CMU's live mascot Rowdy may be off duty, but his summer is anything but lazy. From gourmet hay buffets to sunrise workouts, he’s living his best life on a rural ranch in Wray, Colorado this summer.
Colorado Mesa University is the home of the Mavericks, and our new mascot heir, Rowdy. In a close vote during the Spring 2025 semester, a new calf came to town to replace the 11-year veteran. Rowdy is the glue to CMU, so his appearance at school events can take a toll on him. Just like everyone else, Rowdy deserves a summer vacation. 410 miles away, there is a Ranch in Wray, Colorado, where he is spending the summer resting, bulking up and getting ready to bring the energy back to CMU this fall.
The eastern plains of Colorado are a dream paradise that Rowdy has always wanted to visit. However, Rowdy isn’t just on vacation, he is also putting on weight, training and growing closer connections to his wranglers. Wray, Colorado native and Wrangler Vice President, Sydney Fonte, bought Rowdy a first-class ticket to her ranch in paradise.
“On vacation, Rowdy enjoys an all-you-can-eat buffet of grass hay, bottomless ice-cold water and premium ground corn,” said Fonte.
Rowdy is kicking up his hooves in his VIP pen all to himself and relaxes by the field on a day-to-day basis. This has been a real change of pace for our urban mascot; however, he has definitely enjoyed soaking up the sun and meeting new friends. Rowdy has very few neighbors in his rural oasis, but the ones he does have enjoy having conversations with the face of Colorado Mesa University.
“Rowdy is definitely developing a taste for the slow, hardworking rural lifestyle, but he is a city boy at heart,” Fonte continued. “As much fun as he is having, he has assured me he will welcome back his premium conditioner and unlimited attention with open arms.”
During the offseason, Rowdy is fed, trained and taken care of differently. He is on a strong meal plan to help him put on muscle and grow his horns, all while still maintaining a balanced diet. Going for daily walks is essential to this process as well. These walks not only strengthen Rowdy but also help develop a relationship between Fonte and Rowdy. Rowdy’s resort isn’t exactly close to CMU either, so transporting him was difficult, but Student Life professionals helped make the process go smoothly.
Fonte Land and Cattle is proud to hold CMU’s beloved animal for the summer and does everything in their power to ensure Rowdy feels comfortable and at home. The farm already has a schedule, so adding our high-maintenance calf to the mix has been a great favor. However, there is a lot for Rowdy to look forward to going into his first official school year with the Mavericks. With a new refurbished home waiting for Rowdy in Grand Junction, he is definitely excited to get back to taking pictures, running onto the football field and seeing his fans.