Double the burro, double the fun: The story behind the Colorado School of Mines mascot

Being a university mascot is big responsibility, but being the beloved Blaster the Burro at Mines is quite the job. In fact, it takes not one, but two, miniature burros to rouse school spirit and embody the resilience, determination and hard work Orediggers are known for.

Burros Pepsi and Winkie currently hold the honor of serving as the Mines mascot, taking over the responsibilities in 2021 when the previous Blaster retired after more than 30 years in the role. Here are a few facts about the two burros and their on-campus handling team.

Pepsi “The Photogenic Blaster”

Owner: Carol von Michaelis at The Community Farm

Blaster duties: Pepsi is the “photogenic” burro for Mines, representing Blaster at on-campus events such as Discover Mines and Commencement. He poses for photos with the Mines community and welcomes pets from his fans.

Off-duty life: Pepsi is a busy donkey on The Community Farm helping with therapy, chasing and being chased by the farm dog, greeting people in the parking lot.  He loves eating snacks and doing crafts with campers. He is always around to help anyone who is having a bad day. He participates in outreach and has done many petting zoos, parades, live nativity scenes and is a “barn buddy,” where school aged kids write to him and ask for advice about social and emotional aspects of life.

“Pepsi is an amazing donkey, and he does his duties naturally well,” said von Michaelis. “He loves people and loves attention. It’s so fun to be part of the Mines community in a rewarding way (and no math homework). It’s been so much better than expected.”

Winkie “The Faster Blaster”

Owner: Amber Wann at ReDONKulous Ranch Sanctuary and Rescue

Blaster duties: Winkie serves as the “running” burro for Mines, representing Blaster at football games and running the field when the Orediggers score touchdowns.

Off-duty life: Winkie regularly gets to roam and run on ReDONKulous Ranch’s properties. He also frequently participates in training runs with many other donkeys who train for the summer pack burro races. Winkie also occasionally participates in weddings—including those of Mines alumni—and other events through Wann’s business, Rocky Mountain Beverage Burro.

“It has been a wonderful experience to work with all of the Blue Key students each year,” said Wann. “Last year, there was a collaborative effort to start a ‘Blaster’s Bootcamp’ where the Blue Key students came out to meet Winkie, learn about him, how to best to take photos of their mascot with his fans.
Then Blue Key learns how to handle the saddle, poop and best ways to run the Faster Blaster so he’s feeling he’s part of the team and being encouraged in the best way possible. I feel like a proud parent seeing our little Winkie so revered by the students.”

The Blaster Patrol

When Blaster is on campus or representing Mines at an event, Blue Key students are responsible for managing the burro and making sure he is well cared for. They monitor the public’s interactions with him and make sure both the people and burro have a positive experience, answer any questions and take photos. They also run with him on the football field and care for him on the sidelines in between touchdowns.

“In my biased opinion, I have the best executive team position out of all of the Mines clubs since I get to hang out with Blaster every time he is on campus,” said Sierra Dennis, spirit chair for Mines’ Blue Key. “I have been able to learn how to coordinate events and volunteers centered around the best burro in college sports, which has been such a positive experience for me at Mines and gives me a fun break from my class work.”