1940s - 1950s

The SAC
Fightin' Spirit

This cartoon, drawn by Bob Stringer in the 1940, serves as one of the earliest illustrative depictions of the Ram symbolizing the fighting spirit of San Angelo College (SAC).

The image portrays a determined Ram labeled "SAC" charging toward a sweating farmer struggling to push a plow marked "Plowboy," representing the rival team, John Tarleton Agricultural College, now known as Tarleton State University.

This depiction captures the essence of SAC's competitive drive and resilience, making it a foundational piece in the visual history of Angelo State University's mascot identity.

Ram Page Vol 7 Issue 3 - October 4, 1940 - page 1

tuffy as a live mascot

Tuffy’s journey as the mascot of Angelo State University began with the live ram mascot, formerly "Ramses I" or "Shorty", being introduced in 1947, named Tuffy when the university introduced the yearling from Montana to the campus community. Acquired through the efforts of Toby Cook, Dothard Soechting, Milton Rathbone, and J.C. Gotcher, Tuffy was a symbol of community spirit and resourcefulness.

After an article in the Standard-Times called for a donation, Fields and Johnson, local auctioneers, generously provided the ram. Tuffy’s distinctive trimmings were a product of collaboration, with a blanket donated by Hemphill-Wells and a halter from Leddy Boot Shop. His care was supported by local feed companies, including Angelo Feed Supply and Taylor Brokerage Co.

When a truckload of hay overturned, students eagerly seized the opportunity to ensure Tuffy’s well-being, and by late 1947, the Student Council had voted to take responsibility for his care.

While initially housed at 528 Upton Street, the goal was to move Tuffy closer to campus—a clear indication of his emerging role as a vital figure in ASU’s growing identity.

Tuffy article in Ram Page - October 31, 1947

Ram Page Vol 13 Issue 2 - October 31, 1947 - page 4

stubborn as a mule

By the fall of 1948, Tuffy had become a familiar figure at San Angelo College, though his transition from leisurely living back to his duties as a mascot was not without challenges. Just before the Hillsboro game, members of the football team retrieved Tuffy from the farm where he had spent months in relaxation. Despite his time off, Tuffy wasn’t too keen on returning to work, displaying the stubbornness of a seasoned Missouri mule.

Still, Tuffy’s appearance was nothing short of impressive. His horns had been freshly painted a gleaming gold, and his blue and gold blanket completed his transformation into a striking figure on the field. However, the spirited ram was still learning how to gracefully fulfill his mascot duties, particularly when it came to leading.

Nonetheless, with a bit of training and patience, Tuffy’s role as a symbol of Ram pride was beginning to solidify, continuing to charm students and fans alike.

Ram Page clipping of 1948 article on Tuffy's stubborness

Ram Page Vol 14 Issue 2 - September 29, 1948 - page 4

tuffy becomes a father

Tuffy's legacy at SAC took an unexpected and heartwarming turn in early 1949. On the night of February 8, 1949, the campus mascot became a father to twin lambs, much to the delight of the students and community. The arrival of the lambs, promptly named Honey Lamb and Sugar Lamb, added a new chapter to Tuffy's already colorful life. While the proud father had yet to adjust to the role of a working mascot, he now had a family to care for as well.

The birth of the twins further endeared Tuffy to the RamFam community, symbolizing not only the resilience of the mascot but also the growing spirit and pride of the campus itself.

This milestone cemented Tuffy’s place in ASU’s history as more than just a mascot—he was now a part of the Ram family’s next generation.

Ram Page clipping of Tuffy becoming a father - February 1949

Ram Page Vol 14 Issue 14 - February 14, 1949 - page 4

tuffy
on the sidelines

By November 1951, Tuffy continued to captivate the Angelo State community with his appearances at key events. His first public outing of the year occurred during a football game against the Rebels, where Tuffy made a grand entrance, paraded around the field in style. Hilten Hayes, representing the Concho Aggies, proudly displayed Tuffy in a vibrant maroon jeep, much to the excitement of the crowd.

The combination of the ram’s regal blue and gold trimmings against the backdrop of the maroon jeep created a striking contrast, solidifying Tuffy’s role as a beloved symbol of school spirit and pride.

His presence at the game not only brought joy to fans but also reinforced the mascot’s growing legacy as an essential part of ASU’s tradition.

Ram Page clipping about Tuffy appearing at a Rams football game - November 1951

Ram Page Vol 17 Issue 6 - November 14, 1951 - page 4

tuffy in the news

Throughout the late 1940s and early 1950s, The San Angelo Standard-Times featured Tuffy in various articles that highlighted his role in boosting school spirit and engaging fans.

In a 1947 article, Tuffy is described as "the real ram mascot" who greeted football fans alongside the band and school leaders.

By 1949, Tuffy had become a familiar figure at games and parades, famously participating in a homecoming parade where he humorously pushed a “Tarleton Plowboy” down the field.

In 1953, Tuffy was noted as a loyal mascot, pulled across the football field by the Rodeo Club before games. Referred to as "Tuffy III or IV," his presence symbolized ASC’s spirit, showing how Tuffy's role as mascot became a cherished tradition with each new generation.

These local newspaper articles reveal how central Tuffy was to ASC’s identity, capturing the hearts of the community as a spirited symbol of Angelo State College pride.

1947 San Angelo Standard Times, Tuffy is described as "the real ram mascot"

San Angelo Standard Times - October 5, 1947 - page 8

1949 Standard Times - Tuffy pushes Took Edwards down the field

San Angelo Standard Times - October 30, 1949 - page 42

1953 San Angelo Standard Times - Tuffy noted as loyal mascot

San Angelo Standard Times - September 27, 1953 - page 40

dominic replaces tuffy

After 1953, Tuffy gradually disappeared from the spotlight at Angelo State University. By 1963, the live mascot had been renamed Dominic, signaling the end of Tuffy’s reign as the official ram on the field.

There is some recent information regarding the live mascot having names such as "Shorty" and "Ramses" during these years, but the only evidence of these names being used was prior to 1947.

For more than a decade, Tuffy's name and legacy were quietly set aside, with little mention of him in university events or games.

Ram Page clipping of naming contest for live mascot - Dominic - January 18, 1963

Ram Page Vol 28 Issue 8 - January 18, 1963 - page 3

tuffy appears in a new form

However, on October 9, 1964, Tuffy's spirit made a subtle but significant comeback in a new form. In a cartoon published in The Ram Page, Tuffy reappeared as an illustrated figure, alongside a cheerleader with the caption, "Hit 'Em Harder, Rams!" This marked the first instance of Tuffy’s transformation from a live mascot to an illustrative symbol.

Although Tuffy had been replaced as the live ram, his essence lived on in this new visual representation, foreshadowing his eventual resurgence as a beloved and enduring icon for the university. This cartoon was the first step in reviving Tuffy’s legacy in a form that would come to represent ASU for decades to come.