Dan Magill
Encyclopedia
Daniel Hamilton "Dan" Magill, Jr., longtime Sports Information Director, Head Tennis Coach, and Georgia Bulldog Club secretary for the University of Georgia
, is known throughout the state of Georgia
and the South for his unparalleled contributions to the Georgia Bulldog athletic program. Magill is also an accomplished tennis player, still competing in (and winning) tournaments today.
, Magill's association with the Bulldogs began with his job as bat boy for the baseball team and manager of the tennis courts while in high school. While at the University of Georgia
, he competed on the varsity tennis and swimming teams,volunteered his services as assistant football coach to Harry Mehre
and he was a member of Chi Phi Fraternity before entering the Marine Corps
during World War II
. Magill received his Bachelor of Arts
in Journalism
(ABJ) from the University's prestigious Henry W. Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication
in 1942.
Magill married the former Rosemary Reynaud of New Orleans and has three children - Ham, Sharon, and Mollie.
game (Spud Chandler
of the New York Yankees
and Whitlow Wyatt
of the Brooklyn Dodgers, both former Bulldogs) to manage the teams in a Georgia high school all-star baseball game. It was becoming obvious that Magill was a workhorse that couldn't fail.
His most impressive feats, however, were yet to come. In 1949, Magill returned to Athens to take the job of sports information director
for the University. His passion for the Bulldogs was evident as he personally covered every sport on campus with the passion for promotion for which he was known.
In the 1950s, the Bulldog football team
was struggling under legendary coach Wally Butts
. And as the wins became fewer, so did the number of people in the stands. To help out his alma mater, Magill traveled all over Georgia
, setting up Bulldog Clubs along the way. He also founded The Georgia Bulldog newspaper in 1950. Before long, nearly half of Georgia's counties had local chapters of Magill's club, and interest in the Bulldogs soared. Magill would continue to serve as executive secretary of the club for decades and the club continues to thrive today.
As if he didn't already have enough responsibilities, Magill added the title of "coach" to his resume in 1954, taking over as head coach of the struggling Bulldog tennis program. He would keep the title for the next 34 years, building the program into college tennis' most honored with a 706-183 record (second most wins by any coach in NCAA
history after former Stanford Coach Dick Gould), 13 Southeastern Conference
outdoor championships, 8 SEC indoor championships, and 2 national championships
. In addition, he built UGA's tennis complex, considered the finest in the country, and brought the ITA Collegiate Tennis Hall of Fame to Athens, which was named in his honor. He was inducted into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame
in 1976.
was named for him and a plaque with his biography is mounted alongside Bulldog greats such as Vince Dooley
, Fran Tarkenton
, Wally Butts
, and Frank Sinkwich
, to name a few. His seat assignment in the press box reads, "Dan Magill - Legend."
Uga V, Georgia's mascot from 1990–99, carried the official name of "Uga IV's Magillicuddy II" in honor of Magill. The bulldog was featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated
in 1997 and was named the best mascot in college sports in the same publication. Uga V had previously garnered national attention when he lunged at Auburn
football player Robert Baker in a four-overtime Georgia victory in 1996.
Perhaps one of the greatest testaments to Magill's contribution to the University of Georgia is that today nearly 50 people do the jobs that he once did on his own. His passion for the school continues even today as he serves as curator of the Dan Magill ITA Collegiate Hall of Fame and personally gives tours of the complex. He also writes regular columns for the Athens Banner Herald
(and provides each sports department staffer with a Claxton fruitcake at Christmas), maintains his health by playing tennis regularly, and is well-known for his gardening abilities (he received a commendation from the Garden Club of America).
University of Georgia
The University of Georgia is a public research university located in Athens, Georgia, United States. Founded in 1785, it is the oldest and largest of the state's institutions of higher learning and is one of multiple schools to claim the title of the oldest public university in the United States...
, is known throughout the state of Georgia
Georgia (U.S. state)
Georgia is a state located in the southeastern United States. It was established in 1732, the last of the original Thirteen Colonies. The state is named after King George II of Great Britain. Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the United States Constitution, on January 2, 1788...
and the South for his unparalleled contributions to the Georgia Bulldog athletic program. Magill is also an accomplished tennis player, still competing in (and winning) tournaments today.
Early life, education and family
Born and raised in Athens, GeorgiaAthens, Georgia
Athens-Clarke County is a consolidated city–county in U.S. state of Georgia, in the northeastern part of the state, comprising the former City of Athens proper and Clarke County. The University of Georgia is located in this college town and is responsible for the initial growth of the city...
, Magill's association with the Bulldogs began with his job as bat boy for the baseball team and manager of the tennis courts while in high school. While at the University of Georgia
University of Georgia
The University of Georgia is a public research university located in Athens, Georgia, United States. Founded in 1785, it is the oldest and largest of the state's institutions of higher learning and is one of multiple schools to claim the title of the oldest public university in the United States...
, he competed on the varsity tennis and swimming teams,volunteered his services as assistant football coach to Harry Mehre
Harry Mehre
Harry J. Mehre was an American football and basketball player and coach. He served as the head football coach at the University of Georgia and the University of Mississippi , compiling a career college football record of 98–60–7...
and he was a member of Chi Phi Fraternity before entering the Marine Corps
Marine corps
A marine is a member of a force that specializes in expeditionary operations such as amphibious assault and occupation. The marines traditionally have strong links with the country's navy...
during World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
. Magill received his Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Arts
A Bachelor of Arts , from the Latin artium baccalaureus, is a bachelor's degree awarded for an undergraduate course or program in either the liberal arts, the sciences, or both...
in Journalism
Journalism
Journalism is the practice of investigation and reporting of events, issues and trends to a broad audience in a timely fashion. Though there are many variations of journalism, the ideal is to inform the intended audience. Along with covering organizations and institutions such as government and...
(ABJ) from the University's prestigious Henry W. Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication
Henry W. Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication
The Henry W. Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication is a college within the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia, United States...
in 1942.
Magill married the former Rosemary Reynaud of New Orleans and has three children - Ham, Sharon, and Mollie.
Professional career
Following his time in military service, Magill wrote for the Atlanta Journal, serving as the Prep Sports editor of the newspaper that "Covers Dixie Like the Dew." A natural promoter, Magill built up the Georgia high school all-star football game each year and watched as it drew record crowds. Magill also managed to bring pitchers from the previous year's World SeriesWorld Series
The World Series is the annual championship series of Major League Baseball, played between the American League and National League champions since 1903. The winner of the World Series championship is determined through a best-of-seven playoff and awarded the Commissioner's Trophy...
game (Spud Chandler
Spud Chandler
Spurgeon Ferdinand "Spud" Chandler was an American right-handed starting pitcher in major league baseball, who played his entire career for the New York Yankees from 1937 through 1947...
of the New York Yankees
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
and Whitlow Wyatt
Whit Wyatt
John Whitlow Wyatt was a starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Detroit Tigers , Chicago White Sox , Cleveland Indians , Brooklyn Dodgers , and Philadelphia Phillies...
of the Brooklyn Dodgers, both former Bulldogs) to manage the teams in a Georgia high school all-star baseball game. It was becoming obvious that Magill was a workhorse that couldn't fail.
His most impressive feats, however, were yet to come. In 1949, Magill returned to Athens to take the job of sports information director
Sports information director
A sports information director is a type of public relations worker who provides statistics, team and player notes and other information about a college or university's sports teams to the news media and general public...
for the University. His passion for the Bulldogs was evident as he personally covered every sport on campus with the passion for promotion for which he was known.
In the 1950s, the Bulldog football team
Georgia Bulldogs football
The Georgia Bulldogs football team represents the University of Georgia in football. The Bulldogs are a member of the Southeastern Conference and are frequently a top-25 team. The University of Georgia has had a football team since 1892 and has an all-time record of 738–398–54...
was struggling under legendary coach Wally Butts
Wally Butts
James Wallace "Wally" Butts, Jr. was an American football player and coach and college athletics administrator. He served as the head coach at the University of Georgia from 1939 to 1960, compiling a record of 140–86–9...
. And as the wins became fewer, so did the number of people in the stands. To help out his alma mater, Magill traveled all over Georgia
Georgia (U.S. state)
Georgia is a state located in the southeastern United States. It was established in 1732, the last of the original Thirteen Colonies. The state is named after King George II of Great Britain. Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the United States Constitution, on January 2, 1788...
, setting up Bulldog Clubs along the way. He also founded The Georgia Bulldog newspaper in 1950. Before long, nearly half of Georgia's counties had local chapters of Magill's club, and interest in the Bulldogs soared. Magill would continue to serve as executive secretary of the club for decades and the club continues to thrive today.
As if he didn't already have enough responsibilities, Magill added the title of "coach" to his resume in 1954, taking over as head coach of the struggling Bulldog tennis program. He would keep the title for the next 34 years, building the program into college tennis' most honored with a 706-183 record (second most wins by any coach in NCAA
National Collegiate Athletic Association
The National Collegiate Athletic Association is a semi-voluntary association of 1,281 institutions, conferences, organizations and individuals that organizes the athletic programs of many colleges and universities in the United States...
history after former Stanford Coach Dick Gould), 13 Southeastern Conference
Southeastern Conference
The Southeastern Conference is an American college athletic conference that operates in the southeastern part of the United States. It is headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama...
outdoor championships, 8 SEC indoor championships, and 2 national championships
NCAA Men's Tennis Championship
The NCAA Men's Tennis Championships are held to crown a team, individual, and doubles champion in American college tennis. The first intercollegiate championship was held in 1883, 23 years before the founding of the NCAA, with Harvard's Joseph Clark taking the singles title...
. In addition, he built UGA's tennis complex, considered the finest in the country, and brought the ITA Collegiate Tennis Hall of Fame to Athens, which was named in his honor. He was inducted into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame
Georgia Sports Hall of Fame
The Georgia Sports Hall of Fame is located in Macon, Georgia. It is the largest state sports hall of fame in America at .-Exhibitions:The Hall of Fame houses over of exhibit space broken down into sections including Hall of Fame Inductees, High School, collegiate sports, Olympic, Paralympic,...
in 1976.
Controversy
Magill was also central to a controversy surrounding the 1943 and 1944 football games played between Georgia and Georgia Tech. Georgia Tech soundly defeated Georgia in 1943 by a score of 48-0 and in 1944 by a score of 44-0. Many years after the games were played, Dan Magill ruled that the games should not be counted because the Georgia teams were depleted by World War II and Georgia Tech used players from a nearby U.S. Navy officer training school. On the record books of Georgia the games are not counted, whereas they are counted in the record by Georgia Tech. Georgia still recognizes all other games played by the 1943 and 1944 Bulldog squads, but not the games against Georgia Tech.Retirement and legacy
Magill officially retired from the University in 1995, leaving behind a legacy like no other. In his honor, the press box at Georgia's famous Sanford StadiumSanford Stadium
Sanford Stadium is the on-campus playing venue for football at the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia, United States. The 92,746-seat stadium is the seventh largest stadium in the NCAA. Architecturally, the stadium is known for the fact that its numerous expansions over the years have been...
was named for him and a plaque with his biography is mounted alongside Bulldog greats such as Vince Dooley
Vince Dooley
Vincent Joseph Dooley was the head football coach and athletic director at the University of Georgia. During his 25 year coaching career at UGA, Dooley compiled a 201–77–10 record. His teams won six Southeastern Conference titles and the 1980 national championship...
, Fran Tarkenton
Fran Tarkenton
Francis Asbury "Fran" Tarkenton is a former professional football player, TV personality, and computer software executive....
, Wally Butts
Wally Butts
James Wallace "Wally" Butts, Jr. was an American football player and coach and college athletics administrator. He served as the head coach at the University of Georgia from 1939 to 1960, compiling a record of 140–86–9...
, and Frank Sinkwich
Frank Sinkwich
Frank Francis Sinkwich Sr. won the 1942 Heisman Trophy as a player for the University of Georgia, making him the first recipient from the Southeastern Conference. In the course of a brief but celebrated career in professional football, Sinkwich was selected for the National Football League Most...
, to name a few. His seat assignment in the press box reads, "Dan Magill - Legend."
Uga V, Georgia's mascot from 1990–99, carried the official name of "Uga IV's Magillicuddy II" in honor of Magill. The bulldog was featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated is an American sports media company owned by media conglomerate Time Warner. Its self titled magazine has over 3.5 million subscribers and is read by 23 million adults each week, including over 18 million men. It was the first magazine with circulation over one million to win the...
in 1997 and was named the best mascot in college sports in the same publication. Uga V had previously garnered national attention when he lunged at Auburn
Auburn University
Auburn University is a public university located in Auburn, Alabama, United States. With more than 25,000 students and 1,200 faculty members, it is one of the largest universities in the state. Auburn was chartered on February 7, 1856, as the East Alabama Male College, a private liberal arts...
football player Robert Baker in a four-overtime Georgia victory in 1996.
Perhaps one of the greatest testaments to Magill's contribution to the University of Georgia is that today nearly 50 people do the jobs that he once did on his own. His passion for the school continues even today as he serves as curator of the Dan Magill ITA Collegiate Hall of Fame and personally gives tours of the complex. He also writes regular columns for the Athens Banner Herald
Athens Banner Herald
The Athens Banner-Herald is a 32,000 circulation newspaper in Athens, Georgia, owned by Morris Communications.The newspaper traces its history to the Southern Banner newspaper that first published on March 20, 1832....
(and provides each sports department staffer with a Claxton fruitcake at Christmas), maintains his health by playing tennis regularly, and is well-known for his gardening abilities (he received a commendation from the Garden Club of America).