<P> The tradition began in 1934, three weeks after the selection of Buffaloes as a nickname for the University in a contest by the school newspaper, the Silver & Gold . Live bison continued to make sporadic appearances at CU games . </P> <P> Ralphie I (1966--1978) was donated to the school in 1966 by John Lowery, the father of a CU freshman from Lubbock, Texas, when she was six months old . Initially, she was given the name "Ralph," because of the noise she made while running . After a sharp - eyed sister of Colorado's Delta Delta Delta pointed out that the bison was a female, however, the name was changed to Ralphie . </P> <P> The tradition of running Ralphie around in a loop on the field started October 28, 1967 during CU's homecoming game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys which CU lost 10--7 . </P> <P> Ralphie attended all football home games and bowl games until her retirement in 1978, a 13 - year career . Her final game was on November 4, 1978 against Oklahoma, CU lost 7 - 28 . She achieved national celebrity status and was kidnapped in 1970 by Air Force Academy cadets . She was also voted the homecoming queen in 1971 . </P>

University of colorado boulder mascot ralphie the buffalo