By: Helen Webb
Cowhide is an annual event that brings together not just Redwood, but everyone from the entire community. Seniors at Redwood have dedicated themselves to the spirit of Cowhide for the past three years. Many are sad to say that this will be their last Cowhide to gather with their school and celebrate the 64th game. Every senior is involved whether they are a fan, dancer, or a player, this event is important to them all and are all affected in some way or another.
Fans and students are the reason why Cowhide is such a big tradition today. The friendly rivalry between the two schools, Whitney and Redwood, is what keeps people excited each year. They make it all happen. Without them there would be nobody cheering on the boys every Friday night with faces painted blue and balloons in each hand.
Abri Stephens, ‘19, “These four years went by so fast. It is so surreal that this is almost the end.” It’s hard to believe that there will be no more rallies and no more spell outs. After this year, seniors move onto college, get jobs, and have their own families, but Redwood will always be their true home and true family. Marisa Williams,‘19, “It is crazy think about the fact that I started high school with all my friends and now we are here, all grown up. I am excited and sad for what is in store for Cowhide.”
The audience at the football games rely on entertainment whenever football is not being played, so that is why we have cheerleaders and Dance Force to keep everyone’s spirits high and energized. They put on spectacular performances every home game and rally and cheer from the sidelines at every opportunity given. During Cowhide the girls make sure they go all out and give it everything they have. Many seniors are leaving the Dance Force team this year, and are upset that this will be their last chance to go out on the field and dance their hearts out.
Amanda Martinez, ‘19, explains that there is more to Cowhide than just the game. “There is a lot of “lasts” senior year, and Cowhide is by far the one I am saddest about being over. I love dressing up on spirit days and taking pictures with my friends.” Ellie Everett, ‘19’ another senior on Dance Force says, “ I love Cowhide because all the cheering and excitement happening in the student section makes it a lot easier to perform for our school.”
Football players are just as excited as everyone else to play amongst their fellow Rangers at the most important football game of the year.
Alex Rivera, ‘19, explained, “Even though I am sad because it’s my last Cowhide, I am going to make the best of it, and play the best I can.” These boys have created a brotherhood by practicing and playing on the field with each other for months. Tyler Tran, ‘19, said, “ Starting from freshman year you always want go to the Cowhide game and have fun with your friends, but now actually being on varsity it is a whole different experience. It is something I will never forget and something I can cherish with my brothers along my side.”
Cowhide serves as a great experience and chance to interact with fellow students and for seniors to spend their favorite memories together as their “last.”
Krissy Hetherington
Krissy ('21) is a senior and this is her third year as Editor in Chief. She has been in Journalism since beginning of freshman year and has a strong passion for sports journalism. Outside of the Gigantea, Krissy is a part of the Cross Country, Basketball and Track teams. She is also in her third year as an intern writer for the Sun-Gazette. You can reach her by email at krist.he0076@vusd.us
Tags: blue crew, cowhide, front row, last, redwood high school, spirit, student section
