Colorado University Athletics
2023-24 Ralphie Roster
Nolan Johan
- Class:
- Fifth Year
- Hometown:
- Erie, Colo.
- High School:
- Niwot
- Major:
- History/Geography
WHAT SPARKED YOUR INTEREST IN THE RALPHIE PROGRAM?
When I ran track at Niwot High School, one of our assistant coaches, Deyja Enriquez, was a current Handler. She first introduced me to the idea of pursuing the opportunity to run with Ralphie. I remember feeling the excitement as a little guy when I first saw Ralphie run. It lit a fire in me and I knew that if I attended CU, I would become a Handler.
WHAT DOES RALPHIE MEAN TO YOU?
You cannot walk anywhere around campus without seeing some form of Ralphie’s likeness, and for good reason. She represents CU’s long tradition of excellence, while inspiring generations of Current, Future, and Forever Buffs.
WHAT'S THE HARDEST PART OF BEING A RALPHIE HANDLER?
The hardest part for me is figuring out what I can eat on the early practice mornings.
WHAT'S THE BEST PART OF BEING A RALPHIE HANDLER?
The best part of being a Ralphie Handler is spending lots of time with America’s #1 mascot, and being supervised by her when doing ranch chores.
WHAT'S ONE THING THAT SURPRISES PEOPLE THE MOST WHEN THEY ASK YOU ABOUT BEING A
RALPHIE HANDLER?
People are surprised that we are entirely donor funded-- even the buffalo are donated to the program!
WHAT'S ONE THING ABOUT RALPHIE THAT SURPRISED YOU THE MOST AFTER BECOMING A
RALPHIE HANDLER?
I was surprised the most by how rough her tongue is. Getting a lick from her is like getting rubbed by coarse, wet sandpaper.
WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES?
In my free time I love to enjoy the Colorado outdoors, whether that be hiking, biking, or experimenting with appropriate cook times for grilled cheese in a waffle iron over the campfire.
When I ran track at Niwot High School, one of our assistant coaches, Deyja Enriquez, was a current Handler. She first introduced me to the idea of pursuing the opportunity to run with Ralphie. I remember feeling the excitement as a little guy when I first saw Ralphie run. It lit a fire in me and I knew that if I attended CU, I would become a Handler.
WHAT DOES RALPHIE MEAN TO YOU?
You cannot walk anywhere around campus without seeing some form of Ralphie’s likeness, and for good reason. She represents CU’s long tradition of excellence, while inspiring generations of Current, Future, and Forever Buffs.
WHAT'S THE HARDEST PART OF BEING A RALPHIE HANDLER?
The hardest part for me is figuring out what I can eat on the early practice mornings.
WHAT'S THE BEST PART OF BEING A RALPHIE HANDLER?
The best part of being a Ralphie Handler is spending lots of time with America’s #1 mascot, and being supervised by her when doing ranch chores.
WHAT'S ONE THING THAT SURPRISES PEOPLE THE MOST WHEN THEY ASK YOU ABOUT BEING A
RALPHIE HANDLER?
People are surprised that we are entirely donor funded-- even the buffalo are donated to the program!
WHAT'S ONE THING ABOUT RALPHIE THAT SURPRISED YOU THE MOST AFTER BECOMING A
RALPHIE HANDLER?
I was surprised the most by how rough her tongue is. Getting a lick from her is like getting rubbed by coarse, wet sandpaper.
WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES?
In my free time I love to enjoy the Colorado outdoors, whether that be hiking, biking, or experimenting with appropriate cook times for grilled cheese in a waffle iron over the campfire.
Welcoming Ralphie VII | The Story of Adding a New Buffalo to the Herd
Thursday, September 25
Introducing Ralphie VII
Friday, September 19
Ralphie makes her 2024 debut at the CU Freshman Welcome
Saturday, August 24
Ralphie Handlers and the Parkers
Sunday, August 18