Behind the Mask: Meet the Student Athlete Who Portrays Thunder, UGA's Mascot

By admin

The University of Georgia's athletic teams are known as the Bulldogs, and their live mascot is named Uga. Uga has been a beloved symbol of the university and its athletics since 1956 when he made his debut at a football game. Throughout the years, various Ugas have served as the official mascot. The current Uga is Uga XI, also known as "Que." He took over the role in 2020 and follows in the pawsteps of his predecessors who have all been purebred English Bulldogs. Every Uga has been owned by the Seiler family of Savannah, Georgia.


A funny college football subplot this season is that the Big 12 began to penalize Texas’s opponents for flashing the “horns down” symbol—the school’s typical “hook ’em” hand gesture, but flipped. This seemed ridiculous. Normally, officials flag obviously violent gestures like throat slashes and fake gunfire, but pretending a cow is upside down? That’s harmless, right? But maybe the conference is justified: Bevo reminded us that when a bull puts down its horns, it may be trying to murder a small dog.

Humans might be dumb enough to think that the field looks like grass, but trust me Animals never think for even a second that artificial turf is normal. A few things shook him up he s not used to the band being right next to him beating on the drum, and he s not used to other gameday noises, but he seemed to do pretty well.

Thunder uga mascot

Every Uga has been owned by the Seiler family of Savannah, Georgia. Uga is a highly revered and cherished mascot, with his own air-conditioned doghouse located on the sidelines at the football games. He is known for his distinctive red jersey featuring his varsity letter, and he often makes appearances at other athletic events and university functions.

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"Russ is 11 years old and we like to retire them at 8," Seiler said. "Actually Russ has been mascot twice, and he’s doing great for an 11-year-old dog. It’s just that he’s on some medicine that precludes us from putting him in that heated situation, and those first games are really hot and really muggy, and so we felt like it’s in his best interest to not attend these early games.
Thunder uga mascot

The role of Uga goes beyond just being a symbol of the university's athletic teams. Uga is seen as a member of the Georgia Bulldog family and is loved by fans and alumni alike. His presence at the games brings a sense of pride and tradition to the university, and he has become an iconic figure in college sports. In addition to his appearances at sporting events, Uga also has his own line of merchandise, including plush toys, t-shirts, and more. The proceeds from these sales go towards the care and well-being of Uga and his predecessors. Overall, Uga the Bulldog mascot is a cherished and beloved symbol of the University of Georgia. He represents the spirit, tradition, and pride of the university's athletic programs and brings joy to fans and supporters. The legacy of Uga will continue to live on as future Bulldogs take on the role of the university's beloved mascot..

Reviews for "Dancing with Thunder: The Choreography Behind UGA's Mascot Performances"

1. Mary - 1 star
I attended a football game where Thunder, the UGA mascot, was running around and causing a huge distraction. It seemed like he was more interested in playing around and getting attention than actually supporting the team. His antics took away from the game and made it difficult for me to focus on what was happening on the field. I think Thunder should be more disciplined and focused on his role as a mascot, rather than trying to steal the spotlight. Overall, I was very disappointed with the way Thunder performed during the game.
2. John - 2 stars
I didn't enjoy Thunder's performance as the UGA mascot. He seemed uncoordinated and unenthusiastic, lacking the energy and excitement that I expected from a mascot. It felt like he was just going through the motions, without really engaging with the crowd or showing any spirit. I think Thunder needs to step up his game and bring more enthusiasm to his role if he wants to effectively support the team and rally the fans. Unfortunately, his lackluster performance left me feeling underwhelmed and disappointed.
3. Sarah - 1 star
I found Thunder to be quite intimidating and overwhelming as the UGA mascot. His size and aggressive behavior made me feel uncomfortable, especially when he would jump or run towards the crowds. It seemed like he was more focused on being intimidating rather than being a source of entertainment for the fans. I believe a mascot should be fun and approachable, but Thunder's aggressive demeanor made me want to keep my distance. Overall, I didn't enjoy my experience with Thunder and think there should be a reevaluation of his performance as the UGA mascot.

From Puppy to Mascot: The Journey of UGA's Thunder

Pride and Spirit: How Thunder Inspires UGA Fans and Students