BEGINNINGS

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.

In 1963, the live ram was renamed Dominic, but Tuffy’s presence as a symbol for the university was immortalized in 1967, when he first appeared as an illustration in The Ram Page, the student newspaper. The illustrated Tuffy, known for his determined, athletic stance, began to appear on merchandise, solidifying his role as the university’s official mascot.

blevins and riley

A key moment in Tuffy's evolution occurred with the design credited to D'Alton Blevins in 1969. Blevins, working with ASU Bookstore manager Morgan Riley, created a cartoonish representation of Tuffy, which was widely used on merchandise during the 1970s, 80s, and 90s.

Though the design date is often attributed to 1969, promotional materials from as early as 1967 suggest Tuffy’s professional image was already in circulation. Here is a framed drawing that hangs in the Angelo State University LeGrand Alumni Center of what is considered the original Tuffy concept.

Text on the plaque:

This is the original artwork for a cartoon like character that came to be known as "Tuffy" the Ram. The drawing was dome by D'Alton Blevins in 1969. "Tuffy" was to adorn sweatshirts, t-shirts, coffee cups, seat cushions, mugs and many other forms of ASU memorabilia during the 1970's, 80's, and 90's. This drawing was given to the University by Morgan Riley who for many years served as the manager of the Angelo State University bookstore and who worked with Mr. Blevins in creating the character.

Morgan C. Riley

Morgan C. Riley, the ASU Bookstore Manager from 1967 to 1993, played a pivotal role in fostering school spirit and Ram Pride during his tenure. Known for his enthusiasm and dedication to student life, Riley strategically utilized Tuffy the Ram, ASU's beloved mascot, as a cornerstone of the bookstore's marketing efforts. Under his leadership, the ASU Bookstore became a hub for branded merchandise featuring Tuffy, including notebooks, clothing, bags, matchbooks, and other memorabilia.

Riley's innovative approach helped ensure that Tuffy was not just a symbol of the university but an integral part of daily student experiences. He recognized the power of Tuffy's spirited and determined image to strengthen school identity, encourage loyalty, and boost morale across the campus community. By incorporating Tuffy into promotional materials and products, Riley effectively combined retail with school pride, making the mascot a visible and enduring presence in students' academic lives. This dedication contributed significantly to the legacy of Tuffy, cementing the mascot's role as a key figure in ASU's culture and history.

Rambouillet 1973 - page 218