He was a great mascot." Smokey VIII died on Maafter suffering complications from high blood pressure and kidney disease. "He came through it all real well and was always rearing to go. "He served with distinction, weathered storms, cold and heat", recalled Earl Hudson, who owned the dog since it was two months old. Smokey VIII more than doubled that at two years, four months. The expected prognosis, with treatment was 13 months. He underwent radiation treatment and then chemotherapy. Born on November 10, 1994, Smokey VIII began his reign in 1995 and retired after the 2004 Peach Bowl in Atlanta after being diagnosed with a nasal tumor in December 2003. Smokey VIII was the most successful of the live dogs, presiding as mascot as the Vols compiled a record of 91-22, claimed two SEC titles, and won a national championship in 1998. He was forced into early retirement after he nipped at the same UT band member in consecutive games in 1994. Smokey VII roamed the sidelines for Tennessee from 1992 to 1994. Smokey VI died in late 1991 of brain cancer at 10 years old. A kennel mate named "Woody" took over for him while he recovered. During the 1991 UCLA game, Smokey suffered heat exhaustion in the 100+ degree temperatures and was listed on the Vols injury report until he returned later in the season. Brooks' wife, Mildred, then took over in caring for Smokey. Bill Brooks, died during Smokey VI's tenure on Septemat the age of 81. Smokey VI served as mascot and presided over three SEC championships for Tennessee. His reign came to an end when he was hit by a car. He assumed the role of mascot on Jwhen he was just 12-weeks-old, and he would then outgrow five jackets in one season. Smokey V ("PR Blue Smokey V") was the nephew of Smokey IV. Smokey IV never produced offspring before his death, and thus the bloodline was broken. He compiled a 12-10-1 record with the Vols, but died of cancer on December 4, 1979. Smokey IV ("PR Blue Smokey Joe") became mascot on September 24, 1973. He compiled a 105-39-5 record, attended ten bowl games, and presided over two SEC championships during his tenure. Smokey III ("PR Brooks Blue Smokey III") assumed the role of Tennessee mascot on June 18, 1964. In 1963, Smokey died in Lexington shortly after the Vols' game against Kentucky, reportedly because someone fed him a chocolate pie. Smokey II was also involved in an incident with the Baylor Bears' live bear mascot Judge at the 1957 Sugar Bowl, with the bear taking a few swats at the hound. A week later, three Vanderbilt students tried the same heist at the Brooks house, but ended up taking an old hunting dog instead. Smokey's captors returned him just before kickoff. In 1955, students from the University of Kentucky kidnapped him for eight days, dressing him in a blue and white blanket with a large ‘K’ and parading him around at a Wildcats pep rally. Smokey II ("PR Brooks Blue Smokey II") took over for his father as the Vols' mascot when he was only 3 months old. Tennessee's first mascot met a sudden and tragic end in 1955, as he was fatally struck by a car after escaping from his home. "Blue Smokey" would compile a 10-10-1 record during his two seasons as Vols mascot. This kept going until the stadium was in an uproar, and the University had found its mascot. The students cheered and Smokey threw his head back and howled again. "Blue Smokey" was the last hound introduced. Each dog was introduced over the loudspeaker, and the student body cheered for their favorite. At halftime of the Mississippi State game that season, several dogs were lined up on the old cheerleaders' ramp at Shields–Watkins Field for voting. "Bill" Brooks entered his prize-winning bluetick coonhound, "Brooks' Blue Smokey", in the school's contest. He must be a 'Houn' Dog' in the best sense of the word." Announcements of the contest in local newspapers read, "This can't be an ordinary hound. In 1953, the University of Tennessee Pep Club held a contest to select a coonhound, a breed common in Tennessee, to serve as the school's live mascot.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |