When I arrived at Peggy Fitzgerald Coppom’s (A&S ex’46) home, I was immediately greeted by Eddie Olivari (MPubAd’78), a friend who drives her to and from church daily. He explained that her phone interview with The Today Show was running a little long, but he invited me in, offered me a Coke and showed me the ins and outs of her 1940s pink-and-chrome Frigidaire electric stove. 

Peggy is perhaps the most unlikely of modern-day superfans. She doesn’t wear face paint and costumes or seek the attention of cameras and Instagram. When Peggy and her identical twin, Betty Fitzgerald Hoover (A&S ex’46), who died in 2020, began cheering on the Buffs in the 1940s, they were just out to have a good time. 

“Growing up on Colorado’s eastern plains, moving to Boulder for high school equated to the big city. At the time, high school games and city dances were the common ways to socialize,” said Peggy. 

The twins met their future husbands at Longmont High School, where their love of football and basketball took root. 

“We liked basketball and football because that’s what we had in high school. We didn’t have anything else,” Peggy said. “And then we said, well, let’s go. We better go.” 

When they enrolled at CU Boulder, they found a new love: CU athletics. In addition to football and basketball, Peggy and Betty started following more sports, including volleyball and tennis. 

For some years, raising children took them away from their beloved stands. But that break was short-lived. 

“Well, Betty and I used to say — and I still do — we pray and play,” she said. “Prayer is first. Play is second.” 

Peggy recounted, “My older son Jack (PE’67) played baseball at CU Boulder and was an All Big Eight Player his junior year. So we went to all the baseball games in those days.” 

In time, the sisters began faithfully attending football and basketball, volleyball, soccer, tennis, baseball, lacrosse and track, and they became a staple in the bleachers — easily spotted in their custom athletic gold sweatshirts.

Pray and Play 

While Peggy is , there are two constants in her life: church and CU athletics. Raised Catholic, Peggy started attending daily mass in the 1950s. 

“Well, Betty and I used to say — and I still do — we pray and play,” she said. “Prayer is first. Play is second.” 

Peggy and Betty were known to pray for CU Buffs players, and the list is always growing. Even if Peggy forgets someone’s name, she puts them on the list because “He knows who they are,” she said, pointing upward. Prayer anchors Peggy, and she places it first because it helps her “have good faith, keep a positive attitude and be happy.” 

Peggy represents more than CU fandom — she embodies goodness and loyalty. During our visit, I asked her friend Mike Richardson — who is from Estes Park, Colorado, and stopped by with a black-and-gold holiday wreath for Peggy — how they met. 

“I was just drawn to her,” he said. “When my kids were little, I’d see the twins at all of the games, and so I finally went up and introduced myself and my kids.” 

In November, a packed Folsom Field sang “Happy Birthday” to Peggy on her 100th birthday. 

“I just stood there and cried because that’s the way it made me feel — very, very humble,” she said. “I don’t feel like I’ve done anything except be a good fan to CU. [Betty and I] went to so many sporting things. I can’t deny that we have been good fans. We have been.” 

But don’t think for a minute that she lacks fire. 

When we talked about winning and losing, she said: “If no one wanted the other team to win, it wouldn’t be any fun. It’s a big competition. When the opposing team’s fans come to the game and cheer loudly, those are the games that we get excited about.”

Peggy Gets Her Bowl 

“Be loyal. No matter if they win or lose in the end, it’ll make you feel better to be loyal to your school because everyone can’t be a winner every time. And sometimes your loyalty is more important when you lose than when you win.”

The “CU Twins” and their famed school spirit were legendary in Boulder before Coach Prime’s arrival, but Peggy credits him with making her internationally famous. 

Reflecting on the press conferences, interviews, photo ops and her own  (NIL) deal, she said, “I was thinking the other day, ‘You know, God, I wonder if your part in this was to help me not miss Betty so much. You’re giving me all these things to do now.’” For the past two years, the CU Boulder community has filled her life when she needed it most.

When Peggy and I met, the bowl game Coach Prime promised her at the beginning of the season was 17 days away. She  to Texas for the Dec. 28 Alamo Bowl. 

Her advice to other CU fans: “Be loyal. No matter if they win or lose in the end, it’ll make you feel better to be loyal to your school because everyone can’t be a winner every time. And sometimes your loyalty is more important when you lose than when you win.”

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Photo by Glenn Asakawa

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In 1938, the CU Buffaloes played in their first bowl game —  — on New Year’s Day in Dallas after an undefeated season.

In the weeks leading to the game, a sense of glee hit the state of Colorado. “Fans who have spent years yelling for DU, Mines and Colorado Aggies to beat Boulder transferred their allegiance temporarily to the CU Buffaloes,” said the Denver Post on Dec. 31, 1937.

Buffs fans purchased souvenir Cotton Bowl scarves for 65 cents from major department stores to wear to the game, and anywhere from 6,000 to 7,000 people took one of the five special trains from Colorado to Dallas for the game. (The train ride from Denver to Dallas took 21 hours.) 

An estimated 10,000 CU fans attended the bowl, which resulted in a 14–28 loss to Houston’s Rice University despite an exceptional performance by Buffs halfback (�����Dz�’38).&�Բ�����;

“It was a sensational game and had the fans in a frenzy,” declared the Colorado Alumnus in January 1938. 

In 1987, White’s teammate Francis Stevens (ElEngr’40), who played left guard during the game, donated his Cotton Bowl team jacket to the CU Heritage Center.

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Photos by Mona Lambrecht/CU Heritage Center

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Lauren Elbert (Mktg’27) loves the traditions of student life — from color guard to singing the alma mater.

A Day as a Buff

“As a resident advisor, it’s super convenient to go to class next door in the Koelbel building. After class, I usually head to my barista job. It is the best part of my day, because I get to make coffee and talk to people who come in from around Boulder. Then, I normally hit up The Rec to run or take a cycle class. After that, I go to color guard practice and usually have meetings for the Leeds Scholars Program, Herd Leadership Council or a residence hall staff meeting, depending on the day. Later, I head back to my room, get some homework done, read a bit and go to bed. It’s a busy life, but it’s a good one!”

Favorite CU Tradition

“The Golden Buffaloes Marching Band is steeped in tradition and spirit for the campus. After each game, we sing the alma mater together, regardless of the turnout or how tired we are.”

CU’s Influence

“CU Boulder has shown me how creativity and business can intersect. The collaborative projects in my classes and my involvement in the Leeds Scholars Program have helped me develop a vision for combining marketing, technology and sustainability. I’m inspired to pursue a career focused on impactful storytelling and responsible innovation.”

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Photo courtesy Lauren Elbert

Quick Facts

Studying marketing, with a minor in creative technology and design.

Expected Graduation May 2027

From Franktown, Colorado

Works at 

Color guard in the Golden Buffaloes Marching Band

Resident advisor in Kittredge Central

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Soccer Success

(12-5-5, 4-2-5 Big 12) capped an outstanding season by earning an at-large bid to the 2024 NCAA Tournament. 

The Buffaloes upset No. 7 seed Georgia 3-2 on Nov. 15, the program’s first NCAA Tournament win in five years. 

While the Buffs stunned Georgia with second-half goals from Shyra James (MediaSt’24) and Hope Leyba (IntPhys’27), the team couldn’t similarly rally to overcome a 2-0 deficit against No. 2 seed Wake Forest in the tournament’s second round, losing 3-1 Nov. 22. 

“This team is so resilient,” said head coach Danny Sanchez. 

Ranked as high as No.14 nationally, CU overcame their end-of-season 0-2-4 stretch when they defeated Utah in the Big 12 Tournament to earn the at-large bid. 

Returning Buffs Faith Leyba (IntPhys’27) and Ava Priest (EnvSt’27) were named First-Team All-Midwest Region, and goalkeeper Jordan Nytes (Soc’26) was selected Third Team All-America. 

“We could not be more excited about the future of CU soccer,” said Sanchez.

Buffs Bits

Jenny Simpson (Econ,PolSci’09) retired from professional running after finishing 18th at the New York City Marathon Nov. 3 ...  (9-4, 7-2 Big 12) finished its 2024 season Dec. 28 with a 36-14 loss to BYU in the Valero Alamo Bowl. Wide receiver and cornerback Travis Hunter (Psych’26) won the Heisman Trophy on Dec. 14, and quarterback Shedeur Sanders (Soc’25) won the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award as the nation’s top quarterback on Nov. 29. ... Women’s basketball’s Frida Formann (EnvSt’24;MBusAna’25) was named a U.S. Basketball Writers Association National Player of the Week Dec. 24 after she led the Buffs to a 65-60 victory over No. 14 West Virginia. ... Outside hitter Ana Burilović (Psych’27) was named to the 2024 All-Big 12 Volleyball 2nd Team Dec. 3 after finishing seventh in the Big 12 in points per set (4.12) and eighth in kills per set (3.55). … Tennis doubles team Anya Nelson (Bus’26) and Ema Bubalo (Biochem’27) reached the Sweet 16 at the 2024 NCAA Individual Championships in Waco, Texas.

Coach Talk

“Last season was about hope. This season was about expectation, and the expectation this year was to get Ms. Peggy to a bowl game — and we did that.”

&�Բ�����;— Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders on Dec. 8 after the Buffs were selected to face BYU in the 2024 Valero Alamo Bowl.

Stats

1st

Inaugural Big 12 Lacrosse Championship to be held at CU’s Prentup Field, May 1-3, 2025.

#2 

Two-time defending national champion UConn’s ranking when upset by CU men’s basketball 73-72 on Nov. 26 in the Maui Invitational.

30th

 All-American Dean Casey’s (EnvSt’27) finish in the men’s cross country NCAA Championships Nov. 23 in Madison, Wisconsin.

36

Men’s golf strokes under par to place second at Hawai’i’s Ka’anapali Classic Collegiate in Lahaina, Maui, Nov. 2-4.

25

Career-high NBA points by Tristan da Silva (Acct’24) to lead the Orlando Magic to a 106-97 win over the Toronto Raptors Jan. 3.

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Heard Around Campus

“Coach Mac was an incredible man who taught me about the importance of faith, family and being a good husband, father and grandfather.”

– CU Boulder Athletic Director  on Jan.10, 2025. Coach Mac was among the most successful head coaches in all sports in CU Boulder’s 135-year athletic history. 

Incarcerated at Risk in Climate Disasters

U.S. prisons are unprepared to safeguard the incarcerated from extreme heat, floods and other climate-related threats, according to a CU study with accounts from nearly three dozen formerly incarcerated people. Researchers found that vulnerabilities in infrastructure, insufficient emergency protocols and lack of oversight leave inmates at heightened risk during disasters. The team hopes their study will inspire more research around climate change adaptation, mitigation and prevention while also considering the voices of incarcerated people.

CU Buys Shuttered Louisville Movie Theater

CU Boulder that housed the Regal Cinebarre movie theater, which closed last May. The site, purchased for $10 million, is intended for a mixed-use, transit-oriented development that includes university housing. The property is seven miles from campus.

New Quantum Facility in Boulder

CU Boulder is spearheading and providing leadership and resources to a new 13,000-square-foot quantum facility in east Boulder. The effort is in partnership with , and , a tech hub with a coalition of 120 organizations. The facility will include collaborative office space for early-stage quantum companies and state-of-the-art scientific equipment. 

Digits: Europa Instrument 

The Surface Dust Analyzer, designed and built by the CU Boulder Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics team, launched to Jupiter’s Europa moon aboardspacecraft to collect data that may determine whether the moon has conditions that could support life.

6

Years to get to Europa

35 pounds

Weight of CU apparatus

$53 million

Instrument’s cost

16 miles

How close Europa Clipper will be to the moon’s surface

~1.9B

Number of miles Europa Clipper will travel across the solar system 

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All-American skier Filip Wahlqvist (Fin’27) won the NCAA Championship in slalom and helped lead the Buffs to their 21st National Championship in his first year at Colorado. The Norway native reflects on college skiing’s surprises, small margins when racing, and trusting in himself.

You won four slalom races in 2024, including the national championship. What surprised you about your first year skiing for CU? 

Before I got here, I didn’t think college racing was a big deal. I spent three years trying to go pro in the World Cup after high school. I assumed college facilities were smaller and had fewer resources. When I got here, I was blown away. What we have at CU is 10 times bigger than our Olympic facilities in Norway where the professionals train. You can’t compare it. CU has personal trainers, nutritionists, tutors and advisors. Everything is incredibly organized and professional.

Does defending the National Championship add pressure to this season?

Not really. Every time I’m on the start gate, I’m going for a victory. 

You can’t compare it. CU has personal trainers, nutritionists, tutors and advisors. Everything is incredibly organized and professional.

You race both slalom and giant slalom (GS). What differentiates the two disciplines and how you ski them?

The main difference is the distance between the gates. Slalom is shorter between gates, while GS has longer distances. In slalom, we use shorter skis, knee pads and arm guards. You’re hitting the gates more in slalom, while in GS you go around them more. Slalom skis are 165 centimeters [65”] and GS skis are 193 centimeters [76”]. There’s more action in slalom. The gates come fast, and you need to be precise and focused. Super small margins. You might race for just 50 seconds but cross 60 gates.

How do you balance speed and precision?

GS speed can be about 80 km/h [50 mph], while slalom is like 65 km/h [40 mph]. Speed depends on conditions: icy or soft, the turns, straight or longer courses. But skiing is super technical. It’s probably 80 percent technique, 20 percent speed. If I overthink things, that creates its own stress. You only have two runs (two minutes total of skiing), and one small mistake can cost you.

Is staying calm and confident more from experience or disposition?

I worked with psychological coaches when I was younger because I would ski well in training sessions, but not so much in races. But I’m not sure that worked for me. What helped the most was gaining more skiing experience and finding my mental rhythm. Pressure to win doesn’t have to mean nervousness. �������� four years ago, all the unnecessary stress just wasn’t there anymore. In alpine skiing, it can be hundredths of a second between 1st and 12th place. I aim to remember that.

Can you tell us more about skiing internationally before you came to CU?

My brother and I were racing in the European Cup. I wasn’t on Norway’s national team, and my club team back home was in other races, so I was on my own a lot. But my brother and I were lucky because we had our dad. He was a World Cup coach for Norway and the U.S. He would set courses for us and go to Italy, France and Germany for races. I had some really good results while racing. After nearly making the national team three times, I decided to race in college and get an education.

What made you want to come here?

My dad went to the University of New Mexico when they had a ski program. He said incredible things about CU. The big three schools for college skiing are Colorado, University of Utah and University of Denver. But Colorado is the best. People help you in both academics and athletics. It was an easy choice when [head alpine coach] Ian [Lochhead] called to ask if I was interested.

Can you share something you’ve learned from coach Lochhead?

To trust in my decisions. I’m far away from home, so I have had to grow up faster and figure things out for myself. If I ask Ian for help, he’s going to do his best to make sure I succeed, but I appreciate how he’s supported me to find trust in myself.

What goals do you have for your future years as a Buff?

To take in the whole college experience: learn as much as possible, make new friends, invest in myself. I love being in the Leeds School of Business. And, of course, with skiing, to do better than last year. Winning the GS. Doing a double — which is winning GS and slalom in one meet — but only if Colorado wins. We all support each other as teammates.

When you’re off the slopes and not training, what do you like to do?

My mom and dad own a golf course in Norway. When I’m home in the summertime, it’s all about golf. As a student-athlete, you’re always busy, so I haven’t played much golf in Colorado — only three times — but I brought my clubs from home.

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Photos by Matan Coll

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(9-4, 7-2 Big 12) claimed its highest number of victories since 2016 and made the 2024 Valero Alamo Bowl. And while Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter (Psych’26) and potential No. 1 2025 NFL Draft pick Shedeur Sanders (Soc’25) received much public acclaim this season, first-year defensive coordinator (DC) Robert Livingston singularly shaped the Buffs’ turnaround. 

CU’s defense struggled mightily in 2023, giving up 34.8 points and 453.3 yards per game. With then-DC Charles Kelly out, Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders had to find a new coordinator to call the defense. 

Sanders hired Livingston, a defensive assistant coach with the NFL’s Cincinnati Bengals and former safety at William & Mary, on Feb. 9, 2024. Instead of fitting the defense to his system, Livingston assessed the Buffs’ unique strengths. 

“Coach Livingston built the defense of us. He listens to us. It makes it easier,” said leading tackler Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig (Comm’25). “We’re not really thinking out there, we’re just playing.” 

Livingston worked throughout 2024 to connect with his squad. He even ran sprints with the defense after a Hunter interception against Colorado State led to an excessive celebration penalty. 

“It’s not me versus you. It’s us. That’s the big thing,” Livingston said. “I want everyone to know they have skin in the game.” 

On-field results were dramatic. The Buffs shut out Oklahoma State, frequently played dominant second-half defense and sealed wins over Baylor and Texas Tech with turnovers. In 2024, CU allowed 351.9 yards per game — over 100 yards fewer per game than in 2023. 

Even more impressive were the big plays. The Buffs’ defense created 27 turnovers, ranking 7th nationally, and tallied 39 sacks and three defensive touchdowns, both 11th in the nation. 

“We’ll strive to be aggressive. I want people to feel us when we play,” said Livingston.

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on Dec. 14, 2024, Travis Hunter (Psych’26) became the second Buff to claim the Heisman Trophy, widely considered the most prestigious recognition in college sports. CU running back Rashaan Salaam (Soc ex’96) won the award in 1994. 

During the 2024 regular season and bowl game, Hunter played cornerback and wide receiver for the Buffs. On defense, he played 748 snaps and recorded four interceptions and 11 pass breakups. On offense, he played 712 snaps, which included 96 receptions and 15 touchdowns. 

After thanking his fiancée, parents and several others in his acceptance speech, he turned to coach Deion Sanders and quarterback Shedeur Sanders (Soc’25) and declared, “You changed my life forever.”

as a top-five pick in the NFL Draft this April.

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Photo by Heisman Trophy Trust

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Plati to Semi-Retire 

Associate athletic director and sports information director (SID) David Plati (Jour’82) will semi-retire Jan. 1, 2023. 

Plati began as a student assistant at CU in 1978, became assistant SID in January 1983 and was named SID in July 1984. In addition to leading the SID office and covering over 500 CU football games, he also has worked for the Denver Broncos, Colorado Rockies and Denver Bears (Minor League Baseball).

“David has been an icon at CU and in this industry for over 40 years,” said athletic director Rick George. 

Over 100 of Plati’s former student assistants have established careers in sports information or team media relations.

“That’s probably the one thing I’m most proud of — seeing the CU SID tree grow and grow,” Plati said. 

Assistant athletic director Curtis Snyder (Jour’98) was named interim SID. Plati will continue to serve as SID-Emeritus, Program Historian and men’s golf SID.

Buff’s Bits 

���dz������’s Shyra James’ (IntPhys’24) goal-scoring streak reached 10 games, stretching from the 2021 season until she went scoreless in the Buffs’ 1-1 draw at Michigan on Sept. 8. … Taylor Kornieck (StComm’20) was named to the U.S. Women’s National Team for the 2022 women’s championship for the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football. … Men’s golf’s Dylan McDermott (Bus’25) won the season-opening Fighting Irish Classic in South Bend, Indiana, on Sept. 5 after a four-hole playoff . McDermott’s 10-under par, three-round score of 200 is the lowest gross score in Colorado golf history. … Men’s basketball head coach Tad Boyle led the USA Basketball Men’s Under 18 National Team to its sixth consecutive International Basketball Federation Under 18 Americas Men’s Championship on June 6–12 in Tijuana, Mexico. Boyle was named to the National Association of Basketball Coaches Board of Directors in June.

Coach Talk

“I’m a little embarrassed because I’ve had so much help. In the 51 years since i started, dozens of people have encouraged and helped me.”

— Mark Wetmore, cross-country and track and field head coach on Aug. 18 after learning into the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

Stats

3-0

Women’s basketball during August’s tour of Spain. 

19th

Season men’s and women’s cross-country opened the year both ranked in the top five nationally.

34

Blocks by volleyball’s Alexia Kuehl (SLHSci’23) during the first two weeks of the 2022 season.

53

Undrafted Buffs standout Nate Landman (Mktg’21) survived the final round of cuts on Aug. 30 and made the Atlanta Falcons’ initial 53-player roster for the 2022 NFL season.

57th

Jabari Walker (Comm ex’24) selected overall in the NBA draft by the Portland Trail Blazers.

115

Soccer head coach Danny Sanchez’s career wins after the Buffaloes beat Valparaiso 3-0 on Aug. 26. With the victory, Sanchez became soccer’s all-time leader in wins.

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Photo courtesy David Plati

Related Articles

As CU Boulder’s senior associate athletic director and assistant vice chancellor for Advancement, works with donors to raise funds that support the university’s more than 350 student athletes across 17 sports. 

How soon after waking up do you look at your phone?

My iPhone alarm wakes me up at 6:30 a.m. daily. So, I guess I look at it first thing in the morning... likely looking for the “snooze” button. Those five extra minutes are some of the best five minutes of sleep I get.

App you wish you had the inner strength to delete?

Facebook. I love keeping up with my family around the country. But the video algorithms on developing your golf swing send me down rabbit holes. 

Last person you called?

Mom.

Duration of longest call last week?

52 minutes.

Where was your last selfie taken?

In Fraser, Colorado, during our family vacation. My youngest son thought he should be “cool” and show the peace sign.

Does anyone else have your passcode? 

My wife. 

Oldest photo on your phone?

Our Jackson family Christmas photo in 2015. 

What is your lock screen or background image?

A picture of a wooden cross with a hammer and a nail in the middle.

What do you use your phone for most?

Work. I am emailing, texting or calling someone quite often. 

Type and model of phone

Apple iPhone13

Three of your most-used apps 

Outlook, Maps and Twitter

Most-used emoji

Thumbs up

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Photos courtesy Leon Jackson III

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