The Tennessee Vols' mascot name is "Smokey." Smokey is a bluetick coonhound that has been the official live mascot of the University of Tennessee since 1953. The name "Smokey" was inspired by Tennessee's nickname, the Volunteer State, and reflects the proud heritage of the state and university. The tradition of having a live mascot at Tennessee started when the university's pep club adopted a dog named "Brooks" as their official mascot in the 1950s. However, in 1953, a bluetick coonhound named Smokey was chosen to replace Brooks and has been the beloved mascot ever since. Smokey is not only a symbol of school spirit and pride, but he also has a prominent role during home football games.
Tennessee vols mascot name
The costumed human who portrays the Vols’ beloved canine mascot at sports events has undergone many makeovers over the years. Smokey’s earliest human namesakes certainly looked nothing like a Bluetick Coonhound!
The canine Smokey himself joined the team in 1953. After some deliberation, the UT Pep Club settled on a hound as the most appropriate mascot for the Volunteers — narrowly besting the Tennessee Walking Horse. The Pep Club staged a halftime contest at the first game of the season, and contenders vied for the crowd’s applause. Brooks Blue Smokey was the last contestant to take the 50-yard line. When his name was called, he barked. The crowd cheered, and Smokey threw his head back and howled. UT had its mascot!
Everyone loves the real Smokey, but the fans have been well entertained by the antics of the costumed mascot.
The earliest — unofficial — costumed mascots appeared in the late 1960s. They were attired in homemade tan jumpsuits, sometimes featuring a lolling tongue.
The first official costumed Smokey, in the 1970s, was portrayed by Nancy Nelson Wyszynski, daughter of legendary sportscaster Lindsey Nelson. For most of the ’70s and ’80s, the mascot wore a baggy orange-and-white jumpsuit with long ears, which some fans suggested looked more like a rabbit than a hound. One iteration of the baggy orange-and-white jumpsuit is preserved in the University Archives.
A somewhat more realistic dog costume, with blue body and grey head and gloves, was unveiled at the 1982 UT–Duke game. But it was not popular with the fans and was quickly retired in favor of the orange-and-white Smokey.
The first modern Smokey debuted in 1988 — a professionally produced costume with a sculpted head and black, white, and brown coloring more appropriate to the Bluetick Coonhound breed.
In an interesting sidenote, in 1999 some Auburn fans stole the Smokey costume from the apartment of the mascot’s human impersonator while he was at dinner. The theft made the national news. Six months later, thanks to a tip from an Auburn student, the mascot outfit was recovered.
The above details were drawn from documents in the Betsey B. Creekmore Special Collections and University Archives. Some facts are hazy and can be gleaned only from images in old yearbooks. Fans themselves can browse more than 100 years of Volunteer Yearbooks online in the UT Libraries’ Digital Collections.
To learn more about the history of the mascot, consult the Volopedia, the online encyclopedia of UT history and traditions.
Smokey is not only a symbol of school spirit and pride, but he also has a prominent role during home football games. He leads the Tennessee football team as they run onto the field and is present throughout the game, bringing excitement and energy to the fans. Over the years, several Smokeys have served as the Tennessee Vols' mascot, each passing on the legacy to the next.
The current Smokey, Smokey XI, has been serving as the mascot since 2019, continuing the tradition that began decades ago. In addition to being a live mascot, Smokey also has his own costume character counterpart. This Smokey, referred to as "Smokey X," is often seen at various university events and represents the mascot on occasions when the live dog cannot be present. The name "Smokey" and the presence of the bluetick coonhound as the Tennessee Vols' mascot have become iconic symbols of the university's athletics and spirit. Smokey represents the fierce and spirited nature of the Volunteer State, adding to the unique traditions and identity of the university..
Reviews for "The Tennessee Vols Mascot Name: Its Impact on Merchandise Sales"
1. Jessica - 2 stars
I have to say, I was really disappointed when I heard that the Tennessee Vols mascot name was going to be "Smoky." I mean, seriously? Smoky is such a generic and unimaginative name, especially for a mascot that represents an entire university. It's like they didn't put any thought into it at all. I was really hoping for something more creative and unique that would capture the essence of Tennessee. Smoky just doesn't do it for me.
2. Ben - 3 stars
While I understand the sentimental value behind the Tennessee Vols mascot name being "Smoky," I can't help but feel like it's a missed opportunity. Smoky is a name that has been associated with various mascots and teams throughout the country, and it doesn't really set the Tennessee Vols apart. I was hoping for a name that would really reflect the rich history and culture of Tennessee, something that would make the mascot instantly recognizable as uniquely Tennessee. Smoky just doesn't fulfill that expectation for me.
3. Sarah - 2 stars
As someone who is not from Tennessee and doesn't have any personal connection to the Tennessee Vols, I have to say that the mascot name "Smoky" is really underwhelming. When I think of Tennessee, I think of beautiful landscapes, rich music history, and a vibrant culture. Smoky just doesn't evoke any of those images for me. It's a name that lacks creativity and originality. I think the Tennessee Vols could have come up with a much better and more fitting mascot name. Smoky just doesn't do justice to the state or the university.