Interim no more, two-time fill-in mascot "Russ" has been promoted to Uga IX, Georgia announced on Thursday.
According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, an official conferring of the title will occur on Sept. 15 at the Georgia Bulldogs' home game against Florida Atlantic. Russ is the half-brother of a previous Uga, Uga VII, who died in November 2009. Uga VII's death was Russ's first opportunity to fill in as the visible on-field mascot for the Bulldogs. His first interim stint lasted the final two games of 2009 and the first six of 2010.
Russ again filled in during part of 2010 and for the entire 2011 season. In his 23 games serving as mascot, the Bulldogs have compiled a 14-9 record.
"Like many great and memorable Bulldogs, Russ has earned the opportunity to serve in this capacity," University of Georgia president Michael Adams said in a statement.
Georgia opens its schedule Sept. 1 against Buffalo at home.
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