Student organizations across UT gathered Tuesday night at Thompson-Bowling Arena to compete in the preliminary round of Smokey's Howl, a dancing and cheerleading competition.

Fraternities, Sororities and campus associations are competing for the Madge Harrison trophy, which will be presented to the group with the highest number of cumulative points during half time of this week's homecoming football game. Smokey's Howl is just one of the many competitions that student organizations will be a part of this homecoming in an attempt to bring the campus closer together.

I think getting the whole campus involved is important.                     Casi Blade, Sophomore at UT

"I think getting the whole campus involved is important," Casi Blade, a sophomore at UT, said after Tuesday's competition. "This bonds the whole campus together in healthy competition."

 The competition began with 16 teams, but only seven advanced  to Friday's final event. The teams advancing were judged by a panel of UT employees and alumni that have dance and cheerleading experience.

Due to some technical difficulties during some of the groups performances, the announcer of the evening entertained the audience by leading the crowed in some UT inspired cheers. The technical difficulties were sorted out quickly and didn't have any negative effects on the participating teams.

Renaldo Woolridge, also known as Swiperboy, made a guest appearance and performed a sample of his song "Eric Berry for Heisman." Many of the groups participating in Smokey's Howl used a portion of his song in their competition music and the crowd was excited to see the song performed live.

The Smokey's Howl finals will be held on Friday following the homecoming parade, around 5:15, in Neyland Stadium.