When Eastern Oregon University Athletic Booster Club President, Craig Braseth, approached Don Waldrop about becoming a booster, Waldrop knew he had to get involved.
Eight years later, Waldrop has become a key member of the booster club and has been a sponsor since the conversation with Braseth.
“The university is a big asset in the area,” Waldrop said. “Supporting college kids is important because they support our business. I wanted to give back to the community because they give to me. It's a two way street.”
Waldrop has been in business in the area for 44 years. He currently owns many businesses in the La Grande, Island City, and Baker City area which employ quite a workforce in Union and Baker counties. To name a few, Waldrop owns the La Grande Burger King and Shell Station at the Oak Street Market, the Eat ‘n’ Run which houses Subway, Baskin Robbins, and the 76 gas station, the La Grande Texaco station, C&M Country Store, the Flying J, and the Chevron gas station in Baker City. Waldrop also is the owner of Waldrop Oil Wholesale.
“I was born and raised in La Grande, moved to Pendleton for 11 years, and then moved back to La Grande,” Waldrop said. “All four of my kids live here and are involved with the company. I like having my family here in La Grande with me. I also like the good hunting and fishing that the Grande Ronde Valley offers and the cooler climate.”
When it comes to choosing a favorite sport, Waldrop stays out of the cooler climate. He said he does not really have a favorite, but if he had to choose one basketball might be it because it is indoors away from the cold weather that winter has to offer. Waldrop Oil has had 15 season tickets in the reserved section at Mountaineer volleyball and basketball games since the new reserved section was part of the Quinn Coliseum renovation.
“I’m looking forward to watching some competitive athletic events,” Waldrop said. “I like to see the athletes work hard, have a good attitude, and do their best.”
To read more about Waldrop Oil, you can visit the company’s website at http://www.waldropoil.com/