Tennessee mascot Smokey XI retires after 3 years for health, happiness

The University of Tennessee at Knoxville is relieving Smokey XI of his mascot duties after three short years due to a "reserved temperament" that has made the bluetick coonhound uncomfortable appearing in public.

The pup was introduced before the Vols' 2022 football season and had a hard time adapting to the noisy Neyland Stadium atmosphere . His dad, Smokey X, came out of retirement at times to fill the mascot role when the younger Smokey wasn't able.

UT is coordinating with the Hudson family, which trains each generation of Smokey , to identify which bluetick coonhound will become Smokey XII next season.

The university has been working with handlers, veterinary staff and trainers for the past two years to get Smokey XI game day ready, but the furry, four-legged, four-year-old hound couldn't overcome his nerves

"For his well-being and happiness, Smokey XI will immediately step away from mascot responsibilities and enjoy a quiet, peaceful retirement with his pack - his brother, his dad Smokey X and the Hudson family," UT said in a Nov. 24 news release.

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The news comes less than a month after the UT Institute of Agriculture announced Oct. 29 that Smokey X had been diagnosed with renal carcinoma , a type of kidney cancer, at 14 years old.

A bluetick coonhound has been the UT mascot since 1953, when the UT Pep Club held a contest during halftime of a football game against Mississippi State. Students voted from a lineup of 10 dogs and cheered loudest for the Rev. W.C. "Bill" Brooks' prize-winning bluetick coonhound, "Brooks' Blue Smokey," who instantly won over fans with a howl after his introduction.

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Smokey XI will not be on the sidelines for the Vols' Nov. 29 home game against Vanderbilt, said UT spokesperson Tyra Haag.

Keenan Thomas  is the higher education reporter for Knox News. Email  keenan.thomas@knoxnews.com . X, formerly known as Twitter  @specialk2real .

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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Tennessee mascot Smokey XI retires after 3 years for health, happiness