What Cowhide Means to Visalia: A Tradition of Pride and Unity

The biggest football game of the year, the great divide between Redwood and Mt. Whitey, Cowhide, everyone in Visalia knows about it, but how did it start and what does it mean, to the people incharge.

By: Beatrice Du Toit

Cowhide, a Visalia tradition that started 70 years ago in 1955, when Visalia Highschool, split into two separate high schools across the freeway that runs through the middle of Visalia, Redwood and Mt. Whitney High schools.

Many students who attend or have attended either school look forward to the big football game each year, the teams come out and they play hard, all season Cowhide is the game students look forward to the most. But what does cowhide mean?

When asked about what the cowhide meant to them, Michele Reid, Principal of Mt. Whitney Highschool said. “For me, the Cowhide is about pride and belonging. As a Mt. Whitney alum, it’s always been a symbol of unity, tradition, and the excitement that comes with being part of something bigger than yourself. It’s a moment that connects past and present Pioneers through shared memories and school spirit.”

Cowhide isn’t just about a game, it’s about the pride and tradition that the game brings to either school. The rivalry of Cowhide runs deep, but unites the schools in a shared love for the game, Redwood and Whitney both have traditions that run through each campus, through the last 70 years.

Dr. Brandon Gridiron, Principal of Redwood High school said, “Cowhide is about pride, tradition, and community. It’s more than just a football game; it’s a celebration of what it means to be a part of the very best of Visalia. Since it began in 1955, Cowhide has represented generations of students coming together to show their spirit, teamwork, and love for their school.”

The History of the Hide is a tradition carried throughout the generations of students, from its beginnings, to now, and far into the future of Visalia. The Cowhide’s history runs deep too. 

History of the Cowhide:

The Cowhide, originally called the ‘Hideskin’ was created at Broken Arrow Saddlery, by the owners Arch Findley, and Bill Rogers, it was divided down the middle for either school, with city champions across the top. The respective years of each team’s victory was branded into the hide. 

Gridiron said, “Winning the Hide is about more than who scores the most points; it’s about carrying on a legacy. Cowhide reminds us that we are part of something lasting and meaningful, a tradition that continues to bring Visalia together year after year.”

The original Cowhide was replaced when it started to run out of space for either side to be branded into the hide, the hide is still around and resides in the Visalia District office. The hide was replaced after 50 years, and the new one was made to hold the next 50 years of victories of the schools. The replacement hide replicates the original hide, with the branding of the winning years being smaller.

Out of the 70 years that the cowhide game has been played, Redwood has won 39, and Mt. Whitney has won 29 with one tie. As of October 31st, 2025, Redwood now totals at 40 wins. 

What does cowhide mean to Redwood:

When asked about what Cowhide meant to him, Gridiron said, “For me, Cowhide is about unity, students, staff, alumni, and families all standing side by side to elevate the tradition of excellence that is Visalia. The week leading up to the game is filled with energy, competition, and school pride, but it also reminds us of our shared roots and the legacy and tradition that make our community special.” 

The meaning of cowhide has always carried strong throughout the years, Cowhide is something students never really forget, even once they graduate, often alumni come back to watch the big game. It’s something that all students carry with them, the height of community and city pride, and the legacy of those who were before them standing in the same spots watching as the game unfolds into another for the history books.

Curtis Allen, first year as Head Coach of Redwood, when asked about what Cowhide meant to him said,” Everything. Because I played it here. When I played it, we won the cowhide, and the other school across the street, they were supposed to win, but we won, and went to the playoffs. We had a great season.”

Cowhide is more than just the scores, It’s the traditions and the legacy that it carries, Head Coach Reinold Peterson, in his last year of coaching at Redwood in 1972, said, “Each game is real thrilling down to the last minute.”

Coach Allen said, “But I just couldn’t believe the tradition that we had even back then. And now it was like tenfold. So it means everything, you know, it’s the key to the city. Get bragging rights for a whole year.” 

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