it's in the same vein as bama's elephant. it's just one of those things that makes sense only to them... and everyone in tennessee does have a dog (i grew up there). guess that means everyone outside of the plains in alabama owns an elephant.
*_*
HELL YEAH! GO GREENS! GO CORNBREAD!
2007-11-11 05:32:56
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answer #1
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answered by BulldogBlitz 6
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The mascot Smokey started in 1953 when the late Rev. Bill Brooks entered his prize-winning blue tick coon hound, "Brooks' Blue Smokey," in a contest to pick the school's new mascot. He won and the rest is history. Smokey leads the Volunteers through the giant "T" at every home game. Neyland Stadium is the greatest place to see a college game.
2007-11-11 06:16:37
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answer #2
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answered by RB 5
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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 to represent the school. 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 coon hound, “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 compiled 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 newest Smokey, Smokey IX (left), began his post at the 2004 Peach Bowl.
2007-11-11 06:26:37
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answer #3
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answered by Anonymous
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By now, this has already been answered and you probably know that Smoky is a tribute to the coon dogs that everyone in Tennessee loves. Yeah, it's weird but no weirder than Auburn having the "war eagle" thing going on. All I know is that our beautiful Uga or even Hairy Dawg could whup Smoky in a wrasslin match. How 'Bout Them Dawgs? Sic 'Em Georgia!
2007-11-11 08:07:09
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answer #4
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answered by Jessi B 3
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If you had ever been to Tennesse you would know that every household has a hound dog.
2007-11-11 05:27:49
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answer #5
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answered by lestermount 7
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dude comon. thats like common sense. thats like asking y are the cowboys the cowboys or the san diego padres the padres
2007-11-11 05:48:59
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answer #6
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answered by Phil 3
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Don't knock Smokey.
2007-11-11 05:31:16
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answer #7
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answered by TheOnlyBeldin 7
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Because were cool like that.
2007-11-11 05:33:23
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answer #8
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answered by I <3 My Hamster Smokey! 6
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