawyer. In legal circles, he was one of the 

most successful, talented and respected 

attorneys to practice in the state. 

“Sonny was a very accomplished 

attorney, Dean of the Savannah Bar 

Association, and popular inside and 

outside the Courthouse with other 

lawyers and jurors,” recalls the Honorable 

Georgia Supreme Court Justice John 

Ellington, Georgia fan and ‘Secretary 

of State to the Bulldog Nation.’ “John 

Manley practiced law with him and 

remembers a trial in Savannah when the 

Plaintiff’s counsel cried during his closing 

argument and made a dramatic plea to 

the jury. Sonny stood up for his closing, 

looked the jury dead in the eye and said 

‘they didn’t teach me how to cry in law 

school’ The jury laughed, the Plaintiff was 

deflated. Defense verdict. Sonny for the 

win.” 

The renowned attorney became quite 

the celebrity as one of the central figures 

in the case that led to the best selling 

book “Midnight in the Garden of Good and 

Evil,” based in Savannah. In the subsequent 

movie, directed by Clint Eastwood, Seiler 

played the judge in the case. He became 

a member of the Screen Actors Guild and 

later played roles in The Gingerbread Man 

and The Legend of Bagger Vance. 

The fame and notoriety never ‘went to 

his head.’ Sonny Seiler was always the first 

class wonderful gentleman who made so 

many people - especially children - happy 

with the accessibility he allowed to his 

beloved pets through the association with 

the University of Georgia. 

He was a dog lover. 

Georgia fan and veterinarian 

extraordinaire Dr. Flynn Nance had 

this to say about the Seiler family: 

“Their genuine care for their dog was 

exemplary. He was not just a pet, but an 

integrated family member. By exposing 

Uga to humans early and on a consistent 

basis, he became well socialized and 

comfortable around people and in 

stressful environments. Even though Uga 

is in high demand, the Seilers always do 

what is best for Uga, and sometimes that 

means saying “no” to appearances when 

it is not in the best interest of the dog. 

Uga is the family pet, not just the Georgia 

mascot, and the family loves him as the 

pet first. The Seilers have sacrificed a lot 

through the years to share their pet with 

Georgia.” 

He was special, and so are his dogs, who 

we all feel are ours as well. 

His friends numbered in the thousands, 

his admirers and fans exponentially 

more. 

Georgia’s legendary Hall of Fame kicker 

Kevin Butler was born in Savannah, both 

of his parents natives of the Coastal 

Empire. He and Seiler shared a strong 

bond going back to Butler’s glory days in 

the silver britches, and continuing through 

these treasured back to back national 

championship seasons. 

“Before every game at Sanford Stadium, 

I’d have a beer with Sonny and we’d soak 

in the excitement of the game,” Butler 

fondly recalls. We would always talk about 

family, friends and Savannah, and that 

always brought a calming effect over me 

before the game. The coolest thing about 

it was Uga was in the backseat listening to 

our conversation.” 

The Bulldog, and its dignified ferocity 

- “The Bulldog breed is unique because 

they are tenacious but friendly animals,” 

says Dr. Nance - was the perfect fit for the 

University of Georgia. 

Sonny Seiler was the perfect keeper of 

the flame for Georgia’s cherished mascot. 

“When people ask where I’m from, 

there are generally three first responses,” 

says Georgia’s iconic Hall of Fame Sports 

Information Director and fellow Savannah 

native Claude Felton. “They’ll say what 

a beautiful city it is, tell me about St. 

Patrick’s Day, and ask, isn’t that where the 

Georgia mascot lives? And maybe not in 

that order.” 

“Sonny was the Patriarch of the Seilers - 

rightfully considered by many as the First 

Family of the Georgia Bulldogs. Sonny, the 

Seilers, and Uga have become national 

treasures while representing the University 

of Georgia with the highest degree of class 

and dignity,” Felton continued. “He always 

embraced the legend he helped foster. He 

was accommodating with requests with 

the view of doing what would generate 

goodwill and be beneficial for his alma 

mater. Sonny will be greatly missed, but 

leaves so many memories and a rare 

legacy of loyalty and dedication to the 

Georgia Bulldogs.” 

Perhaps it was fitting that Mr. Seiler left 

us just before the season-opener against 

UT Martin, when “Boom” officially took 

over as Uga XI in the ceremonial passing 

of the torch from Uga X, “Que,” Between 

the Hedges. The Seiler children and 

grandchildren were there, helping carry on 

the legacy just as he would have wanted. 

Seeing Uga on gameday in that famous 

red sweater with the big black G always 

brings a smile to the face of the Georgia 

faithful. This time, though, there were 

tears. 

We won’t get to see Sonny anymore. 

But what a legacy from a man who 

embodied “not for ourselves, but for 

others.” 

And I can’t imagine the greeting he 

received from Cecelia, all of the Georgia 

legends from great days gone by … and 

a bevy of beautiful Bulldogs who were 

waiting on a Red and Black Rainbow 

Bridge, overjoyed to see him again, 

reunited forever. 


GO 

DAWGS! 

STAY SMART BULLDOG FANS 

Located just yards away from the University of Georgia campus, the hotel’s facilities feature an excellent location 

in downtown Athens, making the Holiday Inn Express® Hotel Athens - University Area the place to stay for Bulldog 

fans. Proud to offer guests refreshed and fully renovated rooms. “Stay Smart” and visit the complimentary, hot Express 

Start Breakfast Bar, which we serve every morning. 

bensonsinc.com 

ATHENS 

DOWNTOWN + WEST

FRANK W. “SONNY” SEILER 

FEBRUARY 20, 1933 – AUGUST 28, 2023 

A TRIBUTE TO 

SONNY 

SEILER 




SONNY SEILER WITH 

UGA X WHEN THE 

GEORGIA BULLDOGS 

BEAT THE GEORGIA 

TECH YELLOWJACKETS 

IN 2022. 

SONNY SEILER, SWANN SEILER, CHARLES SEILER 

WITH PRESIDENT JERE W. MOREHEAD AT UGA 

XI’S COLLARING CEREMONY AT GDAY 2023. 

EULOGY 

BY LORAN SMITH 

The wake at the Savannah Golf Club was extraordinary 

and very Sonny-like in every respect. It would have 

touched him warmly. He would have approved of 

everything … except the bill … 

At a time like this, I am moved to recall a scene in Western North 

Carolina, with which I am familiar, where a Southern planter, an 

agribusiness titan who passed away, and his status warranted the 

presence of a Bishop. 

When the Bishop showed up, the local minister who, shall we 

say, was not a man of letters, summoned the bishop and said. 

Look a Heah Bishop, we want you to do the sermon, I’m gonna do 

the eurology. 

I hope my eurology does Sonny justice. 

Those who have spent time within arm’s length of our beloved 

friend are keenly aware that he would not want us to muddle 

in melancholy or succumb to a maudlin atmosphere today. He 

would encourage us to put on a smiley face, raise a toast to the 

Dawgs and fill our hearts with pride and sing glory, glory to ole 

Georgia. 

Oh, how we hate to see him go, but he lived such a great and 

good life, we generously thank God that he came our way. 

He would want us to also raise a toast for the light side of life, 

where he resided so much of his days on earth. He would want us 

to sing hosannahs to Savannah and Athens, which were ultimate 

shrines for him. 

I have such fond memories of spending time with the Seiler’s 

on Dutch Island … fishing with him, Remer Lane, Johnny Peters, 

and Uga on Sonny’s boat Silver Britches. Sonny was an expert 

fisherman and was eager to let me know I was so bad I had not 

yet reached rookie status. 

I want to go on record, however, that I drank as much beer as 

they did. 

When we returned to the dock, Sonny cleaned the fish and 

Cecilia prepared them with a recipe that would have turned the 

heads of seasoned chefs in the French Quarter. 

Those were memorable times as any social outing was with 

Herr Seiler. Sonny was about living life to the fullest, and it was a 

privilege to tag along. 

He was something of a Renaissance man. He was a gardener, an 

angler, a lawyer, historian, an author, a researcher, a Budweiser 

aficionado, an exalted raconteur, and practical joker. 

He practiced law with the commitment of a Perry Mason, and 

fished with a flair that would have brought a tip of the cap from 

Mark Trail. He never did anything halfhearted. 

He loved golf at the Savannah golf club, which he would remind 

you was the oldest golf club in America. I once told him I had a 

PhD friend in Scotland whose research indicated that since golf 

clubs were shipped to Darien a few years earlier that golf might 

have first been played in Darien before Savannah. 

Sonny considered that blasphemy. 

Convincing him that the Darien possibility might have meri … 

would be like getting Marjorie Taylor Greene to invite President 

Biden to dinner. 


Without question, Sonny was one of the most loyal and devoted 

ambassadors ever to represent the University of Georgia. He 

and Ceclia truly gave of themselves to the Uga’s and saw to it, 

along with Swann, Bess, Sara, and Charles, that no all-white male 

bulldog on earth ever experienced greater tender loving care 

than the University of Georgia mascot. 

They truly loved Uga and wanted him to be the best appreciated 

mascot in America. I think they succeeded. Uga’s photo on the 

cover of Sports Illustrated in the magazine’s heyday was an 

enduring highlight for Sonny and the family. And it will last 

forever. 

We can’t bid Sonny adieu without recalling the infamous Robert 

Baker incident. You remember the Auburn receiver who scored 

on Georgia in the SEC’s first overtime game... Baker pranced into 

the end zone and subsequently taunted Uga with the ball. As Uga 

leaped menacingly in Baker’s direction to the full extension of the 

leash which Charles was holding, a young female photographer, 

with the Montgomery Advertiser, snapped one of the classic 

photos in SEC history, Baker retreating like a TCU defensive back. 

You may know the story. 

The Advertiser got so many requests for prints of that photo that 

the newspaper literally wore out the negative. When the young 

photographer told that to Sonny, he said that he was surprised 

that that many Georgia people would buy a print of the scene. 

She replied, “Oh Mr. Seiler, it was the Alabama people who 

ordered those prints.” 

Have you noticed everybody wants to hug Uga, including adult 

men … 

Kids adore Uga, and the Seiler’s have always been generous 

with kids in the neighborhood and especially at the UGA Georgia 

Center in Athens. You see them walking Uga under the canopy of 

the giant pecan trees that line the property. Fans, including those 

from the opposing team, stop Uga for a photograph and a hug. 

By the way, would you want to hug the Michigan wolverine, the 

Colorado Buffalo, Albert and Alberta, the Florida alligators, the 

LSU Bengal Tiger, the California Bear? And if your mascot is an 

insect, how do you show it off? In a vial? 

The Seiler’s have shared the mascots with the Georgia faithful 

as much as possible. However, they never commercialized the 

mascot, they never have used him for any sort of profit. 

We can’t find enough superlatives to adequately lionize our 

accomplished friend who had more friends across the state than 

anybody I know. Being a lawyer connected him to so many and 

Uga was a classic companion and attraction, but Sonny was good 

to his friends and reached out to anyone with feelings for the Red 

and Black. 

He was a neat man. 

He looked like he stepped out of GQ when was in a business 

mode. He managed his office, gameday and personal life by 

underscoring class in every affiliation or undertaking. 

Nobody has ever represented the institution with a greater love, 

loyalty, and commitment. 

We bid him farewell, hoping that he is now reunited with Cecelia 

and Uga’s I through IX on that Dooley Field in the Great Beyond. 

We will always remember Sonny as the ultimate and eternal 

Damn Good Dog. 

Goodbye loyal friend. 

WE’RE GETTING 

CLOSER! 

Patience please … 

lots of excitement 

right around the 

corner! 

WWW.SANFORDUSA.COM 

478.471.4221 

WE ARE THE BEST at what we do! 




TRIBUTE TO 

POPPIE 

BY MARGARET STORY BARDWELL 

My name is Margaret Story Bardwell and I am 

Sonny Seiler’s oldest grandchild. On behalf of 

his four children, seven grandchildren and one 

great grandchild, I am honored to share some 

words about him. In his professional career, Poppie mentored 

countless young lawyers and he was a sincere friend to all. Many 

people have shared with me over the past several weeks how 

Poppie changed their lives. His obituary speaks for itself with 

accomplishments a mile long, but above all he was a devout 

Christian, a faithful husband, a proud father and grandfather 

with many, many side gigs. 

When Poppie accepted the University of Georgia Alumnae 

Family of the year award he opened his acceptance speech 

lamenting that his bride was not present. “Everything I am, 

is because of her.” Little did he know that Cecelia Gunn, a Chi 

Omega from Columbus Georgia, and their meeting on campus 

would forever change his life. They would go on to have four 

children who truly embody the best qualities of each of them. 

Aunt Swann - Poppie loved her companionship, curried fruit 

at Christmas and pew mate every Sunday at church. She often 

followed closely in his footsteps, assuming many of the same 

leadership roles over the years as he beamed with pride. She 

was his personal chauffeur taking him to and from his endless 

commitments as well as his travel partner, together they saw the 

world. 

Uncle Charles, “brother” as Poppie called him - his son who 

has dedicated so much of his life to continuing his legacy - with 

countless trips to Athens learning the trade until eventually 

making it his own. Poppie loved his fishing partner and his handy 

skills around the house, the dock, and Tybee. 

Aunt Bessie - Poppie, among others in the family, relied on 

her keen sense of fashion, she was his personal shopper for all 

gifts - and if you know how cheap he was, you know that was 

a daunting task! He loved her hosting skills at the holidays. He 

relied on her organizational and editing skills and in his later years 

her willingness to drop everything to come buy yet another chair 

or mattress because the one purchased last month just wasn’t 

quite right. 

And finally, his baby Sara, my mother. “The GOAT” - she was 

his numbers girl - meticulously sending home her receipts 

throughout college reflecting her perfectly balanced checkbook 

despite reportedly “cheesecaking him to death” during one 

infamous summer at the Golf Club when she indulged in the 

costly sweet treat … daily. He loved her homemade spaghetti and 

salad with the perfect olive oil and lemon juice dressing for his 

Saturday dinners in Athens. 


His children would go on to marry equally as kind, generous, 

and caring spouses. It’s not easy to step into a family as dynamic 

as this one. My aunt Wendy graciously assumed the role long 

held by Grannie, caring for the dogs, often hearing more advice 

than she needed from Poppie! Uncle Shannon, ever the dutiful 

son in law with the patience of Job always making sure our family 

gatherings were enjoyed by all with his perfectly roasted oysters. 

And my dad, Todd, with his weekly, daily, hourly phone calls from 

Poppie, “Young Todd, what do you hear from Athens?” They talked 

bulldogs while daddy cared for him through his final days. 

There are so many things Poppie loved - a Mayflower breakfast 

on a fall morning in Athens, olives - with or without the 

accompanying martini, raw oysters off a folding aluminum 

table in the Tybee yard, a halftime Budweiser under the Sanford 

Stadium bridge with the radio report blaring, a cup of HOT soup 

after an evening broadway show in New York City, a drop in to 

his sunroom from announced visitors, the triple clank of the slot 

machine when another grandchild landed on lemon sparing him 

his small fortune in nickels jeering to us “dint do it!,” an egg salad 

sandwich on 2nd green at Augusta National, a packed Georgia 

Center hotel room, a tiny silver bulldog on a navy blue blazer lapel, 

a watchful Greek eye carefully placed throughout the home for 

good luck, ice cold home pickled onions and cucumbers from his 

garden, a Santa hat atop a white english bulldog portrait over the 

fire at Christmas, and trips back and forth to see his grandchildren 

graduate from high school, college and graduate school. 

My same words from Grannie’s funeral capture the idyllic 

childhood we all had and the role our grandparents played in 

that. “For us Seiler grandchildren, Christmas will always mean 

breakfast casserole, handmade needlepoint stockings, added 

pearls to your strand and sterling silver ornaments. Grits will 

always be yellow, books will always be abundant, refrigerators will 

be full of Cocolas and hallways will always have chiming clocks. 

Station wagons will always be red, September will always mean 

football, Sanford aisles will always be for cheering, Tybee will 

always mean porch feet, and yards will always have bulldogs.” 

For days, I wasn’t sure how to end this speech. I wanted to end 

with something that embodied Poppie’s spirit, work ethic and 

desire to do everything life had to offer - not for recognition, 

but to leave the world better than he found it. It should come 

as no surprise that Poppie did the work for me … in 2005 I was 

gifted one of his favorite books, “The Best Loved Poems of the 

American People.” In the inscription he told me he had first read 

the book over 50 years ago and it had been a great source of 

entertainment and inspiration to him over the years, memorizing 

several. He checked many of his favorites in the index in the 

back but specifically listed in writing the poem titled The Bridge 

Builder by Will Allen Dromgoole. 




An old man, going on a lone highway, 

Came at the evening, cold and gray, 

To a chasm, vast and deep and wide, 

Through which was flowing a sullen tide. 

The old man crossed in the twilight dim - 

That sullen stream had no fears for him; 

But he turned, when he reached the other side, 

And built a bridge to span the tide. 

‌ 

“Old man,” said a fellow pilgrim near, 

“You are wasting strength in building here. 

Your journey will end with the ending day; 

You never again must pass this way. 

You have crossed the chasm deep and wide, 

SON CHARLES SEILER MARRIED TO WENDY SEILER, GRANDSON CECIL SEILER; 

DAUGHTER SWANN SEILER; DAUGHTER SARA STORY MARRIED TO TODD STORY 

AND GRANDCHILDREN: MARGARET STORY BARDWELL MARRIED TO GREG 

BARDWELL, GREATGRANDSON WHIT BARDWELL, ANNA STORY, WILLIAM 

STORY; DAUGHTER BESS THOMPSON MARRIED TO SHANNON THOMPSON AND 

GRANDCHILDREN: SARA THOMPSON MCKINNON MARRIED TO BRYCE MCKIN- 

NON, TENNYSON THOMPSON, SEILER THOMPSON. 

Why build you the bridge at the eventide?” 

‌ 

The builder lifted his old gray head. 

“Good friend, in the path I have come,” he said, 

“There followeth after me today 

A youth whose feet must pass this way. 

This chasm that has been naught to me 

To that fair-haired youth may a pitfall be. 

He, too, must cross in the twilight dim; 

Good friend, I am building the bridge for him.” 

If you’ve ever been around my family, you know that all 

of our toasts are “to the dawgs.” It doesn’t matter if it’s your 

graduation, wedding, anniversary … - it’s always “to the 

dawgs.” But something tells me no one would be opposed to a 

permanent change. So join us, next time you raise a glass, “To 

Sonny, our Poppie … and to his dawgs.” 


FROM 

dink 

Dink NeSmith 

Ahhh, the memories from my friend and legendary Bulldog, Sonny Seiler 

If I was blindfolded and you paraded 

a thousand people by me to speak, I 

could have picked Sonny Seiler out of 

the masses. 

My friend was Savannah-proud, and his 

distinctive voice could not be mistaken. 

Neither could his or his family’s allegiance 

to the University of Georgia. 

The Seilers will be forever famous and 

beloved for sharing 67 years—so far—of 

their English bulldogs as UGA’s mascot. 

What started as a happenstance—when 

Sonny was in UGA’s law school—became 

a tradition that launched their line of pets 

to nationwide stardom. How Sonny’s wife, 

Cecelia handcrafted their first bulldog’s 

sweater—sporting a “G”—is a legend. In 

1997, Uga V graced the cover of Sports 

Illustrated as America’s best college 

mascot. Sonny gave me a paw-printautographed 

edition. 

And when the call came Aug. 28 that 

Sonny, 90, had died, time stood still. 

Footage of a “highlights film” began to roll 

through our 40-plus years of friendship. 

If you rallied for the Red and Black, you 

“knew”—from a distance—Sonny Seiler 

and his bulldog(s). In the early 1980s, I 

sat next to him as a member of UGA’s 

athletic board of directors. Our friendship 

was instant. We swapped Jesup and 

Savannah stories. Sonny was a naturalborn 

raconteur. One of his favorite stories 

was about the time he was sent to Long 

County to investigate alleged voting 

irregularities. He always added, “And I still 

drive very slowly through Ludowici.” 

One of the perks of serving on the 

athletic board was traveling to bowl 

games. That’s when I really got to know 

Sonny, Cecelia and their family. Sonny; 

his daughter, Swann; and I served as 

presidents of the University of Georgia 

Alumni Association. I will miss our annual 

past-president dinner reunions. Sonny was 

always the most dapper in attendance. 

One day, Sonny called. He said, “Tell 

me about a young man from Jesup.” My 

advice was simple: “Hire Michael Conner.” 

For years, Sonny thanked me profusely. 

When the senior partner went to trial, he 

wanted Michael sitting with him at the 

courtroom table. 

Once, I got tangled in a civil lawsuit, a 

business-deal disagreement. I retained 

Sonny for his legal savvy, but I got a 

bonus. The courtroom got caught up in 

Sonny’s celebrity. Everybody wanted to 

shake his hand and get a picture taken 

with the owner of Uga. A footnote to the 

commotion: We won. 

My friend was a fisherman, and Sonny 

wanted to “catch some of those ol’ big 

bream in the Altamaha Swamp.” I arranged 

the adventure. And every time since 

than—when I saw him—Sonny asked, 

“When are we going again?” When Swann 

saw the photos, she shrieked, “You let 

Daddy ride a 4-wheeler?” I can still hear 

Sonny laughing. 

When Alvin Leaphart was alive, the 

attorney was always writing his next novel. 

Alvin wanted to meet Dr. William Harris, 

author of Delirium of the Brave. I spun 

my Rolodex to Sonny’s number. Shortly 

thereafter, Alvin and his wife, Beverly, and I 

were tucked into a booth at Johnny Harris’ 

Restaurant with Sonny and Dr. Harris, who 

had written the Savannah-based pageturner. 

That was a classic Sonny Seiler 

evening. Why didn’t I record it? 

English bulldogs made the Seilers 

famous. John Berendt’s Midnight in the 

Garden of Good and Evil made Sonny a 

star on the big screen. When director 

Clint Eastwood was scheduled to film 

a segment in Sonny’s law office, I got a 

call. Sonny invited us to come watch. We 

were in Sugar Creek, Ohio, at an Amish 

team-driving school. Pam caught the first 

plane out, and I stayed with the mammoth 

Belgian draft horses. Pam; our son, Eric; 

and his sister, Emily, sat a few feet away 

from the action. 

Sonny hosted us at the red-carpet 

premiere. Our seats were three rows 

from the front, directly behind Lady 

Chablis Deveau, the cast’s most colorful 

character. I wish that I had recorded that 

conversation, too. 

Ahhhh, the memories. 

So many more. 

Sonny, my friend, your spirit will be alive 

in my heart and soul for as long as I live. 


GRAND 

Georgia Couples 

LORAN SMITH 

Cecilia and Sonny Seiler 

Over the years, I have often thought about the many husbandwife 

teams that have served UGA well. 

That begs a disclaimer in that clearing the nepotism hurdle 

was not that difficult. So long as the husband in those good 

old days of good old boys was not his spouse’s direct supervisor, there 

were no issues and no controversies. 

There was some grumbling when Vince Dooley, in 1964 as the new 

head coach of the Bulldogs, hired his brother Bill as his offensive 

coordinator. Vince was Bill’s direct supervisor, but after further review, it 

was decided that since the UGA Athletic Association did not receive state 

funds and had to be self-supporting that an exception could be made for 

the Dooley brothers. 

Across all campuses, I suspect, spouses of university employees are 

gainfully employed so long as they are not in the same department. 

For example, the wife of a dean of Pharmacy could teach in the Math 

Department. 

There are many couples whom are devout supporters of the University 

where nepotism concerns never come up. A case in point would be 

Sonny and Cecelia Seiler who managed UGA’s famous mascot since the 

mid-’50s. They were never employees, but the greatest of volunteers. 

You have heard of great tailbacks who were known as “Mr. Inside,” and 

“Mr. outside,” which was the way it was with Frank Sinkwich and Charley 

Trippi at Georgia in the early ’40s. Same with Doc Blanchard (fullback) 

and Glenn Davis (left halfback) in the T-Formation at Army, also in the 

’40s. 

Sonny took the mascots onto the field and into the locker rooms. He 

and Uga met the press and were in the photo ops while Cecilia was the 

unsung hero of the beloved Bulldogs. She was the one who bathed 

them, fed them, baby sat them, and made sure they were up to date with 

their meds —among a plethora of other needs and responsibilities. 

She was patient and generous with the neighborhood kids who gloried 

in taking the Uga’s on walks. t was the same at the Georgia Center, Uga’s 

home away from home. Many a doting grade school kid hoping to enroll 

at UGA someday, would walk the Uga’s among the giant pecan trees that 

line the Georgia Center complex on Lumpkin Street. 

It was Cecilia who knitted Uga’s first shirts and sweaters, making them 

look regal in their “G” clothing. And the Uga’s knew who she was and that 

she was their best friend. Soon Uga was a big time star. 

When Clint Eastwood, who produced the movie, “Midnight in the 

Garden of Good and Evil,” met Uga for the first time, he told the Georgia 

mascot, “I’m going to make you a star.” Cecelia smiled and said, “Oh Mr. 

Eastwood, he is already a star.” 

Sonny and Cecilia were happy to complement each other along with 

able assistance from Swann, Charles, Bess and Sara. Everybody pitched 

in. After all the Uga’s were the family pet. 

In his book, “Damn Good Dawg,” with Kent Hannon, Sonny underscored 

the importance of the family’s role and reminded all writers, reporters 

and broadcasters that managing and maintaining the Uga’s was a family 

affair. He never failed to point out the importance of the role that Cecilia 

played in the lives of the mascots. 

I got to know the Seilers when I arrived in Athens and was introduced to 

them by Dan Magill who played an important role in the Uga tradition. It 

was Dan who knew about Uga I, although he had not yet been given that 

designation. 

Sonny worked part time in the ticket office while studying for a law 

degree and recommended to Coach Butts that he make the young 

bulldog Cecelia had received as wedding gift the team mascot. This was 

in 1956 after the Seiler’s had taken their young puppy to a Georgia home 

game where he was a big hit with the students. 

Overnight Uga, so named by a friend of Sonny’s, became a gameday 

favorite of the students and fans. Before long, Uga was leading the team 

on the field and newspaper journalists, both in Athens and Atlanta, and 

on the road were writing stories and sidebars about the popular Georgia 

mascot. 

The stories of the Uga’s will be told and retold with the passing of 

time and whenever the history of the Georgia mascot is chronicled, the 

genesis of the charming narrative will stand the test of time. 

A handsome young lawyer-to-be and his beautiful coed wife created a 

dynasty that not only excites the Georgia alumni and fan base, but has 

emotionally touched college football fans across the country. 

It couldn’t have happened without a team effort, the team of Sonny and 

Cecilia Seiler. May they rest in peace!!! 


THE FIVE PG. 18 | A VIEW FROM … COLUMBIA PG. 22 | ROSTER PG. 24 

RATTLED RATTLER! 

IT TOOK A BIT, BUT THE 

GEORGIA D CAME THROUGH 

PHOTO BY: GREG POOLE/BI 

SPORTS 

GEORGIA VS UAB 

GAME TIME: 7:30 P.M. 

CHANNEL: ESPN2 

GEORGIA VS UAB 

BY: JEFF DANTZLER 

The Two-time reigning national champion Georgia Bulldogs are 

3-0 on the season, taking the Southeastern Conference opener 

against South Carolina 24-14 this past Saturday. UAB checks in 

at 1-2. The Blazers fell to the Ragin’ Cajuns of Louisiana 41-21 last 

weekend. 

After Saturday night’s game against the Blazers, the Dogs will 

tangle with seven straight Southeastern Conference foes before 

the regular season finale against the Yellow Jackets in Atlanta. 

This will be the fourth ever meeting pitting the Bulldogs and 

UAB, all Between the Hedges, with Georgia winning the first 

three. Things were mighty nervy for the Bulldog faithful 20 years 

ago, as the fourth-ranked Bulldogs edged UAB 16-13 in 2003. 

Three years later, Georgia beat UAB 34-0, just eight days after 

legendary coach Erk Russell passed away. The Bulldogs recorded 

back to back shutouts against South Carolina (18-0) and the 

Blazers, the first time Georgia blanked successive foes since the 

1980 national champions beat Vanderbilt 41-0 and Kentucky 

27-0, Russell’s final of 17 seasons as Vince Dooley’s defensive 

coordinator at Georgia. Two years ago, the 2021 national 

champion Bulldogs blasted UAB 56-7. The game was a coming 

out party for both Stetson Bennett and Brock Bowers. 

For Georgia last time out, it was a tale of two halves. The 

Bulldogs trailed South Carolina 14-3 at intermission. The 

Gamecocks cashed in on a pair of red zone trips with a pair of 

touchdowns, while Georgia had a made field goal and missed 

field goal on its two trips. In the second half, Georgia gained 

control. The Bulldogs marched 75 yards for a touchdown to 

make it 14-10 on a scoring run from Dainun Edwards. Then came 

great complimentary football with great coverage and a penalty. 

Georgia got a stop, then scored again, with Dillon Bell rushing 

in for the go-ahead score. The Bulldogs delivered what proved 

to be the knock-out blow on Cash Jones 13-yard TD. Edwards 

was outstanding against the Gamecocks in his first game of the 

season, fighting back from a knee injury. He carried 20 times for 

118 yards against the Gamecocks, and gave the Georgia offense 

a huge lift. 

In the second half against South Carolina, Georgia’s defense, 

on South Carolina’s six possessions, forced three three-andouts, 

stopped the Gamecocks on downs and recorded two 

interceptions. 

Georgia’s first two games were 48-7 wins over UT Martin and 

45-3 over Ball State. UAB defeated North Carolina A&T in the 

season opener. Then came a 49-35 loss to Georgia Southern in 

Statesboro before falling to Louisiana. 

Every win is precious and hard to come by. A good illustration, 

Alabama, LSU, Florida and Tennessee all have a loss as we 

head into Week Four. Texas, which beat Alabama, was tied with 

Wyoming in the fourth quarter before winning, while Florida 

State, which defeated LSU in Week One, edged Boston College 

31-29. 

Georgia’s school record 20-game winning streak is the nation’s 

longest, and the 21 straight victories at home marks college 

football’s longest active run. Kirby Smart’s Bulldogs have won 36 

of 37, and aim, for at least one more week, to remain undefeated 

two-time reigning national champions. 


BULLDOGS TO WATCH 

BY: CLAY WATKINS 

FRAN BROWN (DB COACH) - Georgia’s defensive backs unit is regarded 

as one of the top groups in college football. Since arriving in Athens just last 

year, Fran Brown has proven his value through his elite recruiting as well as his 

development of Georgia’s young cornerbacks. After facing a tough task versus 

South Carolina’s receivers, Coach Brown looks to have Georgia’s secondary ready 

for a test against Trent Dilfer and UAB. 

DAIJUN EDWARDS (RB #30) - Having Edwards back into the lineup 

was a breath of fresh air for Bulldog fans. In just his first game back from injury, 

Edwards carried the ball 20 times for 118 yards and a touchdown. Georgia has 

had moderate success rushing the ball through the two prior games against 

inferior opposition, but with the Bulldog schedule heating up, Edwards’ 

production will be expected to propel Georgia’s offense to a new level. 

MARCUS ROSEMY-JACKSAINT (WR #1) - Rosemy-Jacksaint was the 

leading receiver for the Bulldogs against South Carolina with 6 receptions for 71 

FRAN BROWN 

DEFENSIVE BACK’S COACH 


yards. Georgia’s X receiver has become one of Carson Beck’s most reliable targets 

through the two games. Rosemy-Jacksaint had to sit out one game against UT 

Martin. With a favorable matchup heading into Week 4, don’t be surprised if 

Beck continues to look at Rosemy-Jacksaint’s as his primary target. 

DILLION BELL (WR #86) - The Texas native has been the do-it-all 

playmaker for Georgia’s offense. Bell is still regarded as a receiver, but due to 

injury and performance issues in the running back room, Bell has also been 

utilized in the backfield. Against South Carolina, Bell carried the ball seven times 

for 23 yards and a touchdown. He also tacked on one reception for 16 yards. UAB 

will have to keep an eye on No. 86 as the Georgia athlete looks to build on his 

early season success. Bell’s seven carries tied for the second-most on the team. 

With Kendall Milton dinged up, do not be surprised if Bell becomes Georgia’s 

number No. 2 back behind Daijun Edwards. 

DAN JACKSON (S #17) - Jackson capped off his game against South 

Carolina with a critical fourth quarter interception against Spencer Rattler. The 

former walk-on for the Bulldogs was asked to play a larger role against the 

Gamecocks due to Javon Bullard’s lower leg injury. Jackson, in two seasons, has 

MARCUS ROSEMY-JACKSAINT 

WIDE RECEIVER 

two interceptions against Rattler – an impressive feat against a highly regarded 

quarterback. Jackson will once again play a key role heading into a weekend 

clash against UAB. 


BY JEFF DANTZLER 

Georgia’s 14 Southeastern Conference 

championships are the second most in league history 

behind only Alabama, one ahead of Tennessee’s 13 

and two better than LSU, which has 12. 

Georgia won the 1983 Southeastern Conference 

Men’s Basketball Tournament in Birmingham en 

route to the Final Four, beating Ole Miss, Tennessee 

and then Alabama for the crown. 

The only coaches to have their teams in the SEC 

Championship Game five times over a six year 

period are Florida’s Steve Spurrier (1992-96) and 

Georgia’s Kirby Smart (2017-19, 2021-22). 


JAMON DUMAS-JOHNSON (LB #10) - The junior from 

Hyattsville, Maryland is the heart of this Georgia defense. The 

2022 Butkus Award Finalist is undoubtedly the vocal leader 

for Georgia’s defensive unit which was needing a boost after 

going down 14-3 at the half against Carolina. The linebacker 

went on to make a vital third down sack in the fourth quarter 

leading to a turnover on downs. As Georgia looks to put 

together a more complete performance against UAB, Dumas- 

Johnson’s veteran presence will be necessary to reach the 

Georgia standard of excellence on defense. 

JAMON DUMAS-JOHNSON 

LINEBACKER 

DAYLEN EVERETT (DB #6) - Everett has taken a firm 

grip on the corner position across from Kamari Lassiter. 

Everett, just a sophomore, has been thrown in the fire and 

been heavily tested through the opening few games, but has 

held up well. Everette was credited with five tackles against 

South Carolina, which led the Bulldog defense. The young 

corner is a part of a Georgia secondary that is allowing the 

third fewest yards per game in the SEC. Expect Everette to 

hold up well when tested against UAB this Saturday. 


Cole Hixon Insurance • We’ve got you covered! 

Insurance professionals to help get you the right coverage at the right price- because 

our clients are #1, just like the Dawgs! 

Jay & Laura Hixon 

1640 PRINCE AVE | ATHENS, GA 30606 | (706) 353-8677 

www.ColeHixonInsurance.com 

nce 


BLAZERS TO WATCH 

BY: COBY SERINA 

TRENT DILFER (HC) - With 13 years of NFL experience under his 

belt, this guy knows a thing or two about ball. Albeit this is only his 

first year coaching a college team and his fourth year coaching period. 

There’s some kinks he needs to figure out. UAB’s record to this point in 

the season isn’t impressive, but UAB saw something in Dilfer. Given his 

background and being a former NFL quarterback, Dilfer has a knack for 

making his guys throw, which they will certainly try to do against the 

Dawgs come gameday. 

JERMAINE BROWN JR. (RB #1) - In order to carry out a good 

passing game, you need an established and consistent running game, 

and that’s what senior running back Jermaine Brown Jr. has brought to 

the Blazers for the past four years with the team. He and Isaiah Jacobs are 

used almost interchangeably, splitting up carries for the Blazers. Of the 

two backs, Brown has proved to be a more electric pass catcher, so watch 

JERMAINE BROWN 

RUNNING BACK 

PHOTO BY: UAB ATHLETICS 

for him matching up against the Georgia linebackers out of the backfield. 

ISAIAH JACOBS (RB #20) - Though Jacobs and Brown basically 

split up carries in this offense 50/50, Jacobs brings a different kind of 

physicality weighing in at 220 pounds. This is the power guy on the 

University of Alabama Birmingham’s football team. Looking away from 

the ground game, don’t be surprised if this is the guy the Blazer’s use to 

help protect their quarterback Jacob Zeno. At that size, he can match up 

against blitzers and may be able to buy their passing game the extra split 

second they need to make a play. 

JACOB ZENO (QB #4) - If there’s one thing the Blazers are going to 

do, it’s throw the football. Zeno has quietly had an ELITE season thus far 

having thrown 122 passes, completing 98 with a 80% completion rate. 

Zeno is a straight up playmaker. The junior signal caller out of Texas can 

get it done with feet too being the only other player than Brown Jr. and 

Jacobs to have double digit rushing attempts on the team. It doesn’t 

matter how, just know that Jacob Zeno is going to get it done. 

JACOB ZENO 

QUARTERBACK 

JACKSON BRATTON (LB #2) - The Alabama-native Jackson Bratton 

is not only their leading tackler, the standout linebacker also leads the 

team in sacks; this guy runs their defense. He’s emerging into a larger 



One of the most decorated players in UAB history is 

wide receiver Roddy White, who had a stellar career 

with the Falcons, earning four Pro Bowl trips and 

leading the NFL in catches in 2010. 

Gene Bartow is the godfather of UAB athletics, 

starting the school’s athletic department and 

amassing an impressive record as the Blazers Hall of 

Fame basketball coach for 19 years. 

Bill Clark coached the Blazers to their greatest 

season ever in 2018, as UAB posted an 11-3 record, 

won the Conference USA title and beat Northern 

Illinois in the Boca Raton Bowl. 


ole this year as an upperclassman for the Blazers. Something 

folks don’t know is that Bratton’s a real-deal type of player 

having transferred from the Alabama Crimson Tide a couple 

of years ago. He wanted more playing time and has certainly 

gotten it in Birmingham. 

KEVIN PENN (DL #92) - Redshirt senior Kevin Penn has 

been with this team through thick and thin, having been with 

the Blazers the entirety of his undergraduate career and now 

staying for a fifth year. A leader on the team and presence in 

the locker room, Penn also knows how to assert himself on 

the field. Anchoring the defensive line, eating up blocks, and 

filling in gaps is what this young man does. 

KEVIN PENN 

DEFENSIVE LINE 

KEONDRE SWOOPES (S #0) - Swoopes is a physical 

safety, who more often than not, makes a stop when needed. 

Recruited as a cornerback back in 2019, he has more than 

enough athleticism to play the position. Like Penn, Swoopes 

is a veteran in the defense. He will be communicating what 

he sees to the guys in front of him. The whole defensive side 

of the ball is going to be dependent on what he sees. 


REAL ESTATESouthern Style 

LISA M. 

LANGFORD 

(706) 340-2242 

BONNIE 

DUNN 

(706) 614-7360 

UGA Terry College of Business Graduates & UGA Redcoat Auxiliary Alumni 

Over 60+ Years of Real Estate & Financial Experience 

Better Never Rests 


THE 

FIVE 

Georgia vs. uab 


CONGRATS CLAUDE FELTON ON YOUR 

UPCOMING INDUCTION INTO THE 

GEORGIA SPORTS HALL OF FAME! 


1. Claude Felton - The greatest Sports Information Director in the world 

is headed for the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame. The incomparable Claude 

Felton succeeded the Greatest Bulldog Ever, Dan Magill and it has proven to 

be a torch passing even greater than DiMaggio to Mantle. He has been like 

a second father to me … and many others. His contributions, mostly behind 

the scenes, are immeasurable. Claude is one of the most important and 

successful people to ever work at Georgia or in college athletics. As great as 

Herschel Walker was playing, Kirby Smart and Vince Dooley coaching and 

Larry Munson announcing, Claude has been every bit as great and legendary 

as the Bulldogs sports information director since returning to his alma mater 

in 1979. Legend. He has naturally spawned a tremendous tree of disciples 

who have gone on to incredible success in the world of sports and many 

other fields. That includes … 

2. Norm Reilly - Georgia’s longtime Men’s Basketball and Men’s Tennis 

SID. Norm Reilly passed away on February 12, 2016 after a lengthy battle 

with cancer. Norm was a great SID and mentor. For the last 14 years of his life, 

Norm was the Associate Athletics Director for Communications at UAB. Like 

Claude, he was a great mentor. With Claude, you never want to disappoint 

him. When I did, there wasn’t much to say, just feel awful. For Norm, he would 

tell anyone who messed up, “how could you do something so stupid?!?!” It 

was easy to have your confidence reduced from a lion to a snail with one 

“Stormin’ Norman” remark to a dumb mistake. Of course we all loved Norm 

too. For so many of us, he is missed every day. One of Norm’s proteges, Tray 

Littlefield, worked for him at UAB before coming to Georgia in 2015. He 

is a young standout in the business and a good friend. Tray took over the 

Women’s Basketball and Men’s Tennis SID duties when he arrived in Athens. 

Mike Mobley had been the Women’s Hoops SID for nearly two decades and 

then moved on to the Men’s Basketball program. About a month into Tray’s 

first season, Claude asked Georgia’s grizzled radio play-by-play man how Tray 

was doing? I said, “he’s awesome, he’s doing a fantastic job, Norm would be 

very proud.” Claude said, that’s great. I said, “damn right it is, because if he 

wasn’t, Norm would come back and haunt him from heaven and the grave.” 

Helping get Tray ready to send to Claude was his last great act in the business. 

The press room at UAB’s Bartow Arena is named in Norm’s honor. 

3. Roddy White - The most famous UAB football player ever is Roddy 

White. Especially in these parts. One of the greatest players in Falcons history, 

he was a four time pro bowler who led the NFL in receiving in 2010. White is a 

member of the Falcons Ring of Honor. I turned to my resident psychotic trashtalking 

Falcons (and Dawgs of course, as well) fan, my good friend Robby Kirk 

and asked him where Roddy White ranked, for him, amongst Falcons greats? 

“Top five, easy, dude was a warrior.” Robby continued, “When the Falcons 

were playing the Seahawks in the 2012 playoffs, Richard Sherman called him 

a ‘system receiver’ and then Roddy smoked him for a 47-yard TD and let him 

hear about it. What a great moment for Roddy, burning that loudmouth.” 

4. Renaissance of football - It’s a long story, but UAB football was 

done away with following the 2014 season. It was terrible. Bill Clark was in his 

first season as the Blazers head coach and they went 6-6. Well, fairly quickly, 

an awful decision was made right again. UAB started playing football again. 

For six straight years, five of them with Clark at the helm, UAB had a winning 

record. That includes the 2018 Conference USA Championship. Bravo Blazers. 

5. Big scare in 2003 - Things got really scary in Athens in 2003 when 

the Bulldogs and Blazers - featuring Roddy White with Norm as SID - met 

at Sanford Stadium. The reigning SEC Champion Bulldogs were 6-1 and 

ranked fourth nationally with a hit list that included Clemson, South Carolina, 

Alabama and Tennessee. UAB came in at 3-4. It was a battle. Scary. The 

Bulldogs pulled it out 16-13. But the victory took a lot of gas out of the tank. 

The next week, Georgia lost to Florida … 16-13. 


FROM THE 

INTERN 

A win is definitely a win, but the Georgia 

offense’s sluggishness remains a concern 

Georgia plays great 

defense. That will be 

forever true as long as 

Kirby Smart is the head 

football coach at the University 

of Georgia. Yes, early on, they let 

up a little against their first SEC 

opponent, South Carolina, allowing 

them to score two different times in 

the first half, but they made up for 

it in the second half shutting them 

out and forcing two turnovers – 

both in the form of an interception. 

It seems like the whole team was 

shaken awake leaving halftime 

and entering the second half 

down 14-3. The defensive line 

dialed things up, especially Mykel 

Williams. Like mentioned earlier, 

the secondary held it down and 

did what they needed to do in 

terms of getting the ball back 

to the offense (especially with 

those interceptions). But once the 

Georgia offense was in possession 

of the ball, it felt like not much else 

really ever happened. 

The offensive trend these past 

three games has been start slow, 

finish fast – kind of. There has yet 

to be a moment where Bobo and 

company have left me thinking 

wow, these guys can do anything 

when the ball is in their hands. This 

offense lacks a certain umph to it, 

and it’s because it doesn’t seem to 

make any big downfield plays and 

Carson Beck doesn’t create them. 

That’s the kicker: the QB’s ability 

to make plays. Yes, there are guys 

that left last year and new guys 

playing in the system 

this year, but the biggest 

difference from the 2022 

and 2023 teams is that 

in 2022 Georgia had a 

quarterback that could 

create plays. In 2023 Carson 

Beck has yet to show off 

that kind of ability. 

If a play broke down, 

Stetson Bennett could 

create with either his arm 

or his legs. More famously 

his legs, but we all know 

that man could sling it. And 

it was that ability to create 

that made whatever offense 

he was in special. You can’t 

game plan for it, it just 

happens. 

Now credit to Beck, 

there has been a few times 

this season where Beck 

has been able to make it 

happen with his feet, but 

it’s not often. Maybe it’s 

COBY 

SERINA 

just because the Dawgs haven’t 

played competition that’s gotten 

him uncomfortable enough 

to be forced into playing more 

instinctively. 

Georgia did score three 

touchdowns in the second half 

compared to none in the first, so 

that was a big difference. But you 

would expect these guys to get into 

the end zone regardless. There’s a 

lot of soul searching that needs to 

happen with these guys. 

Fans are quick to blame Coach 

Bobo and Beck, but Coach Smart 

was satisfied with Saturday’s 

outcome. Beck was 27 for 35 

passing, and the Dawgs tailbacks 

rushed for 189 yards, and gained 29 

first downs, which Smart quipped 

“good grief” when talking with the 

media postgame. 

The offense is in a weird place 

right now. 

Yes, they answered the call when 

they needed to. But if this is the No. 

1 ranked team in the country, they 

shouldn’t have to be responding 

like they did yesterday to an 

unranked South Carolina. This team 

shouldn’t look this slow on offense. 

They shouldn’t only pull their pants 

up and play once they need to. At 

this point, fans expect these guys 

to just come out and impose their 

will on any team that walks through 

the door, but that’s just not the 

case. We’ll just have to see how 

this offense comes together as the 

season unfolds. 

CASH MONEY! 

TD CASH JONES 


GO DAWGS! 

2022 National Champions 

www.cornersedgebutchershoppe.com 

Follow us on Facebook: @CornersEdgeButcherShoppeOfAthens 

OUR LOCATIONS: 

3981 Atlanta Hwy Ste 8/9 

Loganville, GA 30052 

678-691-9009 

875 Flat Shoals Rd Ste 140 

Conyers, GA. 30094 

770-648-6310 

500 Great Oaks Dr. 

Monroe, GA 30655 

678-635-5236 

1959 Barnett Shoals Rd. 

Athens, GA. 30605 

706-850-6397 

105 E May Street STE 300 

Winder, Ga. 30680 

678-963-9879 


David Crane, the Voice of the UAB Blazers, once again 

shares his insights into Saturday night’s game between 

the hedges. David is an excellent announcer and an 

old friend. We got to know each other when he was 

announcing Alabama Crimson Tide baseball. He does 

a fantastic job with every sport he does, and gives us a 

great take on the Bulldogs and Blazers. 


A VIEW FROM ... 

Birmingham 

UAB IS PLAYING A VERY 

TOUGH SCHEDULE THIS 

YEAR, TAKE US THROUGH 

THE CHALLENGE OF 

THIS GAUNTLET AND 

THE PLUSSES OF THE 

CHALLENGE. 

It seems like the Blazers always have 

a tough schedule, and I think it’s 

partly by design and partly out of 

necessity. Trent Dilfer is all for playing 

a challenging slate. He has even said 

he would play four SEC teams in the 

non-conference if he could. I would 

recommend pumping the brakes 

on that idea! There is usually only 

one ‘’buy’’ game on the schedule, 

and this year it’s at Georgia. The four 

non-conference games come first, 

and I think that may work well. It is a 

challenging slate, but it should help 

prepare the Blazers for the start of 

American Conference play next week. 

WHO ARE SOME PLAYERS 

TO KEEP AN EYE ON 

SATURDAY? 

Quarterback Jacob Zeno has been 

amazingly consistent so far this 

season. His completion percentage 

and number of completions per 

game has been impressive. He will 

need to continue that steady play 

and avoid turnovers. The running 

game has been a little sluggish so 

far, but the talent at that position is 

outstanding. Jermaine Brown and 

Isaiah Jacobs could start for a lot of 

teams around the country, and it 

would be nice to get them going. 

On defense, Jackson Bratton has 

been extremely active so far on the 

young season, and Fish McWilliams 

is not only a great name, but he’s 

a leader on the defensive front. 

Those two will both need to play at 

a very high level today. 

CAN YOU TALK ABOUT THE 

OUTSTANDING SUCCESS 

AND TREMENDOUS STORY 

OF THE PROGRAM SINCE 

FOOTBALL WAS QUICKLY 

REINSTATED FOR UAB IN 

2017? 

I have said it numerous times, but 

someone needs to make a movie 

out of the entire saga. Not many 

people would believe it, but it’s a 

terrific story. The local businesses, 

the fans, the Birmingham 

community all rallied to not just 

bring the program back but bring 

it back and make it better than it 

ever had been. Bill Clark deserves 

a tremendous amount of credit 

for staying with UAB through 

the entire process and building 

a roster from scratch. That roster 

would eventually win conference 

championships and become one 

of the more remarkable sports 

stories in recent history. 

WHAT ARE THE BLAZERS 

GOALS THIS YEAR? 

I think the program has reached 

a level where championships 

are discussed regularly. With an 

entirely new coaching staff and a 

lot of new faces on the roster, it’s 

hard to predict what the final win 

total could be; however, coach 

Dilfer and his staff are accustomed 

to winning, and they believe a title 

isn’t out of the question in 2023. I 

think bowl games are becoming a 

tradition at UAB, so at a minimum, 

the Green and Gold are expecting 

to spend the holidays playing 

football somewhere. 

WHAT IS YOUR TAKE ON 

GEORGIA? 

The Gold Standard. Kirby Smart 

and his staff have put together a 

finely tuned machine in Athens. 

He learned well from one of the 

all-time greats, and he has built 

a program that will compete for 

championships on a yearly basis. 

There is talent at every position, 

and there has to be confidence, 

regardless of the roster turnover, 

that the recruiting has been 

so good that it truly is simply 

a matter of reloading. It will be 

fun to watch this team try to 

make it three straight National 

Championships, and the Bulldogs 

certainly seem to be the class of 

the SEC again this year. 

WHAT DOES UAB NEED 

TO DO TO BEAT THE 

BULLDOGS? 

It will take a complete effort today 

for the Blazers to have a chance 

to win in Athens. The offense has 

been able to move the ball well 

so far this season, but the UGA 

defense is a different animal. 

Ball security is a must, and if the 

Green and Gold get opportunities, 

they must capitalize. The UAB 

defense has been a little more 

inconsistent. Tackling has been 

a bit of an issue, so that needs 

to be shored up, and the Blazers 

can’t afford to give up a bunch of 

big plays. The last time we visited 

Sanford Stadium, it was over not 

long after the National Anthem 

ended because of a tremendous 

start by Stetson Bennett. That 

said, this team is excited about 

the chance to play the reigning 

champions in a night game 

Between the Hedges. 

Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler A small sampling of menu items ... 

WHERE SMART DAWGS 

EAT AND DRINK! 

Oysters Rockefeller 

Baked with a topping of spinach, celery, and onion 

Classic Crawfish Etouffee 

Rich Creole stew of crawfish tails served over rice 

Crab Cakes 

Lump crab sautéed and served over stewed corn 

with remoulade 

Stuffed Filet 

Stuffed with bleu cheese and port wine sauce. 

Served with potatoes and chef’s vegetables. 

Carpetbagger 

Topped with fried oysters and bernaise sauce. 

Served with potatoes and chef’s vegetables. 

Seafood Jambalaya 

Redfish, oysters, shrimp and crawfish over a 

chicken and andouille jambalaya 

TAILGATE MENU AVAILABLE 

420 MACON HWY | ATHENS | 706-548-3359 

GEORGESLOWCOUNTRYTABLE.COM 

Did you know that George’s owner 

Reggie DiSante was a protégé of 

Harry Bissett’s founder George 

Davis? Come and experience many 

of the classics from those glory days 

of the ‘80s, ‘90s and ‘00s! 


2023 georgia bulldogs numerical roster 

Provided By UGA Athletics - Subject To Change 

No. Name Pos. Cl. Ht. Wt. Exp. Hometown (Previous School) No. Name Pos. Cl. Ht. Wt. Exp. Hometown (Previous School) 

0 ^Troy Bowles ILB Fr. 6-0 220 HS Tampa, Fla. (Jesuit HS) 

0 #Roderick Robinson II RB Fr. 6-0 240 HS Imperial, Calif. (Lincoln HS) 

1 Nyland Green DB RSo. 6-1 185 1VL Covington, Ga. (Newton HS) 

1 Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint WR Sr. 6-2 195 3VL Pompano Beach, Fla. (St. Thomas Aquinas HS) 

2 Kendall Milton RB Sr. 6-1 220 3VL Fresno, Calif. (Buchanan HS) 

2 Smael Mondon ILB Jr. 6-3 225 2VL Dallas, Ga. (Paulding County HS) 

3 Kamari Lassiter DB Jr. 6-0 180 2VL Savannah, Ga. (American Christian Acad.) 

3 Andrew Paul RB RFr. 5-11 218 SQ Dallas, Texas (Parish Episcopal School) 

4 Oscar Delp TE So. 6-5 245 1VL Cumming, Ga. (West Forsyth HS) 

4 #AJ Harris DB Fr. 6-1 190 HS Phenix City, Ala. (Central HS) 

5 #Rara Thomas WR Jr. 6-2 200 TR Eufaula, Ala. (Miss. State/Eufaula HS) 

5 #Raylen Wilson ILB Fr. 6-1 225 HS Tallahassee, Fla. (Lincoln HS) 

6 Daylen Everette DB So. 6-1 190 1VL Norfolk, Va. (IMG Academy) 

6 #Dominic Lovett WR Jr. 5-10 187 TR Belleville, Ill. (Missouri/East St. Louis HS) 

7 Marvin Jones Jr. OLB So. 6-5 250 1VL Sunrise, Fla. (American Heritage HS) 

7 #Lawson Luckie TE Fr. 6-3 240 HS Norcross, Ga. (Norcross HS) 

8 #Joenel Aguero DB Fr. 5-11 205 HS Lynn, Mass. (St. John’s Prep) 

9 Jackson Meeks WR Jr. 6-2 205 2VL henix City, Ala. (Central HS) 

9 #Justyn Rhett DB Fr. 6-0 190 HS Las Vegas, Nev. (Bishop Gorman HS) 

10 Jamon Dumas-Johnson ILB Jr. 6-1 245 2VL Hyattsville, Md. (St. Francis Academy) 

10 #Tyler Williams WR Fr. 6-3 205 HS Lakeland, Fla. (Lakeland HS) 

11 Arian Smith WR Jr. 6-0 185 3VL Bradley, Fla. (Lakeland HS) 

11 Jalon Walker ILB So. 6-2 245 1VL Salisbury, N.C. (Salisbury HS) 

12 Julian Humphrey DB RFr. 6-0 190 1VL Webster, Texas (Clear Lake HS) 

12 Brock Vandagriff QB RSo. 6-3 210 SQ Bogart, Ga. (Prince Ave. Christian School) 

13 #Zeed Haynes WR Fr. 6-1 170 HS Philadelphia, Pa. (North Penn HS) 

13 Mykel Williams DL So. 6-5 265 1VL Columbus, Ga. (Hardaway HS) 

14 David Daniel-Sisavanh DB Jr. 6-2 185 2VL Woodstock, Ga. (Woodstock HS) 

14 Gunner Stockton QB RFr. 6-1 215 SQ Tiger, Ga. (Rabun County HS) 

15 Carson Beck QB Jr. 6-4 220 2VL Jacksonville, Fla. (Mandarin HS) 

15 ^Daniel Harris DB Fr. 6-2 175 HS Miami, Fla. (Gulliver Prep HS) 

16 C.J. Madden OLB RFr. 6-4 240 SQ Ellenwood, Ga. (Cedar Grove HS) 

16 Jackson Muschamp QB Jr. 6-2 190 SQ Columbia, S.C. (Hammond School) 

17 #Anthony Evans III WR Fr. 5-11 165 HS Converse, Texas (Judson HS) 

17 Dan Jackson DB Sr. 6-1 200 2VL Gainesville, Ga. (North Hall HS) 

18 C.J. Smith WR RFr. 6-3 190 SQ Apopka, Fla. (Mount Dora HS) 

18 Xavian Sorey ILB RSo. 6-3 220 2VL Campbellton, Fla. (IMG Academy) 

19 Brock Bowers TE Jr. 6-4 240 2VL Napa, Calif. (Napa HS) 

19 Darris Smith OLB So. 6-5 240 1VL Baxley, Ga. (Appling Co. HS) 

20 Sevaughn Clark RB Sr. 6-1 215 2VL Dawsonville, Ga. (Dawson County HS) 

20 JaCorey Thomas DB So. 6-0 200 1VL Orlando, Fla. (Boone HS) 

22 Javon Bullard DB Jr. 5-11 195 2VL Milledgeville, Ga. (Baldwin HS) 

22 Branson Robinson RB So. 5-10 220 1VL Canton, Miss. (Germantown HS) 

23 De’Nylon Morrissette WR So. 6-1 200 1VL Stone Mountain, Ga. (North Cobb HS) 

23 Tykee Smith DB Sr. 5-10 205 1VL Philadelphia, Pa. (WVU / Imhotep Inst.) 

24 Malaki Starks DB So. 6-1 205 1VL Jefferson, Ga. (Jefferson HS) 

25 E.J. Lightsey ILB RFr. 6-2 223 IVL Fitzgerald, Ga. (Fitzgerald HS) 

26 Collin Drake QB RSo. 6-1 195 SQ Ennis, Texas (Ennis HS) 

26 #Sam M’Pemba OLB Fr. 6-3 2 45 HS Olivette, Mo. (IMG Academy) 

27 Sam Bush QB Fr. 5-11 185 HS Athens, Ga. (Athens Academy) 

27 ^Chris Peal DB Fr. 6-1 190 HS Charlotte, N.C. (Providence Day School) 

28 Walter Blanchard WR Fr. 6-1 195 HS Columbus, Ga. (Brookstone) 

29 Luke Bennett WR RFr. 5-11 175 SQ Blackshear, Ga. (Pierce County HS) 

29 #Gabe Harris Jr. OLB Fr. 6-4 245 HS Thomasville, Ga. (IMG Aacdemy) 

30 Daijun Edwards RB Sr. 5-10 201 3VL Norman Park, Ga. (Colquitt County HS) 

30 Terrell Foster ILB RFr. 6-1 220 SQ Kennesaw, Ga. (IMG Academy) 

31 Grant Briscoe WR RFr. 6-3 190 SQ Carrollton, Ga. (Carrollton HS) 

31 ^Kyron Jones ATH Fr. 6-0 200 HS Charlotte, N.C. (Charlotte Christian HS) 

32 Chaz Chambliss OLB Jr. 6-2 250 2VL Carrollton, Ga. (Carrollton HS) 

32 Cash Jones RB RSo. 6-0 182 1VL Brock, Texas (Brock HS) 

33 #C.J. Allen ILB Fr. 6-1 235 HS Barnesville, Ga. (Lamar County HS) 

35 Jacob Fleming DB RFr. 5-11 190 SQ Atlanta, Ga. (Westminster Academy) 

35 #Damon Wilson II OLB Fr. 6-4 235 HS Nokomis, Fla. (Venice HS) 

36 Colby Smith DB Sr. 5-10 175 SQ Danielsville, Ga. (Pres. College/Madison Co. HS) 

37 Izayah Reeves WR RSo. 5-11 175 TR Long Island, N.Y. (Charleston/Monocan HS) 

38 Patrick Taylor DB Jr. 6-0 175 SQ Johns Creek, Ga. (Johns Creek HS) 

39 Parker Jones DB RFr. 5-11 165 SQ Albany, Ga. (Deerfield-Windsor School) 

39 Collin Lark DB Jr. 6-0 198 HS Dallas, Texas (Dallas Jesuit HS) 

39 Miles Thornton RB RFr. 6-0 195 SQ Tyrone, Ga. (Sandy Creek HS) 

41 Denton Shamburger DB RFr. 6-0 185 SQ Atlanta, Ga. (Westminster School) 

41 ^Len’Neth Whitehead RB Jr. 6-2 220 TR Athens, Ga. (Tennessee/Athens Academy) 

42 Graham Collins ILB Jr. 6-2 215 SQ Atlanta, Ga. (Holy Innocents Episcopal School) 

43 Marek Briley WR Fr. 6-3 205 HS Buford, Ga. (North Gwinnett HS) 

43 Ali Hall DB RFr. 6-1 201 TR Jacksonville, Fla. (GMC/Westside HS) 

44 Cade Brock TE Jr. 6-0 250 SQ Subligna, Ga. (Darlington HS) 

44 #Jordan Hall DL Fr. 6-4 320 HS Jacksonville, Fla. (Westside HS) 

45 Jacob Hardie RB RFr. 5-9 180 SQ Olney, Md. (Our Lady of Good Counsel) 

46 George Vining WR Sr. 6-0 205 SQ Macon, Ga. (Tattnall Square Academy) 

47 Sam Shurtleff OLB Jr. 6-4 230 TR Watkinsville, Ga. (Nebraska/Oconee County HS) 

47 Will Taylor WR Fr. 6-3 190 HS Milton, Ga. (Cambridge HS) 

48 Joseph Daniels RB Gr. 5-10 188 SQ John’s Creek, Ga. (Indiana/Roswell HS) 

48 Cooper Johnson TE RFr. 6-4 220 SQ Cumming, Ga. (West Forsyth HS) 

49 Luke Collins OLB RSo. 6-2 245 SQ Birmingham, Ala. (Birmingham Prep) 

51 Will Snellings SN Fr. 6-2 220 HS Fayetteville, Ga. (Whitewater HS) 

52 Christen Miller DL RFr. 6-4 305 IVL Ellenwood, Ga. (Cedar Grove HS) 

53 Dylan Fairchild OL RSo. 6-5 315 1VL Cumming, Ga. (West Forsyth HS) 

54 ^Kelton SmithJr. OL Fr. 6-4 330 HS Columbus, Ga. (Carver HS) 

55 #Jamaal Jarrett DL Fr. 6-5 350 HS Greensboro, N.C. (Grimsley HS) 

55 Jared Wilson OL RSo. 6-3 310 2VL Winston-Salem, N.C. (West Forsyth HS) 

56 Micah Morris OL RSo. 6-6 330 1VL Kingsland, Ga. (Camden County HS) 

56 William Mote SN Sr. 6-2 230 3VL Hoover, Ala. (Spain Park HS) 

57 #Monroe Freeling OL Fr. 6-7 310 HS Isle of Palms, S.C. (Oceanside Collegiate Acad) 

58 Austin Blaske OL Jr. 6-5 310 2VL Faulkville, Ga. (South Effingham HS) 

59 ^Bo Hughley OL Fr. 6-7 280 HS Fairburn, Ga. (Langston Hughes HS) 

60 Henry Peagler OL Fr. 6-3 290 HS Blackshear, Ga. (Pierce County HS) 

63 Sedrick Van Pran OL Jr. 6-4 310 3VL New Orleans, La. (Warren Easton HS) 

65 Amarius Mims OL Jr. 6-7 340 2VL Cochran, Ga. (Bleckley County HS) 

66 Aliou Bah OL RFr. 6-5 320 SQ Memphis, Tenn. (IMG Academy) 

66 Jonathan Washburn SN RSo. 6-2 230 SQ Ringgold, Ga. (Heritage HS) 

67 Clinton Barlow DL Fr. 6-5 310 HS Charlotte, N.C. (Charlotte Catholic) 

68 Chris Brown OL Jr. 6-5 300 SQ Savannah, Ga. (Islands HS) 

69 Tate Ratledge OL RSo. 6-6 310 1VL Rome, Ga. (Darlington School) 

70 #Joshua Miller OL Fr. 6-4 300 HS Chesterfield, Va. (Life Christian Academy) 

71 EARNEST GREENE III OL RFR. 6-4 320 SQ LOS ANG, CA (ST. JOHN BOSCO HS) 

72 ^JAMAL MERIWEATHER OL FR. 6-6 287 HS BRUNSWICK, GA. (BRUNSWICK HS) 

73 XAVIER TRUSS OL SR. 6-7 320 3VL W. WARWICK, R.I. (BISHOP HENDRICKEN HS) 

74 DREW BOBO OL RFR. 6-5 305 SQ AUBURN, ALA. (AUBURN HS) 

76 MILES JOHNSON OL JR. 6-5 320 SQ BLUE RIDGE, GA. (FANNIN CO. HS) 

78 CHAD LINDBERG OL JR. 6-6 325 2VL LEAGUE CITY, TEXAS (CLEAR CREEK HS) 

78 NAZIR STACKHOUSE DL SR. 6-3 320 3VL STONE MOUNTAIN, GA. (COLUMBIA HS) 

79 GUS GAMMAGE OL FR. 6-5 306 HS CEDARTOWN, GA. (DARLINGTON SCHOOL) 

80 BRANDON MOODY WR JR. 5-7 1 65 TR MONROE, GA. (BERRY COL./MONROE AREA HS) 

81 DAVID LALAIAN TE FR. 6-4 225 HS MONROE, GA. (MONROE AREA HS) 

82 LOGAN JOHNSON WR RSO. 5-6 155 SQ B OGART, GA. (PRINCE AVE. CHRISTIAN) 

83 COLE SPEER WR SO. 5-11 185 1VL CALHOUN, GA. (CALHOUN HS) 

84 LADD MCCONKEY WR JR. 6-0 185 2 VL CHATSWORTH, GA. (NORTH MURRAY HS) 

85 DREW SHEEHAN TE SR. 6-2 240 SQ WOODSTOCK, GA. (KENN ST. / WOODSTOCK HS) 

86 DILLON BELL WR SO. 6-1 210 1VL HOUSTON, TEXAS (THE KINKAID SCHOOL) 

87 MEKHI MEWS WR RSO. 5-8 185 1VL GRAYSON, GA. (CENTRAL GWINNETT HS) 

88 #PEARCE SPURLIN III TE FR. 6-7 2 30 HS ROSEMARY BEACH, FLA. (S. WALTON HS) 

89 BRAXTON HICKS WR JR. 6-2 195 SQ TIGER, GA. (RABUN COUNTY HS) 

90 TRAMEL WALTHOUR DL SR. 6-3 270 3VL HINESVILLE, GA. (HUTCHINSON CC/ 

LIBERTY CO. HS) 

91 ^PEYTON WOODRING PK FR. 5-10 175 HS LAFAYETTE, LA. (ASCENSION EPISCOPAL HS) 

92 LIAM BADGER PK RSO. 6-0 170 TR CUMMING, GA. (KENNESAW STATE/ 

WEST FORSYTH) 

92 BRETT THORSON P SO. 6-2 220 1VL MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA 

(PROKICK AUSTRALIA) 

93 WILL HATTAWAY PK FR. 6-0 185 HS EVANS, GA. (LAKESIDE HS) 

93 TYRION INGRAM-DAWKINS DL RSO. 6-5 280 2VL GAFFNEY, S.C. (GAFFNEY HS) 

94 HENRY BATES PK RFR. 5-11 170 SQ WAYCROSS, GA. (WARE COUNTY HS) 

94 JONATHAN JEFFERSON DL RSO. 6-3 295 2VL DOUGLASVILLE, GA. (DOUGLAS COUNTY HS) 

96 ZION LOGUE DL SR. 6-5 310 3VL LEBANON, TENN. (LEBANON HS) 

97 WARREN BRINSON DL SR. 6-4 305 3VL SAVANNAH, GA. (IMG ACADEMY) 

98 NOAH JONES P RSO. 6-0 165 SQ CAIRO, GA. (CAIRO HS) 

99 JARED ZIRKEL PK JR. 6-3 185 1VL KERRVILLE, TEXAS (TIVY HS) 

#2023 EARLY ENROLLEE; ^JUNE 2023 ARRIVAL 

PRONUNCIATIONS 

ALIOU BAH............................... UH-LOO BAH 

AUSTIN BLASKE............................... BLAS-KEE 

TROY BOWLES.........................................BOWLS 

JAVON BULLARD...............................JUH-VAHN 

CHAZ CHAMBLISS...........................CHAM-BLISS 

SEVAUGHN CLARK..........................SUH-VAUGHN 

DAVID DANIEL-SISAVANH............. SIS-UH-VAHN 

JAMON DUMAS JOHNSON.....JUH-MAHN DO-MAS 

DAIJUN EDWARDS...........................DAY-ZYAHN 

DAYLEN EVERETTE.............................. DAY-LYNN 

TERRELL FOSTER.................................TUH-RELL 

NYLAND GREEN...................................NY-LUND 

ZEED HAYNES..............ZEED RHYMES WITH SEED 

BO HUGHLEY..................................... HUGH-LEE 

TYRION INGRAM-DAWKINS..............TY-REE-AHN 

JAMAAL JARRETT...................................JUH-MALL 

KYRON JONES.........................................KYRUN 

DAVID LALAIAN...........................LUH-LAY-LEE-IN 

KAMARI LASSITER........................KUH-MARH-EE 

E.J. SIGHTSEY................................... LIGHT-SEE 

ZION LOGUE............................... ZI-ON LOWGUH 

MEKHI MEWS......MUH-KAI LIKE “NEWS” WITH AN “M” 

AMARIUS MIMS...................... UH-MARE-EE-US 

SMAEL MONDON................RHYMES WITH SMILE, 

.....................................RHYMES WITH LONDON 

DE’NYLON MORRISSEETTE...............DE-NYE-LUN 

SAM M’PEMBA...........................EM-PEM-BUH 

IZAYAH REEVES..............................EYE-ZAY-UH 

RODERICK ROBINSON......................ROD-ER-RICK 

MARCUS ROSEMY-JACKSAINT.....ROSE-UH-MEE 

DENTON SHAMBURGER.................. SHAM-BURGER 

SAM SHURTLEFF....................................SHIRTLUFF 

XAVIAN SOREY........ EGG-ZAY-VEE-AHN SORE-EE 

NAZIR STACKHOUSE......................... NAH-ZEER 

MALAKI STARKS..........................MAL-UH-KAI 

JACOREY THOMAS.............................JUH-COREY 

RARA THOMAS......................................RAH-RAH 

BROCK VANDAGRIFF......................VAN-DUH-GRIFF 

JALON WALKER..................................... JAY-LUN 

TRAMEL WALTHOUR........................... TRUH-MEL 

..........................WALL-THOUR (SOUNDS LIKE ‘OUR’) 

LEN’NETH WHITEHEAD.......................... LEN-NEETH 

MYKEL WILLIAMS.................................MY-KELL 

DAMON WILSON..................................DAY-MUHN 

RAYLEN WILSON.................................... RAY-LYNN 

JARED ZIRKEL..................................... ZER-KUL

GEORGIA GIRLS: BETH LADD PG. 32 | MIXTAPE: TERRY ALLEN PG. 35 | PROUST Q&A: WELLS ELLENBERG PG. 49 

SOCIAL 

georgia - S. Carolina photos: PG. 36 - 44 

Mary Lane, Erika Lane, Ricky Lane 

PHOTO BY: CHERI LEAVY/BI 


GEORGIA GIRLS 

SOCIAL 

Georgia Girls 

BETH LADD 

Cheri Leavy’s rapport with her favorite tastemakers and 

UGA Alumnae brings you plenty of doggone good inspiration! 

Foundation: 

2. 

Inspo: 

NAME: Beth Ladd 

FAMILY: My husband Carter (Wofford 

grad), kids Millie (age 5) and George (age 3) 

HOMETOWN: Lynchburg, Virginia 

CURRENT TOWN: Darien, Connecticut 

WHAT YEARS AT UGA: 2005 - 2009 

SCHOOL/DEGREE: Terry College of Business 

- Marketing major and Spanish minor 

PROFESSION: I started my post-graduate career 

in residential real estate in Charlotte, NC. After a few 

years in Charlotte, I got engaged and moved to NYC where I 

worked in interior design. During that time I started Beth Ladd 

Collections, a jewelry and accessories brand, as a side hustle. 

After two years I went full time and have never looked back! 

I am proud to say that all of our pieces are now handmade. 

We believe in slow fashion, and being able to work with and 

support so many artisan families in India is a dream come true! 

Accolades: 

Our pieces are sold in over 80 boutiques around the country, 

and we have been featured in some of my favorite magazines 

including Southern Living and Veranda. 

BULLDAWGILLUSTRATED 32 ISSUE SIX • UAB 

BOOK: Currently reading 

‘A Princess Remembers’ - a 

memoir by Gayatri Devi (1) 

MAGAZINE: Architectural 

Digest and Veranda 

PODCAST: The Preppy 

Podcast and How’d She Do That 

BLOG: The Nat Note 

INSTAGRAM: @pencilandpaperco (2) 

BRAND: I’m all about comfort and sleep these 

days so Lake Pajamas and a Chappy Wrap 

blanket. 

FASHION DESIGNER: Hunter Bell and 

JJ Martin (La Double J) 

INTERIOR DESIGNER: Charlotte Lucas (3) 

- another UGA grad! Also Katie Davis. 

CHEF: Liam Mackey (4) (Nautilus, 

Nantucket) and my husband 

1.

5. 

3. 

Athens + UGA: 

DESCRIBE ATHENS IN FIVE WORDS 

OR LESS: This is more describing UGA 

but Athens too – Best years of my life! 

4. 

RESTAURANTS AND BARS: Last Resort, 

but also can’t forget Choo Choo Express 

and pokey stix from Gumby’s - college 

classics! 

SHOPS: Heery’s. 

ATHENS/CAMPUS LANDMARK: The 

Chapel Bell (5) (always had to ring it after 

a win), the Arch and Sanford Stadium of 

course! 

HISTORICAL FIGURE: Very much still alive 

and making history - Oprah 

QUOTE: 

“To succeed in 

life, you need three 

things: a wishbone, 

a backbone, and a 

funny bone.” 

—Reba McEntire 

BULLDAWGILLUSTRATED 

33 ISSUE SIX • UAB 

MEMORY WHILE IN SCHOOL: So 

many! Living in the Theta house, football 

tailgates/games, GymDawgs meets, 

seeing Coolio in concert at a fraternity 

house (RIP), attending the world’s largest 

outdoor cocktail party (I mean GA-FL 

game), the list goes on! 

PROFESSOR/CLASS: I loved all of my 

marketing classes, also real estate (I got 

my license when I was a junior) and golf 

was really fun too. 

GAMEDAY RITUAL/PLAN: My 

roommate and I painted the football 

stadium on a beer pong table - it lived 

at her parents’ condo and we played at 

every tailgate. They had such an amazing 

spread - complete with bloody marys 

(hair of the dawg) and 10 layer cake. 

We were truly spoiled! Post-game was 

usually spent downtown. 

TAILGATE RECIPE: I’m a total dip girl 

- give me a dip and I’ll eat it! In a pinch 

you can’t go wrong with brie, crackers 

and hot pepper jelly. 

@ameliasapparel 

www.ameliasonmain.com 

(706) 850-6373 

1738 S Lumpkin Street, Athens 

(706) 342- 2986 

172 South Main Street, Madison

M I X T A P E 

playlist featured by Terry Allen 

brought to you by BULLDAWG ILLUSTRATED + LAST RESORT GRILL 

In honor of Athens’ distinction as one of the best music towns in the nation and the original 

Last Resort opened as a music club in 1966. Those who can still remember the tunes of 

such passionate performers as the Reverend Pearly Brown, Towns Van Zandt, Doc Watson, 

Jimmy Buffett, and even Steve Martin may feel nostalgic at the mere mention of the club’s 

name. Today that passion is found in Last Resort Grill’s menu and atmosphere, pulling 

directly from the building’s eclectic history. - Compiled by: Cheri Leavy 

TERRY ALLEN 

NAME: Terry Allen 

FAMILY: Wife Lisa, Daughter Adrian, Son 

Parker, Granddaughter Eloise 

HOME TOWN: Statesboro and Jesup, 

Georgia 

CURRENT TOWN: Athens 

WHAT YEARS AT UGA: 1973-1982 

SCHOOL/DEGREE: UGA Terry College 

BBA Accounting 

PROFESSION: Photographer 

Like a Vibration - The Whigs 

52 Girls - The B-52’s 

Terry's Playlist 

Cool - Pylon 

Like a Vibration - The Whigs 

52 Girls - The B-52’s 

Gardening at Night - REM 

Rough Night in Jericho - Dreams So Real 

Little Birds - Guadalcanal Diary 

Female Jesus - Jack Logan 

No Never - Nuclear Tourism 

Travelin’ Light - Widespread Panic 

I’ve Been Waiting - Matthew Sweet 

Danko/Manuel - Drive By Truckers 

Spin Your Partner - Love Tractor 

Mile Marker 29 - The Bad Ends 

Get In Get Out - Randall Bramblett 

I’d Like to Have Seen New Mexico - The Searchin’ Destroyers 

Wraith Pinned to the Mist and Other Games - Of Montreal 

Lovetown - The Glands 

Appalachee Shoals - Dreams So Real and Cindy Wilson 

MacDougal Blues - Kevin Kinney 

Topaz - B-52’s 

Check out the 

playlist on 

FAVE BAND YOU HAVE SEEN IN 

ATHENS: B-52’s at Memorial Hall 1978 

Lovetown - The Glands 

The Last Resort Grill serves 

southwestern-inspired southern 

cuisine in beautiful downtown 

Athens, Georgia. 

DINNER SERVICE 

SEVEN DAYS A WEEK AT 5 PM 

BRUNCH 

SERVED SATURDAY AND SUNDAY 10AM - 2PM 

174/184 W. Clayton St. | Athens, Georgia | 706-549-0810 | www.lastresortgrill.com 

University of Georgia Alumni 

and Last Resort Owners 

Melissa Clegg and Tom Call 


SOCIAL 

FAN SHOTS 

Tony Locey, Corben Locey 

Alison Mastrangelo, 

Emily Gagnon 

Hap Hines, Russ Powell 

Ford Neel, 

Sara Kate Dennis 

GEORGIA-24, S. CAROLINA - 14 

Caroline Spencer, 

Virginia Gatewood, 

Kendall McCurry 

John Neel, George Rogers 

Tyler Chen, Jasper Chen, 

Aura Chen, Yen Chen 

Jean Huff, Savannah Huff , 

Michael Huff, Penelope Huff 

The Rushmore has reinvented the 

traditional bed & breakfast with 

luxurious suites in the lively Five 

Points neighborhood. 

Each unique in design, 

all suites have a spacious 

bathroom en suite with bespoke 

linens and fine cosmetics. 

The Rushmore offers catered 

breakfast each morning and 

an afternoon tea. 

The three-level house has several 

common spaces for guests to 

enjoy during their stay and 

is walking distance to restaurants 

and shops in Five Points. 

STAYATHBNB.COM | 1175 S MILLEDGE AVE | 706.850.0902 


Henry Persons, Caroline Persons, Lindsay McConnell, 

Chuck McConnell, Graham Groseclose, Hannah Groseclose 

(front) Chris Efferth, Logan Booker, Ashley Booker, (back) 

Brady Ansley, Jennifer Ansley, Brad Ansley, Brandon Baker, 

Haley Efferth, Nicole Wells, Mark Holmes, Libba Holmes, Eva Vining, 

Justin Vining 

(front) Genny Hicks, Josie Leavy, Catherine Benefield, Micki Carter, 

Sophie Desola, (back) Jackson Benefield, Jim Benefield, 

Harrison Benefield 

Ella Slade, Edwin Hussey, Sarah Collier, Cleo Smith, Owen Roberts, 

Jacob Steinhilper 

Jay Mason, Jaye Mason, Bent Gay, Katie Cowart, Amy Gay 

ULLA JOHNSON + HUNTER BELL 

AMANDA UPRICHARD + STAUD 

MISA + DOLCE VITA + RAMY BROOK 

MOTHER + SOFTWAVES + CELIAB 

LOVE THE LABEL + MARIE OLIVER 

RAG & BONE + SEA NY + KREWE 

195 COLLEGE AVENUE 

ATHENS, GA 

706.543.0702 

Gates McCants, Anna Marchant, Ashley Ross, Matthew Kinney, 

John Kinney, Caroline Kinney, Kenny Ross, Wood Marchant, 

Laura Lee Kinney, Will Marchant, Merrilee Ross, Caroline Kinney 


SOCIAL 

FAN SHOTS 

Charles Mixon, Jordan Mixon, Brooke Storz, 

Cricket Garlich 

Sean Jones 

Leigh Longino, Archie Lowe, 

Shelby Rusche, Claire Anderson 

Emma Schiltz, 

Ansley D’Meza 


Wade Stephens, Ami Stephens, Laura Allen, Tom Allen 

Keith Hill, Stacy Stephens, 

Carey Stephens 

Catherine Marti, Jon Marti, Parker Grow 

SINCE 1974 

ON ST. SIMONS ISLAND 

LADY DAWG HEADQUARTERS 

SPORTSWEAR 0-16, 0X-3X 

ACCESSORIES • SHOES • GIFTS 

1616 Frederica Road | 912-638-3995 

10:00 - 5:00 Mon.-Sat. 

maggiesssi.com 


FAN SHOTS 

SOCIAL 

Corky Warner, Chip Champion 

Vince Thomas, Jeff Dantzler 

Julianne Chambliss, 

Saxby Chambliss 

Sabrina Collins, Dorothy Walker 

Lisa Langford, 

Caroline Kinney 

Bonney Shuman, 

Susan Powell 

Asa Hill, Bo Allen 

Lori Lovett, Courtney Wier, Kasi Carvell, Rusty Mansell, 

Elisabeth McCoy Tiffany Merrill, Courtney Smith, 

Kerri Pramik, Jennifer Pope 

Welcoming New 

Patients! 

We are welcoming new smiles in our newly renovated 

and expanded office and we want to meet you. 

Zachary Powell, DMD 

Give our office a call today to schedule personalized time with one of our experienced professionals! 

Implant Dentistry Cosmetic Dentistry Preventive Dentistry Family Dentistry 

288 Redfern Village, SSI | 9 1 2 . 6 3 8 . 9 0 9 0 | Monday - Thursday 8am - 4pm | WELCOMING NEW SMILES 


SOCIAL 

FAN SHOTS 

Marjory Mitchell, Bonney Shuman, 

Ali Arline, Elizabeth Brunson 

Todd Gurley 

John Hubbard, Vicki Brown, Melissa Pearson, 

Randy Pearson 


David Wilson, 

Rick Bondie 

Patsy Hodges, 

Tom Call 

Lisa Brown, Banks Brown, 

Ali Brown, Taylor Brown 

Robert Wolfe, Greg DeMent, Trip Tollison, 

Carey Stephenson, James Hester 


FAN SHOTS 

SOCIAL 

Dora Hooks, Lester Hooks 

Chip Tardy, Jimbo Laboon 

Ragan DeFreese, Lollie DeFreese, 

Chris Hemmings, Hugh Singletary, Jim Gillen 

Jennifer White, 

Delano White 

Marcus Simmons, Carol Simmons, 

Eugenie Barrow, Joe Barrow, 

Melton Weekley 

Lauren Jennings, 

Carson Kooistra, 

Madison Baine 

John Thigpin, Mikee Johnson, Mike Peavy, Tom Walker, 

Billy Basile 

ATTORNEYS AT LAW 

Alice and Olivia 

Shoshanna 

Simkhai 

Saylor 

Hutch 

Paige 

Philippe Model 

and many more 

WE ARE LOCAL. 

WE ARE GEORGIA. 

WE ARE BULLDAWGS. 

706-354-4000 

bbga.com 

You might need 

a bigger closet! 

www.monkeesofathens.com 

1059 Baxter St. Suite A 

Athens GA 30606 

706.850.8577 

@monkeesathens 


SOCIAL 

FAN SHOTS 

Larry Edward, 

Sharon Edwards 

Bonney Shuman, 

Mary Ellen Barrow, 

Nat Lanier 

John Waters, 

Mike Waters 

David Wilson, George Rogers 


Tom Allen, Clay McElroy, Craig Meeks, 

Jim Clarke 

Isabella Piso, Julia Edwards, Tracy Carmony, 

Mark Carmony 

Rylan O’Hearn, Rick O’Hearn, Brenda O’Hearn, 

Caroline O’Hearn, Reid O’Hearn 

HVAC SERVICE SO GOOD YOU'LL 

TELL YOUR MAMA 'N THEM! 

(Ask us about our referral program!) 

NOW CHEERIN' ON THE DAWGS FROM: 

ATHENS 

Heating + Cooling 

Services you can 

count on in BOTH 

of your favorite 

places! 

ST. SIMONS 

706-543-2141 912-648-2883 


FAN SHOTS 

SOCIAL 

Madison Tuten, Rick Howard, 

Lorick Howard, Shiloh Hutton 

Eads Hubbell, Darcy Pocklington, Eleanor Cart, 

Willa Pocklington, Eva Wadley, Ella Slade 

Will Nichols, Julia Hardell, Peyton Perez, 

Sarah Hardell 

Sandra Kate Ellington, Ford Williams, 

John Ellington, Shelly Harrell 

Paula Ragsdale, Sean Ragsdale, 

Andrew Hardin 

Owen Hodges, 

Caroline Campbell, 

Will Campbell, 

Grant Campbell 

Will Leitch, Alexa Stevenson, 

Watts Allen, Tommy Nix 

Relaxed. Refined. Athens. 

Customized Homes in Five 

Points with Amenities! 

Ready For Purchase Now! 

• High End Finishes Throughout 

• Finished Basements 

• Incredible Hilltop Views 

• Minutes to Everything 

OPEN HOUSES: 

Sundays 2p-4p and 

Wednesdays 1p-5p 

HOA INCLUDES: 

Pool; Clubhouse with Kitchen & Two Gyms; Dog Park; 

River Trail; Community Pavilion; Lawn, Trash & Internet. 

WELCOME BACK DAWG NATION! 

FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.GLENVIEWATHENS.COM 

FIND OUT 

MORE HERE 

Joe Polaneczky 

Broker/Realtor 

Contact Joe P. • (706) 224-7451 • joep@naborealty.com 

office@naborealty.com • (706) 607-6226 


SOCIAL 

FAN SHOTS 

Dan Cabaniss, Dayle Burns, Lynn Pease, 

Edd Lowe, Edie Lowe 

Rob Saye, Wade Hudson, Marty Hahn, Chuck Ford 

Rana Thigpin, 

Wimberly Mitchell, 

Makayla Pulliam 


Rick Rodrigue, 

Patrick Rodrigue, 

Kathryn Rodrigue 

Ali Arline, Pope Arline, 

Max Champion, 

Marjory Mitchell, 

Helen Arline 

Shooter Roberts, Hart Roberts, Ella Slade, 

Owen Roberts, Cheri Leavy, Vance Leavy 

Chuck Wynn, Mandi Wood, 

Charlie Wynn, Mayson Wood, 

Matt Wood, Rob Freeman, 

Whitney Freeman, 

Robby Freeman 

Happy Hour 

4-6 PM 

Sunday-Friday 

310 Redfern Village 

Saint Simons Island, GA 31522 

www.gnatslanding.com 

912-638-7378 

200 Redfern Village | Saint Simons Island, GA 31522 

(912) 634-0073 | www.bubbagarcias.com 


A Seaside Tradition 

THE RSM CLASSIC 

NOVEMBER 13-19, 2023 

The Fall is Bigger. The Fall is BETTER. The Fall MEANS MORE. 

Join us at Sea Island Golf Club this fall as we welcome the worlds best to the 

2023 RSM Classic. 

Our most popular Seaside Terrace ticket includes multiple hospitality venues 

with complimentary food and beer,wine and seltzers. 

Scan QR Code for all availble ticket options!

Cue the 

Confetti … 

Logo Colorways 

Tickets for Summit 

2024 are on Sale Now! 

THESE CAN BE USED 

WITH 1 OR 2 COLORS 

Sea Island, Georgia and Beyond 

January 30 - February 1, 2024 

#CONNECTCOLLABORATECREATE! 

Co-Founders Whitney 

Long and Cheri Leavy 

celebrate over a decade 

of fostering The 

Southern C (events + 

monthly membership)! 

The Southern Coterie is a vibrant community of 

women in business - a resource for passionate 

female entrepreneurs. Our events connect you with 

other seasoned entrepreneurs, mentors, 

and a roster of impressive industry experts and 

editors while offering thoughtfully integrated 

networking opportunities designed to move you 

farther faster with a dose of fun! 

JOIN THE SOUTHERN C | EST. NOVEMBER 2011 

THESOUTHERNC.COM

Q&A 

PROUST 

COMPILED BY: CAROLINE CHAMPION 

FAMILY: Son of Brenda and John; Grandson of Gigi and Mr. 

A; Brother of Jack, Coleman, Matt and Will; Proud uncle of Briar, 

Britton, Natalie, Banks, Caroline, Evelyn Grace and Sydney 

HOMETOWN: Saint Simons Island, Georgia 

CURRENT TOWN: Washington, DC 

WHAT YEARS AT UGA: 2009-2013 

SCHOOL/DEGREE: School of Public and International 

Affairs (SPIA) and Morehead Honors College/A.B. Political 

Science 

PROFESSION: Government Relations, Energy Sector 

ACCOLADES: 

UGA SPIA Board of Visitors; UGA Alumni Association “40 Under 

40”; Sigma Nu Fraternity “Man of the Year”; I captained two 

state championship golf teams at Frederica Academy, but my 

score didn’t count in either! 

WHAT LIFE LESSONS DID YOU LEARN WHILE AT UGA? 

I wouldn’t trade my four years in Athens for a Yale Law degree. 

I said that to a Yale-educated lawyer once, and he didn’t 

appreciate it. My Sigma Nu brothers keep me from taking 

myself too seriously. The lasting friendships I made at UGA 

taught me the value of real relationships – it’s about quality, 

not quantity. Plus the importance of work-life balance – life’s 

too short not to invest in the people and experiences that 

matter most. 

WHAT PROFESSOR DID YOU MOST ADMIRE? 

Dr. Charles Bullock is one of our nation’s foremost experts on 

southern and legislative politics. I was fortunate to have him as 

a professor, and I’m even more fortunate to have kept in touch 

with him since I graduated. His class was as engaging as it was 

challenging, and I still find his insights incredibly valuable as I 

(attempt to) navigate the crazy world of politics. 

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR GREATEST 

ACHIEVEMENT? 

I hope I haven’t achieved it yet. But being named one of UGA’s 

“40 Under 40” before I was 30 was especially meaningful, 

both because I was being recognized by my alma mater and 

also because I was being recognized for giving back to my 

community, alongside my professional accomplishments. 

WHICH HISTORICAL FIGURE DO YOU MOST 

IDENTIFY WITH? 

I had the opportunity to meet President George H.W. Bush 

at the 2001 Walker Cup. In addition to being one of the most 

accomplished individuals to ever hold our nation’s highest 

office, President Bush is remembered for his kindness, sense of 

humor and love of golf, all of which were on display that day. 

We need more public servants like him. 

WHO ARE YOUR HEROES IN REAL LIFE? 

My late grandfather, Gene Anglin, a decorated World War 

II veteran and accomplished engineer (despite attending 

Pictured: Wells Ellenberg, Prof. Charles Bullock 

and Andrew Dill 

WELLS ELLENBERG 

the North Avenue Trade School); and my late father, John 

Ellenberg, a beloved physician who brought literally thousands 

of lives into this world. They helped set the example for me 

as a person, professional and hopefully future husband and 

father. I miss them every day and hope I can make them proud. 

QUOTE TO LIVE BY: 

“Golf is the closest game to the game we call life. You get bad 

breaks from good shots. You get good breaks from bad shots. 

You have to play the ball where it lies.” – Bobby Jones 

WHAT IS YOUR IDEA OF PERFECT HAPPINESS? 

I’m happiest on or near the water with a golf club, a fly rod 

and/or a cold drink in my hand. The late, great Jimmy Buffett 

summed it up well with the title of his greatest-hits album: 

Boats, Beaches, Bars and Ballads. 

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MARKED CHARACTERISTIC? 

I hope it’s being a true and loyal friend and treating others 

with kindness. 

WHAT DO YOU MOST VALUE IN YOUR FRIENDS? 

My dad encouraged me to surround myself with friends whose 

company I enjoy but also whom I admire – that make me want 

to be a better version of myself simply by being around them. 

IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT 

YOURSELF, WHAT WOULD IT BE? 

I’d like to be a few inches taller and a much better golfer! 

WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE WRITERS? 

I’ve been listening to a lot of Jimmy Buffett since his recent 

passing. He was as much a storyteller as he was a musician, 

and no matter the circumstances, his lyrics have the power 

to transport you to a better place. I’m lucky to have met him 

and to have attended about a dozen of his shows, including 

one last year in Austin, Texas. I’m also a big fan of Ernest 

Hemingway. Hemingway wrote what he meant, and he meant 

what he wrote. In a profession that too often deals in nuance 

and nonsense, I find his simplicity and straightforwardness 

refreshing. 

FAVE SOCIAL MEDIA AND WHO TO FOLLOW? 

I spend way too much time on social media, especially 

Instagram. I’m a rabid follower of anything UGA related and 

especially enjoy Kirby’s “Go Dawgs!” tweets whenever we land 

another top-notch recruit. 


Located In Beautiful North Georgia Mountains 

Tallulah Falls 

CAMP 

Established in 1933 

GEORGIA 

Established in 1898 

CHATTOOGA 

Camp Chattooga 

FOR GIRLS 

A C 

Athens FOR BOYS Y Camp 

FOR BOYS 

Emphasis on Christian values | Located on 600 acres 

Separate boys and girls facilities 

One week sessions | Resident & Day Camps 

Traditional & Adventure programs 

“Where God and good times are friends” 

www.ayccamps.org

FROM THE FIELD PG. 52 | BUTLER’S PLAYERS OF THE GAME PG. 53 | JD’S TOP 12 PG. 54 

FIRST DOWN GEORGIA! 

CARSON BECK TURNS IN A SOLID DAY IN SANFORD 


MORE 

SPORTS 


STATS THAT 

MATTER 

GEORGIA – 24, S. CAROLINA- 14 

BY: CLAY WATKINS 

A look back at what decided the game between Georgia and South Carolina. 

210 

Georgia had 210 yards rushing on the day after two rather anemic 

rushing performances against lesser opponents. Daijun Edwards 

returned to the lineup and looked like the gritty, elusive back 

Georgia needs to jump start its run game. Edwards led the Bulldog’s 

ground game 

210 

and totaled 118 yards on only 20 carries for an 

impressive average of 5.9 yards per attempt. A banged-up Kendall 

Milton was less effective, compiling 25 yards on seven carries. Dillon 

Bell appears to be next in line for carries and he added another 

23 yards on the ground. Cash Jones had two carries for 20 yards, 

including an 11-yard scamper for a TD. With Edwards back from 

injury, Georgia’s run game should continue to churn out yards. 

3 

Georgia only managed to eke out three first-half points in an 

offensive performance had many Bulldog fans scratching their 

heads. Georgia moved the ball but continued to stall out in the 

redzone. It was particularly perplexing that Georgia only looked 

to get its short-passing game going against a stacked box. On 

Georgia’s initial 18 pass attempts in the first-half, Beck’s longest went 

for only 11 yards. Thankfully, Georgia began to stretch the field a bit 

more in the second half. Beck completed four passes of 12 yards or 

more, including a long of 36 yards to Rara Thomas. It did not help 

that Georgia continues to struggle in the kicking game, missing 2 of 

3 field goals attempts, including a chip-shot, first-half attempt. 

23 

Tykee Smith number, 23, was seen all over the field on Saturday. 

With injured Javon Bullard unavailable, Smith needed to step up 

against a formidable Gamecock passing game. Smith played to 

the level that many expected when Smith transferred to Georgia 

after a freshman All-American season at West Virginia. Smith led 

the Bulldogs in total tackles with five and sealed the win with a 

well-timed interception off Spencer Rattler late in the fourth quarter. 

When Bullard returns, the Bulldogs secondary should be one of the 

best in the country. 

5 

South Carolina committed five false start penalties in what became 

an increasingly loud environment as the game progressed. At SEC 

media day, South Carolina’s defensive lineman Tonka Hemingway 

rated Texas A&M’s Kyle Field and Tennessee’s Neyland Stadium as the 

loudest in the SEC. That was just fine for Kirby Smart, who responded 

by calling for Georgia fans to prove they are still “elite.” Hemingway’s 

discounting of Georgia’s fanbase appeared more accurate in the 

first half as Georgia struggled mightily putting points on the board 

while South Carolina scored two touchdowns against Georgia’s 

vaunted defense. As the weather worsened later in the game, the 

crowd began to influence the game in persistent rain. After scoring a 

touchdown in its last possession of the first half, South Carolina had 

three punts, two interceptions and a turnover on downs on its six 

second-half possessions. Georgia’s amped-up student section and 

crowd aided this effort. 

98 

Georgia’s defense played up to its potential in the second half, 

limiting South Carolina to only 98 yards of total offense. Much of this 

success was due to pressure from an energized pass rush that finally 

started affecting the play of Spencer Rattler. Georgia finished the 

day with three sacks, including one by Mykel Williams, who seemed 

to be in South Carolina’s backfield all game long. Dumas-Johnson 

3 

BACK WITH ATTACK! 

THE RETURN OF DAIJUN 

EDWARDS WAS KEY TO THE 

DAWGS’ GRITTY VICTORY 

PHOTO BY: GREG POOLE 

and Nazir Stackhouse each had a sack. Williams admitted that 

Georgia “woke up in the second half.” Rattler played much better 

98 

than his stat line and was quick to throw the ball away rather than 

endure additional sacks. After the game, Smart praised Williams 

as the team’s “most dynamic rusher.” If another edge rusher 

can begin to generate pass rush pressure, then Georgia should 

exceed last year’s sack total. 


FROM THE 

field 

BY GREG POOLE 

South Carolina is not a great football team, nor is Georgia - right 

now. Fortunately for Dawg fans, the guys in Red and Black can 

change that perception. Most injured players will return to the 

lineup, and all those inexperienced pups are gaining valuable 

experience as the “easy” part of the schedule provides the 

opportunity for growth through game reps. 

Back-to-back national championships allowed players to 

showcase their skills to the nation, and the NFL was watching. 

The 25 Dawgs selected from the natty teams is an NFL record, 

but replacing that talent level is no mean feat. Fortunately for 

Kirby and Company, top-end players have continued to flock 

to Athens. However, only some arrive in Athens as SEC-ready 

contributors. The fact that some kids go directly from high school 

to SEC starters should cloud the fact that most college athletes 

need to grow and develop to employ the talents that made them 

attractive to Coach Smart’s program. 

Now that we have covered the excuses for the Bulldogs’ 

lackluster performance to start this season, the Dawgs have one 

more Saturday against an overmatched opponent (UAB), then 

the team must be ready for the SEC grind. No matter how weak 

the upcoming league schedule is perceived, Auburn, Kentucky, 

Florida, Mizzou, and Ole Miss, have SEC-caliber players. Like South 

Carolina, each will rise to the challenge of taking on the defending 

national champion, and give the Dawgs their best shot. And we 

know going to Rocky Top late in November will be a tall task. 

Of course, most of the concern (from fans) about the team’s 

performance focuses on the offense, as it should. In each 2023 

start, Georgia has looked out of sync, confused and flat, but the 

solution lies in the symptoms. 

NOT IN OUR HOUSE! 

KAMARI LASSITER AND TYKEE SMITH WERE LIGHTS OUT 

PHOTO BY: GREG POOLE 

The Bulldogs’ performance has been in the doldrums during 

the first quarter (every game) and the entire first half for most. 

Saturday’s defeat of the Gamecocks proved once again that 

UGA has the player resources to take back a game that was in 

danger of slipping away. That kind of reversal after the half is 

usually a player-directed turn-around. It is about leadership. 

The challenge from now on is for team leaders to exert their 

proven leadership from the opening kickoff - comebacks 

sometimes fail. 

MOVING DAWGS ACROSS GEORGIA SINCE 1972 

Residential and Commercial Moving 

Local and Long Distance 

On-site Document Destruction 

Document Data Storage 

Go Mini’s Portable Storage Units 

Packing Materials 

DUKE LINDSAY 

dlindsay@thelindsaygroup.net 

706.549.8902 • 180 Trade Street • Bogart, GA 30622 


KEVIN BUTLER’S 

PLAYERS OF THE GAME 

COMPILED BY JEFF DANTZLER 

OFFENSIVE PLAYER 

Daijun Edwards - No. 30 on the field, brought a nice 

comforting feeling throughout the stadium Saturday against 

the Gamecocks. The senior from Norman Park, Georgia, Colquitt 

County, brought back the hard physical style of play that we 

have been missing at tailback. With Coach Bobo at the helm, he 

went back to the 80s and for the first time in a while, a Georgia 

running back had 20 carries in one game. Daijun gained 118 

yards against a tough South Carolina team but in the end he 

won that battle. As Georgia goes so does their running game 

we were very fortunate to have Edwards back at work. I expect 

20 carries might be one of the lower games as we go into the 

SEC. Glad to have Daijun back on our winning sandwich! 

DEFENSIVE PLAYER 

Kamari Lassiter - We knew Spencer Rattler was going to be 

a factor in that our defensive backs had to step up and have 

their best game of the season. Well, they certainly had their 

best second half of the season and Lassiter led the way with 

aggressive coverage and a defensive mindset to stop the 

“quick toss” throws to the outside. Kamari had four tackles, two solos, and 

2 1/2 tackles for a loss. That kind of aggressive play from Lassiter gives 

Georgia a double threat at cornerback with him being able to provide 

great coverage and strong run support. He is surrounded by a talented, 

defensive backfield that will keep getting tested throughout the SEC 

schedule. The junior is playing Bulldog football right now. Keep it up. 

SPECIAL TEAM PLAYER 

Brett Thorson - the second year punter from Australia performed like a 

seasoned veteran for the Bulldogs. In a game where special teams play is 

a factor in the outcome for both teams, Thorson was the one true special 

teams factor that went Georgia’s way. He was only needed three times, 

but after the 111 yards in the air pinned the Gamecocks inside the 20 

three times. South Carolina’s offense can hurt you with a short field and 

his excellent punting gave Georgia’s defense a much better opportunity 

to be aggressive with Carolina having to drive the length of the field. He’s 

a good old bloke from down under. Keep it up Brett. 

UNSUNG DAWG OF THE WEEK 

Clearly the crowd was needed this week and the 12th man showed 

up. We knew South Carolina was coming to Georgia feeling more 

like playing Between the Hedges was playing at the neighborhood 

playground. Not so fast gamecocks! The 12th man showed up which was 

a factor with the 11 Gamecocks’ penalties. When the crowd shows up in 

Sanford Stadium, it makes for a very difficult atmosphere, which came to 

life in the second half with the Bulldogs play. Kirby Smart said the crowd 

should always remember they were a factor in Saturday’s performance - 

proof that the 12th man lives Between the Hedges. 

Westside • 2020 Timothy Rd. 

706.549.7700 

Eastside • 1985 Barnett Shoals Rd. 

706.208.0911 

DINE-IN • TAKE-OUT 

DELIVERY • CATERING 

locosgrill.com 


MORE SPORTS 

FOOTBALL 

TOP 12 

JD’S 


We head into Week Four with some conference matchups on the 

docket. The biggest game will be in South Bend, where Notre Dame 

plays host to Ohio State. This past week, there were no top 25 versus 

top 25 matchups, but there were some great games. Meanwhile, 

Georgia, Alabama, Texas and Florida State all had to fight, scratch and 

claw to victory as heavy favorites. Teams finding their footing in this 

era of college football and the new clock rules are bringing underdogs 

into play more than ever. 

1. GEORGIA - The back-to-back national champions 

trailed South Carolina 14-3 at the half last week, then 

rallied for a 24-14 win. Daijun Edwards gave Georgia 

a big lift. Georgia hosts UAB Saturday night and then its seven 

straight against the SEC. 

2. TEXAS - Coming off the unforgettable victory over 

Alabama, the Longhorns, not surprisingly, weren’t as 

sharp against Wyoming. The game was 10-10 in the 

fourth, but Texas rallied. Next up, Texas opens Big XII play at Baylor. 

3. FLORIDA STATE - It was scary for the 

Seminoles, who escaped with a 31-29 victory at Boston 

College. Florida State hits the road for an ACC biggie, 

taking on Clemson in Tiger Town. Clemson is seeking to salvage 

its season. 

4. MICHIGAN - The Wolverines pulled away in the 

second half to beat Bowling Green 31-6. It was another 

game without suspended head coach Jim Harbaugh. 

Next up is the Big Ten opener against Rutgers in the Big House. 

5. NOTRE DAME - The Fighting Irish are 4-0 after 

a 41-17 win over Central Michigan. The stage is set 

for the highly anticipated showdown against Ohio 

State in South Bend. Sam Hartman has been a great addition at 

quarterback for Notre Dame. 

6. OHIO STATE - It’s off to South Bend for the 

Buckeyes, who overpowered Western Kentucky 

63-10 this past Saturday. Ohio State has one of best 

collections of running backs and wide receivers in college 

football. 

7. UTAH - First it was Florida, then it was Baylor. Last 

week, the Utes tuned-up with a 31-7 in-state win over 

Weber State. Now it’s UCLA and the PAC-12 opener in Salt 

Lake City. The Utes defense is playing very well thus far this season. 

8. WASHINGTON - Granted Michigan State is 

in a state of turmoil, but what Washington did in 

East Lansing was very impressive. A 41-7 rout of the 

Spartans pushed the Huskies to 3-0. The Cal Golden Bears visit 

Seattle Saturday. 

9. SOUTHERN CAL - The Trojans had this past 

Saturday - they played in Week Zero - and are 3-0. 

Caleb Williams is off to another great start. Southern 

Cal hits the road the next two weeks, taking on Arizona State in 

Tempe Saturday, then the Buffaloes loom in Boulder. 

10. OREGON STATE - The Beavers keep rolling along 

as a sleeper in the stacked PAC-12. A 26-9 win over San 

Diego State improved Oregon State to 3-0. Up next on 

Saturday, the PAC-12 opener against Washington State in Pullman. 

11. LSU - The Tigers took another step in their inseason 

bounce back after the season opening loss 

to Florida State. LSU was outstanding last Saturday, 

rolling to a 41-14 win at Mississippi State. Arkansas comes to Tiger 

Stadium this week. 

12. ALABAMA - The Crimson Tide were looking 

for the right answer at quarterback last weekend at 

South Florida. It was 3-3 at the half, and a little nervy for 

the Tide, who pulled out a 17-3 win. High octane Ole Miss visits 

T-Town Saturday. 

OUR FRIES ARE AS GOOD AS 

SONNY’S CLASSIC GAME DAY HATS! 

Rest in Peace, Mr. Seiler! 

athens • watkinsville • auburn • lawrenceville 


ENJOY RESPONSIBLY © 2022 Anheuser-Busch, Bud Light® Beer, St. Louis, MO

PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY. 

Crown Royal Blended Canadian Whisky. 40%Alc/Vol. The Crown Royal Company, Norwark, CT.

Remembering A Georgia Legend - Sonny Seiler

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?