How did the nickname Bukdog come about?
I always go to a friend’s house to watch Monday night football and other events. I would usually wear OSU and Browns clothes together. On one of my visits, Steve said, "You look like a buck dog." Hmm. The wheels started turning. So why is it spelled Bukdog? I wanted to get a Cleveland Browns license plate with my nickname on it. The problem—you can get six characters on a specialized plate. The answer: Bukdog.
That was only the beginning. Now, what to wear? The answer: a Buckeyes/Browns split jersey, split pants, different colored shoes, and a necklace with buckeyes and dog bones on it.
Now a little about me. I’m a graduate of Brookhaven High School, home of Terry Glenn and Paul O’Neil. I have been working at Ohio Stadium since 1976. I have been ushering there since 1985. Games that stand out during my tenure are beating Michigan to go to the Fiesta Bowl, the Iowa game in the rain in 1984, and the Oklahoma and Stanfords games. I have been to the last five OSU/Michigan games in Ann Arbor. Tressel’s first win up there and the Buckeyes win in South Bend rank right up there also! I have a seen the Buckeyes play in Austin and against USC in Los Angeles. I have watched the Buckeyes win in Happy Valley.
I went to my first Browns game in 1980. It was the Browns and Broncos. Some guy named Gradishar returned an interception for a touchdown to win the game. I was hooked. I was always a Browns fan, but once I experienced game day, it took it to a new level. By 1985 and with the arrival of Bernie Kosar, I was going to every game. The Broncos championship game, the Jets overtime game and beating the Ravens at home are some games that stand out.
My first two wedding anniversaries were spent in Municipal Stadium, the second on a Monday night. I go to training camp every year. I went to all the Browns reunions at Hiram College during their hiatus. I got to meet all the living Hall of Famer’s, among the many Browns who returned. I had a watch that counted down the days until the Browns returned. I checked the construction cam at the new stadium to keep track of the progress.
I purchased two PSL’s on there return. I am on the fifty yard line, upper deck, north side. For doing that, my name was inscribed in the new stadium. I was a member of the Cleveland Legends Club, a private club in Browns Stadium which features 375 season ticket holders plus Browns Alumni. Dante Lavelli, Jim Houston, Bo Scott, Gene Hickerson and Dan Fike were among the regular guests on game day. The Club was closed. I have met countless Buckeyes, Browns and special fans in my travels. In total I have been to over 400 Browns or Buckeyes events. These range from games, training camp, draft day parties, reunions, spring games and photograph day. I have traveled over 100,000 miles in support of my teams. Regardless of the weather or record, I will always support my teams.
Now, a website for fans. The site features links to autographs, memorabilia, tickets, seating charts, team apparel and tail gaiting necessities. It also has Bukdog hats, sweatshirts and original jerseys.
I was invited to the 2008 PFUFA Reunion in Canton. My friend, Tony "Mobile Dawg" was my sponsor. I was selected to become a member of PFUFA in the Inaugural Draft. The second class has been selected and invited to the Reunion, Hall of Fame weekend in Canton. Visit www.pfufa.org or my Reunion page for more information.
The Buckeyes won a National Championship—how far can a Super Bowl win be? Will I live long enough? Seriously!! The Browns are starting over again. This is Coach Mangini's second head coaching job. Let's hope he has learned from his mistakes, and that this is a sucessful and long stint.
Thanks for visiting!
Go Bucks! Go Browns!
‘Bukdog’
