50 Facts About Colorado Buffaloes

Colorado Buffaloes: A Storied Tradition

The Colorado Buffaloes, affectionately known as the Buffs, represent the University of Colorado Boulder in a variety of sports. Their rich history, iconic mascot, and numerous achievements make them a fascinating subject.

1. Mascot: The official mascot of the Colorado Buffaloes is Ralphie, a live buffalo that has been part of the university's tradition since 1967.
2. Nickname Origin: The nickname "Buffaloes" was chosen through a contest sponsored by the campus newspaper in 1934. Andrew Dickson's entry won after a follow-up investigation.
3. Synonyms: Over the years, various synonyms for the Buffaloes have been used, including Bisons, Buffs, Golden Avalanche, Golden Buffaloes, Stampeding Herd, and Thundering Herd.

Early Beginnings and Traditions

The Buffaloes' history is filled with interesting beginnings and traditions that have shaped their identity.

4. First Live Buffalo: The first live buffalo mascot appeared in 1934, three weeks after the contest that declared Buffaloes the new nickname. Students paid $25 to rent a buffalo calf and a cowboy caretaker for the final game of the season.
5. First Game: The first football game in the history of the University of Colorado was played on November 15, 1890, against the Denver Athletic Club, which the Buffaloes lost 20-0.
6. Early Years: Before 1934, CU athletic teams were called names like Arapahoes, Big Horns, Frontiersmen, Grizzlies, Hornets, Silver and Gold, Silver Helmets, and Yellow Jackets.

Leadership and Affiliations

The Buffaloes' leadership and conference affiliations play a crucial role in their success.

7. Athletic Director: Rick George has been the athletic director since July 17, 2013.
8. Conference Affiliation: The Buffaloes participate as a member of the Big 12 Conference at the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS).

Football Program Highlights

The football program is a significant part of the Buffaloes' identity, with numerous achievements and notable moments.

9. Football Program: The Colorado football program is 16th on the all-time NCAA Division I win list and 22nd in all-time winning percentage (.614).
10. Home Stadium: The Buffaloes have played their home games at Folsom Field since 1924. The stadium has a capacity of 50,183 and features a natural grass field.
11. National Championships: The Buffaloes have won one national championship in football, which was in 1990.
12. Conference Titles: The Buffaloes have won 26 conference titles, with five division titles, including four Big 12 North and one Pac-12 South.
13. Rivalries: The Buffaloes have several rivalries, including with Colorado State, Kansas State, Nebraska, and Utah.
14. Heisman Winners: The Buffaloes have produced one Heisman Trophy winner, Rashaan Salaam, who won the award in 1994.
15. Consensus All-Americans: The Buffaloes have had 30 players named Consensus All-Americans, with five being unanimous selections.
16. Retired Numbers: The Buffaloes have retired several player numbers, including Bobby Anderson (11), Rashaan Salaam (19), Byron White (24), and Joe Romig (67).

Colors, Songs, and Bands

The Buffaloes' spirit is embodied in their colors, fight song, and marching band.

17. Uniform Colors: The Buffaloes' uniforms feature the colors silver, black, and gold.
18. Fight Song: The fight song of the Buffaloes is "Fight CU".
19. Marching Band: The marching band of the Buffaloes is known as the Golden Buffalo Marching Band.

Club Sports and Rugby Program

Beyond traditional sports, the Buffaloes excel in club sports and have a notable rugby program.

20. Club Sports: The university has over 30 club sports, including baseball, crew, cycling, dance, diving, equestrian, fencing, field hockey, fly fishing, freestyle skiing, men's ice hockey, women's ice hockey, kayaking, men's lacrosse, women's lacrosse, racquetball, roller hockey, men's rugby, women's rugby, running, snowboarding, men's soccer, women's soccer, women's softball, swimming, taekwondo, co-ed tennis, CU Triathlon Team, men's ultimate, women's ultimate, men's volleyball, women's volleyball, water polo, and men's wrestling.
21. Rugby Program: The Buffaloes' rugby program was founded in 1967 and has consistently been ranked among the top college rugby teams in the country. The team has won several championships and has a strong rivalry with other teams in the Western Division of Division I-A.
22. Recent Rugby Achievements: In 2008, the Buffaloes went 15-3 and reached the semifinals of the national championships. They also won the 2011 Pac-12 rugby sevens tournament and finished the 2011-12 season ranked 14th in the nation.

Skiing Program and Championships

The Buffaloes' skiing program is highly regarded, with numerous national championships and Olympic athletes.

23. Skiing Championships: The Buffaloes have won 20 national championships in skiing, with the most recent one coming in 2015.
24. Skiing Program: The university's skiing program is highly regarded and has produced numerous Olympic athletes and world champions.

Athletic Facilities and Student Life

The university offers top-notch athletic facilities and a vibrant student life.

25. Athletic Facilities: The university has several athletic facilities, including the Folsom Field stadium, the Coors Events Center, and the CU Events Center.
26. Student Life: The university offers a wide range of student life activities, including intramural sports, recreational facilities, and student organizations.
27. Academics: The university is known for its strong academic programs, with a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree options.
28. Residence Halls: The university has several residence halls that provide housing for students, including the Kittredge Hall, the Kittredge West Hall, and the Kittredge East Hall.

Conference Championships and Bowl Appearances

The Buffaloes have a history of success in conference championships and bowl games.

29. Big 12 Conference: The Buffaloes are part of the Big 12 Conference, which includes other prominent universities such as Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas State.
30. Conference Championships: The Buffaloes have won several conference championships, including the Big Eight Conference and the Big 12 Conference.
31. Bowl Appearances: The Buffaloes have appeared in 29 bowl games, with a record of 12-17 (.414).

Notable Players and Coaches

The Buffaloes have produced several notable players and coaches who have made significant contributions to the program.

32. Notable Players: The Buffaloes have produced several notable players, including Mason Crosby, Jordon Dizon, and Nate Solder, who have all been recognized as All-Americans and have played in the NFL.
33. Coaching Staff: The Buffaloes have had several notable coaches, including Bill McCartney, who led the team to the 1990 national championship.

Ralphie: The Beloved Mascot

Ralphie, the live buffalo mascot, is an integral part of the Buffaloes' tradition and spirit.

34. Ralphie's Living Arrangements: Ralphie lives in an undisclosed location on a private ranch where she has companion buffalo and other animals to keep her company.
35. Ralphie's Size and Gender: Ralphie is always a female buffalo, chosen for safety reasons and to make the lives of the handlers easier. The ladies are about half the size and significantly less aggressive than the males.
36. Ralphie's Selection Process: Finding a new Ralphie involves selecting an orphan buffalo that is more familiar with people and comfortable in unique situations. This helps ensure that the animal is confident and can handle the crowds and noise of the stadium.
37. Ralphie's Tradition: The tradition of Ralphie running out in front of the team started in 1967 and has continued for over 50 years. The current Ralphie VI has been part of the program since 2020.
38. Ralphie's Caretakers: The caretakers of Ralphie are trained to handle the buffalo safely and ensure her well-being. They work closely with the university to provide the best care for Ralphie.
39. Ralphie's Safety: Due to the unpredictable nature of buffalo, Ralphie's safety is a top priority. She is kept in a secure location when not in use, and her handlers are trained to handle her safely.
40. Ralphie's Popularity: Ralphie has become a beloved figure in the university community and is often featured in media and promotional materials. She is an integral part of the university's tradition and spirit.
41. Ralphie's Role: Ralphie plays a significant role in the university's football games, running out onto the field before each game to energize the crowd and symbolize the team's spirit.
42. Ralphie's Health: The health and well-being of Ralphie are closely monitored by the university's veterinary team. She is provided with regular veterinary care to ensure she remains healthy and happy.
43. Ralphie's Sanctuary: Ralphie's living arrangement is considered her sanctuary, where she can live safely without any disruptions. The university ensures that her location remains undisclosed to protect her from potential threats.
44. Ralphie's Companions: Ralphie has companion buffalo and other animals at her living location to keep her company. This helps reduce stress and ensures she has a comfortable living environment.
45. Ralphie's Training: The training process for Ralphie involves socializing her to people and preparing her for the crowds and noise of the stadium. This training helps her become confident and comfortable in her role.
46. Ralphie's Costumes: Ralphie wears costumes for special events and games, which are designed to match the university's colors and theme. These costumes add to her charm and make her an even more beloved figure.
47. Ralphie's Fan Base: Ralphie has a dedicated fan base among the university community and beyond. Fans often bring her gifts and show their support for her during games and events.
48. Ralphie's Legacy: Ralphie's legacy extends beyond her role as a mascot. She has become an iconic symbol of the university's spirit and tradition, representing the values of courage, strength, and perseverance.
49. Ralphie's Future: The future of Ralphie is secure, with the university committed to continuing the tradition of having a live buffalo mascot. The selection process ensures that each new Ralphie is carefully chosen to maintain the high standards of the program.
50. Ralphie's Impact: Ralphie's impact on the university community is significant. She brings joy and excitement to fans, and her presence is a reminder of the university's rich history and tradition. Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of Buffaloes fans and athletes.

The Legacy of the Colorado Buffaloes

The Colorado Buffaloes have a storied history filled with rich traditions and remarkable achievements. From the iconic live mascot, Ralphie, to their national championship in football, the Buffs have left an indelible mark on college athletics. Their success spans various sports, including a dominant skiing program and a competitive rugby team. The Buffaloes' commitment to excellence is evident in their numerous conference titles, bowl appearances, and the production of standout athletes like Rashaan Salaam and Mason Crosby. With a passionate fan base and a strong sense of community, the Buffs continue to inspire and energize their supporters. As they look to the future, the legacy of the Colorado Buffaloes remains a testament to their enduring spirit and dedication to athletic and academic excellence.