Colorado football has never relied on flashy costumes or cartoon mascots to excite fans. The Buffaloes have something much more impressive than other schools’ costumed mascots or symbolic logos: a live bison roaring across the field, thrilling fans and frightening rivals alike. As the announcer yells, “Here comes Ralphie!” the stadium bursts into action as handlers run alongside the enormous animal, leading her in a horseshoe-shaped run that has turned into a sporting show. And now it looks like there’s a new bison in town!

The Ralphie tradition began back in 1934 when the buffalo was chosen as Colorado’s official mascot. Since then, every generation has a unique story to tell, whether it’s Ralphie I winning the title of Homecoming Queen in 1971, Ralphie II escaping a failed prank, or Ral

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