Oakdale High School Rodeo Team

UNIQUELY OAKDALE
OHS rodeo team credit program stands alone in approach to this outdoor sport

By JACK CARREROW
Staff Reporter
The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader
Published April 2, 2003
(used by permission)

2002 - 2003 Oakdale High School Rodeo Team

In the fall of 1993, Bill Hummer had a dream of forming a rodeo team that would represent Oakdale High School in the various high school rodeos that take place between September and May.

While forming a team wouldn’t be a problem in the “Cowboy Capitol,” Hummer wanted to take it a step further. “I had heard rumors that there was a move to get grades and credits for the kids who participated, just like in any other high school sport,” said Hummer.

So he enlisted the help of then OHS Booster Club president Ed Christiansen.

“Prior to 1993, a student didn’t need at least a 2.0 GPA to participate in rodeo. Once that requirement was put into effect, it was easier to go ahead. The fact that Oakdale was well known for its cowboy heritage didn’t hurt either,” said Hummer.

With a presentation in hand, Hummer next met with then OHS principal Steve Petsch.
“I really wasn’t sure what would happen, but I had paid attention to what I had to do and the timing just seemed to be right. We got the go-ahead,” said Hummer, whose first team was comprised of six cowgirls and one cowboy.

That inaugural class included Elena Guittierez, Jill Santucci, Megan Martinelli, Libi Hummer and Tony Panero.

“Even though we started out small, we were able to grow. Last year, the team topped out at 26 kids, and when you consider that the district we compete for, District 5, has about 70 kids total, (you can see) we are pretty well represented,” said Hummer.

When he retired from his position with the high school team in 2002, he knew he had to find a suitable replacement. “I needed someone who had a passion for the team and would keep it going. I finally found someone,” said Hummer.

That someone turned out to be local businessman Bruce Elliott.

“My daughter was going to be on the team and I figured, that since I was going to be at the rodeos anyway, I may as well help out,” said Elliott a 14-year resident of the area.
“I don’t instruct or coach the kids. I just make sure the paperwork’s done, the grades and credits are in and that they meet all the requirements,” he said.

The requirements to getting school credits in rodeo go beyond maintaining a good GPA. The athletes are expected to participate in at least 80 per cent of the rodeos that take place between Sept. and May.

“That’s the toughest part about being a member of the team, because the rodeos are throughout the state, and since there are about 20 each season, the kids are required to participate in up to 16. That’s a lot of traveling,” said Elliott.

Asked if he has received any help from other community sources, Elliott, who has 24 members this year, said, “The Oakdale High School Booster Club has helped a bit, but the kids really have to go out and find sponsors themselves.”

The parents of the athletes also have to sacrifice.

“The parents really need to be dedicated,” he said. “They not only take their kids to the rodeos, they also have to trailer horses, pay for entry fees and plan for overnight accommodations at some of the venues.”

It’s not only the events themselves, but the preparation that can tax a parent.

“My daughter practices out in Hilmar so, a couple of times a week, we load up her horse and take the drive for her training session, said Deanne Dalrymple, whose daughter, Kate, is a member of the team.

Team members themselves are aware of the uniqueness of their chosen sport and what it takes to compete.

Elliott’s daughter, Missi, who competes in barrel racing, pole bending, goat tying and break-away, says that the travel can be a drag.

“Yeah, the traveling part is hard on your schoolwork. I either do it on Friday nights, if we’re not leaving until Saturday, or late Sunday, when I get home,” said Missi.

Kate Dalrymple, a barrel racer and pole bender, agrees.

“I think it’s fun, except for the travel, and I hate waiting all day for my event to come up,” said Kate, who acknowledged her mom’s support of her wanting to rodeo. “She’s been great driving me out to Hilmar. I’m lucky and really appreciate what she does.”

Lane Murray, a calf and team roper, makes it unanimous on the subject of travel, but likes what the gypsy lifestyle brings.

“I like it because all my friends are there,” said Lane, whose brother, Troy, will compete in the Oakdale Rodeo this month.

Even at their ages, the young cowboys and cowgirls are very aware of what it means to be a member the OHS Rodeo team.

“It’s cool to be in a program that’s unique in the nation. I run into kids all over who compete in high school rodeo, and they’re amazed when they find out that, for us, it’s part of going to school —that we’re graded on it, said Kate Dalrymple.

“I just wish we got more than five credits for all the work we put in,” she said, referring to the 10 credits given to other athletes that compete in high school sports.”

As for the future of the rodeo team at OHS, Elliott said he would continue to head the team at least as long as Missi participates. “I’m not too worried about our program, but I’m afraid there’s been a real decline in kids competing in rodeo.

“It’s a shame, because these are good kids who are kept way too busy to get into any trouble. When I’ve tried to interest other schools in such a program, I never hear back,” he said.

Corkey Barnes, the head of the California High School Rodeo Association, wishes other schools in the state would look at Oakdale and learn.

“As far as I know, they are one of a kind in the state, and I’ve talked to high school rodeo people from Texas and Oklahoma. They are amazed at what Oakdale’s been able to accomplish.

“So, who knows, Oakdale may be one of a kind in the country, unless they’re doing rodeo in Vermont. Which I doubt,” Barnes said, with a laugh.