Just nine days until the Vols kickoff the 2011 season!
The Vols have used nine Smokey's since the live mascot debuted in 1953. Smokey IX is 52-37 since taking over in 2004.
After a student poll sponsored by the Pep Club revealed a desire to select a live mascot for the University, the Pep Club held a contest in 1953 to select a coonhound, a native breed of the state, as the mascot. Announcements of the contest in local newspapers read, "This can't be an ordinary hound. He must be a "Houn' Dog" in the best sense of the word."
The late Rev. Bill Brooks entered his prize-winning blue tick coonhound, "Brooks' Blue Smokey," in the contest. At halftime of the Mississippi State game that season, the dogs were lined up on the old cheerleaders' ramp at Shields-Watkins Field. Each dog was introduced over the loudspeaker and the student body cheered for their favorite, with "Blue Smokey" being the last hound introduced. When his name was called, he barked. the students cheered and Smokey threw his head back and barked again. This kept going until the stadium was in an uproar and UT had found its mascot. Rev. Brooks supplied UT with the line of canines until his death in 1986 when his wife, Mildred, took over the caretaking role. She did so until 1994, when her brother and sister-in-law, Earl and Martha Hudson of Knoxville, took over responsibility for Smokey VII and eventually Smokey VIII, with Smokey IX now carrying on the banner of the Smokey lineage. Mrs. Brooks died in July 1997.
One of the most beloved figures in the state, Smokey is famous for leading the Vols out of the giant "T" prior to each home game. The dogs have led exciting lives. Smokey II was dognapped by Kentucky students in 1955 and later survived a confrontation with the Baylor Bear at the 1957 Sugar Bowl. 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. Smokey III complied a 105-39-5 record and two SEC Championships. Smokey VI, who passed away in 1991, was on the sidelines for three SEC Championships. Smokey VIII is the winningest Smokey, having compiled a record of 91-22 (.805), with two SEC titles and the 1998 National Championship.
The Smokeys
- Smokey (1953-1954)
- Smokey II (1955-1964)
- Smokey III (1965-1977)
- Smokey IV (1978-1979)
- Smokey V (1980-1983)
- Smokey VI (1984-1991)
- Smokey VII (1992-1994)
- Smokey VIII (1995-2003)
- Smokey IX (2004-Present)
