CAM the Ram
Encyclopedia
CAM the Ram is a live bighorn sheep
that is the mascot
of the athletic teams of Colorado State University
. In 1946 an alumnus won a contest to name the mascot CAM, referring to the name of the school Colorado Agricultural and Mechanical College. The first school mascot was introduced in 1947. The 21st version of CAM is a Rambouillet
sheep. It has made over 250 appearances and will be retired in 2011 at the age of seven. The 22nd CAM has been chosen and will replace the current version in 2011. CAM runs at the beginning and at half time during home football
games. Currently, there are eight Ram Handlers that take care of CAM the Ram.
There is also a costumed CAM the Ram. The newest version was unveiled in October 2010.
Bighorn Sheep
The bighorn sheep is a species of sheep in North America named for its large horns. These horns can weigh up to , while the sheep themselves weigh up to . Recent genetic testing indicates that there are three distinct subspecies of Ovis canadensis, one of which is endangered: Ovis canadensis sierrae...
that is the mascot
Mascot
The term mascot – defined as a term for any person, animal, or object thought to bring luck – colloquially includes anything used to represent a group with a common public identity, such as a school, professional sports team, society, military unit, or brand name...
of the athletic teams of Colorado State University
Colorado State Rams
Colorado State University competes in 16 sponsored intercollegiate sports, including 10 for women and six for men...
. In 1946 an alumnus won a contest to name the mascot CAM, referring to the name of the school Colorado Agricultural and Mechanical College. The first school mascot was introduced in 1947. The 21st version of CAM is a Rambouillet
Rambouillet (sheep)
The Rambouillet is also known as the Rambouillet Merino or the French Merino. The development of the Rambouillet breed started in 1786 when Louis XVI purchased over three hundred Spanish Merinos from his cousin, King Charles III of Spain...
sheep. It has made over 250 appearances and will be retired in 2011 at the age of seven. The 22nd CAM has been chosen and will replace the current version in 2011. CAM runs at the beginning and at half time during home football
American football
American football is a sport played between two teams of eleven with the objective of scoring points by advancing the ball into the opposing team's end zone. Known in the United States simply as football, it may also be referred to informally as gridiron football. The ball can be advanced by...
games. Currently, there are eight Ram Handlers that take care of CAM the Ram.
There is also a costumed CAM the Ram. The newest version was unveiled in October 2010.