CU Superfan Peggy Coppom stands next to CU women’s basketball players after a game against Utah State in the CU Events Center on Tuesday, Nov 19, 2024 (Hunter Dee/CU Independent)
Longtime Colorado athletics fan Peggy Coppom celebrated her 100th birthday at the CU Event Center with the attendees of the University of Colorado’s women’s basketball game against Utah State University on Tuesday, Nov. 19.
As she walked in she was greeted by fans that erupted in applause. Many were holding replicas of her famous yellow pom-poms that were handed out to celebrate the person who’s always been there to celebrate them.
“Miss Peggy, in her own tremendous, loving way, she gives all of us hope,” Colorado football head coach Deion Sanders said in a press conference celebrating her birthday. “She gives all of us the unspeakable joy, the love, the respect.”
At the game, she was seated on a throne surrounded by fans and family. During half-time, a video was played highlighting her decades of dedication to the school’s athletic teams. A birthday card signed by fans, coaches and athletes was then presented to her by athletic director Rick George.
CU superfan Peggy Coppom sits next to a fan look-alike during a women’s basketball game against Utah State in the CU Events Center on Tuesday, Nov 19, 2024 (Hunter Dee/CU Independent)
One young fan came dressed as a mini Peggy ready to cheer on her favorite part of CU athletics. Sis Calodwell has been a lifelong Colorado fan who got to meet Miss Peggy and be a part of the celebration with her dedication.
“She’s probably my favorite CU person, I also dressed as her for Halloween two years ago.” Said Calodwell.
Student section banana leader Emmett Carpenter and fellow bananas attended the celebration not only to support the women’s basketball team but also to show their love for Peggy and all she has done for the school.
He expressed favorite memories and the overall joy she brings to the atmosphere as she has missed only a handful of games in her time in Colorado.
“Honestly, her showing up to every game is such an inspiration to us. We just want to keep her energy alive at every game that we can. But singing her happy birthday at the football game on Saturday was so awesome. It was amazing,” Carpenter said.
The spirit of Peggy will forever be held not only within Colorado athletics but within the culture of the school for centuries to come.
Contact CU Independent basketball writer Lauren Heidt at Lauren.Heidt@colorado.edu
