A New Look for the Rodeo Booster Program

The Rodeo Booster Program has long supported the Cal Poly Rodeo program – providing pivotal support for more than five decades. In true Learn by Doing fashion, two recent graduates Kindra Fulton (Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration, ’21) and Jane Karney (Master of Agricultural Education, ’21) have joined the Rodeo Booster board as outreach and development board members to further the connection between the nonprofit and Cal Poly Rodeo.

The nonprofit Rodeo Booster Program was founded 1972 by John Hasty, Arnie Global and John Pearce, who were all involved with the California High School Rodeo Association District Seven and wanted to do more to support the Cal Poly Rodeo Team. What started as volunteering at the rodeo grounds and forming a committee to assist, quickly evolved into much more. With their support, the Cal Poly Rodeo Program hired a permanent coach in the late 1980's; previously, there was only an advisor. In 2000, the Cal Poly rodeo program was in danger of steep cuts due to a lack of funding. Jack Roddy, an alumnus and proud supporter of the rodeo team he once competed for, teamed up with several other Cal Poly alumni including Manfred Sander to put on an enormous fundraising event at the Roddy Ranch. They raised more than $200,000. These funds not only kept the rodeo program on its feet but jump started the program’s exponential growth and improvements for the next two decades.

Since then, the Rodeo Boosters have successfully funded multiple projects at the Cal Poly Rodeo Grounds and awarded thousands of scholarships to Cal Poly Rodeo students. Fulton and Karney were excited when Rodeo Booster President Ron Bass presented the opportunity to join the Rodeo Booster board as outreach and development board members. In addition to a new logo, social media content, program collateral, and an updated website, Fulton and Karney have focused their efforts on developing a fundraising timeline and planning events where boosters, parents, students, and supporters can come together. Every donation supports the Cal Poly Rodeo Team in different ways and all donations are always appreciated as both the Rodeo Boosters and Cal Poly Rodeo Programs have the shared goal of supporting students involved in the program.

• Donating to the Cal Poly Rodeo Team means your donation goes towards
  • Program operating budget
  • Student Success
  • Sponsoring Poly Royal, allows this program to cover costs for the biggest fundraising event of the year which in turn provides more opportunity for student success.
• Donating to the Rodeo Boosters means your donation goes directly towards
  • Scholarships
  • Facility improvement projects and maintenance

We hope that everyone will join the Rodeo Boosters its effort to support the Cal Poly Rodeo program. To be considered a Rodeo Booster there are no membership fees and no donation requirements. Time and support is just as valuable! It is a great opportunity to connect with current and past students, stay up to date on team standings, and be in the know of all Rodeo Booster and Cal Poly Rodeo Team events.

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Read more stories on in the Fall 2022 Newsletter