Ralphie Handler Roster Set

BOULDER – Ralphie Handler tryouts at the University of Colorado finished up with the addition of four new members after a lengthy application process that included physical tests, in-person interviews and a written essay as to why they want to be a Handler.

"Each year we have a little more than 50 people tryout for about 4-6 spots, so it is very competitive," said Ralphie program manager John Graves.

To become a Handler, students begin by submitting an application that includes basic information, past experiences with athletics and animals as well as an essay. Prospective handlers are then brought to a practice at Folsom Field to observe the current team perform a few practice runs with Ralphie before their own timed, 100-yard sprints. The students are then brought back the following day at the Spring Game to soak in a game day environment.

Athleticism and speed both play an important part in becoming a successful Handler who can keep up with a 1,200-pound, female buffalo running up to 25 miles per hour. However, these skills are not the end-all-be-all.

"People always want to know what their sprint time was, but we do not tell them," said Graves. "Their sprint speed is not the most important factor we look at. Obviously, we need an athletic person to be a Ralphie Handler, but we also need someone who will represent our program and CU very well."

At this point, Graves and assistant coach Taylor Stratton narrow down the applicants to 15 people. The select few then must come in for an in-person interview with Graves, Stratton and the graduating seniors. Graves and Stratton must go through a checklist of sorts that ranges from experience with livestock to the Handler's ability to be trained.

"We look at a person as a whole to see who will be the best fit to be a Handler," said Graves. "A big thing we look at is athletic potential and how coachable they are. No one comes in with experience running with a buffalo, but if they are coachable we can teach them how to run with Ralphie. It takes a lot of skill to run with Ralphie, so that is something we have to teach. We also take into account past experience with livestock, but CU is not an agriculture school, so not too many people apply with that much past knowledge."

Once selected, the new Ralphie Handlers only have a short amount of time to celebrate before taking their places at the bottom of the totem pole. The 'rookies' start out by picking up manure, holding the door of the trailer during runs, and putting Ralphie's lead ropes on.

"It takes a full year to train the rookies to be able to do everything with Ralphie and properly run with her," said Graves. "During their rookie year, they get to run with Ralphie, but not as much as the vets on the team. The coaches and vets on the team start teaching them these things from day one."

Since 1967, CU's beloved mascot has led the team out on to the field before games. After well over 300 games and many more appearances, the University of Colorado celebrated Ralphie's 50th Anniversary this past season.
There have been over 250 Ralphie Handlers in the past 50 years. Former Handler, Tyler Sale, was asked to walk onto the football team in 2007 while former linebacker, Sean Tufts, became a Handler from 2009 until 2010. Past Handlers have gone on to be successful in the real estate business, courtroom, military and political arena.

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