All Hands on Deck
Amid shutdown, essential workers stay busy improving rodeo grounds
An eerie quiet hung over university campuses nationwide as pandemic restrictions were imposed in March 2020 and faculty, staff and students were sent packing to shelter at home. Classes, labs, sports and social activities were canceled indefinitely.
“As for programs everywhere, it was a disappointing blow to Cal Poly Rodeo and our student-athletes,” said Head Coach Ben Londo. “We cut our season short, and our practice routine came to an abrupt halt.”
Only essential employees were allowed back on campus, he noted, but added, “Luckily for us, construction and maintenance were considered essential, so the Rodeo Boosters, local contractors and I tackled projects around the rodeo grounds that have been on our list for awhile.”
The work crews didn’t waste any time adding finishing touches to a project that began in 2019 and moving forward on several new projects, as Londo details here, in his own words.
✅ HAY AND LIVESTOCK COVER
“The program broke ground on the livestock and hay cover in winter 2019, with booster member Alec Garcia, of G.F. Garcia and Sons Inc., and Tom Maino, of Maino Construction Inc., taking on the brunt of the expenses,” Londo said. “They continue to be among our biggest supporters. We built out the pad and the foundation before the rains hit.
“Booster member Levi Rosser, of Rosser Enterprises Inc., came in soon after and erected the phenomenal building we have now. Since then, students and I have been building out the pen space and installing the remainder of the infrastructure.
“Rodeo Booster President Ron Bass, of Ron Bass Construction Co., has been the driving force behind this project. It wouldn’t be where it is now without his determination and expertise.
“We also wouldn’t have had the opportunity if our donors hadn’t realized the value of this project. Ray and Ginger Bunnell were the project’s primary donors, and we are happy to announce that the building will bear their name in recognition of their support. Jim Roberts and the late Manfred Sander were also among those who helped it get off the ground.”
✅ ANNOUNCERS BOOTH
“Our ‘crow’s nest’ or announcers booth got a major facelift, including new siding, a roof, windows and door. Tom Maino once again saved the day and took all of the cost and labor on to help us with the remodel.”
✅OBSERVATION DECK
“Two construction management students opted to help me with a project, and we got it approved as their senior project. Tim Smith and Ryan Fiorio are not rodeo students, but they have been involved with the rodeo program for years. They help me convert the stadium each year, and they have become my go-to crew for all leg work during Poly Royal.
“Now we have a beautiful space in which to watch practice, study between classes and host guests. Tom Maino and Ron Bass also helped with materials and equipment.”
✅REMODELED OFFICE
“Our modular office, donated by booster member Ken Dewar at JB Dewar, got a full remodel and is now open. What was already a nice office space is now even better, tailored to the rodeo program.
“Maino Construction took the reins on this project as well and donated all time, material and labor. We now have a very comfortable space for meetings and a showcase for our program.
“A huge thank you also to Knecht’s Plumbing and Heating Inc., Electricraft Inc. and Nerelli Welding.
✅ARENA FOOTING
“With the help of Cal Poly Ag Operations, we added a finer clay material to the arena footing. This added depth and structure to our ground and is proving to be a great improvement to our facility.”
✅STORAGE SHED
“Tim Perozzi and Protective Weather Structures (PWS) has once again made a huge improvement at the Rodeo grounds. Not only did Perozzi build all of the boarder hay storage structures, he also constructed a nice 12-foot-by-60- foot building to store equipment, materials, supplements, etc. “This was a much-needed addition and one that Perozzi took on and lent all the help to make it happen.”
✅NEW LANDSCAPING
“We stretched our green thumbs this summer and made several landscaping improvements. Dan Engler, of Dan’s Landscaping, and Larry Cusick, of Cusick Landscape Management, were among the donors of time, expertise and materials. Farm Supply and David Crye (Cambria Rock) also donated materials to help us beautify the grounds.”
✅SUCCESS! (WHAT’S NEXT...)
“As you can see, we tried to make the best of our ‘limited activities’ at our rodeo facility,” Londo concluded. “Now we’re ready for action.
“This fall we were approved to practice and prepare for our upcoming season. Although our fall season was postponed, we hope to complete all of our 10 seasonal rodeos next spring in our newly updated facility.”
Thank you to all the sponsors, supporters, laborers, facility employees and boosters who helped us make the most of a slow period. Looking back, what a blessing and an opportunity it was to get so many things accomplished.
— Ben Londo