The Wyoming Cowboys have a long-standing tradition of athletic excellence in NCAA history. From the early dominance of Wyoming Cowboys football to the strong performances of Wyoming Cowboys basketball, the program has built a name recognized for passion, resilience, and achievement. Their success continues to inspire fans across generations of college sports.
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!
Wyoming Cowboys Origin
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
-
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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Wyoming Cowboys History
The Wyoming Cowboys have built one of the most respected legacies in NCAA athletics, especially known for their fierce rivalry with the Colorado State Rams. Since their first season in 1892, the Cowboys have become a proud symbol of strength and determination in college sports. As a member of the Mountain West Conference (MWC), the program has earned recognition for consistent performances and loyal fan support.
In Wyoming Cowboys football, the team has earned 14 conference titles and made 18 bowl appearances, with notable wins like the 2019 Arizona Bowl and the 2022 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. The program’s history features standout players such as Jim Kiick, Jay Novacek, and Josh Allen, who became a star quarterback for the Buffalo Bills. Their achievements reflect the enduring quality and competitiveness of Wyoming Cowboys football across generations.
On the hardwood, Wyoming Cowboys basketball has been equally significant, highlighted by its 1943 NCAA Championship victory under coach Everett Shelton. The program has appeared in the NCAA Tournament multiple times, with legendary players like Kenny Sailors, who pioneered the modern jump shot, leaving an everlasting mark on college basketball history. Recent years have also seen strong performances in the Mountain West, showing continued growth and commitment to excellence.
Cowboys Achievements
Beyond the two major sports, Wyoming’s athletic department thrives in many disciplines, including track and field, wrestling, and volleyball. The women’s volleyball team notably captured several conference titles in the 2000s, while the wrestling team consistently ranks among the best in the region. This success highlights the university’s dedication to developing all-around athletic programs.
The Wyoming Cowboys continue to inspire pride through their achievements, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Whether it’s Wyoming Cowboys football dominating the gridiron or Wyoming Cowboys basketball competing on the national stage, the spirit of the Cowboys represents the resilience and passion of the state and its fans everywhere.
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