TUFFY COLLECTION

Tuffy’s image became central to ASU’s branding, featured on a wide variety of memorabilia, much of it promoted through the ASU Bookstore. Over the years, Tuffy has adorned numerous items, including:

  • Bookstore Bags: Tuffy’s image became a common sight on plastic shopping bags from the bookstore, allowing students and faculty to carry school pride in a practical form.

  • Matchbooks: ASU distributed matchbooks featuring Tuffy, complete with the slogan "Fighting Rams" on each matchstick

  • Portfolios and Folders: Tuffy appeared on portfolios, popular with students and faculty

  • Folders were also distributed to incoming students, often with a campus map printed on the back

  • Pins and Cufflinks: Small wearable items, such as pins featuring Tuffy, allowed ASU community members to display their pride in a personal way

  • Commemorative Shirts and Footballs: Tuffy frequently featured on items celebrating major athletic victories, such as a shirt and football commemorating ASU's 1978 NAIA football national championship

artifacts

Tuffy on bookstore matchbooks. Courtesy of Bruce Flage.
Tuffy on 1980 ASU Band Camp Album Cover. Courtesy of LeGrand Alumni Center.
Tuffy pin. Courtesy of Mike Ryan
Tuffy on 1978 NAIA Football National Champions shirt. Courtesy of LeGrand Alumni Center.
Tuffy on NAIA Football National Champions promotional football. Courtesy of Patrick Dierschke.
Tuffy on school school folder. Courtesy of Kenny Dierschke.
Tuffy on pillow. Needlepoint art. Courtesy of the ASU Development Office.
Tuffy on ASU Bookstore bag. Courtesy of Bruce Flage.
Tuffy and Scooter on flag. Courtesy of Richard Gonzales
Tuffy and Scooter watermark on notepad. Courtesy of Jody Casares.
Tuffy and Scooter on basketball sideline chair.
Tuffy and Scooter on keychain. Courtesy of Mike Ryan.
Tuffy button. Courtesy of Mike Ryan.
Tuffy on ASU ROTC patch. Courtesy of Mike Ryan.
Tuffy wood cutout by Greg Pecina. Courtesy of Mike Ryan.
Tuffy embroidered on shirt. Courtesy of Mike Ryan.
Tuffy on canvas. Art by Rebecca Schkade's brother. Presented to Slade Cozart
Wooden carving of Tuffy by RK Wimberley. Courtesy of the Pete Hickman Family

TUFFY in Wood

This beautifully hand-carved wooden figure of the San Angelo College Ram mascot is a cherished piece from the home of Fred "Pete" and Betty Hickman. Pete Hickman, a proud Ram, played football for SAC from 1948 to 1950, and the carving reflects the pride and spirit of those early post-war teams.

The carving is attributed to R.K. Wimberley, a talented industrial arts teacher from Ozona High School, who is believed to have created the piece prior to 1967, before SAC transitioned to university status.

Featuring Tuffy in a classic running pose with “SAC RAMS” boldly displayed on the base, it commemorates the college’s years from 1928 to 1965.

This artifact not only preserves the legacy of SAC athletics but also honors the craftsmanship and pride of West Texas tradition.

Wooden carving of Tuffy by RK Wimberley. Courtesy of the Pete Hickman Family
Wooden carving of Tuffy by RK Wimberley. Courtesy of the Pete Hickman Family
Pete Hickman
Pete Hickman
1961 Ozona High School Annual photo of RK Wimberley
1961 Ozona High School Annual photo of RK Wimberley
tuffy the ram
Tuffy the Ram facing to the left
Tuffy the Ram facing to the left