The Citadel Mascots Bulldogs noted for their vigor and composed disposition... they are fiercely loyal and their grip is very powerful against resistance... The Citadel has two bulldog mascots, Boo and General, whose main duty is to provide morale for the Corps of Cadets, faculty and staff and all of the Bulldog athletic teams. Other duties include barking at opposing teams, eating numerous dog biscuits throughout the day and being pampered by the cadets that help take care of them while school is in session.  General General, who was born June 18, 2003, became the first live mascot to live on The Citadel campus since the 1950s. The mascot program was created by the Class of 2003, which wanted to leave a gift to the college. The class raised $1,000 toward the program's startup. General was donated in August 2003 by the late Hazel Groshon of James Island, S.C. General's full name is General Thomas Curtis Metsker. General comes from a long line of bulldog royalty. He is the nephew of Uga V, the former mascot for the University of Georgia. General's other relatives include the bulldog representatives for the United State Marine Corps and Mississippi State University. General was named by Corps of Cadets following a contest to find the best names that help take care of them while school is in session.  A Long Line of Boos Boo IX was born on Sept. 28, 2003, and was donated by Citadel alumnus Fred Ducker, '63. He joins General as a member of the two-dog mascot team that attends special events, football games, parades and anything involving the Corps of Cadets. Boo IX is named after Lt. Col. Thomas Nugent Courvoisie, a former commandant, and comes from a long line of Bulldogs that have been serving The Citadel for more than 15 years.  Where to Find Them Both mascots are available upon request to attend Citadel-related events. The mascots are handled by Assistant Athletic Director Mike Groshon, who serves as their caretaker. Groshon is also responsible for overseeing the six-cadet dog handling team. The dog handlers can be identified by their red or blue polo shirts and khaki pants. During weekly parades, General and Boo can be found near the reviewing stands. Dr. John Bradford, '77, is donating veterinary care.  Bulldog Barracks   The doghouse for General and Boo is a barracks style with a Quad updated by Marty Murray in the summer of 2012. It is also has air conditioning due to the fact that bulldogs have small tracheas for their size and can't take in enough air when it is hot outside. The barracks also have an ice bed, two tents and a big fog fan!

About General    Name:              General  Age:                 9 years  Weight:            64 lbs.  Hometown:      Moultie, GA  About Boo      Name:              Boo IX  Age:                 9 years  Weight:            74 lbs.  Hometown:      Myrtle Beach, S.C.  About the Caretaker       Mike Groshon, the Assistant Athletic Director for Facilities/Equipment, is the primary caretaker for Boo and General. Groshon can be seen at most athletic events with either Boo or General, or both, trotting along in front of him. In addition to caring for the Bulldogs, Groshon coordinates the facility needs for the department of athletics. He is directly responsible for all maintenance and setup for all athletic events, as well as the transportation for all of The Citadel varsity athletic teams. In addition, he oversees the game-day playing surface at Johnson Hagood Stadium, the football team’s practice fields (Willson Field and Freshman Field), and other athletic facilities. Groshon also is responsible for coordinating special events hosted by the athletic department.

History of Bulldogs at The Citadel

1905           Journal of Second Class “Bulldog Daily Terror” articles by Julian Nohrden (’08) who wrote for the Post & Courier has quotes of Bulldog tenacity
1909           Athletic teams officially called “Bulldogs”
1928           First live Bulldog mascot used (no name)
1934           Second mascot “Mike” passed away
1937-46      Mascot “Sonny Sue” owned by Captain George Lockwood
1947-48      Mascots “Suzie” and “Jack” owned by Captain George Lockwood
1949-51      Mascot “Joker” owned by Captain George Lockwood
1952-56      Mascot “Plebe” kept by Ben Jackson (possibly the first Bulldog owned by The Citadel)
1957           Mascot “Plebe II”
1958-61      Mascot “Plebe III”
1962-63      Mascot “Plebe IV”
1964-71      Mascot “Boo” kept by Lt. Colonel Courvoisie
1972-73      Mascot “Boo II” kept by Lt. Colonel Courvoisie
1974-75      Official mascot was “Boo III” and unofficial mascots Irish Setter “Big Red” and his companion “Shadow”
1975           Mascot “Boo IV”
1977-82      Mascot “Colonel Ruff” (was later known as “Killer”) owned by R.D. Mosley family.
1983-85      Mascot “Colonel Ruff” is given by R.D. Mosley family to Dr. John P. Bradford. (Colonel Ruff was given because two poodles met their demise in a meeting with him).
1990          “Colonel Ruff” meets his demise at the jaws of an alligator mascot, Patrick, who takes over but only lasts for six months before he passes away.
1991-95      Mascot “Boo VI” owned by Fred Ducker takes over.
1996-01      Mascot “Boo VII” owned by Fred Ducker takes over.
2002           Mascot “Boo VIII” owned by Fred Ducker takes over.
2003-05      Mascot “General” owned by The Corps of Cadets arrives on Aug. 1, 2003. Mascot “Boo IX” owned by The Corps of Cadets arrives Nov. 20, 2003
2005           Mascot “Boo VII” passes away

Appearances made by The Citadel Bulldog mascots

Attend Parades
Attend Athletic Events
Attend Special Events
Raised $21,000 for Athletic Department and additions made to Johnson Hagood Stadium
Hosted “Dogs for Alzheimer’s” event in 2008
Participated in “Walk for Alzheimer’s Cure” in 2010
Donate to SPCA annually from 2003-2012
Represent Corps at four separate funerals
Participated in South Carolina Bully Ball in 2010-2012 (raising $35,000, $55,000 and $75,000 respectively)
Represent Bulldogs from states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia and South Carolina
Visit local elderly at retirement homes
Participated in the St. Patrick’s Day Charleston Parade (2009-2012)
Served as models for Bulldog statue erected in front of Johnson Hagood Stadium
Hosted “Beautiful Bulldog” Contest in 2011-12

Become freinds with General and Boo on Facebook
Photos of The Citadel Bulldogs