October 22, 2026 | Ralphie
Emma Morgan Blazes a Trail for All Ralphie Handlers
BOULDER – Moments before the second half of Colorado's Oct. 17 football game against Utah, CU's iconic live mascot Ralphie raced down the field just as she has hundreds of times in the 59-year history of the program, only this time was different. One of the handlers gripping her reins up front was a woman and for the first time in program history, Ralphie, who is also a female, was led by a member of her gender.
Emma Morgan, a senior from New Castle, Colorado, who is majoring in Integrative Physiology with plans of one day becoming a dentist, became the first woman to assume one of the two front positions on Ralphie's handling team. Roughly 20 seconds later, the time it takes a buffalo to gallop nearly full speed to the 50 yard line and back, Morgan had run into University of Colorado, and CU Athletics history.
"I feel incredibly honored and blessed to have been given the opportunity to become the first woman to run up front with Ralphie," said Morgan. "I am especially thankful for my coaches and teammates for believing in me, trusting me, and supporting me throughout this journey. I truly could not have done it without them. It has taken a lot of hard work, dedication, and training to reach this point. All of my teammates work so hard and each one of us plays such an important role during each run. I am so grateful for everyone who came before me and helped build the Ralphie program into what it is today, making this opportunity possible. Being a part of this program is something I will always cherish, and I hope that being the first woman to run up front is just the beginning. I look forward to seeing what future generations of Ralphie Handlers will accomplish."
Morgan ran in the "spin" position, which is on Ralphie's right near her head and is jointly responsible for steering her throughout her run. When Ralphie pushes, the spin position has to push back to keep her on track, no small feat when you're dealing with a 900-pound animal, meaning those who run up front must have the combination of speed, strength, and technical ability essential to make sure Ralphie successfully completes her run.
"Emma Morgan is one of the athletes that coaches dream about having, she is dedicated with an unparalleled work ethic, athletically talented, and a wonderful human being," said Taylor Stratton, Head Coach of the Ralphie Live Mascot Program. "She has risen to every challenge we've tasked her with and brings a fantastic attitude on top of it all. Coaching her has been a privilege and all of the success she's having has been earned through her tireless pursuit of becoming the best version of herself within our program and beyond."
Running with Ralphie is in the Morgan DNA, with both of Emma's older brother and sister having served as Ralphie Handlers, but now Emma stands alone as role model for countless Ralphie Handlers to come.
Ralphie and the Buffaloes are back in action on Oct. 31 when CU welcomes Kansas State to Folsom Field. Kick off is scheduled for 12 p.m. and tickets are available.
Emma Morgan, a senior from New Castle, Colorado, who is majoring in Integrative Physiology with plans of one day becoming a dentist, became the first woman to assume one of the two front positions on Ralphie's handling team. Roughly 20 seconds later, the time it takes a buffalo to gallop nearly full speed to the 50 yard line and back, Morgan had run into University of Colorado, and CU Athletics history.
"I feel incredibly honored and blessed to have been given the opportunity to become the first woman to run up front with Ralphie," said Morgan. "I am especially thankful for my coaches and teammates for believing in me, trusting me, and supporting me throughout this journey. I truly could not have done it without them. It has taken a lot of hard work, dedication, and training to reach this point. All of my teammates work so hard and each one of us plays such an important role during each run. I am so grateful for everyone who came before me and helped build the Ralphie program into what it is today, making this opportunity possible. Being a part of this program is something I will always cherish, and I hope that being the first woman to run up front is just the beginning. I look forward to seeing what future generations of Ralphie Handlers will accomplish."
Morgan ran in the "spin" position, which is on Ralphie's right near her head and is jointly responsible for steering her throughout her run. When Ralphie pushes, the spin position has to push back to keep her on track, no small feat when you're dealing with a 900-pound animal, meaning those who run up front must have the combination of speed, strength, and technical ability essential to make sure Ralphie successfully completes her run.
"Emma Morgan is one of the athletes that coaches dream about having, she is dedicated with an unparalleled work ethic, athletically talented, and a wonderful human being," said Taylor Stratton, Head Coach of the Ralphie Live Mascot Program. "She has risen to every challenge we've tasked her with and brings a fantastic attitude on top of it all. Coaching her has been a privilege and all of the success she's having has been earned through her tireless pursuit of becoming the best version of herself within our program and beyond."
Running with Ralphie is in the Morgan DNA, with both of Emma's older brother and sister having served as Ralphie Handlers, but now Emma stands alone as role model for countless Ralphie Handlers to come.
Ralphie and the Buffaloes are back in action on Oct. 31 when CU welcomes Kansas State to Folsom Field. Kick off is scheduled for 12 p.m. and tickets are available.
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