Erk Russell

I have just finished reading a book I received as christmas gift this year. It was the autobiography of Erk Russell. The title of the book is called Erk Football, Fans and Friends. I highly recommend this book to any UGA fan. It is not in print anymore so you have to find it through Amazon or other websites. Erk explains the origination of GATA, tells the Mambo Gook story and tells something of the most interesting stories and one liners I have ever heard. You really get an understanding of the man, how much he really bled red and black  and how much college football has changed in the past 30 years. One of the things that Erk loved more than aything else were the Railroad Track Crowd as Erk called them. Here is a letter that was included in the book. It is from Erk to the squad in the summer of 1980 (all UGA fans know what happened that year).

July 7, 1980

Gentlemen (and Linemen)

The football season of '80 will be my 17th as a Georgia Bulldog. During this time there have been many thrilling Saturdays of competition, each with its individual memories, because each game has its own personality.
There are two Saturday traditions and experiences which have remained basically the same throughout the years for me and I would like to share them with you.
The first one concerns THE RAILROAD TRACK CROWD. These are my kind of people because they love the Dogs almost as much as I do. Oh, I know they do some crazy things - like turn over our oppenent's buses sometimes, and now and then they throw one another down the bank and into the street. But they stamp out the kudzu and they pull for to win and that ain't bad.
If you can't get off the bus to the cheers of THE RAILROAD TRACK CROWD and walk down those steps to the dressing room and be inspired to play football as best as you possibly can, something important is missing beneath the Georgia jersey you wear. It is impossible not to be inspired. They choke me up! The season of 1980 will be the last for THE RAILROAD TRACK CROWD. A great Georgia tradition will have passed with the new addition to our stadium. The view from the tracks will be no more.
Your team will be the last Georgia team to be greeted and cheered by THE RAILROAD TRAACK CROWD. Wouldn't it be fitting if their last team was also the best Georgia team ever? Think about it!
Another Saturday tradition which has meant so much to me over the years can be stated simply: "THERE AIN'T NOTHING LIKE BEING A BULLDOG ON SATURDAY .... AFTER WINNING A FOOTBALL GAME." I mean like whipping Tennessee's ass to start with, then 10 more and then another one.
This is the Game Plan. We have no alternate plan.

Sincerely,
Coach Russell Assistant Head Football Coach.

Who would have guessed the Erk could forecast the future that season. Coach Russell we will always love you.

GATA!!!!!!