Colorado’s Ralphie VI receives her new nickname
BOULDER, Colo. (BVM) – At the University of Colorado, a year without Ralphie is like a year without Santa Claus. At the end of the 2019 season, it was officially time for Ralphie Ⅴ to retire. That was followed by the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. And there we had it, a year without Ralphie.
Then the 2021 football season was upon us, a game under the Friday night lights at Folsom Field in a battle against Northern Colorado. Anticipation grew leading up to the game, not necessarily for the game itself, but for the debut of Ralphie VI. Folsom echoed with “we want Ralphie” chants without pause for the time leading up to the long awaited run.
Then she was off, the 16-month, 400-pound baby bison was chugging around the field as cheers erupted. And after a long year, arguably the best tradition in college sports was back.
Now, Ralphie VI is a little over 2 years old and as she gets ready for next season, it is time for her to get her official nickname.
Her name was to be voted on by the fans and there were four options. Blitz, Ember, Sixer and Tini. Each nickname has a meaning behind it to make it special and they were all listed on cubuffs.com where people could vote.
Blitz: “Ralphie VI loves to run fast, and often picks up her speed and blitzes home as soon as she sees her trailer at the end of the run.”
Ember: “After being abandoned by her mother, Ralphie VI was bottle-fed and raised by a beef cow before being identified as a possible candidate for CU’s next mascot. When a wildfire threatened the ranch where she was staying, Ralphie handlers jumped to action and brought her to Colorado to begin her training. Her fiery personality and love for the crowd gives her undeniable flare.”
Sixer: “The sixth mascot to officially represent CU, this name pays homage to the legacy of buffalo who have come before her and served as Ralphie.”
Tini: “Ralphie VI was the smallest and youngest buffalo to ever debut as CU’s mascot, weighing in at about 400 pounds before her first game. Pronounced ‘Teeny,’ this name pays homage to her first year running and her status as ‘Baby Ralphie.’”
After weeks of voting had come to an end on July 6, it was time for Ralphie’s nickname to be announced.
Since 1966, there have been five nicknames for Ralphie: Ralphie, Moonshine, Tequila, Rowdy, Blackout and now Ember will be added to the list.
While on the field, she will always be Ralphie, off the field, Ember will be a part of University of Colorado history and family.
