Cowhide Week Introduces Freshmen to Redwood Traditions

For many freshmen, Cowhide Week is more than a school event—it is their first opportunity to experience Redwood’s traditions firsthand.

By: Cerise Cook

Cowhide Week gives Redwood freshmen their first look at school traditions while helping them connect with classmates. 

Through campus activities, decorations, and themed outfits, the week-long celebration introduces freshmen to a tradition familiar to generations of Redwood students.

Marco Elenes, ’30, said Cowhide gave him a chance to experience one of Redwood’s traditions for the first time.

“I like seeing all the new traditions I’m experiencing for the first time here at Redwood, especially Cowhide and everything that comes with it,” Elenes said.

Although Cowhide’s traditions were new to freshmen, the decorations made the celebration visible across campus.

Taulagi Wallwork, ’30, said the elaborate decorations showed how much effort students put into creating an exciting atmosphere for the week.

“It’s really cool seeing all the decorations. I think they’re going all out for Cowhide, and they’ve made a lot of cool things,” Wallwork said.

Beyond the decorations, freshmen were struck by the number of students participating in Cowhide Week.

Meredith Jump, ’30, said the signs and posters around campus highlighted ASB’s creativity during Cowhide Week.

“I’ve seen everything around campus, like the signs and posters, and I’ve noticed the creativity ASB put into Cowhide Week,” Jump said.

Students also showed their enthusiasm through creative, themed outfits.

The themed outfits also caught freshmen’s attention, adding to the week’s festive atmosphere.

Peyton Comer, ’30, said the number of students who dressed up was surprising and that each person brought an individual style to the celebration.

“Honestly, I was surprised by how many people dressed up. I liked seeing everyone’s individual twists and the different styles they brought to Cowhide,” Comer said.

The large turnout reflected the energy ASB had created across campus for the event.

Alexander Camp, ’30, said the decorations, school spirit, and excitement surrounding Cowhide and the game made the event especially enjoyable.

“All the decorating is great. There’s something everywhere, and everyone is excited about Cowhide and the game,” Camp said.

The decorated campus, creative outfits, and excitement surrounding the game made Cowhide Week a memorable introduction to Redwood traditions.

As the week continued, freshmen reflected on their favorite dress-up days and looked forward to the Cowhide game.

Wallwork, ’30, shared her favorite Cowhide dress-up day and explained what she was most excited about.

“My favorite dress-up day was Halloween Costumes on Wednesday. I’m most excited for the Cowhide game, though,” Wallwork said. 

The dress-up days brought energy to campus as students showed their school spirit through creative, festive outfits.

Monday stood out to Comer because of its unique theme.

Comer, ’30, said, “My favorite dress-up day this week by far was Monday. I really liked the idea of the wrong occasion.”

These responses show that freshmen appreciated both the creativity of the dress-up themes and the enthusiasm students brought to each day.

Camp preferred Y2K Day but also enjoyed seeing everyone’s costumes on Wednesday.

Y2K Day stood out to Camp, while Wednesday’s costumes also made an impression.

“I definitely liked Y2K Day. I saw super-cool outfits, and everyone is so creative,” Elenes said.

For Redwood freshmen, Cowhide Week offered a first look at the traditions, school spirit, and community that make the celebration special.

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