Tennessee Smoky, the live mascot of the University of Tennessee, is a beloved and iconic figure that represents the university's sports teams, particularly the football team. The tradition of having a live dog as the mascot dates back to 1953 when the first Smoky made his debut. Smoky is an English Bluetick Coonhound, a breed known for its deep blue and black speckled coat. This choice of breed was influenced by the Great Smoky Mountains, which lies near the university and gives Tennessee its nickname, the Volunteer State. The role of Smoky is not limited to simply attending games and events. The mascot also represents the values and spirit of the university, including excellence, loyalty, and community.
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The mascot also represents the values and spirit of the university, including excellence, loyalty, and community. Smoky often makes appearances at various community events and charity fundraisers, further solidifying his status as a beloved figure not just on campus but in the wider Tennessee community. The current Smoky, known as Smokey X, has been serving as the university's mascot since 2020.
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He lives with his handler, known as the "Volunteer Houndmaster," who takes care of his training and well-being. Smokey X has a dedicated team of student handlers who assist in his care and ensure that he is always ready to fulfill his duties as the official live mascot. The main duty of Smoky is to lead the football team onto the field before home games, carrying the beloved "T" flag with pride. This has become a cherished tradition for fans and players alike, as it represents the strong connection between the university and its loyal supporters. In addition to football games, Smoky can often be seen on the sidelines during other sporting events, providing support and enthusiasm for the teams. His presence adds an extra level of excitement and pride to any game, and fans eagerly await his appearances. Overall, Smoky the live mascot is an important symbol of the University of Tennessee, representing the school's traditions, values, and spirit. With his distinctive coat and lively presence, Smoky brings joy and excitement to every event he attends, making him a cherished part of the Tennessee community..
Reviews for "Smoky's Travels: Spreading Tennessee Spirit Across the Country"
1. Jamie - 2/5 stars - I was really disappointed with Tennessee Smoky the live mascot. The idea of having a live mascot is great, but this execution fell flat. Smoky seemed uninterested and lethargic throughout the game, almost as if he didn't want to be there. It was also quite distracting to see Smoky constantly being handled by the handlers instead of freely engaging with the crowd. I hope they can improve the experience for fans in the future.
2. Ryan - 1/5 stars - Tennessee Smoky the live mascot was a complete letdown. Not only did the dog seem unenthusiastic and unresponsive, but it was also pretty obvious that the handlers were restraining Smoky's natural behaviors. The poor animal was constantly on a leash, preventing it from engaging with the fans in any meaningful way. It's a shame that they are trying to exploit a cute dog for their marketing purposes instead of focusing on providing a worthwhile mascot experience.
3. Megan - 2/5 stars - As a proud fan of Tennessee, I was excited to see Smoky the live mascot in action. However, I left the game feeling underwhelmed. Smoky seemed disinterested and disengaged throughout the entire event. There was no visible effort made to entertain or connect with the crowd. It felt like the live mascot was merely there for show, with no intention of interacting or bringing any excitement to the game. I hope they can make some necessary changes to improve the overall experience for fans.
4. Brandon - 3/5 stars - While Smoky the live mascot was a good idea in theory, I found the execution lacking. The dog did not seem very comfortable in the loud and crowded environment, which made it difficult to fully appreciate its presence. Additionally, the handlers seemed to be more concerned with keeping Smoky under control than allowing it to interact freely with the fans. I think with some adjustments and better training, Smoky could become a beloved mascot for the University of Tennessee, but for now, it still has a long way to go.