The University Of Tennessee Mascot
University Of Tennessee Mascot, Smokey, the official Bluetick Coonhound mascot, is a well-known symbol in Tennessee and nationwide. He has won three National Mascot of the Year awards at the College National Championship of the Universal Cheerleading Association. In 2008, he was inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame.
Every time the Vols play at home, Smokey leads the Pride of the Southland marching band onto the field. He also wears a costume and acts as a mascot at different sports events throughout the year.
Smokey I
Since 1953, the Blue Tick Hound Smokey I has been the face of the University of Tennessee sports. Before every home game at Neyland Stadium, he leads the Vols out of the big “T” made by the band. He is now one of the most popular symbols in college sports, and his legacy lives on as a mascot at both football and basketball games.
The story of the UT mascot starts in 1953, when Rev. W.C. During a contest put on by the Pep Club, “Bill” Brooks’s prize-winning bluetick coonhound, Blue Smokey, was chosen as the university’s first mascot. After Brooks’ dog barked and howled, the crowd started cheering for the winner.
At football games, the university uses a natural dog named Smokey and a person dressed as a dog. The hound is often paired with Davey Crockett, UT’s first mascot. Most of the time, they wear a Tennessee jersey with the number “00” on it. The costumes are black with a white blaze. ( University Of Tennessee Mascot )
Smokey has had many different looks over the years, including one where he was dressed more like a real person. This version got mixed reviews from students, but ultimately, it was chosen as the mascot for the University of Texas.
As the mascot for the Tennessee Volunteers, Smokey has won many mascot championships and is one of the most well-known college mascots in the country. He has been at events all over Tennessee, including home and away football games, men’s and women’s home basketball games, home baseball, softball, volleyball, soccer, bowl games, and more.
He is also a common sight in the Volunteer Village on Humanities Plaza, where he shows up before most games and takes pictures with fans who come to meet him. He and his handlers also attend the Vol Walk, a tradition at the University of Tennessee where volunteers carry him through downtown Knoxville before every game.
Smokey lives on campus with the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity when he’s not on the sidelines. On game days, the fraternity members care for him and ensure he does his job as a mascot.
After his official duties at the AGR house are done, Smokey will be taken to the Vol Walk to stand in front of fans on both sides of the street. About 15 minutes before the game starts, the group gets there.
The Volunteers’ mascots, like Smokey, often show up at events and gatherings to represent the school. However, the Orange Festival in September is the most important event for the Volunteers’ mascots. The festival brings in tens of thousands of UT fans and allows mascots to meet people from all over.
A Tennessee Walking Horse appeared in 1965, and Wingo, a horse, has led the Vols out of the “T” at several football games. This fall, the new UT mascot, Smokey XI will make his first appearance.
A Bluetick Coonhound from a new line is the latest member of the Smokey family. He will be the first Smokey, unrelated to the first dog. He is also the youngest mascot who has ever played the part.
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