The Enduring Legacy of Ralphie: A History of the University of Colorado's Live Mascot

For decades, the University of Colorado Boulder (CU) has been renowned for its unique and thrilling tradition: Ralphie, the live buffalo mascot. More than just a symbol, Ralphie embodies the spirit and energy of the Buffaloes, captivating fans and instilling fear in opponents. This article explores the rich history of Ralphie, from the initial selection of the buffalo as the mascot to the present day, highlighting the various Ralphies who have graced Folsom Field and the dedicated handlers who ensure their safety and well-being.

From Impromptu Mascots to the Official Buffalo

In the early years, the University of Colorado experimented with various animals as unofficial mascots, including a dog, a goat, and a donkey. However, in 1934, the student newspaper, Silver and Gold, spearheaded a campaign to establish an official mascot for the school. After receiving over 1,000 entries, the name "Buffaloes" was chosen, marking a significant step towards the iconic tradition that CU is known for today. For the next few decades a series of different buffaloes ran at football games. The students named one of them “Mr. Chips” in 1957.

The Dawn of the Ralphie Era

The Ralphie era began in 1966 when John Lowery, the father of a CU freshman, donated a five-month-old bison. The students initially named the bison "Ralph," supposedly after the "rrrralph" sound the animal made while running. However, this name was quickly changed to "Ralphie" after it was discovered that the bison was female. Ralphie quickly became popular at CU and across the country.

Ralphie I: The Trailblazer

Ralphie I, who arrived in March 1966, served as the university's first official live mascot, setting a high standard for all subsequent Ralphies. She made her debut on the sidelines and, by 1967, began running on the field before games to intimidate the opposing team, as suggested by head coach Eddie Crowder. Over her 13 seasons, Ralphie I became a beloved figure, appearing at every home football game and traveling to numerous bowl games.

Ralphie I's popularity transcended the football field. In 1970, she was kidnapped by Air Force Academy cadets but was safely returned. The following year, she was elected CU’s homecoming queen. Despite CU's hopes of replacing Ralphie with one of her own calves, that wasn’t to be. Ralphie I gave birth to at least three calves while on duty as mascot. The first Ralphie offspring, Buffy, also spelled Buffie, was born in the spring of 1972. The female sadly died of pneumonia the next fall. Streaker, another girl, was born in 1974. She died of head injuries after trying to escape from her pen. Spirit was born in 1975. Also female, Spirit made several appearances with her mother including Homecoming, Spirit survived into adulthood, but had a personality that was not suitable for taking her mother’s place.

After a lifetime of service to the University, Ralphie I retired to pasture in 1978. She died in 1982 after reaching the elderly buffalo age of 17.

Ralphie II: Continuing the Legacy

Ralphie II, originally named "Moonshine" due to her birth during a lunar eclipse, took over the reins in 1978. She ran from 1978 to 1987. In 1986, Oklahoma State pranksters snuck into their college’s veterinary clinic and sprayed painted “OSU” on Ralphie's back in orange letters. Ralphie II unexpectedly died the night after she ran during a game on September 19, 1987.

Ralphie III: A Fiery Spirit

Ralphie III, nicknamed "Tequila" for her "fiery personality," stepped into the role unexpectedly in 1987 after Ralphie II's sudden death. She was much bigger and faster than I and II and was only given five weeks of training before finishing out the rest of the 1987 season. She became the first Ralphie to wear the famous Ralphie blanket which says “Go Buffaloes” on one side and “Beat ___” (the opposing team) on the other.

Ralphie IV: A Rescue Story

Ralphie IV had a unique beginning, having been abandoned by her herd and attacked by a coyote. Rescued and raised by the buffalo manager, she was eventually donated to the university and made her debut in 1998.

Ralphie V: Power and Speed

Ralphie V, known as the most powerful and fastest of all the Ralphies, served from 2008 to 2019. Initially called "Blackout," Ralphie V wore the Ralphie blanket for awhile, but did not like it so has not worn it since the beginning of her career. Ralphie V made many appearances on campus before football games, including the “Ralphie’s Corral” pre-game parties. After nearly 12 seasons of running with the Buffs, Ralphie retired in November 2019.

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Ralphie VI: A New Era

In 2021, CU welcomed Ralphie VI to Folsom Field. She is just over 15 months old and weighs a little less than 500 pounds (at their full size, the previous Ralphies weighed around 1,300 pounds). After being rejected by her mother at birth, Ralphie VI was raised by a beef cow before coming to the university.

Ralphie VII: The Latest Chapter

The current Ralphie, Ralphie VII, also known as "Brandy," continues the tradition of leading the Buffaloes onto the field with unmatched energy and enthusiasm.

The Ralphie Handlers: Guardians of the Mascot

The "Ralphie Handlers," a team of dedicated student-athletes, play a crucial role in Ralphie's care and safety. Initially called "The Men Who Run with Ralphie," the name was changed to "Ralphie Runners" in 1970 and later to "Ralphie Handlers" in the 1980s. The team of approximately 15 "Ralphie Handlers" are student-athletes that earn varsity letters for their efforts. Handlers first started earning varsity letters in 1987. Even though the Handlers do not fall under NCAA jurisdiction, the Athletic Department still holds them to the same standards as other varsity athletes in the department.

The handlers' responsibilities extend beyond running with Ralphie during games. They are responsible for her overall care and maintenance, including feeding, grooming, and transporting her to and from events. Taylor Stratton has been the program manager and head coach since 2020, replacing John Graves after five years. Prior to Graves, Gail Pederson directed the program for 17 years.

The Iconic Run: A Symbol of CU Spirit

Ralphie's most famous activity is her run across the field before each half of Buffaloes' home games. She usually arrives on the field about one hour before kickoff on regular game days, staying in her pen until the game is about to begin. As the public address announcer exclaims "Here comes Ralphie!" the pen is opened and Ralphie and her handlers begin their run. Typically, five handlers are used for each run with Ralphie: two in the front (left and right) to steer her around the field, two in the back (left and right) to help guide her, and one in the back to control her speed, known as the loop position. The football team follows closely behind. Ralphie and her handlers follow a horseshoe-shaped route, turning around before reaching the opposite end zone and ending with Ralphie running into her trailer at nearly full speed near the visitor's entrance. The handlers not running with Ralphie are positioned around the field to help guide Ralphie along her route.

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Ralphie's Home: A Sanctuary for a Beloved Mascot

Ralphie lives on a ranch in an undisclosed location to protect her and provide her with an ideal living environment. Ralphie has access to shelters that allow her to avoid bad weather, however the program reports that she enjoys being outside regardless of temperature or precipitation. Ralphie's pasture contains large scratching posts made of old street sweeper brushes donated by the city of Boulder. She uses these mainly in the spring to help shed her thick winter coat. Ralphie is fed grass hay daily to supplement the grass she grazes. She can eat up to 30 pounds of grasses and hay daily, and drinks 10-15 gallons of water. Her manure is gathered daily and composted. In addition to the Ralphie Handlers and coaches, she also has a veterinarian who provides wellness exams and vaccinations. Ralphie travels to and from her home ranch in a custom-designed trailer. It is insulated with vents that can be opened and closed to adjust airflow and temperature. The inside walls and floor are lined with rubber mats for her comfort. There is enough space for her to walk around, turn around, and lie down.

A Female Bison: Dispelling the Myth

While commonly referred to as a buffalo, Ralphie is actually an American bison. Due to their smaller size, reduced strength, and less-aggressive temperament, female bison have always been chosen as Ralphie as opposed to males. Furthermore, the university uses female buffalo for insurance purposes. Despite the popular misconception that Ralphie is male, all the Ralphies have been female.

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