Colorado University Athletics
2017-18 Ralphie Handlers
Bobby Rukavina
- Class:
- Senior
- Hometown:
- Minneapolis
- High School:
- The Academy of Holy Angels
What sparked your interest in the Ralphie program?Seeing Ralphie run at the Freshman Kickoff before the start of the year and seeing her run at all of the home football games was amazing. Watching 5 men and women guide and move this beast of an animal around the football field with such speed and athletic ability made me want to become a part of the best tradition in college sports.
What does Ralphie mean to you?
Ralphie means so many different things to me, to some she is simply a mascot but to the Ralphie Handlers and this program she is more than that. To us she is the living, breathing example of the pride and tradition that is Colorado Buffaloes Football. Having the opportunity to be a Ralphie Handler is something that we do not take lightly and we do our best to convey how much work goes into the process.
What's the hardest part of being a Ralphie Handler?
The hardest part of being a Ralphie Handler is similar to other student athletes which is balancing our time accordingly, whether that be in the weight room, the class room, or on the practice fields we do put a lot of time and effort into being a Ralphie Handler and I think that effort is demonstrated on gamedays in front of thousands of screaming fans in Folsom.
What's the best part of being a Ralphie Handler?
The best part of being a Ralphie Handler is keeping the pride and tradition of this storied program alive. Whether it be by running with Ralphie in practice or in games, working out with my teammates, or interacting with the fans we enjoy it all! Being a Ralphie Handler is such an honor and a privilege and it is so important for us to keep the storied history of this tradition growing strong.
What's one thing that surprises people the most when they ask you about being a Ralphie Handler?
The time commitment of being a Ralphie Handler and the fact that we are recognized and train as Division-I athletes. People are amazed at the level of coordination, athleticism, and skill it takes to become a Ralphie Handler and all of the blood, sweat, and tears that go with it!
What's one thing about Ralphie that surprised you the most after becoming a Ralphie Handler?
How hard it is to actually run with Ralphie! There is a reason we get up early or stay up late working out, lifting and conditioning our bodies so that we can stay up to the task of running with Ralphie. When we first come onto the program and have that first run with Ralphie nothing can compare to the speed, adrenaline, and intensity of each run with her.
What are your hobbies?
Some of my hobbies include playing all kinds of different sports (baseball, football, soccer, hockey, ultimate, etc), skydiving, traveling, and hiking!
What are three things that make you unique?
1. In addition to having 2 majors at CU Boulder, I also have a minor in Geology, and Certificate in Real Estate and the Business of Sports. 2. I was the only Freshman to make the Ralphie Handler team the year I tried out. 3. I want to work in sports my entire life, and currently work for the Colorado Rapids Marketing & Promotions Team.
What does Ralphie mean to you?
Ralphie means so many different things to me, to some she is simply a mascot but to the Ralphie Handlers and this program she is more than that. To us she is the living, breathing example of the pride and tradition that is Colorado Buffaloes Football. Having the opportunity to be a Ralphie Handler is something that we do not take lightly and we do our best to convey how much work goes into the process.
What's the hardest part of being a Ralphie Handler?
The hardest part of being a Ralphie Handler is similar to other student athletes which is balancing our time accordingly, whether that be in the weight room, the class room, or on the practice fields we do put a lot of time and effort into being a Ralphie Handler and I think that effort is demonstrated on gamedays in front of thousands of screaming fans in Folsom.
What's the best part of being a Ralphie Handler?
The best part of being a Ralphie Handler is keeping the pride and tradition of this storied program alive. Whether it be by running with Ralphie in practice or in games, working out with my teammates, or interacting with the fans we enjoy it all! Being a Ralphie Handler is such an honor and a privilege and it is so important for us to keep the storied history of this tradition growing strong.
What's one thing that surprises people the most when they ask you about being a Ralphie Handler?
The time commitment of being a Ralphie Handler and the fact that we are recognized and train as Division-I athletes. People are amazed at the level of coordination, athleticism, and skill it takes to become a Ralphie Handler and all of the blood, sweat, and tears that go with it!
What's one thing about Ralphie that surprised you the most after becoming a Ralphie Handler?
How hard it is to actually run with Ralphie! There is a reason we get up early or stay up late working out, lifting and conditioning our bodies so that we can stay up to the task of running with Ralphie. When we first come onto the program and have that first run with Ralphie nothing can compare to the speed, adrenaline, and intensity of each run with her.
What are your hobbies?
Some of my hobbies include playing all kinds of different sports (baseball, football, soccer, hockey, ultimate, etc), skydiving, traveling, and hiking!
What are three things that make you unique?
1. In addition to having 2 majors at CU Boulder, I also have a minor in Geology, and Certificate in Real Estate and the Business of Sports. 2. I was the only Freshman to make the Ralphie Handler team the year I tried out. 3. I want to work in sports my entire life, and currently work for the Colorado Rapids Marketing & Promotions Team.
Thursday, September 25
Friday, September 19
Saturday, August 24
Sunday, August 18