SMOKEY V USHERS IN THE 1980S

SMOKEY V USHERS IN THE 1980s
                                  

Knoxville, TN  (HOUSEOFNEYLAND) SMOKEY V, a.k.a. "PR Blue Smoky V" became the VOLUNTEER mascot on June 1, 1980.

His 1st game was the GEORGIA game of 1980.

He is notably the VOLS mascot who was present for the historic TENNESSEE victory over the Crimson Tide in 1982.

It was that win, at Neyland Stadium, that broke the long winning streak of Bama's legendary coach, Paul 'Bear' Bryant.

The last time the VOLS defeated Alabama was the 24-0 win in Neyland Stadium in 1970.

Earl C. Hudson says that SMOKEY V "was a good (mascot)...that looked like SMOKEY VIII."

His handler, Jimmy Burton, said that SMOKEY V was so little "his ears dragged the ground."

Burton adds that SMOKEY V was nervous at 1st....so much so that he wouldn't run through the "T"...but he "got the hang of things."

Tom Mattingly & Earl C. Hudson's new book includes a picture of a DATA SHEET on SMOKEY V which appeared in the KNOXVILLE JOURNAL on Sept. 1.

The DATA on SMOKEY V included...

Bust 23", Waist 23", Hips 23"

Height 22"

Weight 86 pounds

Birthdate:  May 1980

Turn ons: Love, happiness, flirting with cheerleaders & having my stomach rubbed

Least Favorite Phrase: "Coach Majors wants to see you after practice."

SOURCE:

"Smokey: The True Stories behind the University of Tennessee's Beloved Mascot," by Thomas J. Mattingly & Earl C. Hudson, The University of Tennessee Press, 2012.