Why Is CU Mascot Named Ralphie?

In the dynamic realm of collegiate athletics, mascots often serve as the spirited embodiment of an institution's identity. For CU Boulder, the question of why its mascot is named Ralphie unveils a fascinating tale that intertwines tradition, history, and a touch of whimsy. The origins of this enigmatic name are as diverse as they are captivating, revealing the intriguing story behind CU's beloved mascot.

The year 1966 marked a pivotal moment when John Lowery, a CU freshman's father from Lubbock, Texas, presented the university with a six-month-old buffalo calf from Sedgewick, Colo. The initial moniker was "Rraalph," although its origin remains ambiguous. Some tales suggest the name was derived from the sounds she made while running, while others associate it with Ralph Jay Wallace, the junior class president at the time. An alternate version even emerges from the original handlers. Nevertheless, a perceptive fan uncovered that the buffalo was, in fact, female, prompting the transition to the name Ralphie.

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Colorado Buffalo Mascot

Ralphie, CU Boulder's iconic live buffalo mascot, charges onto the field, embodying the university's spirit and pride. A symbol of tradition and excitement, Ralphie captivates fans and creates an unforgettable experience at college football games.

The name "Ralphie" for CU mascot sparks curiosity. Delve into the captivating history behind this moniker to unravel the story behind CU's beloved mascot in this insightful blog.

The Reason For CU Mascot Name Ralphie

Rralph was the name of the first-ever Ralphie The Buffalo, which was changed to Ralphie after its female anatomy was noted. One version of Ralphie's naming tale comes from Lex Pinson, a participant in the first group that ran the Buffalo in 1967-'68. He shares that Ralphie's name resulted from a contest organized by the sophomore class in the fall of 1967. Larry Ambrose, Pinson's college roommate, advocates for his friend's credit in naming Ralphie, emphasizing the youthful essence of the decision. Ambrose humorously mentions the dual connotation of the name "Ralph" during those carefree college nights.

Amidst these narratives, a different thread weaves the name Ralphie with CU's junior class president Ralph Wallace. His sister, Donna Hobscheid, asserts that the junior class, led by her brother, opted for the name Ralph in a contest initiated by the college newspaper. Hobscheid's version brings a touch of history, claiming Ralphie's name as an ode to her sibling's leadership.

The Revelation Of Ralph to Ralphie

The revelation of Ralphie's gender brought forth yet another evolution in the naming journey. Once it was confirmed that the buffalo calf was female, the transformation to Ralphie commenced. Pinson's recollection of the naming contest is backed by Ambrose and Glenn Porzak, who recall the sophomore class as the driving force behind the tradition of students running Ralphie onto the field. Their unified version reinforces the humorous spontaneity of the name selection.

While the CU media guide presents yet another story suggesting Ralphie's name emerged from the sound of her running and snorting, Pinson's version stands as an authentic account of the naming's genesis. His unassuming submission of the name as a jest underscores the unpredictability that often shapes cherished traditions.

Where does Ralphie Live in Colorado?

Ralphie, the beloved live buffalo mascot of the University of Colorado, resides on a private ranch at an undisclosed location within Colorado. This secrecy is maintained to ensure Ralphie's safety and well-being. Only those involved in the Ralphie Program, including coaches, handlers, and veterinarians, are granted access to the ranch where she is cared for.

As the accounts of Ralphie's naming converge and diverge, a sense of camaraderie and nostalgia emerges. Once simply an identifier, the name has transformed into a vessel of memories, anecdotes, and a shared connection among CU Boulder's community. Ultimately, the question of why CU's mascot is named Ralphie encapsulates the vibrancy, humor, and spirited camaraderie that defines the university's essence.

List of Ralphie the Buffalo

Name	Nickname	Born	Died	Games Run as Ralphie
Ralphie I	Rralph	November 1965	May 1982	78
Ralphie II	Moonshine	May 1975	September 1987	53
Ralphie III	Tequila	June 1985	January 1998	73
Ralphie IV	Rowdy	April 1997	March 2017	75
Ralphie V	Blackout	October 2006	Alive	76
Ralphie VI	Ember	May 2020	Alive	Current Ralphie