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Tennessee Volunteers
History
 Nickname
The University of Tennessee, as the
state's land grant university, draws the nickname of its athletic teams
(Volunteers) from the name most associated with the state.
Tennessee acquired its name "The Volunteer State" in the early days of
the nineteenth century in the War of 1812. At the request of President
James Madison, Gen. Andrew Jackson, later President, mustered 1500 from
his home state to fight the Indians and later the British at the Battle
of New Orleans. The men never actually fought in battle and Jackson was
so frustrated by the inactivity that he marched the men home at his own
expense and his determined stance on their behalf earned him the
nickname "Old Hickory."
The name became even more prominent in the Mexican War when Gov. Aaron
V. Brown issued a call for 2800 men to battle Santa Ana and some 30,000
Tennesseans volunteered.
The dragoon uniform (right) worn by Tennessee regulars during that
conflict is still seen adorning the color guard at UT athletic events.
The term "Volunteer State," as noted through these two events,
recognizes the long-standing tendency of Tennesseans to go above and
beyond the call of duty when their country calls. The name "Volunteers"
is frequently shortened to "Vols" in describing Tennessee's athletic
teams.
School Colors
The colors Orange and White were selected by Charles Moore, a member of
the first football team in 1891, and were later approved by a vote of
the student body.
The colors were those of the common American daisy which grew in
profusion on The Hill. Tennessee football players did not appear in the
now-famous Orange jerseys until the season-opening game in 1922. Coach
M.B. Banks' Vols won that game over Emory and Henry by a score of 50-0.
Smokey
After a student poll sponsored by the Pep Club revealed a desire to
select a live mascot for the University, the Pep Club held a contest in
1953 to select a coon hound, a native breed of the state, as the mascot
to represent the school. Announcements of the contest in local
newspapers read, "This can't be an ordinary hound. He must be a Houn'
Dog' in the best sense of the word."
The late Rev. Bill Brooks entered his prize-winning blue tick coon
hound, "Brooks' Blue Smokey," in the contest. At halftime of the
Mississippi State game that season, the dogs were lined up on the old
cheerleaders' ramp at Shields-Watkins Field. Each dog was introduced
over the loudspeaker and the student body cheered for their favorite,
with "Blue Smokey" being the last hound introduced. When his name was
called, he barked. The students cheered and Smokey threw his head back
and barked again. This kept going until the stadium was in an uproar and
UT had found its mascot.
Rev. Brooks supplied UT with the line of canines until his death in 1986
when his wife, Mildred, took over the caretaking role. She did so until
1994, when her brother and sister-in-law, Earl and Martha Hudson of
Knoxville, took over responsibility for Smokey VII and eventually Smokey
VIII, with Smokey IX now in the wings. Mrs. Brooks died in July 1997.
The dogs have led exciting lives. Smokey II was dognapped by Kentucky
students in 1955 and later survived a confrontation with the Baylor Bear
at the 1957 Sugar Bowl. Smokey VI, who suffered heat exhaustion in the
140 degree temperatures at the 1991 UCLA game, was listed on the Vol
injury report until he returned later in the season. Smokey III compiled
a 105-39-5 record and two SEC championships. Smokey VI, who passed away
in 1991, was on the sidelines for three SEC championships. One of the
most beloved figures in the state, Smokey is famous for leading the Vols
out of the giant "T" prior to each home game. |
