Coach McEndoo, Jody Owens and the offensive pose at spring branding at the Rambl-J Ranch.
Where's the Beef?
5/10/2010 10:59:27 AM | Football
MSU Football Players Learn the Fine Points of Branding Calves
For the last eight years, Montana State offensive line coach Jason McEndoo has one activity he wants all of his linemen to take part in.
It's not a special training regime, or a field drill. Each spring, McEndoo takes his “O-line” to his in-law's ranch near Harrison, Montana to take part in the spring branding of calves.
It's not a special training regime, or a field drill. Each spring, McEndoo takes his “O-line” to his in-law's ranch near Harrison, Montana to take part in the spring branding of calves.
“These guys look forward to this every year,” McEndoo said. “When they come in as a freshman, they've heard about it. They know that come spring, they're going to help with branding.”
McEndoo's wife's parents have operated the ranch, the Rambl-J, just outside of Harrison for about the last 15 years.
“Ruth and I have always felt that it is important to have the players around our family and to expose them to different experiences,” McEndoo said. “We have kids from right here in Montana who have never experienced branding, so this is new for them. Some of our out-of-state guys have never seen a cow in real life. They get to take part in the steak feed with the crew as well and they always say it's the best steak they've ever had.”
How does this all relate to football? Besides using their brute strength to wrestle the calves for branding and vaccinations, they learn teamwork, according to their coach.
“It takes two guys to wrestle the calf and keep it still,” McEndoo said. “One at the head and one at the tail. The ropers separate the calves from the mothers and our guys hold on to them. If they don't work together, it doesn't work. It can look pretty funny if they don't both do their jobs.”
Many of the linemen will leave Bozeman after graduation, and this gives them a great memory of Montana.
“It's a true Montana experience,” McEndoo said. “It's an experience that will always stay with them. Players come and go—but they'll never forget this, and they'll be able to pass the stories on.”
McEndoo said the volunteer session is not mandatory but nobody misses. This year, all the offensive linemen went in addition to special guest, honorary O-linemen Jody Owens, who is currently a linebacker on the MSU squad.
Thursday, July 31
Monday, May 19
Wednesday, May 03
Wednesday, May 03
