Tennessee's top dog: Smokey

Louis Fernandez

Smokey the bluetick coonhound is the official and much loved mascot for the University of Tennessee.

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He was selected in 1953, during a contest to select a live mascot for the school. Announcements for the contest read, “This can't be an ordinary hound. He must be a 'Houn' Dog' in the best sense of the word."

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At halftime of the Mississippi State game, the contenders were brought onto the field. The last dog announced was Brooks’ Blue Smokey, who barked when his name was called. The students burst into applause, which only made Smokey howl louder. Tennessee had its mascot.

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The first Smokey was owned by Rev. Bill Brooks. His family and extended family have cared for and provided ten Smokies for UT.

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Smokey has had some interesting adventures over the years. Smokey II was dognapped by Kentucky students in 1955 and later survived a confrontation with the Baylor Bear at the 1957 Sugar Bowl.

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Smokey VI, who suffered heat exhaustion in the 140-degree temperatures at the 1991 UCLA game, was listed on the Vols injury report until he returned later in the season. He was on the sidelines for three SEC championships.

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Smokey, University of Tennessee's mascot

Rachel Stowers, WBIR

Smokey X at the Orange and White Game.

Mark Zerof Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

Nov 30, 2013; Lexington, KY, USA; Tennessee Volunteers mascot Smokey before the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Commonwealth Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

Davis Branch Blueticks / Hudson Family

Here's another shot of Smokey X when he was eight weeks old!

UT Basketball

Louis Fernandez

Tennessee picks up its first SEC win of the season against Mississippi State, 20-10 in Neyland Stadium.

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The best of boys, Smokey, takes in Tennessee's 45-0 win against Chattanooga.

Madison Stacey

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Smokey X, the bluetick coonhound mascot of the University of Tennessee, enjoys a break from training to rest in the grass.

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Smokey X sits on the sideline of Neyland Stadium beside the Pride of the Southland Marching Band during the 2017 game between Tennessee and Indiana State.

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Smokey X, the bluetick coonhound mascot of the University of Tennessee.

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Smokey snuggled up snug as a bug with his hat and blanket.

Randy Sartin

Sep 15, 2018; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers mascot Smokey X during the second half against the UTEP Miners at Neyland Stadium. Tennessee won 24-0. Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

Sep 1, 2018; Charlotte, NC, USA; The Tennessee Volunteers mascot Smokey X sits on the sidelines during the game against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Sep 4, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Tennessee Volunteers mascot Smokey runs out prior to the game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Vols smokey the dog at the Battle at Bristol

Sep 1, 2016; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers mascot Smokey during the second half against the Appalachian State Mountaineers at Neyland Stadium. Tennessee won in overtime 20 to 13.

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Tennessee's top dog: Smokey

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