Hairy Dawg is currently one of the most recognizable college football mascots in the country. He made his first Georgia Football appearance during the 1981 Sugar Bowl for the 1980 National Championship Game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
Coach Vince Dooley saw sketches of Hairy, presented by the designer, Tom Sapp. He liked the sketches and wanted the new mascot to make his first appearance at the Sugar Bowl game. “It was designed to be a more intimidating look than our previous mascot” he said.
Tom got to work right away and created the new mascot in a short three weeks, cutting and stitching the costume himself. UGA student Stan Beecham wore the first Hairy Dawg costume. Hairy was a big hit among Bulldog fans! The Bulldogs went on to beat the Irish 17-10 to became the 1980 national football champions.
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Hairy Dawg. Photo Credit: Wingate Downs
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I have the original sketches of Hairy Dawg hanging in a frame in my home. My brother in law, Tom Sapp, gave them to me as a Christmas present two years ago. Neat bit of UGA history!!
Nice! Sounds like a great UGA collectible to have.
That's amazing Uncle Kevin!!
My son Avery has several scetches that my Uncle Tommy drew for him. We have them framed and on his walls. Of course his room is decorated in UGA all the way.