The last dog announced was Brooks’ Blue Smokey, who barked when his name was called. He assumed the role of mascot on June 1, 1980 when he was just 12-weeks-old, and he would then outgrow five jackets in one season. [5] He is a perennial favorite when he competes in national mascot competitions, and he was inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame in 2008. He was forced into early retirement after he nipped at the same UT band member in consecutive games in 1994. In 2006 he bit an Alabama player during pregame warm-ups. Dean Martin ... Game day for Tennessee's Smokey - … Sep 1, 2016; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers mascot Smokey during the second half against the Appalachian State Mountaineers at Neyland Stadium. Tennessee had its mascot. "He came through it all real well and was always rearing to go. [8], Smokey VII roamed the sidelines for Tennessee from 1992 to 1994. This kept going until the stadium was in an uproar, and the University had found its mascot. Smokey III ("PR Brooks Blue Smokey III") assumed the role of Tennessee mascot on June 18, 1964. Copyright 2020 WVLT. [12], Smokey IX began his post at the 2004 Peach Bowl and was retired in 2012. In 2006, Smokey made it to the quarterfinals of the Capital One Mascot Challenge, also making several appearances in Capital One commercials. [9], Smokey VIII was the most successful of the live dogs, presiding as mascot as the Vols compiled a record of 91-22, claimed two SEC titles, and won a national championship in 1998. In 2015, Junior Smokey was named "Mascot of the Year" at the World Dog Awards in Los Angeles. Smokey is the mascot of the University of Tennessee sports teams. "Blue Smokey" was the last hound introduced. [5] Born on November 10, 1994, Smokey VIII began his reign in 1995 and retired after the 2004 Peach Bowl in Atlanta after being diagnosed with a nasal tumor in December 2003. Tennessee picks up its first SEC win of the season against Mississippi State, 20-10 in Neyland Stadium. The SEC says only essential personnel will be allowed on the field, and that doesn't include mascots, cheerleaders or the band. Smokey the bluetick coonhound is the official and much loved mascot for the University of Tennessee. The orange Smokey reigned until 1988, when the University tried once more to redesign Smokey. [7] During the 1991 UCLA game, Smokey suffered heat exhaustion in the 100+ degree temperatures and was listed on the Vols injury report until he returned later in the season. Tennessee had its mascot. He must be a 'Houn' Dog' in the best sense of the word.". It will enhance any encyclopedic page you visit with the magic of the WIKI 2 technology. In 1953, the University of Tennessee Pep Club held a contest to select a coonhound, a breed common in Tennessee, to serve as the school's live mascot. This version of Smokey would often drink orange juice out of a bottle to cool down, mostly because of the color of the drink. He was forced into early retirement after he nipped at the same UT band member in consecutive games in 1994. The live hound mascot has been featured in television news segments. The Getty Images design is a trademark of Getty Images. In order to finalize your project with the material you downloaded from your EZA account, you need to secure a license. The 2020 season marks the 67th anniversary of Smokey… In 1955, students from the University of Kentucky kidnapped him for eight days, dressing him in a blue and white blanket with a large ‘K’ and parading him around at a Wildcats pep rally. All rights reserved. Your Getty Images representative will discuss a renewal with you. Tennessee won in overtime 20 to 13. "It’s certainly our hope that Smokey can safely return to Shields-Watkins Field next season!" There is also a costumed mascot that appears at every Vols game and has won several mascot championships. [4] He compiled a 105-39-5 record, attended ten bowl games, and presided over two SEC championships during his tenure.[5]. Tennessee's favorite pup is turning 8. W. C. "Bill" Brooks entered his prize-winning bluetick coonhound, "Brooks' Blue Smokey", in the school's contest. 2) Smokey has had some interesting adventures over the years. Smokey II was dognapped by Kentucky … During the week, he lives with the Hudson family. [5] Born on November 10, 1994, Smokey VIII began his reign in 1995 and retired after the 2004 Peach Bowl in Atlanta after being diagnosed with a nasal tumor in December 2003. His owner, the Rev. KNOXVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 03: Tennessee Volunteers mascot Smokey howls after the Vols scored a touchdown during a college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Charlotte 49ers on November 3, 2018, at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, TN. The costumed version of Smokey made his debut in the 1980s. You are welcome to use content from the Getty Images site on a complimentary basis for test or sample (composite or comp) use only, for up to 30 days following download. "Very few" single-game tickets on sale for UT home games, "Never absent from your heart" | Blount County Sherrif's Office K-9 unit passes away, Patchy fog overnight; Spotty showers and a few storms possible Sunday afternoon, WATCH: Henry To'o To'o takes it to the house for a pick-six, WATCH: Brandon Johnson makes ridiculous one-handed catch, Boris Johnson urges world leaders to unite against COVID-19, Trump expected to announce Barrett for court, Kickoff times set for four Vol football games, UT announces adjusted-seating ticket plan for Neyland Stadium at 25% capacity, Season will not be normal for Pride of the Southland Band, officials plan to perform as much as allowed, play whenever and wherever they are allowed, SEC releases additional guidelines, protocols for game day, Vols full 2020 football schedule released.