Ralphie
- Ralphie I: 1966 - 78
- Ralphie II: 1978 - 87
- Ralphie III: 1987 - 97
- Ralphie IV: 1998 - 2008
- Ralphie V: 2008 - 2019
The University of Colorado Boulder has one of the more unique mascots in all of intercollegiate athletics, a live buffalo mascot named Ralphie. Ralphie, with a team of varsity student-athletes called Ralphie Handlers, is a symbol of Buff pride and is best known for leading the football team onto the field on game day. As one of the most exclusive sights in college or professional sports, even opposing teams are excited to watch her round the end zone and fly by their sideline.
In their most famous appearances, Ralphie and the Handlers run across Folsom Field in a horse shoe pattern with the football team behind them at both the start of the game and the start of the second half. Five Ralphie Handlers run with her around the field, four on either side of her to help guide her around the field and one in the back to help control her speed. The rest of the team guides her from a distance, showing her the route and keeping the field clear of obstructions. Ralphie and her Handlers can reach speeds of 25 miles per hour. Ralphie and her Handlers also make special appearances throughout the year talking to fans and educating them about the University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado Athletics, Ralphie, and buffaloes in general.
Ralphie has always been a female bison because of their size and temperament. Males can weigh 1,000 pounds more and stand a foot taller than females. Due to the nature of working with a live animal, Ralphie’s appearances maybe subject to last minute delay or cancelation in the best interest of Ralphie. Additionally, whether or not Ralphie runs at a football game is at the sole discretion of the Program Manager, who may cancel it in the best interest and well-being of Ralphie. Ralphie’s appearances or runs may also be canceled if field or weather conditions are unsafe for either Ralphie or the Ralphie Handlers.
Since the start of the Ralphie Program, it has been funded exclusively through donations from fans, keeping this great tradition going strong year after year. Donations made to the program cover all expenses associated with the program including the feeding, care, and maintenance of Ralphie, as well as all travel expenses, Handler uniforms and gear, and any equipment for the team.
Ralphie Handlers and the athletic department view Ralphie as a good luck charm; therefore, they track the wins and losses for each game she makes an appearance at. What do the stats tell us: she's the best mascot, win or lose.
Want to know where Ralphie is? Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
In their most famous appearances, Ralphie and the Handlers run across Folsom Field in a horse shoe pattern with the football team behind them at both the start of the game and the start of the second half. Five Ralphie Handlers run with her around the field, four on either side of her to help guide her around the field and one in the back to help control her speed. The rest of the team guides her from a distance, showing her the route and keeping the field clear of obstructions. Ralphie and her Handlers can reach speeds of 25 miles per hour. Ralphie and her Handlers also make special appearances throughout the year talking to fans and educating them about the University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado Athletics, Ralphie, and buffaloes in general.
Ralphie has always been a female bison because of their size and temperament. Males can weigh 1,000 pounds more and stand a foot taller than females. Due to the nature of working with a live animal, Ralphie’s appearances maybe subject to last minute delay or cancelation in the best interest of Ralphie. Additionally, whether or not Ralphie runs at a football game is at the sole discretion of the Program Manager, who may cancel it in the best interest and well-being of Ralphie. Ralphie’s appearances or runs may also be canceled if field or weather conditions are unsafe for either Ralphie or the Ralphie Handlers.
Since the start of the Ralphie Program, it has been funded exclusively through donations from fans, keeping this great tradition going strong year after year. Donations made to the program cover all expenses associated with the program including the feeding, care, and maintenance of Ralphie, as well as all travel expenses, Handler uniforms and gear, and any equipment for the team.
Ralphie Handlers and the athletic department view Ralphie as a good luck charm; therefore, they track the wins and losses for each game she makes an appearance at. What do the stats tell us: she's the best mascot, win or lose.
Want to know where Ralphie is? Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.