Fans flock to Evans store for Georgia legend's visit

When Appling resident Angela Sharp and her family vacation in Myrtle Beach each year, everyone they pass knows where their allegiances lie.

The family's fifth-wheel camper boasts University of Georgia rugs, chairs, tents, an 8-foot tall Hairy Dawg blow-up doll, a light-up football player and a Georgia golf cart used to cruise the beach.

So when Sharp heard former Bulldogs football coach and athletic director Vince Dooley would be signing books at Academy Sports and Outdoors in Evans on Wednesday, the least she could do was pick up a few.

"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."

Dooley, who led the Bulldogs to the 1980 national championship, drew a steady line of fans throughout the afternoon.

Dooley was promoting his new book, Dooley's Playbook: The 34 Most Memorable Plays in Georgia Football History .

A number of other books Dooley has authored were available, including Dooley: My Forty Years at Georgia , and a couple of his children's books; Hairy Dawg's Journey Through the Peach State and How 'Bout Them Dawgs!

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

He also audits classes at Georgia, attending lectures and taking notes on subjects ranging from Civil War history to horticulture. Dooley, a member of the Civil War Preservation Trust, said he has visited all the major battlefields and is working his way around the smaller ones.

Dooley stayed busy Wednesday, scribbling notes inside book covers and on the bill of caps and leather footballs fans purchased in the store.

Some knew and planned for Dooley's appearance. Others were surprised to find the Bulldogs legend waiting inside the door.

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

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

Dooley, a friend of Augusta National Golf Club and Masters Tournament Chairman Billy Payne, will be in the area again today as a tournament patron.

Reach Stephen Fastenau at (706) 863-6165 ext. 116 or stephen.fastenau@augustachronicle.com.