By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Former Bulldogs captain died
Placeholder Image

Mike Merola, the captain of Georgia’s football team in 1950, has died. He was 81. The school announced that Merola died Monday after a lengthy illness.

A native of Newark, N.J., Merola enrolled at Georgia after World War II and caught the attention of the coaching staff during a pickup game. He was invited to spring practice, received a scholarship within a week and was a member of the 1948 Southeastern Conference championship team.

The following year, Merola became a starter at defensive end. As a senior, he was voted captain of the team that went 6-2-3 before losing to Texas A&M 40-20 in the Presidential Cup, a one-time-only bowl game played in College Park, Md.

Merola is survived by four daughters and four grandchildren.

Friends to Follow social media