Ralphie VII hits the ground running in CU Buffs debut
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Ralphie VII runs on the field for her debut at Folsom Field on Saturday. Photo: Andrew Wevers/Getty Images
A new bison, Ralphie VII, made her spirited debut on Saturday, carrying on the University of Colorado's famed game day tradition.
Catch up quick: Ralphie VI retired just before the season due to "an indifference to running," leaving CU without a mascot for two home games.
The latest: Last Friday, CU announced that Ralphie VII would debut for Family Weekend against the University of Wyoming.
- Assistant program manager Colton Behr told Axios Boulder he is confident in Ralphie VII. "We knew how special she was, how great she was going to do," he said.
State of play: Ralphie VII lived up to the hype right out of the gate, literally.
- In both her game-opening and second-half runs, Ralphie VII bolted to midfield at full speed.
- A former Ralphie handler himself, Behr added he got texts from former teammates saying, "That gives me goosebumps ... that's what Ralphie is supposed to look like."
Zoom in: While it's just one game, fans were glad to see their new bison appears to have the required demeanor to settle in for a long run as the school's mascot.
- Behr said he felt "vindication" after not being able to talk about the new Ralphie during the Buffs' two home games without a live mascot.
Behind the scenes: Behr told Axios Boulder the decision to bring in another bison as a possible option was made last season.
- Ralphie VII, who will get her own a nickname soon, is 700 pounds and was a gift from the Beauprez Family, CU alumni and owners of Eagle's Wing Ranch outside Steamboat Springs.
- Behr credited the rancher with finding the "perfect calf," one that is excitable but steady.
What's next: Ralphie VII has four more home games in her debut season.
- "I can see her getting better and better," Behr said.