91��ý

Five minutes before every game-day kickoff, electricity fills the air at Folsom Field. Decked in black and gold, Buffs fans stomp their feet against the bleachers, wave a sea of rally towels and roar, knowing they are about to witness one of 91��ý’s greatest traditions. The stadium erupts as Ralphie — CU’s beloved live mascot — makes what the NCAA ranks as one of the best entrances in college football and storms the field.����

As we head into another season of Buffs football, hereeeee come 10 facts about Ralphie and her iconic run to gear you up for Folsom Field game days.��

1. Ralphie is a girl.

   • Ralphie has always been a female bison because of their size and temperament. Male bison can weigh 1,000 pounds more and stand a foot taller, while female bison typically have a more agreeable disposition.��

2. And a big one at that.��

   • Ralphie VII weighs almost 800 pounds and eats up to 30 pounds of hay per day. She also drinks 10 to 15 gallons of water daily. This fuels her to run up to 25 miles per hour on game days.��

3. Ralphie has been running for 59 years.��

   • In 1966, Ralphie stood on the sidelines but did not lead the team out on the field. Starting in the 1967 season, head coach Eddie Crowder approved the idea of the football team following her out on the field. CU beat Baylor 27-7 and the tradition of Ralphie leading the way stuck.��

4. The origins of Ralphie’s name are unclear.��

   • Initially called “Rralph”, her name was changed to Ralphie as a more fitting name for a female buffalo. Her original handlers still don’t agree on the origins, but the name became so iconic that even after Ralphie I’s retirement, each buffalo continued to carry the moniker.��

5. Seven different buffalo have served as Ralphie.��

   • Ralphie I retired in 1978, and the legacy continued with Ralphie II carrying the torch that same fall. Ralphie VII began her duties in 2025 and will continue to lead the Buffaloes on to the field this season.����

6. All seven Ralphies have been gifted to CU.��

   • The first Ralphie was donated to CU in 1966 by John Lowry, father of CU freshman Bill Lowery. The current Ralphie, Ralphie VII (“Brandy”), was raised and donated by the Beauprez family who have many proud CU alumni.����

7. Ralphie is kept on a private ranch in a secret location.��

   • Both Ralphie V and Ralphie VI are living out their retirements on the same ranch as Ralphie VII. The location is kept a secret to protect their well-being, safety and happiness.

8. Ralphie is technically not a buffalo.��

   • Ralphie is officially classified as an American bison, but the term buffalo is commonly accepted and used to represent the historical significance to the American West. She is a genetically pure bison, with features of both woods and plains Bison subspecies. “Bison” and “buffalo” are used interchangeably, but a key difference is that buffalo is a cultural term, while bison is a scientific one.��

9. Ralphie is cared for by a team of student handlers.��

   • Over 100 CU students try out every year for a coveted few spots on her team. The men and women who run with Ralphie are known as “Ralphie Handlers” and train year-round to keep up with her.����

10. Ralphie is funded by CU fans and the Boulder community.��

    • In 1976, over $25,000 was donated to send Ralphie to the Orange Bowl and fund her future care. All of her feed, vet care and transportation are funded by generous CU donors who help to keep her running year after year.��

Read more Ralphie facts and .����