Rodeo Team to celebrate golden anniversary

by Mary Lisa Russell

Just 50 years ago this season, Al Veatter was riding bulls in college rodeos as a member of the first Rodeo Team at Fresno State. In February, Veatter, a local cattle rancher, and five other members of the original team are expected to return to campus for a reunion to celebrate 50 years of rodeo at Fresno State.

The occasion will be the intercollegiate rodeo held on Feb. 27 and 28 in the Animal Science Pavilion located on the northeast corner of Barstow and Woodrow Avenues. Performances each day will begin at 2 p.m., and tickets are $8 per person.

Dr. Art Parham, rodeo adviser and chairman of the Department of Animal Sciences and Agricultural Education, said that the team is inviting all former rodeo team and club members for a special reunion immediately following the rodeo on Feb. 27.

Parham said the 1949 team included Ed Allen, Ton Tolladay, Al Veatter, Morgan Blasingame, Pressley Schmall and Don Curry.

For more information on the reunion or tickets, call 278-4116.