Retiring Rowdy: Who Will Fill His Hooves?

Colorado Mesa University’s Rowdy Wrangler team is in search of a new calf to take over as the live mascot we all know and love

Four baby Rowdy’s have been recently selected as new candidates to fill in for Colorado Mesa University’s seasoned live mascot. Rowdy has made appearances for 11 years and has been an essential part of student life on campus as a recognizable figure among many. The Rowdy Wranglers are at a crucial step in this process as they have narrowed down four calves to replace CMU’s favorite bull. 

Colby Malpass, Rowdy Wrangler President, stated, “Rowdy is the soul of the Mavily, and our organization will always strive to maintain that.” 

The Wrangler team and Rowdy are relatively new to CMU, as Rowdy was the first steer to serve as a live mascot. Students across campus love to interact with the team and the mascot at many university and off-campus events, like football games, elementary school visits and random days spent on campus. Rowdy represents the soul of CMU, so it will not be easy to select a calf as personable and loving as Rowdy.  

Vice President of the Wranglers Sydney Fonte stated, “There is nothing like an opportunity to see and hang out with a real cow on campus and bring both students and the community together.” 

Fonte highlights the impact Rowdy has on this campus and in the community. The role of a live mascot can be difficult, but the Rowdy Wranglers know exactly what they need and what they are looking for in a new candidate. 

“We want the new Rowdy to be bigger and stronger than the last. This led us to try different breeds, like Longhorn and Angus,” Fonte said. 

Malpass, Fonte and the Wranglers are taking extra steps to ensure they find a new bull that has a calm temper and can safely interact with his biggest fans. However, the team has decided to involve the student body in this decision as the students are what makes Rowdy such an important figure.  

“We have four different options for the students to choose from. And all are different in their own ways,” Malpass commented. “This month at the rodeo we will kick off our voting process...The winner of the popular vote will have extra points added to their overall training score!” Fonte added. 

A digital form submitted by CMU students will select the face for our new live mascot. Voting will begin on April 10 and will be completed on May 1. This same day, the lucky calf will be selected; however, they will transition him over the summer to present the best version of Rowdy to kick off the Fall 2025 semester. 

Over the past few years, the Wrangler team has worked very hard to rebuild this organization. With big plans ahead, the team hopes to add new and improved equipment with hopes of their own facility to house this new mascot. Rowdy’s retirement should be celebrated for his outstanding 11 years with this university. He has been a special aspect of CMU and student life. From running out of tunnels with the football team to grunting “Hi” to elementary students, Rowdy has served as an important figure and spirited mascot to many.