In 1953 a student poll revealed that the University needed a live mascot so in local newspapers they ran adds for a coon hound. One paper read, "This can't be a ordinary hound. He must be a 'Houn' Dawg' in the best since of the word." At halftime of one of the 1953 games they lined the dogs up and Smokey was the last. When he was announced he barked and threw his head back then barked again, the fans cheered in a uproar and UT had found there mascot. Smokey was the dog of the late Rev. W.C. Brooks who supplied UT with the coon hounds until he died in 1986. His family and friends now have the honor. |