Cal Poly hosts first ever Greek rodeo

Cal Poly had its first ever greek rodeo at Cotton Rosser Rodeo Complex on April 22.

The event was hosted by the rodeo team and fraternity Lambda Chi Alpha, with the goal of the event being to raise money for Jack’s Helping Hand, a local non-profit that helps children with special needs.

The event raised $9,000, with $4,500 being donated to Jack’s Helping Hand. Sigma Kappa’s rodeo team won the event, so the other $4,500 will be donated to their philanthropy, Alzheimer’s Association. 

Sororities and fraternities created teams that competed in rodeo events, such as a bouncy barrel race, a milk chugging challenge and a gauntlet run.

External Vice President of Lambda Chi Alpha Sean Angelovic looks at the event as an opportunity for different campus communities to experience something new.

“Obviously the main goal of this is for philanthropy and to go to Jack’s helping hand but I’m also hoping it’s just a good thing that brings the community together and shows people in Greek life there’s other students here on campus that do cool things and have a lot to show,” Angelovic says.

Business junior and and event coordinator for the Greek Life Rodeo, Ella Lindstrom is also hoping that the event inspired members of greek life to venture out, considering the event has already inspired her to get more involved with the rodeo team.

“It’s easy to stay in your sorority or your fraternity but I feel like it’s a good way to brand out because it’s easy to just be like ‘Oh I do this for my sorority’ but it’s fun to go do something else,” Lindstrom says.

Asst. rodeo coach and agricultural education graduate student Riley Bishop hopes this event leaves a mark on the Cal Poly community. 

 “I’d really like to see this thing blow up in the next 5 to 6 years and kind of really take off,” Bishop says. “It would be pretty bad ass to one day have it at the point where we can maybe donate like $25,000 to a philanthropy. That would be the pinnacle that would be very important to me here; giving back to our community and helping people.”

Despite the rodeo being more of a fun, lighthearted event, Bishop does not undervalue the event as a service opportunity.

“I really like giving back and I don’t really have the money to do it right now since I’m in college,” he says. “[But] my stepmom always told me, if you can’t donate your money you can donate your time.”