1960s

ram imagery emerges

Another important inflection point in Tuffy's journey came in 1965, as seen in an advertisement from the Angelo State College Bookstore. The ad features a powerful illustration of a ram, marking a significant moment in Tuffy’s visual evolution. Although the live mascot had been renamed Dominic, the bookstore's decision to use the ram's image signaled the beginning of Tuffy’s revival as a beloved emblem of ASU.

This use of the illustrated ram by the bookstore would ultimately play a key role in bringing Tuffy back into the campus community, not as a live animal, but as a central figure in ASU's branding and merchandise. This marked the early stages of Tuffy’s return, laying the groundwork for his transformation into the ubiquitous mascot that would represent the university for years to come.

Ram Page Vol 31 Issue 2 - September 17, 1965 - page 3

Golden horns use illustration

In 1965, the resurgence of Tuffy as an illustrative mascot gained further momentum with the support of the Golden Horns, a key campus organization. This photograph captures members of the Golden Horns alongside head football coach Max Bumgardner, proudly displaying a victory flag after a game against Sam Houston. The flag is emblazoned with an illustration of a ram, symbolizing Angelo State College’s fighting spirit. At the time, ASU was still known as Angelo State College, and the presence of the ram on the flag further solidified its association with school pride and athletic success.

This marked another pivotal moment in Tuffy’s transformation from a live mascot to a symbol that would come to represent the university across multiple platforms. As the ram became more integrated into campus life, it was clear that the spirit of Tuffy was not only returning but evolving, keeping pace with the growth and identity of the institution.

Ram Page Vol 31 Issue 3 - September 24, 1965 - page 7

dominic speaks

This 1965 article from The Ram Page, Angelo State College's student newspaper, provides a rare and charming glimpse into the life of Dominic, ASC's live ram mascot. Given a playful voice, Dominic shares his thoughts on mascot life, giving fans an affectionate look at the personality behind the symbol. The article is an early example of giving an ASC mascot human-like qualities, helping to build a personal connection between the students and their mascot.

Dominic narrates his experience of school spirit, describing the ups and downs of game day. Born on the San Angelo College farm, Dominic boasts about his “two curls” and fondly recalls his early days as a young mascot with “just one curl.” He humorously complains about the challenges of being a mascot, such as standing for hours and enduring a public bath at a car wash—a “sacrifice” he cheekily accepts in his role as ASC’s celebrity ram.

With vivid details, Dominic reveals his loyalty to the college community: "I belong to every one of you, and I wouldn’t trade being your mascot for anything." This lighthearted portrayal not only highlights ASC’s school spirit but also shows how mascots like Dominic were endearing symbols of college pride and identity.

This exhibit captures the essence of ASC's mascot tradition and the deep connection between Angelo State’s students and their mascots, bridging the mascot’s role from mere symbol to a beloved member of the ASC family.

Ram Page Vol 31 Issue 3 - September 24, 1965 - page 7

ram walks
on two legs

This 1965 advertisement from the Angelo State College Bookstore marked a significant development in Tuffy’s evolution, showcasing a pivotal shift from his previous form as a realistic ram to a more anthropomorphic character. Promoting ASC junior sweatshirts by Artex, the ad features Mike George, son of head basketball coach Phil George, modeling the product. Alongside him, a sweatshirt is adorned with the image of a ram that stands on two legs and sports a more human-like appearance.

This is the first evidence of Tuffy’s transition toward becoming an anthropomorphic mascot, a change that would allow him to resonate more with students and fans alike as a relatable, spirited figure. This subtle transformation helped solidify Tuffy’s place not just as a symbol of pride for the institution, but as a character with personality—a development that would play a crucial role in his lasting presence on campus and in ASU culture.

Ram Page Vol 31 Issue 10 - November 19, 1965 - page 6

Ram Page Vol 32 Issue 10 - November 18, 1966 - page 7

death of Dominic I

The summer of 1966 marked a somber moment for Angelo State College as the first Dominic, the official live ram mascot, passed away while grazing with a flock of ewes on the college farm. Dominic had been a fixture at ASC events, cared for and maintained by the Circle K Club, which took pride in ensuring his well-groomed appearance and transportation to college games.

In response to his death, Circle K president Mike Barron announced the club's efforts to find a new mascot. Throughout the previous season, a Rambouillet ram provided by R.O. Sheffield had served as a temporary substitute, but it was returned at the season’s end.

Now, the Circle K Club began considering options for acquiring a new, young Dominic to symbolize ASC's growth as a four-year college. Plans included possibly soliciting contributions from the student body, with hopes that a new ram would proudly represent the college at football games in the fall.

This moment in ASC’s history underscored the evolving nature of its mascot traditions, bridging the gap between the original Tuffy and the continued legacy of Dominic.

Ram Page Vol 32 Issue 27 - May 5, 1967 - page 7

bookstore experiments

By 1967, Angelo State College Bookstore Manager Bob Sweatmon continued experimenting with different representations of the school’s mascot, as seen in this advertisement for the "Spirit of '67" stuffed animal. Priced at $1.95 to $3.95, the plush toy was the latest attempt to capture the mascot’s spirit in a physical form that students and fans could take home.

With its blue and gold color scheme and a large letter "A" on its chest, the toy echoed the school's pride, but it also hinted at the bookstore's evolving vision of Tuffy as they sought to refine their mascot offerings.

Behind the stuffed animal, a notable mosaic outside the student center can be seen, adding a layer of visual richness to the advertisement. The mosaic was utilized as the backdrop for many groups as seen by this photo of the Ramettes.

The introduction of this new line of mascot merchandise may have spurred the drive to further develop and standardize Tuffy’s image, ultimately leading to more dynamic and recognizable versions of the mascot that would become widely embraced across campus.

This experimentation was likely a response to the growing demand for a more consistent and appealing mascot representation as ASU expanded its identity.

Ram Page Vol 32 Issue 17 - February 10, 1967- page 7

Ram Page Vol 26 Issue 23 - September 23, 1960- page 4

evolving visual identity

The evolution of Tuffy as an illustrative mascot culminated in a defining moment documented in the October 27, 1967 issue of The Ram Page, as these final three sections will illuminate.

In 1967, Angelo State College students embraced the evolving illustrative representation of the ram mascot in creative ways, as seen in this homecoming preparation photo. Ladies from Carr Hall are hard at work crafting their entry for the dorm decoration competition, which was part of the homecoming festivities. The large ram figure they are painting embodies the growing trend of utilizing a more stylized, cartoonish ram to symbolize school spirit.

This project was not only a part of the homecoming competition but also an example of how students were integrating the evolving visual identity of the ram into campus life. As they painted the mascot with care and attention to detail, the illustrative concept of the ram continued to take root in the minds of the ASC community, reinforcing Tuffy’s role as a central figure in school traditions, even in this artistic form.

Ram Page Vol 33 Issue 6 - October 27, 1967 - page 1

ram with muscle

In 1967, Eddie Flores’ cartoon captures the intensity of Angelo State College’s football rivalry with Tarleton State. The cartoon features a muscular, anthropomorphic ram mascot triumphantly delivering a punch to a visibly stunned Tarleton State Texan, humorously illustrating ASC's victory and the breaking of a losing streak.

The caption reads, "Gee, it's only a football game!" but the image itself embodies much more—it marks the growing strength of the ram mascot’s illustrative form, portraying him as a larger-than-life figure of power and school spirit.

This bold and energetic representation of the mascot was part of the evolving visual identity that began to resonate more deeply with the ASC community. Flores’ cartoon, set in the context of homecoming festivities, underscores how the mascot was becoming an enduring symbol of ASC’s fighting spirit and resilience, marking a new era for Tuffy as the symbolic heart of the university.

Ram Page Vol 33 Issue 6 - October 27, 1967 - page 7

tuffy's introduction

In what seemed like an overnight development, this Angelo State College Bookstore advertisement in the October 27, 1967 edition of the Ram Page, showcased the first clear evidence of the Tuffy image that would go on to represent the university for years to come. Imprinted on a pennant and a sticker set, Tuffy appeared in a bold and recognizable form, symbolizing the pride and spirit of ASC.

The ad, welcoming alumni back to campus for Homecoming, was a pivotal moment in Tuffy’s journey from a live mascot to an illustrative icon, securing his place in the halls, merchandise, and traditions of Angelo State for generations. This visual representation marked the beginning of Tuffy’s widespread adoption across the campus community, solidifying his role as a key symbol of ASC identity.

Ram Page Vol 33 Issue 6 - October 27, 1967 - page 8

Tuffy is in business

In 1968, the adoption of Tuffy as a mascot transcended campus boundaries, making its way into local businesses and products.

Central National Bank was one of the first off-campus entities to use Tuffy, and may have commissioned an artist to transform D’Alton Blevins’ original concept into a more professional and polished design. This adaptation was prominently featured on personalized check covers, aimed specifically at students and faculty of Angelo State College.

Around the same time, M.L. Leddy & Sons, a well-known saddle and boot shop in San Angelo, also embraced Tuffy in their advertising campaigns. Their promotional materials depicted Tuffy alongside a rugged cowboy, reinforcing the shop’s Western heritage while supporting the school spirit.

These early commercial uses of Tuffy underscore how quickly the mascot became a recognizable and marketable symbol of ASU pride, linking local businesses with the campus community.

Ram Page Vol 34 Issue 1 - September 23, 1968 - page 16

Ram Page Vol 34 Issue 8 - November 8, 1968 - page 6

Tuffy and Ram page Unite

For several years, The Ram Page, the official school newspaper of Angelo State University, prominently featured a watermark of Tuffy the Ram on its pages. This subtle yet striking watermark showcased a dynamic image of Tuffy, often depicted in action poses like snorting or charging, adding a layer of school pride to the publication.

The inclusion of Tuffy in The Ram Page was more than just a design choice; it underscored the spirit and identity of the student body. Sponsored by the ASU Bookstore, the watermark served as a reminder of campus culture and loyalty, reinforcing the mascot’s presence across various media.

This creative integration ensured that Tuffy was not just a visual symbol but an enduring part of the university's communication and tradition.

Ram Page Vol 35 Issue 3 - October 3, 1969 - page 1