The Red and Black

Issue date: 7/24/08 Section: Sports

Media Credit: JIM DIFFLY The UGA Majorettes perform at the 2008 Countdown to Kickoff Fan Day, hosted on the University's practice football field on Saturday, July 19. This Countdown to Kickoff's third annual event was created by past football players Jon and Matt Stinchcomb. [Click to enlarge]

Media Credit: JIM DIFFLY David Greene signs a football for a Countdown to Kickoff participant. Greene is a backup quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs. [Click to enlarge]

Fifteen minutes before the start of the third annual Countdown to Kickoff Fan Day, hosts - and former University offensive linemen - Matt and Jon Stinchcomb are running around, hugging former teammates, greeting sponsors, and doing anything they can to make this event memorable for players and fans alike. It is part of the reason the event's popularity has taken off in only three years.

"I tell you what, Matt and Jon have done an unbelievable job of coordinating everything," said David Greene, former Georgia star-quarterback and co-host of the event. "The event has taken off every single year, it's just getting bigger and bigger and it's just exciting to be a part of it."

The event, held Saturday at the Woodruff Practice Fields, is a benefit to raise money for the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Georgia Transplant Foundation, the Children's Tumor Foundation and the University of Georgia College of Education's Pediatric Exercise and Motor Development Clinic.

"Obviously Matt and I started this to help out kids and just have a Georgia day," Jon Stinchcomb said. "And it's really blossomed into something that's good for both fans and the charities that benefit."

In addition to repaying the fans and community of Georgia football for their support, the event's charitable support is why many past and present Bulldog players come out and enjoy the festivities.

"More than the fans, it's for the children and children's hospital, that's first and foremost," former lineman Dennis Roland said. "Whenever you can come back and give back to the fans who helped support you and made playing at Georgia a remarkable experience, it's great to do that [also]."

In addition to the meet and greet with players, there was a carnival, where younger fans could swing or rock climb, and a picture tent.

Fans, such as Mike Marlow of Dalton, were thankful for an event like this.

"It's really neat," Marlow said. "I appreciate the players taking time out of their day to come out here in the hot sun and spend time with the fans and give back to the fans and help a charity like the [Children's] Hospital of Atlanta, that's a good thing."

Even with past players, such as Greene and Verron Haynes, present, it was clear the current players were the toast of the event. Even though players were constantly barraged with autograph requests, they didn't seem to mind.

"To be able to do this stuff," cornerback Asher Allen said. "We're doing this because we want to and just to see all [my] teammates out here is really good to see."

It was evident there was championship buzz floating around the event. With the Dogs being a preseason favorite and many expecting them to finish atop the polls at the end of the season, swarms of fans were out ready to get balls, posters, jerseys and anything Georgia-signed. Greene could feel the anxiety as well.

"It's incredible," he said. "The Bulldogs fans are the best fans in the nation. There's so much excitement surrounding the football team this year and it's exactly 'Countdown to Kickoff.' It's time and everybody's out here in their red and black getting ready for the season."

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