Angelo State University Basketball: A Legacy of Growth and Achievement
Angelo State University (ASU) boasts a rich history, evolving from a local college to a respected university within the Texas Tech University System. The story of ASU basketball mirrors this evolution, marked by periods of struggle, triumph, and continuous growth. From its humble beginnings to national recognition, ASU basketball has become an integral part of the university's identity.
The Genesis of Angelo State
The origins of Angelo State University trace back to 1923 when the residents of San Angelo, after an unsuccessful bid to host Texas Technological College, resolved to establish their own institution of higher learning. This initiative, driven by local determination, materialized when classes commenced with an initial enrollment of 112 students. City students paid $75 tuition, while out-of-town students paid $115. In May 1929, the institution celebrated its first commencement, awarding degrees to six graduates.
Despite facing significant challenges such as the Great Depression and World War II, San Angelo College (SAC) persevered, fueled by a forward-looking vision. The college outgrew its downtown campus and sought relocation. The residents of San Angelo demonstrated their commitment by raising $300,000 to facilitate the transition to a new campus. The 1950s witnessed SAC's expansion on West Avenue N, propelled by the GI Bill® and an increasing emphasis on education.
Breaking Barriers and Embracing Change
During the 1950s, SAC emerged as a pioneer in racial relations, admitting its first black students a year before the landmark Brown vs. Board of Education decision. In 1955, Mary Frances Simpson, an outstanding graduate, became the first black student to graduate from SAC. The college also shattered the color barrier in Texas intercollegiate football in 1953 when Ben Kelly, later named class favorite, started for the Rams.
The 1960s brought significant change as San Angelo College transitioned into a four-year, state-supported university, fulfilling the aspirations of local residents since the 1920s. In 1963, Gov. John Connally signed legislation transforming SAC into a state institution and a member of the Texas State University System. The 1970s saw further growth as the Baby Boomer generation flocked to the ASU campus. Intercollegiate athletics for women commenced in 1975.
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Endowments and National Recognition
The establishment of the Robert G. and Nona K. Carr Foundation, funded by mineral and royalty interests from oil-producing properties in West Texas, had a profound impact on Angelo State. The foundation, established to provide scholarships for "needy and worthy" students, awarded its first scholarships in 1981. The 1990s marked a period of national recognition for ASU, with U.S. News and World Report recognizing it as an up-and-coming university.
Between 1996 and 2006, ASU experienced its second-largest building boom, resulting in one of the most modern campuses in the state. In 2007, local residents successfully petitioned legislators to move Angelo State University from the Texas State University System to the Texas Tech University System. This transition took effect on Sept. 1, 2007.
Recent Developments and Continued Growth
The implosion of University Hall in 2009 paved the way for further campus expansion. In 2010, the Rambelles track and field team secured ASU's fourth national title at the NCAA Division II Outdoor National Championship. Fall semester enrollment surpassed 7,000 students for the first time in 2011. ASU continued to garner national attention, earning a place in the Princeton Review's "Best Colleges" guide for the fourth consecutive year in 2012. Another significant event in 2012 was the appointment of Dr. Brian J. May as president of Angelo State University.
In 2014-15, the Angelo State men's basketball team achieved its most decorated season in the 50 years since the Rams' junior college era ended, breaking or tying 11 single-season school records, including 28 wins. They won a record four postseason games, including their first two wins in the NCAA playoffs.
The university celebrated its anniversary in 2015 with its first capital campaign, raising over $35 million. A new record fall enrollment of 8,156 was fueled by a new off-site dual credit program, continued increases in graduate students taking online courses, and the launch of the new civil engineering program. In 2017, the Hunter Strain Engineering Labs facility was completed, and the building for the Archer College of Health and Human Services neared completion in 2018.
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Continued Expansion and Adaptation
New facilities, including Community Credit Union Field, the Health and Human Services Building, the Shannon Sportsmed Clinic, and a new wing for the Centennial Village residence hall, were added. A generous private gift led to the naming of the Norris-Vincent College of Business, and a project to add the ASU Mayer Museum was announced. ASU’s first civil engineering graduates received their diplomas, and approval was granted for a new mechanical engineering program.
Enrollment topped 10,500 for the first time in 2019, which was also highlighted by more new construction on campus as ground was broken for the Stephens Chapel and Mayer Museum. In 2020, ASU thrived despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, adapting to virtual classes and eventually welcoming students, faculty, and staff back to campus under the leadership of retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Ronnie D. Hawkins Jr., who succeeded Dr. Brian J. May as president.
Core Values and New Programs
ASU adopted its first official Core Values, along with new Mission and Vision statements, in 2021. The university added a new Bachelor of Commercial Aviation degree, as well as ASU’s second doctoral degree, a Psy.D. in counseling psychology. ASU was selected to pilot a community cybersecurity program with UTSA, and the campus was back to full capacity and operations for the start of the fall semester.
In 2022, ASU was selected to pilot another cybersecurity program and soon became the site of the state’s first Regional Security Operations Center. Ground was broken for the Housley Tower, and significant renovations began for what is now the Elta Joyce Murphey Auditorium in the Mayer Administration Building. Other new additions included a new Doctor of Social Work degree, the first Latinx Stole Ceremony at commencement, and the Mariachi Los Pastores ensemble.
Recent Achievements and Future Prospects
The new ASU Rodeo Team dominated the headlines in early 2023, along with the addition of the ASU Rodeo Complex at the San Angelo Fairgrounds. The Rams baseball team won its first national championship, the fifth in Angelo State history, and ground was broken for a new Rambelles Soccer Clubhouse. ASU also achieved SACS-COC re-accreditation, added a new Center for Digital Learning and Instruction to better leverage online course offerings, and added a fourth doctoral degree, an Ed.D. in transformative leadership.
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In 2024, ASU completed demolition of the vacant Concho Hall high rise dorm. The campus landscape was also changed forever with the dedication of the Housley Tower and the addition of the Rambelles Soccer Clubhouse at the newly-named LeGrand Soccer Complex, and new Cattle Show Barns were added to the ASU Ranch. Ground was broken for a new Angelo State Golf Complex and short-game course, as well as dual expansions to the ASU Mayer Museum, while improvements continued at the ASU Rodeo Complex at the fairgrounds.
The Legacy of the 1988 Squad
The 1987-88 and 1988-89 Rams, led by Tim Howard and Chris Mason, remain ASU's only conference championship teams through 50 seasons of senior college basketball. The 1987-88 Rams finished 22-11, the school record for wins in a season until the 2014-15 Rams won 28 games. The team's commitment to defense set it apart, with players like Mason transforming into great defensive players under coach Messbarger.
The Impact of Transfers
The 2014-15 Rams' success was largely attributed to one-year transfers from NCAA Division I programs. These transfers, including Chris Jones, Demario Mayfield, Marsell Holden, and Raijon Kelly, brought proven talent and maturity to the team. Coach Chris Beard recognized the importance of transfers in the Lone Star Conference and strategically recruited players who could make an immediate impact.
Athletic Facilities
The ASU Rams and Rambelles compete in various sports, utilizing state-of-the-art facilities. The Rams baseball team plays at Foster Field, the largest on-campus baseball stadium in NCAA Division II. The Rams' and Rambelles' basketball teams and the Rambelles' volleyball team play at Stephens Arena inside the Junell Center. The Rambelles softball field, Mayer Field, includes team bathrooms, washrooms, team benches, and storage areas. The Rams track and field team competes at the LeGrand Sports Complex.
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