Draft:Tuffy the Ram

Tuffy the Ram is the long-standing, anthropomorphic mascot of Angelo State University (ASU), located in San Angelo, Texas. Representing the school’s fighting spirit and pride, Tuffy has been a central figure in ASU’s history, appearing on various memorabilia, promotional items, and athletic gear. While Tuffy has long been the mainstay of ASU's mascot tradition, another figure, Scooter, emerged alongside him, believed to represent the female aspect of RamFam Spirit. Together, Tuffy and Scooter symbolize the resilience and unity of the ASU community.

History

Tuffy’s journey as the mascot of Angelo State University began with the live ram mascot, formerly "Shorty",being introduced in 1947, named Tuffy. 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.

Original drawing of Tuffy (1969?)

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 Unversity LeGrand Alumni Center of what is considered the original Tuffy concept:

Tuffy's Evolution in Memorabilia

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: As shown below, 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, as seen in this image
• 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 commemorating ASU's 1978 NAIA football national championship:

Matchbooks with Tuffy promoting the ASU Bookstore	Bookstore bag with Tuffy (1991)	1978 NAIA Football National Championship Shirt

Scooter the Ewe

Tuffy and Scooter flag

Scooter, Tuffy’s lesser-known counterpart, emerged alongside him in ASU imagery. Though her exact origins are unclear, it is believed that Scooter represented the female aspect of Ram Spirit, adding a sense of balance to the mascot tradition. The two were often depicted together, symbolizing unity and inclusivity within the ASU community.

One example of their joint representation is this flag featuring both Tuffy and Scooter together: Another example is a chair, used for player bench seating during basketball games:Tuffy and Scooter also appeared on everyday items such as notepads.

Tuffy and Scooter in ASU Athletics

Tuffy on Canvas

Tuffy and Scooter became especially prominent in ASU athletic events, often appearing together on promotional materials and items related to sports. Their images were present at key events, from football to basketball games, reminding players and fans alike of ASU’s fighting spirit and unity. This hand-drawn banner featuring Tuffy, given as a going-away present, shows how central the mascot has become to the university’s community and traditions:

Legacy

While Tuffy and Scooter once played prominent roles in Angelo State University’s culture, representing the school’s fighting spirit and unity, their presence has since faded. Since the 1990's, neither Tuffy nor Scooter are currently part of the official ASU branding, athletic programs, or university marketing. There are no mentions of either mascot on the ASU website or in any official communications, and references to their existence have been largely erased from the university’s public-facing identity.

Tuffy pillow in an undisclosed ASU location

Despite their absence, Tuffy and Scooter remain fondly remembered by alumni and long-time faculty and staff, who continue to celebrate their legacy through personal memorabilia, nostalgic references, and privately shared images. The characters once symbolized the vibrant spirit of the ASU community, but today, they exist primarily in the memories of those who experienced the era when they were an integral part of the university's identity.

Though no longer part of ASU’s present culture, Tuffy and Scooter’s impact on the university’s history remains significant. Their disappearance marks a clear shift in how Angelo State University chose to present itself, moving away from the playful mascots that once united students, athletes, and fans, and toward a more formal image. However, the affection and nostalgia surrounding Tuffy and Scooter suggest that their legacy continues to resonate with those who remember their role in shaping the spirit of the ASU Rams.

From humble beginnings as a live ram to their cartoon depictions on a wide array of items, Tuffy and Scooter once stood at the heart of Angelo State’s identity, but their absence from the current culture has left a nostalgic void for those who remember their significant role in the university's history.