The University of Tennessee, also known as UT, was founded in 1794. The Tennessee Volunteers have a record of 867 wins, 410 losses, and 53 ties. They rank eighth in all-time win-loss percentage at.672. In addition to winning 16 conference crowns and 29 bowl triumphs, the Vols have won six national titles, including AP and Coaches' Poll-validated titles in 1951 and 1998.
Smokey The Dog
UT teams have Smokey, a Tennessee Bluetick Coonhound dog, as their mascot. In 1953, the UT Pep Club, led by Stuart Worden, recognized a significant deficiency in school spirit and claimed that the Volunteer, symbolized by a torch, was Tennessee's emblem, whereas most other schools used a mascot as a focal point. To come up with a suitable mascot, the Pep Club held a contest. Many creatures, including groundhogs and bears, were proposed, but the two most popular ones were the Tennessee Walking Horse and a dog of some sort.
Although there was a lot of pressure to select a walking horse, none of the advocates provided answers to the issues associated with keeping and caring for such a mascot. At halftime of the first football game, a statewide competition to select the best bluetick "houn' dawg" was announced after the Pep Club unanimously decided on the hound dog.
Costumed Smokey dog
When the costumed Smokey first appeared in the early 1980s, he looked cartoonish at first. Smokey's distinctive white blaze, which sets him apart as a Bluetick Coonhound, was added to the costume over time to give it its current realistic appearance. The face of Tennessee athletics, this costumed Smokey became a fan favorite.
Smokey was well-known outside of the football field. He participated in national mascot contests, making it to the Capital One Mascot Challenge quarterfinals in 2006, and was inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame in 2008. Fans of all ages were won over by his charm and charisma.
Also Read: How many Smokey Mascots has Tennessee had?
FAQs on University of Tennesse Mascot Smokey
A. The tradition of Smokey as the live mascot for the University of Tennessee started in 1953.
A. There have been multiple generations of Smokey mascots, starting with "Blue Smokey" and continuing through Smokey XI.
A. The white blaze on Smokey's costume is a distinguishing feature that identifies him as a Bluetick Coonhound, the breed representing Tennessee.
A. Yes, Smokey has received national recognition, including being inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame in 2008 and participating in the Capital One Mascot Challenge in 2006.
A. No, the University of Tennessee have three mascots: Davy Crockett, Smokey, and Smokey Junior.
