2017-18 Ralphie Handlers
Edson, Rachel
Rachel Edson
- Weight:
- null
- Class:
- Senior
- Hometown:
- Boulder, Co.
- High School:
- Boulder High
- Major:
- Sociology
Bio
What sparked your interest in the Ralphie program?
Growing up in Boulder I always had love and passion for the tradition of Ralphie Handling from a young age. I wanted to continue that tradition and be a part of CU in a way a lot of people don't get to experience. Through knowing friends that have been past Ralphie Hanlders and hearing about their positive experience, I wanted to go through the same involvement in the university that they did.
What does Ralphie mean to you?
Ralphie is the symbol of sportsmanship, college athleticism, and CU tradition. Being the best mascot in the country she embodies the school spirit of the university and gives the school a bond through the excitement she brings like no other school experiences. To me, she means dedication to the school and to keeping the tradition alive.
What's the hardest part of being a Ralphie Handler?
Aside from the physically challenging aspect of running with a buffalo, being away from her for longer amounts of time during the offseason is the hardest part. We constantly want to be around her and making sure she is happy.
What's the best part of being a Ralphie Handler?
The best part of being a Ralphie Handler is the rush of emotions you get when you run onto the field holding a rope attached to a buffalo. The experience is something that someone could never imagine and is the most exciting part of the whole experience. Other than games, going down to her pen and hanging out with her on the weekends is also one of the best parts of being a Ralphie Handler. Every time we get to spend time with her is the best part of the day.
What's one thing that surprises people the most when they ask you about being a Ralphie Handler?
Most people don't understand the amount of preparation we put into running Ralphie and how much time we spend getting our bodies physically fit for the task. Keeping Ralphie safe and happy is the most important part of the team and it takes a lot of time to make sure everything runs smoothly. We practice year round to make sure we are ready to run on gamedays.
What's one thing about Ralphie that surprised you the most after becoming a Ralphie Handler?
How adorable she is. She is the most pleasant animal to be around and has a personality of her own. She knows everyone on the team personally and has a stronger bond with people that have been on the team for longer which is really amazing. She is the most warmhearted animal to be around and puts a smile on my face every time I'm around her.
What are your hobbies?
I love being outdoors at all times. Growing up in Boulder I am constantly outdoors hiking or exploring new parts of Boulder. Exercising and being active is my favorite thing to do in my free time. And running with a buffalo.
What are three things that make you unique?
I was a gymnast for 10 years which helped me get fast at a young age. I also broke two 29 year long records at my high school in track and field making me the female athlete of the year my senior year. And finally my mom likes to brag that I am a fourth generation Colorado native.
Growing up in Boulder I always had love and passion for the tradition of Ralphie Handling from a young age. I wanted to continue that tradition and be a part of CU in a way a lot of people don't get to experience. Through knowing friends that have been past Ralphie Hanlders and hearing about their positive experience, I wanted to go through the same involvement in the university that they did.
What does Ralphie mean to you?
Ralphie is the symbol of sportsmanship, college athleticism, and CU tradition. Being the best mascot in the country she embodies the school spirit of the university and gives the school a bond through the excitement she brings like no other school experiences. To me, she means dedication to the school and to keeping the tradition alive.
What's the hardest part of being a Ralphie Handler?
Aside from the physically challenging aspect of running with a buffalo, being away from her for longer amounts of time during the offseason is the hardest part. We constantly want to be around her and making sure she is happy.
What's the best part of being a Ralphie Handler?
The best part of being a Ralphie Handler is the rush of emotions you get when you run onto the field holding a rope attached to a buffalo. The experience is something that someone could never imagine and is the most exciting part of the whole experience. Other than games, going down to her pen and hanging out with her on the weekends is also one of the best parts of being a Ralphie Handler. Every time we get to spend time with her is the best part of the day.
What's one thing that surprises people the most when they ask you about being a Ralphie Handler?
Most people don't understand the amount of preparation we put into running Ralphie and how much time we spend getting our bodies physically fit for the task. Keeping Ralphie safe and happy is the most important part of the team and it takes a lot of time to make sure everything runs smoothly. We practice year round to make sure we are ready to run on gamedays.
What's one thing about Ralphie that surprised you the most after becoming a Ralphie Handler?
How adorable she is. She is the most pleasant animal to be around and has a personality of her own. She knows everyone on the team personally and has a stronger bond with people that have been on the team for longer which is really amazing. She is the most warmhearted animal to be around and puts a smile on my face every time I'm around her.
What are your hobbies?
I love being outdoors at all times. Growing up in Boulder I am constantly outdoors hiking or exploring new parts of Boulder. Exercising and being active is my favorite thing to do in my free time. And running with a buffalo.
What are three things that make you unique?
I was a gymnast for 10 years which helped me get fast at a young age. I also broke two 29 year long records at my high school in track and field making me the female athlete of the year my senior year. And finally my mom likes to brag that I am a fourth generation Colorado native.
Ralphie makes her 2024 debut at the CU Freshman Welcome
Saturday, August 24
Ralphie Handlers and the Parkers
Sunday, August 18
Ralphie 2013
Friday, June 28
Here Comes Ralphie 2024
Wednesday, May 22