FORT COLLINS, Colo — For many in Fort Collins, game day isn’t just about the players or the team — it's also about Colorado State University's cherished mascot: CAM the Ram.
CAM, whose moniker originates from CSU's original name, Colorado Agricultural and Mechanical College, has been a staple at CSU events for years. The mascot's presence is a good omen for the team. In fact, fans and football players are known to pat CAM’s head or behind for good luck before the game.
And if they spot CAM sprinting across the end zone? That’s a surefire sign the team has scored.
Behind the scenes, getting CAM ready for game day takes a lot of work. Student handlers like Isabella Ortega, who has been a part of the CAM crew for three years, are out with him five hours before kickoff.
For Isabella, the experience is personal. "I've been coming to games at CSU since I was little, and I met CAM when I was little," she said.
Being a handler has been one of the highlights of her college career. "My favorite part is the spirit and getting to hang out with people, while also getting to hang out with a cool ram," she said.
And cool he is. CAM the Ram isn’t just a mascot — he’s practically family. Fellow handler Dani Landvogt said, "He recognizes my face, he recognizes my voice, what lotion I wear; we truly are best friends."
There are a few fun facts about CAM that not all fans know. His horns are made from the same material as human fingernails. And although CAM might look like a bighorn sheep, he’s actually a Rambouillet Sheep, a breed originally raised for their meat and wool.
Friday's game was bittersweet for some of his handlers. Isabella and Dani are seniors, so this is their last time working with CAM in this role.
Still, they’re grateful for the time they’ve spent with the mascot.