Letter from Ron Bass
Greetings Rodeo Boosters,
As we are nearing the close of 2020-21 academic school year, the boosters and its board have been very active in trying to find solutions to a very outdated arena lighting system and to build new bathrooms. The problem we are facing is the lack of infrastructure to accommodate additional power draws on an antiquated power system. The Rodeo Boosters have hit many roadblocks before, but I can assure you the boosters will prevail as we have in the past. It might just take a little longer to complete!
On the bright side, the hay barn/livestock cover is in full usage, even though we are coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic. While group practice sessions were limited, practice still continues throughout the days and weeks. The quality and quantity of practice stock, including the hay storag, is the best in the West.
The Rodeo Boosters are excited to announce that two new scholarships were added to our list of great opportunities for rodeo students. The Farquer Tie-Down Scholarship was established by Colton and Caden Farque, both alumni of Cal Poly and the Rodeo program. They felt the need to give back to the program that has given them the foundation for success away from school and the arena. The second scholarship, the Jim Usher Memorial Scholarship, was created with donations made in memory of Jim, a member of the Cal Poly Rodeo team in the ‘90s and a 1994 West Coast Region Steer Wrestling Champion. The Rodeo Boosters are both humbled and honored to be the recipient of donations made in Jim's name. The boosters are still seeking funding for scholarships.
The pandemic has not stopped the boosters from funding scholarships for our rodeo students, although we have missed a few fundraisers. The impact to our coffers has been substantial, however, we continue to support the program with the resources we have.
The Rodeo Boosters continue to offer these great opportunities to support the Cal Poly Rodeo Program. For updates and events, go to our website at www.rodeoboosters.com , or if you like the social media thing you can like us on Facebook @RodeoBoosters for updates on events. For those that are not quite computer savvy, you can make a check out to Rodeo Boosters and mail to the address below. You can select a specific area in which to donate from the following list.
- John McDonald Memorial
- Manfred & Jean Sander Scholarship
- Smooth Mouth Memorial
- General Scholarship Fund
- Capital Improvements Fund
- Farquer Tie-Down Scholarship
- Jim Usher Memorial Scholarship
Mail checks to:
Rodeo Boosters
P.O. Box 13727
San Luis Obispo, Ca. 93406
The specific and primary purpose of Rodeo Boosters is to promote the welfare of the rodeo program and preserve the rodeo program at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo by encouraging young people to attend Cal Poly and participate in the sport of rodeo through financial and other assistance. Rodeo Boosters started in 1972 and was recognized in 2002 as a federal 501(c)3 nonprofit # 46-0466538 with all net proceeds donated to the Cal Poly Rodeo program.
Thanks again for all your continued support. The booster board is looking forward to continuing improvements in and around the arena and investing in the future with scholarships to deserving students.
Best of health to all,
Ron Bass
Rodeo Booster President