Georgia mascot Uga IX to retire

Georgia announces their mascot UGA IX ‘Russ’ will retire this season and Uga X will replace him.

The University of Georgiaannounced Thursday that mascot Uga IX, also know as Russ, will retire this season. 

The successor to Uga IX will be Uga X, who will also go by “Que.” Uga X will be officially introduced when the Bulldogs play Georgia Southern on Nov. 21.

According to the school, Que underwent a successful three-month audition for the new role, making appearances at the Countdown to Kickoff event in July and Picture Day in August.

Russ will retire after three seasons as the full-time mascot. Russ, 11, also worked 25 games as the interim mascot from 2009–12. 

“Uga is cherished by University of Georgia fans worldwide,” said President Jere W. Morehead. “We are grateful for Russ’s dedicated service, and we look forward to welcoming Que as our new mascot.”

Russ compiled an overall record of 44–19 and was officially given the title Uga IX back in September 2012.

“We are thrilled to have Que join our long line of mascots and he has already proven to be up to the task of serving as our official mascot,” said J. Reid Parker Director of Athletics Greg McGarity. “We tip our cap to Russ, who served admirably as UGA IX and has been a great mentor to Que, UGA X.”

Georgia has a bye this week and will face Florida on the road in their next game on Oct. 31.