Deion Sanders declares Colorado's new Ralphie mascot 'ain't no joke'
Colorado introduced Ralphie VII during Week 4 against Wyoming. She replaced Ember, aka Ralphie VI, following four years of service.
The one-year-old American Bison made a great first impression, galloping out of the gates hot ahead of Saturday night’s kickoff. Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders was more than impressed from what he saw from the young Buff.
“The new Ralphie ain’t no joke,” Sanders said Thursday during his coaches show. “It was unbelievable. I’ve been on the balcony watching the rehearsals, the practices and they’ve been on point. I was afraid for the Ralphie handlers. New Ralphie got out that thing like a young, hungry freshman. Ralphie’s a dog.”
Ralphie VII, who weighs in at 700 pounds, had her handlers sprinting to the finish line. She was led to her exit point just fine, pulling off the first of hopefully many amazing runs at Folsom Field.
According to release, Ralphie VII had been the planned successor to Ember for several months ahead of last week’s announcement. Ralphie VI has transitioned to a “companion buffalo role.” She’s now living with Ralphie V on a local ranch.
“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,” said Taylor Stratton, Director of the Ralphie Live Mascot Program. “She will continue to get the same top level of love and care that all of our Ralphies receive and will enjoy socializing with Ralphie V.”
The new Ralphie was a gift to the program from the Beauprez Family. They’re multigenerational University of Colorado alumni and owners of Eagle’s Wing Ranch outside of Steamboat Springs, CO.
The change in guard in Boulder came after considering the animal’s “health, well-being, happiness, and safety.” The same was considered when selecting the newest team mascot, not to mention additional time it took for training.
Colorado did not have the traditional Ralphie run during the first two games of the season. However, they made Ralphie VII’s debut one to remember, defeating Wyoming 37-20 during her first-ever run.
Ralphie will be back on the field when Colorado takes the field against No. 25 BYU during Week 5. Kickoff is slated for 10:15 p.m. ET, but the program typically recommends that fans take their seats 15 minutes before kickoff to witness the run in full.
After Week 5, Colorado has just three more home games at Folsom Field this season. Four of the Buffs’ first five games have been at home, however.
