CU's Ralphie VI retires, citing "indifference to running"
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Ralphie runs onto the field at the Alamo Bowl in San Antonio, Texas, on Dec. 28. Photo: David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The University of Colorado athletic department decided to retire Ralphie VI after four years, saying the young bison started showing signs of apathy toward running — her primary job.
Why it matters: The CU Buffs will open the year without one of the most iconic mascots and entrances in college sports.
The latest: CU announced Tuesday that Ember, a five-year-old American bison, would ride off into the sunset and live with Ralphie V, nicknamed Blackout, on a ranch in an undisclosed location.
Context: In 1967, Ralphie I became the first buffalo to run onto the field before a football game, establishing a beloved tradition.
- Did you know: All of the bison that played Ralphie are actually females.
Between the lines: Ember made her debut as the program's sixth Ralphie in 2021 at 15 months old, but in recent years, fans began to notice her runs were getting shorter.
- In what would be her last ever jaunt at the Alamo Bowl last year, Ember never got faster than what could best be described as a reluctant trot.
- Compared that to her predecessor, Ralphie V, who escaped handlers in her first-ever appearance and eventually was retired because she was running too fast.
- With just four seasons under her belt, Ember is by far the shortest-tenured Ralphie. All previous bison went at least 10 years before calling it quits.
What they're saying: But CU officials said Ember's "indifference to running" meant it was time to hang up the halter.
- "Ember has been excellent in many aspects of her role as Ralphie, but she's happiest relaxing on the ranch and we want to be respectful of her wishes," Taylor Stratton, director of the Ralphie mascot program, said in a statement.
What's next: CU officials said another bison is training to become Ralphie VII, but there is no timeline as to when she might be ready to run.
- And don't worry fans, CU Athletic director Rick George said the Buffs will not repeat the mistake of have mascot Chip leading the charge.
My thought bubble: Anyone who watched Ember in recent years saw this coming. But as a fellow Buff with an "indifference to running" who would rather just retire to a ranch, Ember will always be my mascot.