Tennessee Mascot- The Story Of Smokey
When you think about the University of Tennessee, one of the first things that pops into your head, you know, might just be the school's very own beloved mascot. This isn't just any mascot, in a way, it's a truly special dog named Smokey. He's actually a Bluetick Coonhound, which is a kind of dog that's really quite popular and well-known right there in the state of Tennessee itself. So, it just makes sense, doesn't it, that such a distinctive local dog would represent the spirit of the Volunteers?
Smokey, as a matter of fact, represents all the sports teams for the University of Tennessee. He's a familiar sight, whether you're watching the game from the stands or, you know, catching it on television. There's a lot to learn about this furry friend, from his earliest days to how he became such an important part of the school's identity. We're talking about, you know, the history of the live dogs who have taken on the role, and also the person in the costume who leads the teams out onto the playing surface.
It's pretty interesting, really, how this tradition started. You see, the story of Smokey, the Tennessee mascot, goes back quite a few years, all the way to the mid-1900s. There was a time, too it's almost hard to imagine now, when the University of Tennessee didn't have a mascot that everyone recognized and loved. But that was about to change in a pretty memorable way, and it all began with a simple idea to find the perfect symbol for the Volunteers.
Table of Contents
- Who is the Tennessee Mascot, Anyway?
- How Did the Tennessee Mascot Get Chosen?
- The Dogs Who Have Been the Tennessee Mascot
- What About the People Behind the Tennessee Mascot?
- Where Does the Tennessee Mascot Live?
- The Enduring Love for the Tennessee Mascot
- What's Next for the Tennessee Mascot?
Who is the Tennessee Mascot, Anyway?
The Tennessee mascot, as you might have gathered, is a dog. Not just any dog, but a Bluetick Coonhound with a very distinctive look, often seen wearing a checkered vest. His name is Smokey, and he's been the beloved symbol for the University of Tennessee's sports teams for a really long time. This particular kind of hound, the Bluetick Coonhound, is actually quite common in the area, so it makes sense that one of these animals would become such a central figure for the university. You know, it really connects with the local culture and heritage, which is pretty neat.
There are actually two versions of Smokey that people see. One is the live dog, a real Bluetick Coonhound who makes appearances and, you know, sometimes even runs out onto the field with the team. Then there's also the costumed mascot, a person dressed up as Smokey, who's also a big part of the game-day experience. Both of them, in their own ways, are absolutely essential to the spirit of the Volunteers. It's like having two sides to the same coin, both equally important to the fans and the players, really.
The current live Smokey, for instance, is Smokey X, and he's been doing his mascot duties since 2013. He's owned by Charles Hudson, whose family has a long connection with the Smokey lineage. It's quite something, you know, to think about how many years this tradition has been going on, and how many different dogs have filled those paws. Each one, in its own time, has brought a lot of joy and a kind of steady presence to the university's sports. It's pretty cool, if you ask me, how something like a dog can become such a lasting symbol.
How Did the Tennessee Mascot Get Chosen?
The story of how the Tennessee mascot came to be is pretty interesting, actually. It all goes back to 1953. During halftime of a home football game, against Mississippi State, a contest was held. The idea was to pick the official mascot for the University of Tennessee. It wasn't just, you know, a simple decision made by a committee; the crowd had a say in it, which is kind of fun. The school's pep club was the group that put this whole thing together, looking for just the right symbol for the Volunteers.
Before the contest, the pep club had already thought about what kind of animal would be a good fit. They considered a few options, and, you know, they almost went with a Tennessee Walking Horse. But after some discussion, they settled on a hound as being the most appropriate choice for the Volunteers. So, they set up this halftime event at the very first game of that season, and different contenders, all dogs, you know, tried to win over the crowd. It was a bit of a popularity contest, in a way, with the dogs vying for the loudest applause.
The moment that really sealed the deal for the Tennessee mascot was when the last dog to be announced was a Bluetick Coonhound named Brooks' Blue Smokey. And what happened? When his name was called, he barked! This wasn't just any bark, it was a bark that, you know, seemed to resonate with the crowd. It was such a clear sign, a kind of spontaneous moment that really captured everyone's attention. That little bark, you see, was enough to make him stand out from the rest. The canine Smokey himself joined the team right after that, in 1953, and the rest, as they say, is history. It’s pretty amazing how a simple bark can start such a long-standing tradition.
The Dogs Who Have Been the Tennessee Mascot
Since 1953, there has been a continuous line of live dogs serving as the Tennessee mascot. From Smokey I all the way up to Smokey XI, these dogs have been the living embodiment of the Volunteers' spirit. Each one has had their turn representing the school, both on the field during games and, you know, at various events off the field. It's a pretty big responsibility, when you think about it, to be the face of a university's athletic program for so many years. They've certainly left their paw prints on the hearts of many fans.
Smokey X, for instance, is the current live mascot, and he's been reigning since 2013. He's owned by Charles Hudson, who is the son of the previous owner. This kind of family connection, you know, really shows how deeply rooted this tradition is. Smokey X, as a matter of fact, watches the games from the sidelines at Neyland Stadium, just like any dedicated fan, only he's got a much better view, I guess. He's a familiar sight, always there, representing the team through thick and thin. It's pretty cool to see him out there.
The lineage of the Tennessee mascot is actually quite important. After Smokey IX retired following the 2012 season, the newest Smokey, Smokey X, brought the mascot's family line back to the state of Tennessee. He was born in Shelbyville, which is pretty special, you know, bringing that local connection back to the forefront. Smokey X made his very first appearance in the fall of 2013, and he's been a beloved figure ever since. It’s a bit like a royal line, but for dogs, and it's something the fans really appreciate, that connection to the state itself.
Speaking of the Bluetick Coonhound's importance to Tennessee, in March of 2019, the breed itself was officially named the state dog of Tennessee. This happened during Smokey X's time as mascot, which, you know, just adds another layer to his significance. It's pretty cool to think that the kind of dog that represents the Volunteers is also the official dog of the entire state. It really solidifies the bond between the Tennessee mascot and the identity of the place itself. You can, for instance, find information about that bill if you're curious.
What About the People Behind the Tennessee Mascot?
It's not just the dogs that make the Tennessee mascot tradition so special; there are also people who play a very important role. For example, Adam and Jason Vicars are the only brothers who have ever served as the costumed Smokey, according to Joy Postell, who is the UT mascot director. This is a pretty unique fact, you know, that two siblings would both take on such a recognizable role. The Vicarses, by the way, moved to Tennessee in 1984, so they became a part of this tradition after making the state their home.
Then there's the story of Connor Solsbee. He was revealed as the costumed Smokey mascot at the University of Tennessee. Connor has a pretty inspiring personal story. He was diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma when he was just 16 years old. After successfully fighting the cancer, with help from the East Tennessee Children's Hospital, Solsbee enrolled at UT in 2021 with a fresh outlook on life. It's pretty amazing, really, how he overcame such a challenge and then went on to represent the university in such a visible way. He's a graduating student, earning a degree in biomedical engineering, and he's from Etowah, Tennessee. His connection to the state and his personal journey make his role as the Tennessee mascot even more meaningful, you know, to a lot of people.
Where Does the Tennessee Mascot Live?
The actual location of "Mascot" is a place in northeastern Knox County, Tennessee. It's situated, you know, between U.S. Route 11W and the Holston River. This little area is about 14 miles northeast of Knoxville, which is pretty close. It's also, you know, about 8 miles southwest of Blaine and around 4 miles west of Strawberry Plains. So, while the dog Smokey lives with his handlers, there's actually a physical place named Mascot in Tennessee, which is a bit of a fun coincidence, isn't it?
When you think about the live Smokey dogs, they are cared for by dedicated individuals. Smokey XI, for example, has already started his training to become the next Tennessee mascot. He was born on August 8, 2021, at Davis Branch Blueticks in Shelbyville, Tennessee. His parents are Smokey X, who is his "papa," and Tennessee Sweet T, who is his "mama." This just goes to show, you know, the careful planning and lineage involved in keeping the Smokey tradition going. It's a bit like a family business, in a way, ensuring that there's always a new generation ready to step into the role.
The Enduring Love for the Tennessee Mascot
It's football time in Tennessee, and you simply cannot play Tennessee ball without Smokey the Bluetick Coonhound. He's just that important. Coaches, players, and even athletic directors, you know, they come and go. But Smokey, he's forever. It's a pretty powerful statement, when you think about it, how much continuity and loyalty this dog represents. The fans, you see, might get upset with players or, you know, even want coaches and athletic directors to leave, but Smokey? He's top dog, year after year. There's a kind of unwavering affection for him that's pretty special.
Smokey, the Tennessee mascot, often takes part in events like the Vol Walk, where he autographs jerseys for fans before games. It's a pretty cool sight, actually, to see him interacting with the crowd, even if it's just, you know, putting his paw print on something. This kind of engagement really shows his popularity in college football and, you know, beyond the field too. He's not just a symbol; he's a beloved member of the community, and that connection is something that really matters to the fans. He brings a lot of joy, that's for sure.
The University of Tennessee’s favorite mascot, you know, is getting a little old when you consider the long history of the Smokey line. But, interestingly enough, each Smokey looks as youthful as ever, carrying on the spirit of the first one. This consistent image, this unchanging symbol, is a big part of why the Tennessee mascot remains so popular. It’s a steady presence, a constant reminder of the school's heritage and passion for sports. It's pretty remarkable, you know, how much one dog can mean to so many people.
What's Next for the Tennessee Mascot?
With Smokey XI already in training, the future of the Tennessee mascot seems pretty secure. The tradition of having a Bluetick Coonhound represent the University of Tennessee is clearly going to continue for many years to come. This commitment to the lineage, you know, ensures that the spirit of Smokey will always be a part of the Volunteers' identity. It's a testament to how much this particular symbol means to the university and its supporters. You can tell, too it's almost a given, that fans will keep embracing each new Smokey with the same warmth and enthusiasm as the ones before.
The stories of Smokey, from his origins in that memorable halftime contest to the long line of dogs who have held the title, really highlight his distinctive features and his widespread popularity. He's become, you know, an iconic figure in college football, and not just in Tennessee. His image, that of a Bluetick Coonhound with an iconic checkered vest, is recognized by many. It's pretty clear that the Tennessee mascot, whether it's the live dog or the costumed character, will continue to be a cherished part of the University of Tennessee's story, bringing a kind of unique energy to every game day.
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