Student Runner Guides University of Colorado’s Bison Mascot at Folsom Field
Jake Stanfield, a Grand Junction native and former high school athlete, is a student runner for Ralphie, the University of Colorado's 1,200-pound bison mascot, leading the animal during football games at Folsom Field.
Grand Junction Montrose, CO, October 7, 2026 —
At the University of Colorado’s Folsom Field, a unique partnership unfolds during football games, featuring Jake Stanfield, a student runner, and Ralphie, the institution’s 1,200-pound bison mascot.
Stanfield, who hails from Grand Junction and previously participated in high school athletics, has taken on the role of guiding Ralphie onto the field. This responsibility involves leading the large bison, a prominent symbol for the university’s sports teams, through pre-game ceremonies and onto the football turf.
The position requires a specific skill set and dedication, as the student runner works closely with the animal to ensure a safe and coordinated appearance for thousands of spectators. Ralphie, weighing approximately 1,200 pounds, is a significant presence at university events, and the student runner plays a critical part in managing the mascot’s public appearances.
While the summary details Stanfield’s background as a Grand Junction native and former high school athlete, further specifics regarding his tenure in this role or any notable events beyond leading Ralphie onto the field during football games at Folsom Field were not provided. The role itself highlights a distinctive tradition within collegiate athletics, merging student involvement with the iconic representation of a university’s spirit and identity.
Story summarized from the original created by Garrett Brown on www.kkco11news.com, see more information here.
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