University of Colorado Athletics
2016-17 Ralphie Handlers
Deyja Enriquez
- Class:
- Senior
- Hometown:
- Boulder Co.
- High School:
- Niwot High School
- Major:
- Psychology, Sociology
What sparked your interest in the Ralphie program?
What sparked my interest in the program was seeing the Handlers run my first night on campus at the Freshman Kick-Off. I had always thought the Handlers were professionals, but once I found out they were student-athletes, my interest piqued.
What does Ralphie mean to you?
Ralphie means the world to me, which is something very hard to explain to other people. She's like any other pet you would have at home that you develop a special and loving bond with, but she just happens to be like 15 times bigger.
What's the hardest part of being a Ralphie Handler?
The hardest part of being a Ralphie Handler is balancing our academics and athletics during the season. We dedicate 30 hours to the program while in season that consists of strength, conditioning, practicing with Ralphie, game day activities, and appearances. This in addition to a full course-load proves to be tough to manage, but our team handles it very well and still enjoys every second of the season and off-season.
What's the best part of being a Ralphie Handler?
My favorite part about being a Ralphie Handler is my team, hands down. Our coaches seem to have the secret to selecting some of the most fun, selfless, and hard-working people out there to be on the team. The love we have for each other and for our buffalo is second to none and seems to out-do itself everyday. Nothing beats doing something so unique with your favorite people.
What's one thing that surprises people the most when they ask you about being a Ralphie Handler?
One thing that surprises people most is that we are the only people allowed to touch and pet her. She recognizes our scent and we have become part of her herd, so we don't scare her. But her fans, unfortunately, do scare her, so they cannot get too close because she is not familiar with everyone.
What's one thing about Ralphie that surprised you the most after becoming a Ralphie Handler?
The one thing that surprised me the most after becoming a Handler was the technique and communication needed on the field during a run. It seems like you're just running and holding onto the rope, but every single person on the buffalo and out in the field has their own job to do to make every run perfect.
What are your hobbies?
My own hobbies include trail-running, baking desserts, and exploring new and familiar places, whether that be in the city or the mountains.
What are three things that make you unique?
I ran my first half-marathon and skydived for the first time in the same day. I was also part of the first Team State Championship at Niwot High School in 2013 for Track and Field. I also want to pursue my doctorate degree in Sport Psychology after graduating from CU.
What sparked my interest in the program was seeing the Handlers run my first night on campus at the Freshman Kick-Off. I had always thought the Handlers were professionals, but once I found out they were student-athletes, my interest piqued.
What does Ralphie mean to you?
Ralphie means the world to me, which is something very hard to explain to other people. She's like any other pet you would have at home that you develop a special and loving bond with, but she just happens to be like 15 times bigger.
What's the hardest part of being a Ralphie Handler?
The hardest part of being a Ralphie Handler is balancing our academics and athletics during the season. We dedicate 30 hours to the program while in season that consists of strength, conditioning, practicing with Ralphie, game day activities, and appearances. This in addition to a full course-load proves to be tough to manage, but our team handles it very well and still enjoys every second of the season and off-season.
What's the best part of being a Ralphie Handler?
My favorite part about being a Ralphie Handler is my team, hands down. Our coaches seem to have the secret to selecting some of the most fun, selfless, and hard-working people out there to be on the team. The love we have for each other and for our buffalo is second to none and seems to out-do itself everyday. Nothing beats doing something so unique with your favorite people.
What's one thing that surprises people the most when they ask you about being a Ralphie Handler?
One thing that surprises people most is that we are the only people allowed to touch and pet her. She recognizes our scent and we have become part of her herd, so we don't scare her. But her fans, unfortunately, do scare her, so they cannot get too close because she is not familiar with everyone.
What's one thing about Ralphie that surprised you the most after becoming a Ralphie Handler?
The one thing that surprised me the most after becoming a Handler was the technique and communication needed on the field during a run. It seems like you're just running and holding onto the rope, but every single person on the buffalo and out in the field has their own job to do to make every run perfect.
What are your hobbies?
My own hobbies include trail-running, baking desserts, and exploring new and familiar places, whether that be in the city or the mountains.
What are three things that make you unique?
I ran my first half-marathon and skydived for the first time in the same day. I was also part of the first Team State Championship at Niwot High School in 2013 for Track and Field. I also want to pursue my doctorate degree in Sport Psychology after graduating from CU.
Thursday, September 25
Friday, September 19
Saturday, August 24
Sunday, August 18