Dominic

A domesticated breed originating in Spain over two centuries ago, the Rambouillet are compact, white-wooled sheep with rams that proudly carry long, curving horns.

The first Rambouillet ram, “Shorty,” was donated to the college in 1940 by area rancher D.T. Jones, who had two daughters attending the school. His generosity typified the West Texas spirit and the support ASU has enjoyed throughout its history from the people of San Angelo and the surrounding area.

The ram was an appropriate symbol for the institution and the region because San Angelo has long been the center of the Texas wool and mohair industry and the home of the Texas Sheep and Goat Raisers Association. ASU’s Agriculture Department maintains a herd of Rambouillet sheep on its ranch outside of town, and Dominic is selected from that herd, based on his demeanor and the sweep of his horns.

Until 1963, the ASU mascot ram went by a variety of names, but that year the student body held an election to decide his permanent moniker, and “Dominic” won out.

Today, Dominic is a fixture at ASU activities, ranging from the Official Ring Ceremony to the Homecoming Parade to outdoor athletics events. During football games, opposing players more than once have run out of bounds near Dominic. The headstrong mascot with his stern glare and his sweeping horns usually sends them scurrying back to their teammates, no ifs, ands or butts about it.