College Sports Established
1886
Location
Laramie, Wyoming
College Name
University of Wyoming
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division 1
1921 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
1907 - 1921 / Athletic Association of the United States
Conference History
1999 - Present / Mountain West Conference
1962 – 1999 / Western Athletic Conference
1938 – 1962 / Skyline Conference
1921 – 1938 / Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference
Nickname
Cowboys - Since 1892, the Wyoming Cowboys have proudly represented the University of Wyoming in NCAA Division I athletics. With a long and storied history, it’s no surprise that this team has developed an iconic nickname over time: The Cowboys. But where exactly did this name come from? Let’s look at how one of college sports' most recognizable nicknames came to be!
The origin story for “Cowboys” as the official nickname for UW Athletics dates back to 1906 when several local newspapers began referring to athletes from UW as “Cowboys.” This was likely due partly to their location in Western America – often called Cowboy Country – but also because many students on campus were ranchers or had family members who worked with cattle on ranches around Laramie, WY, and other nearby towns.
By 1909, "Cowboys" had become so popular among fans that it stuck around permanently - becoming officially adopted by university officials shortly after that! Since then, teams representing The University of Wyoming have been known simply as "the Cowboys" - with variations like "Pokes," derived from cowpoke (a term used historically by cowhands) being occasionally used too.
Today you can find references everywhere throughout campus, including student organizations such as Rodeo Club & Cattlemen's Association, athletic uniforms featuring cowboy boots & hats, and even mascots like Pistol Pete (who wears traditional cowboy attire). It's clear why these symbols are so important not just within sports culture but also amongst locals here in Laramie—they represent hard work & resilience that embody what it means to be a true Cowboy fan!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 1
1943
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1900
- 1943
- 1950
- 1999
- 2015
- 2016
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The 1900 Wyoming Cowboys football team
The 1900 Wyoming Cowboys football team represented the University of Wyoming as an independent during the 1900 college football season. In its first season under head coach William McMurray, the team compiled a 3–3 record, including a 56–0 victory over Colorado State Normal, and outscored opponents by a total of 105 to 59. Charles Ponting was the team captain. -
Cowboys NCAA Champions 1943
The 1943 NCAA Basketball Tournament involved 8 schools playing in single-elimination play to determine the national champion of men’s NCAA Division I college basketball. It began on March 24, 1943, and ended with the championship game on March 30 in New York City. A total of 9 games were played, including a third-place game in each region. Top-ranked Illinois declined ... -
Wyoming Cowboys football Gator Bowl Victory
In 1950: The Wyoming Cowboys football team plays in its first bowl game, the Gator Bowl, and defeats Washington & Lee 20-7. -
Cowboys joined the Mountain West Conference (MWC)
In 1999: The Wyoming Cowboys football and basketball teams leave the WAC and join the Mountain West Conference (MWC). -
Wyoming Basketball Wins MW Tournament Championship
In 2015, Wyoming Wins First-Ever MW Tournament Championship in Any Sport with Victory Over San Diego State. -
Wyoming Cowboy – Josh Allen
In his first year at Wyoming, he played in two games and made one start. In his first career start, he attempted only four passes before suffering a broken collarbone which ended his season; because the injury occurred early in the season, he qualified for a medical redshirt. Allen returned from the injury in 2016 and was Wyoming’s starter. After ...
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History of the Cowboys
Wyoming boasts an impressive record in football that includes 11 conference titles and five bowl game appearances over its 124-year history. They've also produced some remarkable individual players, such as NFL Hall Of Fame inductee Marcus Allen who was named All-American at UW during his tenure there from 1978 to 1981. Other notable alumni include Pro Football Hall Of Famer Jim Kiick, who played for them from 1965 to 1968; current Denver Broncos quarterback Brett Rypien; former San Francisco 49ers running back Roger Craig; and many more successful athletes throughout their time playing for this great program!
In basketball, although not as historically successful as other programs around them like Colorado or BYU, they still boast two NCAA Tournament appearances (1943 & 2002) along with three NIT berths since joining Division I play in the 1960–61 season under legendary head coach Everett Shelton Sr., Notable alumni include NBA Champion Kenny Sailors who led UW to its first NCAA tournament appearance before going on to be named MVP during his rookie year with New York Knicks in the 1946–47 season!
Beyond just football & basketball, however - Wyoming's athletic department offers numerous other sports, including volleyball which won four consecutive MWC championships between the 2004–07 seasons under now-retired head coach Pat Stangle while the men's golf team captured three straight conference titles between 2011&13 seasons thanks to largely due contributions by talented golfer Ryan Wallen – all proving that no matter what sport you choose here at University Of Wyoming it can lead you towards greatness if given proper dedication!
Sports Fan Products
