Making noise in Athens, new mascot, Isner, Sturdivant

Trinton Sturdivant's return could shake up the Georgia offensive line. (Georgiadogs.com)

The buzz in the sports media that those South African vuvuzelas might show up at SEC football games this fall thankfully has been put to rest by conference official Charles Bloom, who noted that Mississippi State’s cowbells earned an exception to the rule against noisemakers on the basis of tradition. “I do not believe a vuvuzela is tied traditionally into one of our institutions,” he said. But as far as Sanford Stadium, it wouldn’t have mattered anyway. Not even the cowbells are welcome in Athens, where the official stadium policy reads: “Artificial noisemakers (air horns, cowbells, etc.) are not permitted in Sanford Stadium. Be considerate and allow your neighbor to enjoy the game.” Organic, natural noise only, please. … I hear from the bulldog breeding community that the latest litter of bullpups sired by interim mascot Russ came up empty as far as a possible Uga VIII. That doesn’t necessarily mean Russ will get to keep the job for the whole season, though, as Sonny Seiler already had said he’d identified several puppies from the Uga VI line as potential candidates, though none will be big enough by the start of the season. I’m still inclined to think switching mascots midseason isn’t a good idea, but whatever happens, Russ will be the mascot of record at the annual fan picture day in Athens on Aug. 21. … After this week’s Wimbledon tennis marathon featuring UGA grad John Isner and his subsequent sporting of the school colors in media interviews, I think it’s pretty safe to say you can expect to see Isner honored in an on-field ceremony Between the Hedges sometime this fall. … The Macon and Columbus papers’ David Hale, unfortunately soon to depart the UGA sports beat, had a story about the impact that a returning healthy Trinton Sturdivant might have on the Dogs’ offensive line, which finally jelled in the second half of last season. Adding Sturdivant to the starting lineup might mean Chris Davis or Josh Davis would become a backup, and I know this concerns some folks. But I liked this quote from Josh: “I’m sure the best five will play every week. That’s how we’ll roll with it.” And, really, if Sturdivant (who was a freshman All American) proves he’s ready to resume his starting spot, how could that not be a good thing?

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