The Colorado mascot name has been a topic of debate and controversy for many years. The use of Native American imagery and themes in sports mascots has been a contentious issue, with many arguing that it perpetuates harmful stereotypes and disrespect towards Indigenous peoples. The Colorado mascot name, previously known as the "Buffaloes," has been criticized for its use of Native American imagery, as well as its lack of consultation with Indigenous communities. Many Indigenous people and their allies see this as cultural appropriation and a misrepresentation of their identity and culture. In recent years, there has been a growing movement to change the Colorado mascot name to something more inclusive and respectful. Advocates for a change argue that it is an opportunity for Colorado to lead by example and show respect for the concerns and rights of Indigenous peoples.
Boulder History: CU’s first Ralphie was a hard-working mascot
Ralphie I lived a full life. CU’s first buffalo mascot was well-traveled and garnered favorable publicity for the university. She reigned as homecoming queen, survived a kidnapping and was a working mom. She set a high bar for all Ralphies that followed.
In the early years, the University of Colorado students tried out a dog, a goat and a donkey as impromptu mascots. By 1934, the CU student newspaper, Silver and Gold, decided the school needed an official mascot. The name Buffaloes was selected from over 1,000 entries.
For the next few decades a series of different buffaloes ran at football games.
The students named one of them “Mr. Chips” in 1957.
In 1966, a 5-month-old bison from a ranch in Sedgwick, Colo., was bought with a $150 gift from John Lowery, father of CU freshman Bill Lowery.
The student body chose the name Ralph, for the “rrrralph” sound the animal made when running, so the story goes. The name was quickly changed to Ralphie when an observant fan pointed out the buffalo was female.
Ralphie quickly became popular at CU and across the country. On the job for 13 seasons, she appeared every CU home football game from 1966-1978. She also traveled in a trailer to a number of bowl games.
Early handlers were known as “the men in Ralphie’s life.”
In 1970, Ralphie was kidnapped by Air Force Academy cadets. The captors led her around Falcon Stadium dressed as a buffalo burger, sandwiched between oversized burger buns, alongside a giant bottle of ketchup. She was returned unharmed.
The following year, Ralphie was elected CU’s homecoming queen.
At the Gator Bowl in 1972, some Auburn University students tried to capture Ralphie, so she was assigned extra security.
CU hoped to eventually replace Ralphie with one of her own calves, but that wasn’t to be.
Ralphie I gave birth to at least three calves while on duty as mascot.
Handlers first believed that Ralphie was expecting in 1970. The CU sports publicist found the announcement on the front page, while the football team report was buried inside the newspaper. The exciting news prompted calls from the press as far away as New York.
That first pregnancy news turned out to be false.
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. “She was the meanest thing you ever saw,” a handler commented.
Spirit apparently took after Barney, Ralphie’s 1,700-pound nasty-tempered boyfriend, the father of all of her calves.
A university report indicates four offspring. A search revealed another pregnancy announcement for Ralphie in 1976, while she was attending the Orange Bowl in Miami, but no information on a fourth calf. According to Gayle Shirley’s book “Four-Legged Legends of Colorado,” one calf died after it was born during an October snowstorm. It froze to death before anyone discovered it.
After a giving 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.
Carol Taylor and Silvia Pettem write on history for the Daily Camera, alternating weeks. Write Silvia at the Daily Camera, 5450 Western Ave., Boulder, 80301 or email [email protected] , and write Carol at boulderhistorylibrarian@gmail.com.
Meet Regi
Regi the Ranger is the University’s official mascot – representing Regis at athletic, community, campus and service events. Regi is a firm believer in lighthearted fun and cura personalis, meaning “care for the whole person.” She always seeks to reflect our University’s values, inspire our community, build fellowship and celebrate Ranger pride.
Regi made her first appearance at the 2019 annual Ranger Day celebrations after an all-student vote on the new mascot's name. A joyful, inquisitive and compassionate fox, she welcomes all and encourages her human friends to make Regis their home. Regi also loves pulling pranks on the Northwest Denver Campus, including filling an elevator in Clarke Hall with balloons and setting out “free donut” signs that led in a circle.
What is a Ranger?
In 1912, the school paper ran a contest for a team name for the new football team. The Athletics board, a few faculty and the editor chose the "Rangers." Since then, the Regis Rangers have seen many mascots on campus and at events: from an old west cattle-hearding ranger, to a camel to celebrate Wednesday 'Hump' Days, to Roamin' the Ranger and our current prankster Regi the Ranger. No matter the mascot, Regis Rangers have always shown compassion for the world around us and consideration for how we impact and change it.
Student Success
Regi wants every student to strive for success while at Regis. All students are assigned an academic success coach as a resource, among others, to help guide them toward their goals. Make sure to check out other helpful tips Regi has for students.
Advocates for a change argue that it is an opportunity for Colorado to lead by example and show respect for the concerns and rights of Indigenous peoples. Some proposed alternatives for the Colorado mascot name include the "Raptors," "Hawks," or "Mountaineers," among others. These options would not only remove the problematic Native American imagery, but also provide an opportunity to celebrate the unique aspects of Colorado's environment and history.
Regi's Favorite Spots on Campus
Athletic Facilities
The Baseball Field, Field House and Match Pitch — basically the entire east end of campus where sports are played.
Main Hall
The roof of Main Hall gives Regi the best perspective to look down and plan pranks.
Boettcher Commons
Boettcher Commons (Quad) is Regi’s favorite area for walking around and giving high fives. In the wintertime, watch out — she has been known to throw snowballs.
Show Your Ranger Pride
Get out and let your Ranger passion shine.
- Buy Your Ranger Gear
- Attend an Athletic Game
However, there are also those who believe that changing the Colorado mascot name would be unnecessary and an erasure of tradition. They argue that the current name has been part of the school's identity for many years and has no negative intentions. Ultimately, the decision to change the Colorado mascot name rests with the university and its stakeholders. It is important to have a respectful and informed conversation about the issue, taking into consideration the perspectives and concerns of Indigenous communities and striving towards a more inclusive and equitable environment for all..
Reviews for "The Connection Between Mascot Names and Community Engagement in Colorado"
1. John - 1 star
The new Colorado mascot name is absolutely atrocious. It lacks originality and creativity. It feels like they chose the first name that came to mind without putting any thought or effort into it. It's disappointing to see such a beloved and respected institution resort to such a lackluster choice. I would have expected something more unique and representative of the state's rich history and culture. Overall, I am not impressed and think they could have done much better.
2. Sarah - 2 stars
While I understand the need for a new Colorado mascot name, I can't help but feel let down by the choice they made. It feels generic and uninspired. I was hoping for something that would capture the spirit and essence of the state, but instead, we got a name that could belong to any other team. It's a missed opportunity to create something truly special and memorable. I hope they reconsider and come up with something that is more fitting for Colorado's unique identity.
3. Alex - 1 star
The new Colorado mascot name is just plain bad. It lacks imagination and fails to capture the imagination of fans. It feels like a safe and unimaginative choice, and it's clear that they didn't put much thought or effort into it. I was hoping for something that would make me excited and proud to support the team, but instead, I'm left feeling disappointed and underwhelmed. I can't help but think they could have done better.
4. Emily - 2 stars
I have mixed feelings about the new Colorado mascot name. While it's not the worst choice they could have made, it's also not particularly inspiring or memorable. It feels like a missed opportunity to create something truly unique and representative of the state's history and culture. I understand that coming up with a new mascot name can be a challenge, but I can't help but feel that they could have done a bit better in this case. I hope they take fan feedback into consideration and consider reevaluating their decision.