On behalf of the San Luis Obispo County Tobacco Control Coalition:

Although the facts included in "Cal Poly Rodeo urged to cut chewing tobacco connection" (Tribune, May 15), are accurate, the story is incomplete because it does not provide the reason why these activities will be taking place.

To put it plainly, the campaign is being conducted because tobacco sponsorship in any form doesn't belong in a college rodeo. The tobacco companies are in the business of selling tobacco. They don't really care about the rodeo or supporting students with scholarships that aid their educational ambitions.

The tobacco companies are notorious for providing limited financial support and then spending 10 times that marketing their good deeds. It is a positive image they are after.

I applaud Coach Black and support his conviction to ban tobacco advertising at the Cal Poly rodeos. Hopefully this campaign will be successful in finding an alternative source of money for the student scholarship program. Competitive intercollegiate rodeo is a positive aspect in the lives of the students involved.

The product the tobacco company pushes is not.

Lloyd Henning
Health Education Specialist
San Luis Obispo