Top Dog on Rocky Top is the Top Mascot in the Nation!

[HarsinVol]

 

[savannahfan]

How many different people "play" Smokey? Maybe a better question is how many "Smokeys" are there?

 

[dobre_shunka]

How many different people "play" Smokey? Maybe a better question is how many "Smokeys" are there?

Smokey Places First in Mascot National Championship Semifinals - University of Tennessee Athletics

A team of five students were selected at tryouts in April to bring Smokey to life for the 2021-2022 year

 

[jimed1]

Very good.

 

[JohnWardForever]

I was friends with a Guy who was Smokey back in the 70's. Bo Lindy. Anyone remember him?

 

[AdoptedVOL]

Belongs in the Heisman House

 

[stevenrich2003]

Belongs in the Heisman House

Manning agrees.

 

[BruisedOrange]

Thank you for posting, HarsinVol. That was really special! I had no idea all the things--funny, crowd-rousing, clever, community supportive, and kid-engaging--done by our mascot(s).

The hidden life of dogs... indeed.

 

[KnoxRealtorVOL]

Oddly enough, the Mascot Coach is the Lead Pastor of my church, Rodney Arnold. He also works with the cheer team and other “UT Spirit” related aspects. One of the best guys you’ll ever meet. He’s also an INCREDIBLE speaker.

Rodney Arnold - Mascot Coach - Staff Directory - University of Tennessee Athletics

 

[livefaith]

I was friends with a Guy who was Smokey back in the 70's. Bo Lindy. Anyone remember him?

I do. Big brown and black furry guy w big ears and a cool suit? Yep, saw him several times.

 

[imavolfan]

Was this @vollygirl leg in there? Lol

 

[dobre_shunka]

I do. Big brown and black furry guy w big ears and a cool suit? Yep, saw him several times.

Not him. Before the late 80s, Smokey was orange and white.

 

[JohnWardForever]

Surely somebody remembers Bo Lindy as the Smokey Mascot? Smallish Jewish Guy.

 

[HarsinVol]

Smallish Jewish Guy

 

[vollygirl]

Was this @vollygirl leg in there? Lol

Haha!

 

[livefaith]

Not him. Before the late 80s, Smokey was orange and white.

Ok. Nope. Don't know the guy.

 

[Thunder Good-Oil]

How many different people "play" Smokey? Maybe a better question is how many "Smokeys" are there?

There were about 40 during Bob Woodruff’s farewell in 1985 while the POTS did the circle drill with Bob in the middle “directing”. It was surreal.

 

[DuckInAPen]

There were about 40 during Bob Woodruff’s farewell in 1985 while the POTS did the circle drill with Bob in the middle “directing”. It was surreal.

Do you know whether any video of this is available? I'd love to see it (I almost certainly did see it as a child, but I don't remember it).

 

[Thunder Good-Oil]

Do you know whether any video of this is available? I'd love to see it (I almost certainly did see it as a child, but I don't remember it).

I have seen it. Possibly in the game video (Vanderbilt) on YouTube. Halftime. Woodruff had a little conductor’s baton and I swear to gawd he was dancing up a storm. He was loving it. It really was surreal. That orange terry clothe like Smokey outfit and there might have been 30 of them. Some sewing machines were humming that week.