University History
From Peanuts to CAM
The history of CSU mascots
February 2008
Continued . . . .
Lancers present Aggie Ram, Jan. 11, 1946. University Historic Photograph Collection, Archives and Special Collections, Colorado State University.
Gallant Defender donated in 1936
Although a small black dog appears in several baseball and track team photos during the 1920s and 1930s, no official mascot represented the Aggies for several years. In 1936, Glenn Morris, Olympic champion and Aggie alumnus, presented his alma mater with another English bulldog named Gallant Defender. Gallant's custodian was none other than Floyd Cross, by this time a dean at the College. Gallant donned a green and gold cape emblazoned with a large "A" and faithfully served the College as mascot.
In 1945, the student body chose a mascot name, "Aggie Rams," and an English bulldog was no longer an appropriate fit.
Buck debuted in 1946
On January 11, 1946, the men's pep club organization, the Lancers, made a surprise appearance during halftime at the Denver University-Colorado A & M basketball game with a 115-pound domestic ram named Buck. Buck wore a blanket made by a local tailor with the words "Aggie Rams" on it. The Lancers organized a contest for students to name the ram, offering $5 prize. William Simpson won the contest, naming the ram "CAM" for Colorado Agricultural and Mechanical College.
Twenty-one Rambouillet sheep have served as CAM the Ram, and dozens of dedicated CSU students have worked as ram handlers. Our current CAM takes his place in a long line of mascots, embodying green and gold Ram pride and tradition.
Story by Kate Legg, '06, Project Archivist, Historic Photograph Collection. Originally published in the January 2008 edition of Around the Oval by the CSU Alumni Association.
