Breakawave Roping
By Dee Yates
The 4th Annual Break-A-Wave event, hosted by Cal Poly Rodeo at Pismo Beach, was a picturesque transformation of the sandy shores into a grand rodeo arena. The event unfolded under perfect 70-degree weather, with the sun setting over the Pacific and an eclipse moon rising over the mountains, crafting a postcard-worthy backdrop that thrilled the crowd of spectators.
As the sun fell on the afternoon sky, thousands gathered to experience this extraordinary blend of traditional Western rodeo culture with the tranquil beach setting. “Blending the two and putting a rodeo where you wouldn’t normally see rodeo in such a unique and inspiring location is what makes this event special,” remarked Ben Londo, the Head Coach of Cal Poly Rodeo, whose innovative approach has profoundly shaped the college’s rodeo program.
The competition saw six teams and 24 breakaway ropers compete in two arenas adjacent to the ocean. The event included both traditional rodeo events like bronc riding and introduced a team component that spiced up the contest with additional prizes. “I’m very excited to be a part of it and get to feel what it’s like to be a contestant in it this year and get to be up there with all my friends,” expressed Adriene Steffen, a second-year athlete from Cal Poly Rodeo.
The logistical endeavor to set up the event was monumental. With the tides as their clock, the Cal Poly Rodeo team of 109 members had to work with precision. “So the tide’s going to go out and we’re going to start setting panels as it goes out,” Assistant Coach Drew Tilton detailed. “We’ll have our event, and then the tide is going to chase us back in, so we are plucking panels as the event is happening.”
The event was not just a competitive gathering but also a celebration of Cal Poly’s legacy and the indomitable spirit of its female rodeo athletes. Amidst the stunning backdrop of waves and sunset, the rodeo spotlighted the athletic prowess and grace of women ropers and bronc riders.
Katie Whitney, along with Sadie Grant, Maggie Usher, and Elizabeth Miranda, emerged as the winners of the 2024 Break-A-Wave, each demonstrating exceptional skill and sportsmanship. Whitney, reflecting on her experience, shared, “This was my second Break-A-Wave experience, but this year was extra special for me with the new sponsor team aspect. As Marketing Director for Cactus brands, I was invited to be on the Cactus sponsor team.” She added, “All four girls were using Cactus Ropes, riding Cactus Saddles, and had Cactus Gear protective boots on their horses by nature! As a Cal Poly alumna, it is full circle and an honor to find a way to be involved as a sponsor and give back to the program that gave so much to me.”
The innovative spirit of Coach Londo was evident as he has continually pushed the boundaries of collegiate rodeo, especially in promoting women’s breakaway roping. “When women’s breakaway started to catch force, he found a way to not only match that but challenge the sport in a way that helped it grow with the Break-A-Wave event,” Whitney observed, praising the event’s contribution to the evolution of the sport.
The 4th Annual Break-A-Wave Roping was more than a competition; it was a showcase of resilience, talent, and the enduring spirit of Cal Poly’s rodeo athletes, set against the breathtaking natural beauty of the Pacific coastline. This event not only commemorated the athletic prowess of the competitors but also highlighted the seamless integration of rodeo tradition with innovative sportsmanship, setting a new standard for future events.
