Hairy Dawg thinks this will be his year.

After three defeats in the Capital One Mascot Challenge, the University’s men behind the mascot – Andrew German and Josh Patterson – said it’s time Hairy Dawg took the win for Mascot of the Year.

And what would a victory mean to Hairy Dawg?

“I’m pretty good friends with him,” Patterson joked. “He’d be pretty pumped.”

The 2009 winner of the Capital One Mascot Challenge would be the eighth college mascot to win the title – following in the tracks of the University of South Carolina’s Cocky and last year’s Iowa State University winner, Cy.

As of Wednesday night, Hairy Dawg was in 10th place with 25,193 votes, trailing the No. 1 University of Cincinnati Bearcat by just under 5,800 votes.

But behind the broad shoulders and unrestrained enthusiasm of Hairy Dawg are students.

The journey of German and Patterson from the student section to the sidelines involved plenty of dedication, an outgoing personality and the fortitude to don a 25-pound costume in Georgia heat.

“I never really thought I would be a mascot, honestly,” said German, a senior from Conyers who played football in high school.

German said he wanted to play with the Bulldogs, but after seeing how huge they were, decided to contribute in a different way.

“I wanted to be close to the field again,” he said. “I love to dance and act a fool – you can kind of do whatever you want.”

For Patterson, it was a mascot tryouts ad in The Red & Black that piqued his interest.

“I thought about it and told my roommate,” Patterson said. “He said I wouldn’t do it.”

So he did.

Both German – who is going on his third year as Hairy Dawg – and rookie Patterson participated in a four-day tryout for the positions.

Day One: Physical fitness exercises – squats, pull-ups and bench-pressing.

Days Two and Three: Learn the ins and outs of navigating campus as Hairy Dawg. Walk up stairs, run around and get used to the pup’s persona.

Day Four: An interview and skit in front of an audience of cheerleaders. Three judges – usually the cheerleading coach and two former Hairy’s – put the contenders to the test with various improvisation scenarios.

How would Hairy imitate Tiger Woods at the Masters? Or pump up the crowd in the fourth quarter of a close football game? Or reel in the big one on a fishing trip with Larry Munson?

“It helps you think on your feet,” German said.

And for the students entrusted to carry on the Hairy Dawg legacy, there are perks.

A partial scholarship. Complimentary gear from Nike. Use of the athletic facilities. And free admission to every football game.

As Hairy Dawg, German has traveled to Orlando, Minneapolis and Los Angeles, among others. He said he and Patterson usually split the games – each working for two quarters. And during scorching daytime football games, the respite comes as a relief.

“It’s definitely hot in there,” German said, adding the suit does not have a fan, and can add more than 30 degrees. “But your body gets used to it.”

German and Patterson also attend business functions, weddings and birthdays at $150 per hour – half of which they can keep. Events for University organizations net $50 per hour.

But they earn every penny of it.

“Some kids are just crazy,” Patterson said. “They either view Hairy Dawg as a friend or a walking pinata. There’s really no in-between.”

And earlier this year when he was cheering on the Gym Dogs as Spike at former Coach Suzanne Yoculan’s final home meet, he said he passed out.

“Ten feet from the locker room, I just fell on my face,” he said.

But in true Gym Dogs-style, after an unexpected tumble, he got right back up.

This summer German attended a wedding at the Classic Center as Hairy Dawg where the groom’s family members were LSU fans – whose mascot, Mike, is edging out Hairy Dawg by just over 2,000 votes in the Mascot Challenge.

“I had a dance-off with some groomsmen and they jumped me from behind,” he said. “They essentially pushed me into the wall – they were drunk and out of control.”

He added rogue drinks are sometimes launched at him during away games. But he said that doesn’t distract him from his main objectives – rooting on the Bulldogs and pumping up the fans.

On Saturday, Patterson will storm onto the field with the Bulldogs for the first time as Hairy Dawg.

“I expect that to be insane,” he said. “[Being a mascot] has allowed me to meet some people I would have never met. I get to go out there and become a completely different person and just be ridiculous.”

“I love the crowd interaction,” German said. “Being able to have fun at the games, making peoples’ day.”