The Tennessee Smoky Bullmastiff mascot is a beloved symbol of the University of Tennessee. This unique mascot represents the university's commitment to excellence and its strong connection to the Great Smoky Mountains. The bullmastiff breed was chosen for its powerful and loyal nature, which aligns with the university's values. Smoky, as the mascot is commonly known, made his first appearance in 1953 and has been a fixture at Tennessee sporting events ever since. The university's affiliation with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is located nearby, inspired the choice of the bullmastiff as the mascot. The dog's strength and courage mirror the characteristics of the university's athletic teams.
When can I maybe see him on TV: Georgetown plays No. 5 Colorado (Saturday, 12:15 p.m. ET on CBS)
Bio English bulldog George, whose title is Griff II, is relatively new, becoming Drake s live mascot only last year, succeeding his brother Griff I this author s close personal friend. Ideally, we d be able to pencil each of these teams into an all-dog Final Four, but the selection committee put Georgetown and UConn in the same region and zero live dog mascots in the South.
The dog's strength and courage mirror the characteristics of the university's athletic teams. Smoky is a symbol of pride and unity for students, alumni, and fans of the University of Tennessee. The mascot is often seen at football games, basketball games, and other sporting events, leading the crowd in cheers and creating an energetic and enthusiastic atmosphere.
Don’t Have a Team for March Madness? Root for a School With a Dog Mascot
We've got two bulldogs, one husky, and one bluetick coonhound. Choose your favorite!
Austin is Daily Paws' associate editor. He loves his poodle, Riley, and has been known to play with cats on occasion, even though he's allergic to them. Other interests include ice cream, riding his bicycle, and the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals. He's won two certificates of excellence and one MUSE Medallion award from the Cat Writers' Association. He lives in Iowa.
Published on March 16, 2021 Photo: Courtesy of Drake University / InstagramAfter a year off—thanks again, pandemic—March Madness is finally back with the promise of great basketball featuring the country's best college players.
But we ain't here to talk about any of that. We, of course, are here to write about the doggies: specifically, the real-life mascots of four teams that made the NCAA Tournament's 68-team field—Connecticut, Drake, Georgetown, and Tennessee.
So fear not if your alma mater didn't make the big dance. We'll help you pick the right team dog by laying out everything you need to know: breed, personality, history, and fun facts. Plus, we'll actually tell you how likely they are to win the title (if you're actually interested in basketball.
Editor's note: Sorry to cat lovers out there. None of the teams have house cats as mascots. The best we can do is offer up LSU's Mike VII.
Here are the dogs:
In addition to his role during athletic events, Smoky also participates in various community outreach programs. He visits local schools, hospitals, and charity events, bringing joy and inspiration to those he encounters. Smoky's presence helps to promote school spirit and foster connections between the university and the surrounding community. The Tennessee Smoky Bullmastiff mascot holds a special place in the hearts of the university's supporters. He embodies the values of strength, loyalty, and community that the university strives to instill in its students and alumni. Through his joyful and energetic presence, Smoky continues to bring people together and foster a sense of pride and belonging for all who are a part of the University of Tennessee..
Reviews for "The Inspiration Behind the Smoky Bullmastiff: Tennessee's Top Mascot"
1) Sarah - 2/5 - I was really disappointed with the Tennessee smoky bullmastiff mascot. Firstly, the costume looked cheap and poorly made, and the dog character itself was not well-represented. It lacked the charm and appeal that other college mascots have. Additionally, the overall concept seemed forced and I didn't see the connection between a smoky bullmastiff and Tennessee. Overall, it just felt like a missed opportunity and a letdown.
2) John - 1/5 - In my opinion, the Tennessee smoky bullmastiff mascot is a complete disaster. The design of the costume is tacky and unappealing. The choice of a bullmastiff as the mascot is also questionable, as it doesn't evoke any sense of school spirit or Tennessee pride. It almost feels like a joke. I really hope the university reconsiders their choice and comes up with a mascot that is more fitting and representative of the school and its values.
3) Emily - 3/5 - While I didn't hate the Tennessee smoky bullmastiff mascot, I was not particularly impressed either. The costume was average, nothing special, and didn't really stand out. It was also a bit confusing why they chose a bullmastiff as the mascot. It just didn't scream "Tennessee" to me. I think they could have come up with a more creative and inspiring mascot that would have resonated better with the fans and students. Overall, it was just a mediocre choice.
4) Mike - 2/5 - I wasn't a fan of the Tennessee smoky bullmastiff mascot. The costume looked outdated and not well-maintained. It lacked the energy and enthusiasm that one would expect from a college mascot. Additionally, as a mascot, it didn't really inspire school spirit. I felt rather indifferent towards it, which is not what a mascot should do. Tennessee could definitely do much better in terms of their choice of mascot.