Colorado University Athletics
2016-17 Ralphie Handlers
Gordon Ferris II
- Class:
- Junior
- Hometown:
- Frisco, Co.
- High School:
- Lakewood Sr. High School
- Prev School:
- University of Oregon
- Major:
- Finance
What sparked your interest in the Ralphie program?
I went to my first CU football game after moving to the Front Range from the mountains. We sat way up in section 209 but when Ralphie ran I felt like she was coming right at me. I couldn't believe that there were people running alongside her. After transferring from back to my home state and enrolling at CU I couldn't wait to try out for the team.
What does Ralphie mean to you?
To me, Ralphie means goosebumps. I get chills when ever I think about running or even hanging out with a live buffalo. We spend enough time with her that we get to know her personality. Ralphie is not just a live mascot, she has a great personality that I love experiencing.
What's the hardest part of being a Ralphie Handler?
There are different types of "hardships" we experience, but each one brings us closer together as a team. I'd say like most student athlete's time management is overall the the hardest. Balancing school, workouts, practices, and the occasional hay run, with work, and having a social life can be a juggling act but time spent with Ralphie makes it all worth it.
What's the best part of being a Ralphie Handler?
My favorite part about being a Ralphie Handler is simply being on a team again. There's something about spending time every week with the same group of people, who all working for the same thing that I never appreciated when I was involved in organized sports.
What's one thing that surprises people the most when they ask you about being a Ralphie Handler?
Most people are shocked when I tell people how big of a time commitment being a Ralphie Handler is. People are excited to see Ralphie, but they don't know that we meet up 6 hours before every game, and leave boulder 3 hours before every practice just to pick Ralphie up and get her ready.
What's one thing about Ralphie that surprised you the most after becoming a Ralphie Handler?
Ralphie's sassy personality surprised the most. I have two sisters so I grew up surrounded by sass, and when I first joined the team I thought that it would be an escape from it. Little did I know, that Ralphie often likes to dump over a full wheelbarrow when we're cleaning up after her!
What are your hobbies?
If I'm not in Boulder, you'll most likely find me skiing or hiking. I grew up at the base of Mt. Royal in Frisco and always have considered the mountains home.
What are three things that make you unique?
1) I ski over 20 days a year 2) I consider the Frisco BBQ Challenge a personal holiday and attend every year 3) I gave a presentation in preschool on the different shapes involved in a baseball game.
I went to my first CU football game after moving to the Front Range from the mountains. We sat way up in section 209 but when Ralphie ran I felt like she was coming right at me. I couldn't believe that there were people running alongside her. After transferring from back to my home state and enrolling at CU I couldn't wait to try out for the team.
What does Ralphie mean to you?
To me, Ralphie means goosebumps. I get chills when ever I think about running or even hanging out with a live buffalo. We spend enough time with her that we get to know her personality. Ralphie is not just a live mascot, she has a great personality that I love experiencing.
What's the hardest part of being a Ralphie Handler?
There are different types of "hardships" we experience, but each one brings us closer together as a team. I'd say like most student athlete's time management is overall the the hardest. Balancing school, workouts, practices, and the occasional hay run, with work, and having a social life can be a juggling act but time spent with Ralphie makes it all worth it.
What's the best part of being a Ralphie Handler?
My favorite part about being a Ralphie Handler is simply being on a team again. There's something about spending time every week with the same group of people, who all working for the same thing that I never appreciated when I was involved in organized sports.
What's one thing that surprises people the most when they ask you about being a Ralphie Handler?
Most people are shocked when I tell people how big of a time commitment being a Ralphie Handler is. People are excited to see Ralphie, but they don't know that we meet up 6 hours before every game, and leave boulder 3 hours before every practice just to pick Ralphie up and get her ready.
What's one thing about Ralphie that surprised you the most after becoming a Ralphie Handler?
Ralphie's sassy personality surprised the most. I have two sisters so I grew up surrounded by sass, and when I first joined the team I thought that it would be an escape from it. Little did I know, that Ralphie often likes to dump over a full wheelbarrow when we're cleaning up after her!
What are your hobbies?
If I'm not in Boulder, you'll most likely find me skiing or hiking. I grew up at the base of Mt. Royal in Frisco and always have considered the mountains home.
What are three things that make you unique?
1) I ski over 20 days a year 2) I consider the Frisco BBQ Challenge a personal holiday and attend every year 3) I gave a presentation in preschool on the different shapes involved in a baseball game.
Thursday, September 25
Friday, September 19
Saturday, August 24
Sunday, August 18