Colorado University Athletics

2017-18 Ralphie Handlers

Patrick Shin

Patrick Shin

  • Class:
    Junior
  • Hometown:
    Colorado Springs
  • High School:
    Cheyenne Mountain High School
  • Major:
    Finance/Economics
What sparked your interest in the Ralphie program?
The people for sure... When I think of a Ralphie Handler what comes to mind is an individual that works diligently to make the University of Colorado be seen in the best light.  What mainly sparked my interest though is knowing many of the people that were program before me and how great they were.  I set this goal for myself at the beginning of the fall semester for many reasons but primarily it came to wanting to prove I had what it took to carry on the great traditions this university has.  Many of my family members graduated from the University of Colorado and it always as a kid sparked a great sense of joy whenever Ralphie came running out the field leading the charge for the football team.  
 
What does Ralphie mean to you?
 Ralphie to me is much more than a wild animal.  She is an icon to the University and a beacon of pride, determination, joy, hope and much much more.  Many students and alumni alike can have her as a symbol for these things as well have the ability to rally behind what is now Americas symbol.  She means something different to every student but one common  thing everyone was has with her is that she is CU and binds us as one family.

What's the hardest part of being a Ralphie Handler?
The hardest part of being a Ralphie Handler is trying put the idea to your head that you are a part of one of the greatest traditions in college.  It is a weight that bears along with a tremendous amount of pressure but it is for that reason we find it within ourselves to put it past ourselves and perform our best.  Also having to lift the tremendous amounts of weights and extreme conditioning John makes us do is pretty hard but nothing we can't handle.  

What's the best part of being a Ralphie Handler?
  Honestly the best part of being a Ralphie Handler is that family aspect of it all.  We're much more than a group or a team... As a rookie even I realize that we are a big family and share so many things with one another.  Even in these early stages i realize that all the people are kind hearted, fun loving, striving for adventure individuals, who love every aspect of CU.  They are the positive people to be around and it makes me feel blessed to be apart of a program where I am able to meet people who are like this.    
 
What are your hobbies?
Hobbies for me include basically anything adventurous... I grew up lucky enough to experience things such as sky diving, paragliding, snowboardings, skiing, water skiing, shooting, fly fishing, backpacking, camping, as well as a ton of sports growing up.  Overall I also enjoy really getting to know others and having one on one conversations with them.  I try my best to be an people type of person that brings nothing but the best out of everybody.  Also I enjoy long walks on the beach as cliche as that may sound but growing up in California as a kid really instilled that love for the beach and ocean.  Reading a good book is definitely a hobby of mine, Dr. Seuss is brilliant, but in all serious I love business articles and books. 

What are three things that make you unique? 
I think me as a whole is just what makes me unique...  and I would have to say that I would definitely beat Stephen Curry in a three point shooting contest.  As well as I have a been told that I am a great shower singer.  Anything by Adam Levine I can sing better than him, so I guess that makes me pretty unique.
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