ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – There are countless reasons why students choose to attend the University of Georgia (UGA).
One is the rich traditions that are always on display at the nation’s oldest public university.
But on Tuesday, one of those traditions is gone.
“Losing that guy is just a shame. I hope he knows we all love him and we’re going to miss him,” UGA Student Sam Fisher said.
45-year-old superfan Trent “Big Dawg” Woods passed away on Monday. Those closest to him said he died of natural causes, breaking the hearts of Bulldog Nation.
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“I always grew up a Georgia fan, so I’ve been surrounded by this and it’s just sad to see somebody like that go,” UGA student Liam Dressen said.
“I send my condolences out. That’s just heartbreaking. I hate hearing things like that because it’s just so sad,” Brooke Slone, another UGA student, said.
Big Dawg was known for painting a bulldog on his head and posing for pictures every Saturday during football season.
“It’s almost like a ripple in the community. A good man, obviously a good man and that so many people even if they didn’t know who he was, knew who he was,” John Carr, a UGA student, said.
It’s a family tradition that began three generations ago when his grandfather was the Big Dawg on campus. Then his father, Mike, painted the bulldog on his head until his passing in 2017.
And just seven years later, Woods cheered his final game.
“They’re just legends and it’s sad to see somebody pass like that,” UGA student Ben Williams said.
“Obviously, I’d love to see someone carry on that tradition and honor that legacy that they had as Georgia fans,” Dressen said.
FUNERAL INFORMATION:
A visitation will be held on Sunday, Feb. 11 from 4-6 p.m. and a service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 12 at Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, 4355 Lexington Road in Athens. All family, friends and fans are welcome for the celebration of life, his family said.
