A special guest will participate in this year’s 80^th annual Poly Royal Rodeo on Saturday, April 9. The Cal Poly Rodeo Team has been working with Make-A-Wish® Northeastern & Central California and Northern Nevada to fulfill the wish of 11-year-old Maddie Owens, who at age 10, was diagnosed with Ewing Osteosarcoma, an aggressive form of bone cancer. After treatment, surgery, and the fortunate circumstance of an early diagnosis, she is now in remission and ready to saddle back up and spend more time doing what she loves – riding horses. With the help of Sierra Spratt, assistant coach and member of the Cal Poly Rodeo Team, Maddie was invited to practice on campus several times leading up to the big event. At the Poly Royal Rodeo, she will compete in the barrel racing event as a special guest of Cal Poly. Maddie recently spent some time on campus with Cal Poly Rodeo Women’s Team, which is currently ranked first in the nation, to prepare for her big day in April.