John and Shaaron Parker (2023) - CU Athletic Hall of Fame

John and Shaaron Parker

Induction:
2023

In 1985, CU was searching for a new caretaker of its beloved live buffalo mascot, “Ralphie.” …. Johnnie Parker and his wife, Shaaron, had been intimately involved with CU Athletics: they became football scholarship donors in 1983 and at different junctures, supported as many as three scholarships at once … Former owners of a ranch near Hudson (about 25 miles east of Boulder), then-athletic director Bill Marolt recalled, "We asked them to take over and they just took off with it.” … The Parkers directed the Ralphie program for 16 years, 1985 through May 2000, covering Ralphies II, III and IV … They were credited as not only saving and rejuvenating the program, but also who took Ralphie from a well-known regional "secret" to a nationally known brand that has more than once been named as the best mascot in college sports … It all came about through the work, dedication, and passion of the Parkers, who first took the Ralphie reins in 1985 and elevated her into a college football icon. Marolt: “John and Shaaron took it up a notch if not two and made it a great program. It was one of those friendships that was just such a great part of that era. They really immersed themselves in the program and made it something special." … And they were those with a love for the program where it didn’t matter about the won-loss record. Former CU director of development Ron Scott: “When the Parkers got involved, our football program was not good. We won 14 games in a six-year span. But they jumped in and supported us when things were tough. That's the kind of people they were, true Colorado Buffaloes." Shaaron noted about John, "He loved CU and the tradition of Ralphie. It was really important to him. When he took over, there wasn't a lot of money to support it. He went out and got donations, made sure she had a nice place to stay and was well-fed. He is one of the main reasons the program became a big deal."… All told, the Parkers helped plan the logistics for Ralphie to make nine bowl appearances from coast-to-coast: such cross-country trips required special planning, including getting checkups and traveling "papers" from veterinarians in every state she would have to pass through. John knew how to coordinate those inspections, in addition to other issues that had to be addressed, such as how to cool her off in places where the weather was warmer and more humid than in Colorado … The one that often fetched national attention? In Florida, the handlers would take her to a car wash, set up her pen and used the cold water to give her a bath … Ralphie's bowl appearances also meant national media exposure, as media (TV and newspapers alike) always made it a point to provide coverage of Ralphie and her famous stadium runs … The handlers would stay in touch with the Parkers for years after they graduated, as they created a special “coed” fraternity (the first female handlers were under their watch) and worked with athletics to create the tradition of awarding CU letter jackets to each of the handlers … Incidentally, only a select few knew Ralphie was housed in Hudson, her location is a secret to this day … Johnnie Parker received an "Honorary C" letter from athletics in 2002, but Shaaron played a significant role as well, offering morale support … Both were University of Colorado graduates, Shaaron in 1961 (Business major) and Johnnie in 1962 (History and Economics) … John passed away on Dec. 11, 2021 at the age of 83.