Take the LEAP -
ROCKY MOUNTAIN COLLEGE
Oliver Gore tears up the fields at Rocky Moutain College.
“They don’t just know how to ride,” he says. “They receive personal attention here that allows them to become knowledgeable, ethical members of the equine business community.”
The soccer fields, that is. This Stafford, England native had an impressive freshman year. He averaged 1.07 goals per game and received the NSCAA National Soccer Award – All-Region and All-Conference – during his first season with the RMC Battlin’ Bears.
horsing aroundat rmc
For as long as he can remember, Oliver’s played soccer. “I love everything about it: the socializing, meeting new people and the competitiveness,” he says. “I am a very competitive person.” When seeking a college, Oliver knew soccer would be a top priority. He engaged an international recruiting service to help him find an institution that fit his academic needs and his soccer wishes.
Dr. Ray Randall looks like a man who means business. Cowboy hat tipped up and gloves snapped on, the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine doesn’t play around when it comes to animals.
Unless you find him playing with his dog, Ruby – then you’ll see his serious side relax and his face give way to a big grin and the warm eyes of a man who just loves animals.
“I got a nice offer from RMC, and my parents encouraged me to come and see the world as well as starting someplace new.” Coming to a new country and a new school sight unseen was risky, and life in Montana was much different than Oliver expected.
Originally from Miles City, Montana, Dr. Ray grew up observing his uncles in their veterinary practices. After graduating from Colorado State University, he secured an internship at the University of Minnesota large animal surgery, and later bought his own practice in Bridger, Montana.
“Back home we play soccer from August to May,” he says. “The season here runs from August until the end of November, so that was an adjustment.” Having several other international students on the team, however, has helped Oliver’s transition. Of 19 players, 10 are from other countries: five from England, one from Scotland, three from Sweden and one from Ireland. Not to mention, RMC soccer coach Richard Duffy, who is from Glasgow, Scotland.
Advantage RMC Oliver’s first year wasn’t all studying and playing soccer though. He explored the Crazy Mountains, camped, rock-climbed and sledded in Yellowstone National Park.
“They are a really nice family,” Oliver says. “I’m looking forward to being back in a family environment. I’m very grateful for the opportunity.”
He also volunteered at the Boys and Girls Club with the Futebol de Salao program started by RMC Professor Paul Roper, which encourages physical and emotional development for local kids.
Coming to RMC was a leap of faith for Oliver, but with two years left, the positive experiences will continue.
Oliver also volunteers his time coaching with the Billings’ Magic City Soccer Club. During his time coaching with Magic City last year, he met Dr. Steven Klepps, who offered to host Oliver this year.
Oliver Gore, RMC soccer player
Guatemala, Portugal, Japan, Germany, Central America and the Middle East, Dr. Ray’s travels extensively while caring for the welfare of horses. Dr. Ray always brings the knowledge gained from FEI events back to campus, where he also cares for RMC equestrian
students’ horses, which are either owned or leased by the college or brought by the students. Dr. Ray has cared for many horses and watched many RMC students develop into successful graduates.
Joining RMC’s equestrian staff in 1990, Dr. Ray teaches Equine Preventive Medicine, helping students learn common equine health practices and how to establish horse health programs.
Battlin’ Bear Oliver Gore:
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R O C K Y. E D U
“Everyone knows each other and everyone is so friendly. The professors are very helpful. You get to know them well, which is a really good thing. It means you have a better chance of doing well at this school. There are so many opportunities and things you can do.”
“Basically, we teach them how to stay out of trouble when it comes to their horse’s health,” he says, “and how to respond if they do get into trouble.” When wobbly-legged newborn foals signal spring at the barn, Dr. Ray teaches Reproduction and Growth, acquainting students with the normal activities of mares, stallions and foals. Advanced Reproduction students work with Dr. Ray at his veterinary practice, learning the processes of artificial insemination, breeding mares and hands-on care for mares and foals. Dr. Ray holds a Federation Equestrian International (FEI) card – certifying him to care for horses at Olympic and international sporting events. Serving endurance rides or reining horse events throughout Canada, the United States,
Dr. Ray Randall, Assistant Professor, Equestrian Studies
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