Main Story: The Cowhide is more than a rivalry trophy for Redwood and Mount Whitney: its changing design reflects a shared tradition. The original hide, now displayed in the district office, was replaced after it ran out of room for winning-year stamps. After a brief version featuring half-helmets from both schools, Redwood returned to the original look with a newly made leather hide and smaller year stamps to make space for future victories.

By the Numbers
  • The first cowhide ran out of room for additional year stamps.
  • The half-helmet design lasted about 3–4 years.
Yes, But

The trophy is called “branded,” but agriculture teacher John Coon says the lettering is stamped into the leather with tools—not branded. One replacement hide also proved too decorative to stamp, prompting the temporary helmet design.

Bottom Line

Smaller year stamps helped preserve the Cowhide’s traditional design while leaving room for the schools’ rivalry—and its future winners—to continue.