BOULDER — The day before Colorado home football games, CU’s live buffalo mascot, Ralphie IV, is taken by handlers to Folsom Field for a practice run. The rehearsal usually occurs around dinnertime.
“I’ve been here five years, and I still stop eating and go over to the window to watch,” CU senior cornerback Terrence Wheatley said. “It’s just amazing to see the size and power.”
Ralphie IV, and her eventual successor, Ralphie V, will be on display Saturday during a public open house at Colorado’s new indoor practice bubble, located north and across Boulder Creek from the stadium. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. There is no admission charge, and the first 1,000 fans will receive free “RunRalphieRun” T-shirts, hot dogs and soft drinks.
CU football coach Dan Hawkins and several players will sign autographs. There will be interactive games for youngsters.
On duty since 1998 and still running well, Ralphie IV will lead the team out on the field for the Nov. 23 regular-season finale against Nebraska. There is no timetable for her retirement. CU handlers use female buffaloes because they are smaller than males.
“I think we have the best mascot ever,” said Brian Lockridge, a freshman running back. “To come out and run behind a real live mascot, that gets the fans pumped up. And it gets us pumped up as a team.”
Footnotes. To prevent his team from losing its edge during the bye week, Hawkins has scheduled a scrimmage for Saturday. It is closed to the public. “We’ve banged a little bit (this week),” Hawkins said. “You need some discretion in there and not go too hard, but you also need to get a little (contact) work in. Over time, you can get a little bit rusty. You need to get back into a game mode.” … Hawkins said he always thought CU’s live buffalo mascot was “very cool” even when was coaching at other schools. … The uncertainty over the job status of Nebraska coach Bill Callahan has cost the Huskers their top recruit. Quarterback Blaine Gabbert, a senior at Ballwin (Mo.) Parkway West High School outside St. Louis, is rated the top overall prospect in the Midlands region. He gave an oral commitment to Nebraska last spring but recently switched to Missouri.
Tom Kensler: 303-954-1280 or tkensler@denverpost.com
