100% Georgia Bulldog

Yesterday I met with Coach Dan Magill (photo--Red and Black) to discuss, among other things, Georgia football's "lost" victories of 1908 and 1909 and details regarding the Bulldogs' 7-6 victory over Tulane in 1937. These topics of conversation seem like exchanges that would leave most bored out of their skulls. However, fascinating and interesting, certainly not boring, are adjectives used to describe any discussion with the legendary UGA tennis coach and athletics historian.

I'm sure most of you know who Dan Magill is: World War II veteran, associated with UGA's athletic program for six decades, Georgia's head tennis coach from 1955-1988, retiring as the winningest coach in NCAA Division I history, and the foremost knowledgeable source on the history of University of Georgia athletics, to name only a few. The Dan Magill Tennis Complex is named in his honor while Magill, 88 years young, is the curator of its ITA Hall of Fame. In addition, he has authored several books and still writes a column for the Athens Banner-Herald.

I got to know Coach Magill as he was writing the foreword for my second book, About Them Dawgs! The man is as gracious and courteous as he is knowledgeable, personally giving tours of the Hall of Fame for anyone who enters its doors. You'll find Magill there most Monday through Friday mornings, however, if you give him a call (706-542-8064) in advance, a tour can be scheduled most any time. I'm not a huge tennis fan but have to say that the Hall of Fame, located directly behind Foley Field, is rather impressive. I highly recommend paying it a visit and, if you have yet to have the pleasure, meeting Coach Dan Magill. Have a historical question regarding Georgia football? Rest assure Magill will have your answer...