KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Trying to imagine the University of Tennessee without Smokey is nearly impossible. He is now one of the most recognizable faces for the university and his breed, the Bluetick Coonhound, was just recently named the Tennessee state dog.
On Thursday, UT celebrated his 66th anniversary as its mascot.
It all started in 1953 when the university was picking a live mascot, and Rev. Bill Brooks' Blue Smokey was called on as one of the contestants. Ol' Smokey had a lovably vocal personality, and as soon as he heard his name he began barking up a storm.
RELATED: Happy 66th birthday, Smokey!!
"He just looked at all those people like he had never seen so many people before which he hadn't and he just sat down," said Corky Brooks, Blue Smokey's 'cousin.' She was 8 years old at the time her Uncle Bill entered their family dog in the contest. She and her dad watched from the stands.
"In just a few minutes, Smokey started howling with that Bluetick howl. When he did that the students went crazy," said Brooks.
It was at that moment Tennessee had its mascot.
Now 66 years later, nine generations of Smokey have followed in Blue Smokey's footsteps.
"Who would ever think it would come to this… never," said Brooks. "It's just amazing to me this happened because I knew him as a puppy and me as a child, it's unbelievable."
She said she's touched every time she sees or hears anything about her beloved dog and wishes her dad, Hack, and Uncle Bill were here to see just how much Smokey continues to touch fans' hearts.
"I'm more accustomed to it now, but I will always tear up when Smokey runs out on the field," she said.
From the minute Vol Nation saw him, they knew he was different. Smokey's a one-of-a-kind 'Houn' Dog in the best sense of the word.'
"He came in as a hunting dog and went out as a hero," said Brooks.
While the torch is passed on to new Blueticks, the tradition will always be a firm part of Tennessee history.
Aside from seeing the real Smokey on game days, UT unveiled statues all around campus earlier this year dedicated to all ten Smokeys. Some claim they even bring some good luck around exam time.
