Sports Illustrated Kids – September 2019

Ralphie represents

the university during

her triumphant and

super speedy run

before kickoff. In

1967, the tradition

of “running with

Ralphie” was born. “There’s nothing quite like Ralphie running out onto

the field leading the football team,” says John Graves, the university’s live

mascot program manager and a former student-handler. “When Ralphie

runs out, the entire stadium just erupts with joy.”

During the week, Ralphie V, the current mascot, spends her time at

a nearby private ranch munching on grass and hay. Graves, who sees

Ralphie every day, says that her personality is one of the best things

about her. She’s playful, easygoing, and likes to lick Graves’ boots and

jeans. “People might not think a buffalo can have a personality, but all

buffalo have personalities,” says Graves. “Ralphie’s funny.”

THERE ARE MORE THAN65 live mascots throughout college football, from the University of

Oklahoma’s Welsh ponies, Boomer and Sooner, to South Carolina’s gamecock, Sir Big Spur. They

come in different shapes and sizes, and each one lives an interesting life off the field. Fans, coaches,

and players alike love these animals and what they represent. “Schools with live mascots, a lot of

the time, have more passion and tradition around them,” says Ricky Brennes, who works with Bevo

(below) at the University of Texas. “They have a whole other level of excitement.”

University of Colorado

12 YEARS OLD · 1,30 0 LBS.

RALPHIE

The largest live mascot in college

athletics also might be one of the

smartest. Ricky Brennes, who first

worked with Bevo as a Silver Spur

student-handler 20 years ago, has

gotten to know three generations of

the mascot. “You could call all three of

them by their names. They are very intelligent,” says Brennes, now the executive

director of the Silver Spurs Alumni Association. “They understand angles, and all

sorts of things. They would make great geometry students.” Brennes says that

Bevo XV, who took over in 2016, is the most approachable of the three.

Outside of Texas football, Bevo lives a luxurious life on a private ranch outside

of Austin. “[It’s] probably the most pampered life a Texas longhorn can have,”

says Brennes, who often accompanies Bevo on his community outings. Every

year, Bevo helps the Silver Spurs raise money for the Neighborhood Longhorns

Program, which provides academic resources for disadvantaged youth.

A longhorn steer has been attending Texas football games for more than

100 years. “I think the pageantry and tradition is what makes college football

special,” says Brennes. “We feel like we have one of the best traditions: Bevo.”

University of Texas

4 YEARS OLD · 1,8 0 0 LBS.

BEVO

By Kid Reporter

MIA FISHMAN

Meet the mascots who

inspire school pride.

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