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.
Named one of ESPN's "36 Favorite College Football Gameday Traditions" in 2025, Blaster burro has been a Mines symbol since at least the early 20th century and a live mascot was used off and on starting in the 1930s. The name "Blaster" was coined in 1951 by chemistry professor Robert Baxter after an open contest by the school newspaper. Although there have been multiple burros representing Blaster over the decades, only four have had official tenures. The first was a female burro owned by the Foss family who began attending Mines football games in the 1950s. The most recent Blaster, a racing burro from Idaho Springs, was the second burro to hold the name, assuming his role in the early 1990s. He retired in the summer of 2021, and a search for a new Blaster identified two burros - a gray small standard named Winkie and a brown mini named Pepsi - to take over the reigns. Winkie serves as the "running" burro, appearing at football games and the Orecart Pull; Pepsi is the "social" burro appearing at on-campus events like Discover Mines and Commencement. Both are known as Blaster when on duty.
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.
