Colorado School of Mines Athletics

Read about Blaster's history in Mines Magazine
Visit the Blue Key Honor Society

ABOUT BLASTER

Colorado School of Mines' world-famous mascot is Blaster the Burro, an oversized miniature burro who serves as an enduring symbol of the determination and work ethic of all Orediggers.

Blaster is most commonly seen running the field after every Mines touchdown, as well as attending events such as the E-Days Ore Cart Pull, the Homecoming Parade, and Commencement. While on campus, Blaster is cared for by the Blue Key Honor Society; when he isn't on campus, Blaster resides at Laughing Valley Ranch in Idaho Springs.

Although the burro has been a Mines symbol since at least the early 20th century, a live mascot wasn't adopted until the 1960s when a female burro owned by the Foss family began attending Mines football games. The current Blaster is the second burro to hold the name, assuming his role in the early 1990s. His exact age isn't known, but it is believed he was born sometime around 1990, and he has spent the majority of his life as Mines' mascot. As a racing burro, Blaster loves to run, and when he isn't celebrating touchdowns, Blaster spends his time going on pack trips and racing over the mountain passes of Colorado in Pack Burro Races associated with the Western Pack Burro Association. 
 

INTERACTING WITH BLASTER

When Blaster is on campus, he loves visiting with his fans (when he isn't chowing down on the grass, of course)! A minimum of two Blue Key members will be on hand to assist with his care. In order to maintain a safe environment for the campus community, campus visitors, and Blaster the following protocols will be followed:

- No person will get on his back or ride on him (an exception will be made for pictures of children as outlined below) .
- A clear space of at least 3 feet behind Blaster will be maintained.
- Persons wanting to take a picture with Blaster may do so by standing with him or kneeling in front of him. If someone wants to take a picture with Blaster with his head raised Blue Key members will assist in correctly raising his head for pictures. (Children - under 30 pounds may be placed on Blaster's back for a picture provided the child's parent is present and holding the child while on Blaster's back)
- Blue Key members will monitor Blaster when people are around him and assist children in correctly petting Blaster using two fingers on his shoulders, or forehead. This will prevent him from being accidentally hit or his fur being pulled.
- Only Blue Key members are permitted to feed him.
- Blue Key will assure that he has access to water.
- Blue Key members will clean up after Blaster and make sure his environment stays clean.