Cowhide Alumni Story: KC Pearce

By: Soul Koen

Tradition- What is tradition? Well, the literal dictionary meaning is the passing of customs and beliefs from generation to generation. But what represents Redwood’s tradition? As we near the 65th annual Cowhide rivalry game, years of tradition resurface throughout this hectic week as kids show their school spirit in the dress up days. However, it is important to recognize those that passed the torch to our generation.

KC Pearce, ’11, was a starting wide receiver on the Ranger varsity football team. Pearce played football all throughout his high school career proudly wearing the number 11 on his back.

Growing up in a sports centered family, Pearce came to love the game of football quickly and it, “became an everyday part of [his] life,” leading him to continue playing well beyond high school. When asked about how he felt about the rivalry game, Pearce described it as being an unforgettable experience.

“Cowhide is what high school is all about. The experience and traditions you get just from that one game alone is enough to last a lifetime.”
-KC Pearce

Playing on that field was more than just any regular football game because it still to this day, symbolizes so much more. Years of tradition was represented in that one simple football game. “Being down on that field, so focused and zoned in, I felt as if I had made it to the NFL,” Pearce explains with a slight grin. This is more than just a football game. Cowhide has become a part of Visalia’s history for the past 65 years.

Even long after Pearce graduated from Redwood, he still continues to hold on to all those different memories that Cowhide had to offer. Pearce soon came to realize that, “This is what high school was supposed to be.” Nothing can compare to the feeling of being apart of the Cowhide game. This is years of tradition that will never die, as long as the students and staff members continue to bleed their Ranger blue.