By James Muller
PUEBLO, Colo. — A pair of teddy bears — Mr. Beeps and Pookie — might seem like unusual companions for college sports fans, but for Larry and Barbara Johnson, they’re just part of what makes campus life at Colorado State University Pueblo feel like home.
Originally from New Jersey, the Johnsons never expected to settle in southern Colorado. But after a series of career moves across the country, including stints in Ohio, New York, Florida, California and eventually Pueblo, the couple has found a rhythm — and a deep connection — to their adopted hometown and its university.
“Pueblo just kind of grew on us,” Barbara said. “We rented at first, thinking it would be temporary. But it became clear very quickly this was where we wanted to be.”
Larry, a retired environmental permitting specialist, took a job at the Pueblo Chemical Depot after being laid off in California. That role brought the couple to Colorado, where they initially planned to stay only a year. More than a decade later, they live in a neighborhood within walking distance of CSU Pueblo — close enough to stroll to campus when the weather cooperates.
Season tickets and stadium friends
The Johnsons are familiar faces at nearly every CSU Pueblo athletic event. Whether it’s football in the fall or basketball and volleyball through the winter, they’re often courtside or in the stands, cheering on the ThunderWolves. They hold four season tickets — two for themselves, and two to share with friends or neighbors.
“All the athletic teams here are pretty darn good,” Barbara said. “We love to hoot and holler and bring people along who might not have come otherwise.”
Their fandom isn’t limited to watching games.
The Johnsons are also regular volunteers at events such as tailgates, student-athlete awards banquets, and university galas. They helped serve food at nearly every home football tailgate last season and often sign up for whatever help is needed behind the scenes.
“You know how much fun it is to feed people?” Larry said with a grin.
Coffee, community and campus connections
But their involvement goes beyond athletics. On any given day, the couple might stop by the oncampus Starbucks, grab lunch at Qdoba or Einstein Bros. Bagels, or walk over just to enjoy the atmosphere.
“We just like being here,” Barbara said. “It’s close, it’s convenient, and we’ve made so many friends.”
Some of those friendships trace back to an early CSU Pueblo athletics radio show at a local restaurant, where a fellow fan named Rochelle invited them to sit at her table. That small act of kindness helped the Johnsons feel part of a growing community.
“That’s just typical Pueblo,” Larry said. “People here are welcoming. It made a big difference for us.”
The bears and the icebreakers
The teddy bears — Mr. Beeps and Pookie — have become something of mascots for the couple. They often ride along to games and events, dressed appropriately in ThunderWolf gear. They’re more than a quirky accessory; they’re conversation starters.
“People always ask about them,” Barbara said. “They’re great icebreakers. It’s amazing how many smiles they bring.”
Their collection includes handmade teddy bears from around the world — gifts from Larry’s travels during his career. While most of those stay home, Mr. Beeps and Pookie are regulars at campus events, drawing attention from students, parents and even restaurant patrons when the Johnsons dine out in town.
“You don’t need a puppy,” Larry joked. “A teddy bear works just fine.”
More than fans — they’re family
While they’re passionate about sports, the Johnsons are just as enthusiastic about education. Both believe CSU Pueblo prepares its students for life beyond the classroom, particularly in how it teaches communication, confidence and financial literacy.
“We didn’t learn those soft skills when we were younger,” Barbara said. “But students here are learning how to speak in public, how to interact with people. It’s valuable, and we see it happening firsthand.”
Larry added that he often chats with students in programs like Discovery Scholars or internship tracks, encouraging them to hold onto their ethics and look out for themselves in the working world.
“The school is giving them more than just a degree,” he said. “It’s giving them the tools to succeed.”
A perfect fit
For the Johnsons, living near a university was always a goal. They considered other areas — including Irvine, California — but found those campuses too large and impersonal.
“CSU Pueblo feels like a family,” Larry said. “The students, the staff, the coaches — everyone knows each other. That’s what drew us in.”
Even their neighborhood reflects that community. When they first moved in, neighbors offered them tickets to football games and encouraged them to get involved. That warm welcome helped turn a short-term stop into a long-term home.
“We didn’t expect to stay,” Barbara said. “But we’re glad we did. Pueblo, and CSU Pueblo, turned out to be just the right place for us.”
Giving back and growing roots
As they continue to volunteer and support events across campus, the Johnsons say they’re simply grateful to be part of something meaningful — to cheer, to chat, and to contribute however they can. “It’s about staying active, meeting people, and supporting a place we believe in,” Barbara said. “We may not be from here, but this feels like home.”
