Pack of Bulldog fans comes to see DooleyEx-coach appears for book-signing

Vince Dooley scheduled his latest public appearance just right.

//

The former University of Georgia football coach and athletic director signed his books and other items Wednesday at Academy Sports and Outdoors in Evans. The next two days, the horticulture enthusiast was scheduled to walk Augusta National as a Masters Tournament patron.

"I'm amazed with all the golf that people are still coming out," Dooley said as he signed another note inside a book cover.

Dooley, who coached the Bulldogs to the 1980 national title, was promoting his newest book, Dooley's Playbook: The 34 Most Memorable Plays in Georgia Football History . A number of other books Dooley authored were available, including Dooley: My Forty Years at Georgia, Hairy Dawg's Journey Through the Peach State and How Bout Them Dawgs!

Dooley has been an author, guest speaker and student since leaving his post as athletic director in 2004.

In addition to various book signings, Dooley is often asked to do speaking engagements. He also audits classes at UGA, attending lectures and taking notes on subjects ranging from Civil War history to horticulture.

Dooley is a member of the Civil War Preservation Trust and said he has visited all the major battlefields and is working his way around the smaller ones.

He has traveled to South Africa on a study abroad trip and spends a lot of time working in the yard.

"I'm as busy as I've ever been," Dooley said.

Dooley stayed busy Wednesday, scribbling notes inside books, on the bills of caps and on footballs fans purchased in the store.

Some planned for Dooley's appearance. Others were surprised to find the Bulldog legend waiting inside.

One man entered wearing a blue University of Florida cap and peeked through the line of people.

"I'm in the wrong store," he said upon recognizing Dooley.

Appling resident Angela Sharp came to add to her family's Bulldog memorabilia.

The family's fifth-wheel camper, used to vacation each year in Myrtle Beach, boasts University of Georgia rugs, chairs, tents, an 8-foot tall Hairy Dawg blow-up doll and a UGA golf car used to cruise the beach.

So when Sharp learned Dooley would be in town, she made the trip to pick up three signed books.

"Our whole house and his room is nothing but Georgia," Sharp said, nodding to her 9-year-old son, Taylor. "From the floor to the ceiling."

Carter Lee, 7, and his grandmother, Vickie Davis, wait as Dooley signs his book for them at Academy Sports.[CAPTION]

Angela Sharp, of Appling, takes a picture of her son Taylor, 9, with Dooley, who was promoting his book.