The University of Colorado mascot is a topic of great pride and tradition for the university. The mascot that represents the university is the Colorado Buffaloes. The choice of a buffalo as the mascot is deeply rooted in the history and significance of the animal in the state of Colorado. The buffalo, or bison, has long been associated with strength, endurance, and resilience. These qualities are reflective of the spirit and character of the University of Colorado and its students. The buffalo also holds a special place in the hearts of Coloradans, as it is the official state mammal.
LARRY HARWOOD/UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO
After Hesselman graduated in May, he took a European vacation with some of his college friends before settling down with a high-tech job he landed in Denver. After Hesselman graduated in May, he took a European vacation with some of his college friends before settling down with a high-tech job he landed in Denver.
The buffalo also holds a special place in the hearts of Coloradans, as it is the official state mammal. The university's mascot first appeared in the early 1930s, when a student took on the role of a buffalo for a football game. Over time, the tradition grew, and the iconic buffalo costume became an integral part of the university's athletic events and spirit activities.
Meet CU’s Live Mascot, Ralphie the Buffalo!
Even Ralphie needs some spring training as she is run during the University of Colorado's spring football game. (Photo courtesy of Breck Hesselman) July 27, 2022 By Mark Blaudshschun It is part of the University of Colorado--and college football--folklore. A tradition that began 52 years ago and is still a highlight of any college football game at Colorado's Folsom Field. Georgia (UGA) can have its Bulldog; Colorado has its Buffalo, Ralphie. And what a sight that is at CU home games as Ralphie VI--800 pounds and growing, charges onto the field, surrounded by an entourage of handlers. For the last three seasons, Breck Hesselman has had an up close and personal view of Ralphie, who is a female (more about that later), as one of the elite group of 15 CU students who are the gate keepers so to speak, for the iconic mascot. To understand the story of Ralphie, you need to only go to a human archive named Dave Plati, a sports administrator at CU for more than 40 years. Breck Hesselman (center) runs Ralphie the Buffalo at the University of Colorado football games. (Photo courtesy of Breck Hesselman) Ralphie IV passed away at 19 a few years ago. Ralphie V is now 13 but was getting more and more frisky as she got older, so the decision was made to bring in Ralphie VI. "I've seen so many of them and heard so many stories,'' said Plati. "But it never gets old." Plati likes to tell the story of Ralphie V getting lost at the CU spring game a few years ago and roaming the field for several minutes. Make no mistake, this is big business in Colorado. The Ralphie family lives on a farm at an undisclosed location outside Boulder. Whenever he is needed for a game or an appearance, he gets in a truck and arrives for a show, which for football games, usually is a pre-game and halftime appearance and then a trip back to the ranch. Hesselman says he had heard about Ralphie when he arrived in Boulder and "tried out'' for one of the positions of handlers Hesselman, who graduated from CU this spring. "They ask you to do a 100-yard dash and see how you are around big animals like Ralphie. I didn't make it my freshman year, but I came back the next year and made it. It's been a blast and it's a total team effort." They are still talking about the time that former Oklahoma linebacker Brian Bosworth decided he wanted to block a charging Ralphie. Breck Hesselman (far right) was one of Ralphie's handlers at University of Colorado. (Photo courtesy of Breck Hesselman) Thankfully that idea was quickly rejected. "I just had a great time with a lot of cool people,'' said Hesselman. "It was a unique experience." After Hesselman graduated in May, he took a European vacation with some of his college friends before settling down with a high-tech job he landed in Denver. When asked where he went on vacation, Hesselman said, "A few countries, England, France, Portugal, and Spain" Spain? It was too good to pass up. I asked the one obvious question for someone who had spent three years running with Ralphie. Did he ever consider the ultimate experience--running with the bulls in Pamplona? "Did it July 8," said Hesselman with a laugh. "That was an EXPERIENCE. Those guys are beasts.''
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The mascot's name is Chip, a reference to the Colorado chipmunk, another animal native to the region. Chip embodies the spirit and energy of the buffaloes, and serves as a symbol of the university's athletic prowess and competitive spirit. The buffalo mascot is seen at various university events, including football games, basketball games, and alumni gatherings. Chip's presence adds to the excitement and enthusiasm of these events, and further strengthens the sense of community and pride among students, faculty, and alumni. In addition to representing the university's athletic teams, the Colorado Buffaloes mascot also serves as a symbol of the university's commitment to environmental stewardship and conservation. The university has taken extensive measures to protect the bison population in Colorado and support efforts to restore and preserve their natural habitat. Overall, the University of Colorado mascot, the Colorado Buffaloes, holds a special place in the hearts of students, faculty, and alumni. It represents the university's spirit, tradition, and connection to the state of Colorado. Chip, the buffalo mascot, continues to inspire and unify the university community, while also raising awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation and environmental preservation..
Reviews for "The University of Colorado Mascot: A Reflection of the School's Identity and Values"
1. John D - 1 out of 5 stars: I was really disappointed with the University of Colorado mascot. The choice of a buffalo just seems so cliché and unoriginal. It doesn't represent the diversity and uniqueness of the university's student body. I think they should have chosen something that reflects the academic excellence and cultural diversity of the institution.
2. Sarah K - 2 out of 5 stars: As an alumna of the University of Colorado, I expected the mascot to be more inspiring and captivating. The buffalo is just so plain and boring. I feel that the university missed an opportunity to create a mascot that would bring more energy and enthusiasm to our school's athletics. I hope they reconsider in the future and come up with something more exciting.
3. Mark R - 1 out of 5 stars: The University of Colorado mascot is just a big disappointment. I mean, a buffalo? Really? It's such a predictable choice and lacks any creativity. I believe they could have chosen something that embodies the spirit of the university in a much better way. This decision feels lazy and uninspired.
4. Emily M - 2 out of 5 stars: While I understand that the buffalo is a symbol of the state of Colorado, I expected the university to break away from the traditional mascot choices. The buffalo just seems so outdated and doesn't capture the vibrant and progressive nature of the institution. I think they could have taken a more innovative approach to represent our university.
5. Ryan H - 1 out of 5 stars: Seriously? A buffalo as a mascot? It's such a cliché choice and lacks any uniqueness or originality. I was hoping for something that would embody the spirit of the university and its students, but the buffalo falls short of that. I think the university should have put more thought and creativity into selecting a mascot that would truly represent us.