The Secret Life Of CAM The Ram: 5 Shocking Facts About Colorado State University's Mascot

Few college mascots embody the spirit and history of their university quite like CAM the Ram, the beloved, four-legged animal ambassador of Colorado State University (CSU). As of this current date, December 17, 2025, the living symbol of the Rams is CAM 25, a majestic Rambouillet Ram whose presence on the field is a thrilling and deeply rooted tradition that dates back nearly 80 years. While most fans know the fierce ram logo on the helmets, the true heart of CSU spirit lies in the live mascot, whose history connects directly to the school’s agricultural roots and its most intense rivalries.

This deep dive explores the fascinating, sometimes controversial, and always spirited world of CAM the Ram, from the origins of his cryptic name to the dedicated students who manage his life, providing a fresh perspective on one of college athletics’ most unique traditions.

The Biography of CAM the Ram: From Aggies to Animal Ambassador

The Colorado State University mascot is not a single entity but a dual presence: a costumed character seen at nearly all events and, most importantly, a live, four-legged sheep. The live mascot is always named CAM the Ram, and the current animal is the 25th in a lineage that began in the mid-20th century.

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• Official Mascot Name: CAM the Ram (both live and costumed)
• Current Live Mascot: CAM 25
• Mascot Species/Breed: Rambouillet Ram (a breed known for its fine wool and large, curved horns)
• University Name Origin: CAM stands for "Colorado Agricultural and Mechanical College," the university's original name until 1957.
• Nickname Change: The student body voted to change the nickname from "Aggies" to "Rams" in 1945, which was the college's 60th anniversary.
• First Live Ram: The first woolly ram, named "Buck," made his debut in 1946.
• CAM Name Adopted: The name CAM the Ram was officially adopted in 1954, replacing the earlier ram names.
• Mascot Handlers: The Ram Handlers, a dedicated group of student volunteers, are responsible for CAM’s training, care, and transportation.
• Home Field Appearance: CAM traditionally leads the football team onto Sonny Lubick Field at Canvas Stadium before home games.

The Shocking Origin of the Name 'CAM'

While the name CAM the Ram is catchy and rhymes, its true meaning is a direct link to the university’s foundational history. The letters C.A.M. are an acronym for the Colorado Agricultural and Mechanical College, the name of the institution from 1879 until 1957.

Before becoming the Rams, the students were known as the Aggies, a common nickname for agricultural schools. However, in 1945, the student body held a vote and officially changed the nickname to the Rams. The first live ram mascot, Buck, was introduced in 1946, but the name CAM was cemented in 1954, ensuring that even after the school evolved into Colorado State University, its agricultural heritage would live on through its mascot.

The current live mascot, CAM 25, is a Rambouillet Ram, a breed chosen specifically because of its large, majestic horns and its connection to the finest wool production, further tying the mascot to the university’s roots in agricultural sciences.

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The Intense Reality of Being a Ram Handler

Behind the majestic presence of CAM the Ram is one of the most demanding and unique student organizations on campus: the Ram Handlers. This small, highly dedicated group of student volunteers is responsible for the 24/7 care, training, and transportation of the live mascot.

Being a Ram Handler is far more than a club; it’s a commitment to animal husbandry and a high-profile ambassadorial role. Handlers are responsible for everything from feeding and cleaning CAM’s pen to ensuring he is calm and ready for the roar of the crowd at Moby Arena for basketball or the stadium for football.

The Handlers are also the keepers of one of CSU's most sacred traditions: the CAM's Sprint. Before every home football game, the Ram Handlers lead CAM in a spirited sprint across the length of the field, a moment that electrifies the crowd and symbolizes the energy of the Green and Gold.

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Recent Controversies and Policy Updates

In recent years, the Ram Handlers program has faced scrutiny, highlighting the challenges of maintaining such a storied tradition. In 2020, the university announced a review of the program’s policies following serious allegations of racism and favoritism within the student group. While the specifics of the policy review update are ongoing, the university’s commitment to reviewing the program demonstrates an effort to ensure the tradition is inclusive and upholds the values of the institution.

Furthermore, the costumed mascot, also named CAM the Ram, has been the subject of rivalry-fueled pranks, including an incident where the costume was destroyed before a Rocky Mountain Showdown game against the University of Colorado Buffaloes. These events underscore the intense passion and high stakes associated with the mascot, both the live animal and the costumed representation.

The CAM 25 Era and Enduring CSU Traditions

The current mascot, CAM 25, was thrust into the spotlight under poignant circumstances. His predecessor, CAM 24, tragically passed away just before the highly anticipated Rocky Mountain Showdown, a major rivalry game. The young CAM 25 was immediately brought to center stage to carry on the tradition, a moment that captured the hearts of the Fort Collins community and the entire CSU fan base.

CAM 25 continues to be the focal point of several key CSU traditions:

• The Rocky Mountain Showdown: The rivalry game against the University of Colorado Buffaloes is where CAM’s presence is arguably the most important, serving as a symbol of pride against the rival "Buffs."
• The "Stalwart Rams" Fight Song: The official fight song, "Stalwart Rams," is played whenever the team scores or during key moments. The lyrics, which call on the "Knights of the green and gold," are a direct call to the spirit that CAM embodies. The song itself is a tradition, having debuted in 1932 as the "Aggie Fight Song."
• The A-Painting Tradition: While not directly involving CAM, the tradition of students painting the "A" on the hillside overlooking the campus is another iconic symbol of CSU pride, often tied to victories and the overall spirit of the Rams.
• CAM's 1870 Straight Bourbon Whiskey: In a nod to the university's founding year (1870), CSU Athletics and the Alumni Association partnered with Ironton Distillery to release a whiskey named after the mascot, demonstrating CAM's influence beyond the athletic field and supporting the Fermentation Science Program.

The dual nature of the mascot—the living, breathing Rambouillet Ram and the energetic, costumed character (updated with a new design by alumnus Kyle Stopperan)—ensures that the spirit of CAM is present at every event.

The story of CAM the Ram is a powerful narrative of resilience, agricultural heritage, and unwavering school pride. From the student vote in 1945 to the sudden spotlight on CAM 25, the mascot remains the ultimate symbol of the Colorado State University Rams.