In this Vail Valley Voices oral history interview, acclaimed jockey, Pat Day, declared that his father gave him an excellent introduction to horsemanship. Day also credits his wrestling coaches, including longtime Eagle resident and retired EVHS teacher George McCollum, with instilling him with healthy competitive values. Day also credits Eagle County 4-H programs with teaching him fundamental responsibility of care for animals and instilling in him lifelong people skills.
Kentucky Derby winner, Pat Day, grew up on Lake Creek near Edwards in Eagle County, Colorado. Day graduated from Eagle Valley High School (EVHS) in Gypsum in 1971. He had a stellar high school wrestling career as evidenced by his 77 wins to 7 losses and a 1970 High School State Champion wrestling title. As a youth, Pat Day rodeoed, skied, skated and horse-packed throughout Eagle County., Pat Day image from Derby Legends website. https://www.derbylegends.com/pat-day/biography.shtml.
