Break-A-Wave
After returning to campus in-person for the first time in more than a year, the Cal Poly Rodeo Team was eager to make some waves this fall – and the first ever Break-A-Wave Finale did just that. Coach Ben Londo and graduate student DeLisa Fracchia began planning the unthinkable: a breakaway roping competition right on the sand. Working in uncharted waters, Londo started working from the ground up — securing necessary permits, determining the arena layout, getting approval forms signed, and even contending with Mother Nature. Slowly but surely, what began as a desired vision came to fruition.
As the word began to spread, Cal Poly supporters couldn’t wait to offer a helping hand. From local surf shops to the western brands we all know and love, everyone was at the edge of their seats wanting to hear more. On the evening of Sept. 19, when the sunset hit the sand, live cattle and 25 breakaway ropers earned the chance to say they were the first ever Cal Poly students to rope a calf on the Pismo State Beach. A 260-foot-long three-sided calf lane with one side open to the ocean was installed, equipped with six Cal Poly calf ropers ready to rope any stray calf that may head for the water. The arena was surrounded by family and friends shoulder-to-shoulder waiting to see who would be crowned the first ever Break-A-Wave Finale Champion. Haleigh Grant, a junior high breakaway roper was awarded the championship title along with a handful of great awards from Cal Poly Rodeo Team sponsors.
With the support of our community and the Cal Poly Rodeo Team’s hard work, the first ever Break-A-Wave Finale went off without a hitch. Thank you to all who had a helping hand in making the unthinkable a reality. See you at the beach next year! Go Mustangs! The Break-A-Wave Finale would not have been a success without its sponsors, supporters, and the Cal Poly Rodeo Team.
Read more stories on in the Fall 2021 Newsletter