Friday the 13th is a day we associate with bad fortune and worse horror movie sequels, so I am somewhat hesitant to bring the week to a close with a run-down of recent events in Bulldog Nation and of interest thereto, but there were a few items of note that I decided to share, so kick back, relax, and take in all the news that warrants your attention:
- The 2007 Southeastern Conference spring academic honor roll includes 80 University of Georgia athletes. I might be a bit more inclined to brag about that fact if it were not the case that the equestrian team accounted for more than a quarter of those honorees, but I am glad that the list includes such Diamond Dogs as Gordon Beckham, Trevor Holder, Jason Leaver, Matt Olson, and Ryan Peisel, as well as track and field standout Jennifer Dahlgren. In related news, Gym Dog Courtney Kupets was named an academic all-American by the College Sports Information Directors of America.
- Had Paul Oliver been an academic all-American or anything like it, I would not have to report that the former Georgia cornerback was selected by the San Diego Chargers in the fourth round of the N.F.L. supplemental draft on Thursday. We here at Dawg Sports send our best wishes to Paul Oliver at the outset of his professional football career and, as someone whose pro football loyalties are dictated by his college football loyalty, I would add . . . go Chargers!
- Oliver's fellow former Bulldogs now numbered among the ranks of the professionals include several onetime Georgia baseball players who have been recognized as all-stars. Rich Poythress will represent the Thomasville (N.C.) HitToms in the Coastal Plain League all-star game in Columbia, S.C., next Tuesday, while Jeff Keppinger missed out on the opportunity to play for the International League all-star squad in Albuquerque, N.M., when he was called up from the Triple-A Louisville Bats to the Cincinnati Reds.
- You know how I feel about the sanctions against Oklahoma. Ajax, DC Trojan, Paragon SC, and Truzenzuzex have shared their thoughts, as well.
Go 'Dawgs!