Football History

The University of Georgia's mascot, Uga, isn't your average costumed character. This furry ambassador is a purebred English Bulldog, a lineage that stretches back to 1956 with a rather unexpected origin story.

Uga's tale begins with Frank Heard, who gifted a bulldog puppy to Sonny Seiler as a wedding present. Seiler, a University of Georgia alumnus, brought his new pet, then unnamed, to the first home game of the 1956 season. The bulldog's stoic presence on the sidelines caught the eye of head coach Wally Butts, who saw an opportunity. With a suggestion from a fellow student, Billy Young, the dog was christened "Uga," a clever play on the university's abbreviation.

Uga's debut proved to be a success. The Bulldogs won the game, and the adorable mascot quickly stole the hearts of fans. The Seiler family, captivated by the enthusiastic response, agreed to become Uga's official caretakers, a tradition that continues to this day. Each subsequent Uga is a descendant of the original, ensuring a consistent lineage and iconic white fur.

Uga's role extends beyond mere cheering. The mascot embodies the tenacity and fighting spirit associated with the Georgia Bulldogs. Their calm demeanor and unwavering presence on the sidelines have become a source of comfort and inspiration for players and fans alike. Interestingly, some fans even believe Uga possesses a lucky charm, attributing winning seasons to his presence.

Over the decades, Uga has transcended mascot duties. He has appeared on national television, graced magazine covers, and even received his own bobblehead. Uga X, who retired in 2023, holds the record for the most wins of any mascot in college football history. His successor, Uga XI, carries the torch forward, reminding everyone that the University of Georgia spirit is embodied not just by human athletes, but by a loyal and beloved bulldog named Uga.

Auburn University's iconic tiger mascot, Aubie, boasts a surprisingly literary origin story. Unlike a ferocious jungle predator, Auburn's tiger pride stems from the gentle verses of an 18th-century poem.

In 1770, Oliver Goldsmith published "The Deserted Village," a poem containing the line, "where crouching tigers wait their hapless prey..." A local Alabama newspaper, captivated by the imagery, began referring to Auburn athletes as the "Plainsmen," referencing another line in the poem about "Sweet Auburn, loveliest village of the plain." However, the "tiger" reference also resonated, eventually eclipsing "Plainsmen" as the dominant nickname.

This literary association wasn't the end of the story. For decades, Auburn lacked an official mascot. It wasn't until 1959 that a cartoon tiger, appearing on a football program cover, ignited a spark. This playful depiction, the brainchild of artist Phil Neel, quickly captured the hearts of Auburn fans. The cartoon tiger paved the way for Aubie, the costumed mascot we know today, who debuted in 1981.

Interestingly, the "War Eagle" battle cry, a fierce rallying cry for Auburn fans, predates the tiger mascot. Its origins are debated, surfacing sometime in the late 19th or early 20th century. While Auburn never adopted an eagle mascot, "War Eagle" seamlessly integrated with the tiger, creating a unique and potent combination of power and spirit.

Today, Aubie the Tiger reigns supreme. From energetic appearances at games to his role as a beloved symbol of Auburn pride, the tiger embodies the spirit of Auburn athletics. Though its origins lie in a quiet poem, Auburn's tiger mascot has become a roaring symbol of school spirit, a testament to the unexpected places where college mascots can be born.

The University of Missouri's "Tigers" nickname boasts a history as rich and spirited as its mascot's orange and black stripes. The connection stretches back to the turbulent years of the Civil War, where the seeds of Mizzou's fierce pride were sown.

Fearing raids by Confederate guerilla bands, the citizens of Columbia, Missouri, formed a local militia unit nicknamed the "Missouri Tigers" to defend their town. These brave volunteers embodied courage and resilience, qualities that resonated with the university's burgeoning athletic program. In 1890, just as the first Mizzou football team was taking shape, the athletic committee adopted "Tigers" as their official nickname, a tribute to the community's wartime protectors.

For decades, the Tigers remained nameless. Mizzou even sported two separate tiger mascots, a male and female, at one point. In 1981, these mascots were combined into a single, more unified tiger. However, it wasn't until 1984 that the beloved mascot truly came alive. A student-led contest, aiming to raise funds for a mascot uniform carrying case, offered students the chance to name the tiger for a dollar. The winning entry, a stroke of pure Missouri pride, was "Truman," honoring the state's 33rd president, Harry S. Truman.

Truman the Tiger, with his friendly yet spirited demeanor, quickly became a campus icon. He embodies the fighting spirit of the Missouri Tigers athletes and serves as a constant reminder of the community's unwavering spirit. The roar of the Tigers isn't just a stadium chant; it's a testament to the legacy of those who defended Columbia and the unwavering pride of the Mizzou community.

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Logo on Chris Creamer’s Sports Logos Page - SportsLogos.Net. A virtual museum of sports logos, uniforms and historical items. Currently over 10,000 on display for your viewing pleasure

There are a few important developments in a college’s adolescence: a name, a mission and the institution of some sports teams. Even though Tech had a footba