Rodeo Newsletter
Letter from the Head Coach
Celebrating a productive year, with high hopes for another great season.
Cal Poly Rodeo Family,
Reflecting on last year’s accomplishments and looking forward to the coming year, I am reminded how blessed Cal Poly Rodeo is to be enjoying such great success. Last season, we had a great showing regionally and went on to take the largest team to the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR). We were well represented nationally, and we continue to set standards in the rodeo world.
We added Rodeo Production classes to the curriculum to involve Cal Poly students in the planning and production of our rodeo and events. As we continue to grow, so do the “moving parts” of our business. With the help of the academic community, we have captured some of this workload to generate units, experiences and internships for our students as a reward for their involvement.
Last year’s Poly Royal Rodeo marked the first time that students in these classes assisted with the event. They were involved in such endeavors as an apparel business plan, a plywood layout, and rodeo production timelines. This was an important step for Cal Poly Rodeo, adding a valuable Learn by Doing component. We now host the largest college rodeo in the nation, and the work our students put into it provides these future leaders with invaluable experience. As this opportunity has gained traction and garnered attention from the industry, we anticipate it opening doors to some very beneficial partnerships.
This year I took six students to the Unleash the Beast Professional Bull Riders (PBR) event in Los Angeles. The participating students were members of the Timeline and Production Committee from the Rodeo Production class. I called the PBR and told them about the class. I inquired about getting these students involved in the event. “Put them to work,” I said. “This is a field trip for my class.”
The PBR did just that! Students ran the VIP check-in, gave tours, ran social media feeds, and sat in on production meetings of one of the best-run shows in the Western lifestyle. Since that trip, the PBR has a shown a great deal of interest in our program. They see our value and what it can add to the industry, and they recognize the opportunity they have to help create that workforce.
The program gained several talented transfers and freshmen this fall, and although we graduated a large class in spring 2019, I am excited about the great new students we have to build upon.
Thanks to our sponsors, supporters, alumni and students; I appreciate all you do. You make a difference in helping to create the best experience this exceptional program can offer these young student athletes. Here’s to a great season!
Sincerely,
BEN LONDO
HEAD COACH | CAL POLY RODEO PROGRAM
