The Redwood High School Rangers played against the Mount Whitney High School Pioneers to keep the infamous Cowhide at Redwood. Interim Principal Brandon Gridiron attended his first Cowhide game as a school administrator.
By Ayla Ozturk
On Friday, October 27, 2023, Dr. Brandon Gridiron attended his first Cowhide game as a school principal.
Prior to his appointment to his position as Interim Principal, Dr. Gridiron served as the VUSD Administrator of Equity and Student Services.
“I’ve been to one other Cowhide, but it wasn’t as the role of school administrator. I was actually the district administrator just stopping by,” Dr. Gridiron says. “At the time, it was just another game. [This game] is so much more.”
Cowhide Week is full of tradition, school spirit, and rivalry with Mt. Whitney High School. One long-standing tradition is the dunking of the principals at Taylor’s Hotdogs.
“Oh, [being dunked] was an experience for sure,” Dr. Gridiron says. “It was great, though. I mean, it was really about school spirit.”
Dr. Gridiron was dunked several times. “It was freezing. I know that they told me the waters gonna be warm, but it wasn’t warm,” he says. “But it was great, and it was fun to see the kids out and enjoying that rivalry and continuing that tradition.”
Dr. Gridiron says the Taylor’s dunking and the Cowhide Rally were his favorite parts of the week. “Those two things were phenomenal,” he says.
Cowhide is a large part of both Redwood’s and Mt. Whitney’s school traditions. From the shirt and door decorating contests to the game itself, every student has an opportunity to get involved.
Dr. Gridiron was able to participate in long-standing traditions and got involved in Redwood’s culture.
“I’m just super excited to be a part of the tradition and to be a part of the school culture, and my first experience with so it’s been phenomenal for me,” he says. “I look forward to many more.”
“Cowhide is, for me, a tradition of community excellence, bringing people together and rooting for your team, and so having the opportunity to experience it has been amazing.”
Dr. Brandon Gridiron
Ayla Ozturk
Ayla Ozturk, class of 2024, is a fourth-year journalism student passionate about leading the News section. She is dedicated to informing students and amplifying their voices through Government and Politics writing.
You can reach her at ayla.oz3769@vusd.us.
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