Rangers A falls to Douglas

This one hurts.

That was the feeling in the Laramie A locker room Thursday afternoon after the Rangers dropped a heartbreaking 5-4 decision to the Douglas Cats in the first round of the American Legion A East District Tournament at Cowboy Field.

For more on the story, click here: http://wyomingsportsyouth.blogspot.com/2008/07/rangers-lose-heartbreaker.html

It's tourney time for Rangers

It’s tournament time for the Laramie Rangers -- East A District Tournament in Laramie; State B Tournament in Sheridan and Western Conference Tournament in Rock Springs.

The Rangers A team will host five other teams beginning Thursday, with four moving on to the state tournament next week in Cheyenne. Laramie’s Prep team will compete in the State B Tournament, while the AA squad will finally get back in action at the conference tournament.

For more on the story, click here:

http://wyomingsportsyouth.blogspot.com/2008/07/rangers-teams-in-tourney-action.html

Preparing for a new season

By Richard Anderson

Wyoming Sports.org

Bob Knapton knows he has a little catching up to do as the new head football coach for Laramie High School, as do the Plainsmen themselves.

When the Plainsmen meet for the first official practice of the 2008 season on Aug. 18, they’ll not only be caught up but likely ahead of the normal pace.

For more on the story, click below:

http://wyomingsportsyouth.blogspot.com/2008/07/plainsmen-getting-ready.html

Cowboys ready to begin season

By Wyoming Sports.org

Anticipation will turn to reality as the 2008 college football season kicks off for the Wyoming Cowboys with their first practice on Aug. 4 at 4 p.m. in War Memorial Stadium. Head Coach Joe Glenn, entering his sixth season at the helm, welcomes back 16 starters and 43 lettermen for the 2008 season. Of those 16 starters, seven are on defense and nine on offense.

To read more on the story, click below:

http://wyomingsportsfootball.blogspot.com/2008/07/cowboys-to-open-on-monday.html

MWC announces soccer broadcast schedule

The Mountain West Conference announced on Monday the 2008 women’s soccer broadcast schedule that is comprised of six nationally televised games, including the semifinals and finals of the MWC Championship in Las Vegas.

The Mtn. – MountainWest Sports Network -- will broadcast six matches this fall, including three regular-season contests, including one Wyoming contest. All three broadcasts will be live, beginning with UNLV at San Diego State on Oct. 3 at 5 p.m.

The Wyoming at Utah game will be televised live on The Mtn. on Oct. 26 at 1 p.m., while the New Mexico at UNLV matchup on Oct. 31 will also be shown live at 4:30 p.m.

DIRECTV, the nation’s leading satellite television service provider, will launch The Mtn. on Aug. 27. The Mtn. will be available on channel 616 on DIRECTV CHOICE and above packages for the states servicing Mountain West Conference institutions (Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming and the designated market areas of Dallas/Fort Worth and San Diego). Customers throughout the remainder of the country will be able to access The Mtn. with a subscription to DIRECTV’s Sportspack.

The Mountain West anticipates additional broadcasts will be added to the schedule at a later date.

Laramie wins two Little League state titles

As it turned out, the Laramie Little League 11-12 year-old All-Stars needed just one run to win another state championship.

The Laramie All-Stars got that run in the top of the sixth inning on a solo home run from Tommy Nachtigal in the 1-0 win over Green River in the title game Saturday in Torrington. Later on Saturday, the Laramie 9-10 year-old All-Stars made it a local sweep with a 4-2 win over Torrington.

For more on the story, click below:
http://wyomingsportsyouth.blogspot.com/2008/07/laramie-little-league-teams-win-state.html

UW wrestling recruiting class recognized again

by Wyoming Sports Information

Wyoming’s wrestling squad for the 2008-09 season has garnered yet another recognition for its incoming recruiting class. The Cowboys have been ranked 11th in the nation for the second time, most recently by the highly respected Intermat.com. The first came by W.I.N magazine in May.

“We are thrilled to get recognized by yet another highly touted organization as Intermat.com, “UW assistant coach Ben VomBaur said. “We are anxious about getting these guys onto campus next month and begin training. We are excited about the future of Cowboy wrestling.”

Before longtime grappling head coach Steven Suder resigned after a decorated 19-year career, he assembled one of the best recruiting classes in Wyoming history. Eric Jones (149-157) of Auburn, Wash., ranked seventh in the nation, L.J. Helbig (184-197) of Mason Mich., along with Idaho 215-pounders Jacob Scharbrough of Weiser High ranked eighth and Alfonso Hernandez of Blackfoot High ranked 11th, have combined for five state crowns and will add some much needed depth to the Cowboys middle and heavyweight classes.

Add to the Cowboys Jimmy Eggemeyer (125/133) of Kodiak, Alaska, top in-state recruits, Jared Hatley (141-149) of Torrington High, Kasey Garnhart (133-141) of Basin Riverside High and Laramie native Michael Poulos (184) who have combined to win eight state championships, and you have a solid recruiting class.

This year’s recruiting class ranks above every Pac 10 School and several Big Ten and Big 12 schools including national powerhouses Nebraska, Boise State, Ohio State and Missouri.
All eight student-athletes will enroll at Wyoming for the 2008 fall semester.

UW coaches support UW budget request

by Wyoming Sports Information

A state budget request from the University of Wyoming approved by UW Trustees last week earned praise from UW tennis head coach Krissy Hall and UW head football coach Joe Glenn.

UW’s request includes $3 million in athletics facilities matching funds and authority for UW to issue its own revenue bonds to complete the UW Athletics facilities plan. Soaring construction costs required the additional resources to finish the long-standing plans.

With these funds, UW will be able to complete renovating the lower concourse on the west side of War Memorial Stadium, paving the parking lot east of War Memorial, and building a new indoor tennis facility on campus.

“A tennis center will have a huge impact on our Cowgirl program in terms of our recruiting, as well as the caliber of opponent we can attract to compete here,” Hall said. “It will also be a tremendous addition for the tennis-playing community of Wyoming. We are thrilled at what this will mean to the sport of tennis in this state.”

Glenn added: “These improvements will have a significant impact on our fans’ experience. They also will enhance the future of an already great stadium. The support of the Governor and the Legislature for Wyoming athletics has just been great.”

The UW Athletics Department will raise $3 million in private donations to take advantage of the $3 million in requested matching funds from the state. “We are confident we can secure $3 million in private donations,” said Tom Burman, University of Wyoming Athletics Director. “This would allow us to complete these very important projects in a fashion that will be first class and make the people of Wyoming proud of their university athletics facilities.”

The request will be submitted to Gov. Dave Freudenthal in preparation for the 2009 legislative session.

UW Athletics undertook a private fundraising campaign for athletics facilities that began in March of 2004 and concluded in November 2007. The $16 million raised was matched by the state for a total of $32 million for these capital improvements:

# UW’s new $11 million dollar Indoor Practice Facility for football and soccer

# the $1 million Louis S. Madrid Sports Complex for track and field and soccer

# $1 million artificial turf surface on Jonah Field at War Memorial Stadium

# renovation of the upper concourses in War Memorial Stadium.

UW single game football tickets to go on sale

by Wyoming Sports.org

The University of Wyoming Athletics Department announced Friday that single game tickets for the 2008 Cowboy football season will go on sale Monday at 8 a.m.

Tickets will be available online at Wyomingathletics.com, at the Brown and Gold Outlet retail stores in Laramie and Cheyenne, in person at the UW Ticket Office located in the Arena-Auditorium, and via phone at 800-922-9461 or 766-4850.

Both home and away tickets will be available for purchase on UW’s official athletics website and through the ticket office, while the Brown and Gold Outlet locations will offer seats for only the Pokes’ home games.

For just the second time in UW history, the Cowboys will play seven home games. Featured games include the 1,000th game in UW football history on Sept. 6 against Air Force and the 100th edition of the “Border War” with arch-rival Colorado State on Nov. 22. Other UW home games include the season opener against Ohio (Aug. 30), non-conference games with North Dakota State (Sept. 13) and Bowling Green (Sept. 27) and Mountain West Conference match-ups with Utah (Oct. 11) and San Diego State (Nov. 1).

Season tickets are also still available and are the best value to catch all seven Wyoming football games in War Memorial Stadium.

Whether it is season tickets or single game tickets, the UW Athletics Department would like to encourage fans to make their purchases now to get the best seats available and avoid the last minute rush.

Adetoye, Korir honored by MWC

Wyoming cross country runner Mark Korir, left, and former Cowgirl soccer player Mercy Adetoye were named to their respective Mountain West Conference All-Decade teams.

By Wyoming Sports.org

Former Wyoming Cowgirls soccer forward Mercy Adetoye and current Cowboys runner Mark Korir were honored Wednesday by being named to their respective Mountain West Conference 10th Anniversary teams.

The class of elite student athletes was selected by a combined panel of media, institutional and conference personnel and on-line fan poll. In order to be eligible for consideration, candidates must have been a First-Team All-Mountain West selection at least once in their careers.

Adetoye was selected to the MWC All-Conference First Team the final three years of her career. She still holds six Cowgirl soccer records, including 24 career goals, 10 career assists, 58 career points and career shots. She also holds the single season record for assists with seven and shots with 73.

Adetoye is currently working on her Masters Degree at the University of Wyoming.

Korir enters his senior year in cross country this fall as a two-time All-American and All-Conference selection. The Eldoret, Kenya, native placed 19th at the 2007 NCAA Cross Country Championships and 22nd in 2006. Korir is the third runner in UW history to earn All-America status twice in his career.

Anniversary teams will be chosen for each of the 19 conference-sponsored sports during the 2008-09 seasons in celebration of the Mountain West’s 10th anniversary.
---
All MWC Decade Teams
Women’s Soccer
Forwards -- Mercey Adetoye (Wyoming) 2002-2005, Kim Castellanos (San Diego State) 2000-2003), Amanda Feigt (Utah) 2003-2006, Maren Henderson (BYU) 1999, Amy Kofoed (Utah) 1999-2001, Katie Larkin (BYU) 2005-present 2005, Annii Caligula (UNLV) 2001-2004.
Midfielders -- Aleisha Cramer-Rose (BYU) 2000-2003, Jaime Rendich-Beck (BYU) 2002-2005 Defender -- Alexis Solovij (San Diego State) 2002-2005
Goalkeeper -- Jenna Huff (UNLV) 2002-2005
Men’s Cross Country
Chandler Goodwin (BYU) 2004-2007
Josh Rohatinsky (BYU) 2000, 2004-2006
Kip Kangogo (BYU/TCU) 2002-2003, 2005
Bryan Berryhill (Colorado State) 1999-2000
Matt Gonzales (New Mexico) 2001-2002, 2004
Jeremy Johnson (New Mexico) 2002, 2006-2007
Mark Korir (Wyoming) 2005-present
Women’s Cross Country
Kassi Andersen (BYU) 2002-2003, 2006-2007
Heidi Magill (BYU) 2004-2007
Michaela Mannova (BYU) 2001-2003
Tara Rohatinsky-Northcutt (BYU) 1999-2001
Breanne Sandberg (BYU) 2002-2003, 2005-2006
Laura Heiner-Turner (BYU) 1999, 2003-2004
April Thomas (Colorado State) 2005-2007
Women’s Volleyball
Outside hitter -- Chelsea Goodman (BYU) 2004- 2007, Courtney Cox (Colorado State) 1999-2001, Tess Rogers (Colorado State) 2002-2005, Katie Jo Shirley-Cahoon (Colorado State) 2001-04, Maria Aladjova (UNLV) 2004-07, Shelly Sommerfeldt (Utah) 2002-05.
Middle blocker -- Lindsy Hartsock (BYU) 2002- 2006, Nina Puikkonen (BYU) 1999-2001, Mekana Barnes (Colorado State) 2005-2007, Angela Knopf (Colorado State) 1999-2001, Aspen McPartland (San Diego State), 2000-03, Lauren Miramontes (UNLV) 2003-07, Kim Turner (Utah) 2000-03.
Setter -- Lauren Richards-Evans (BYU) 2001, 2003-2005, Melissa Courtney (Colorado State) 2001-04.
Defensive Specialist/Libero -- Jada Walker (UNLV) 2004-07

MWC anniversary team selected

The Mountain West Conference announced on Tuesday its 10th Anniversary Football Team, as selected by a combined panel of media, institutional and conference personnel, as well as an on-line fan poll.

The Wyoming Cowboys were represented on the squad by former wide receiver Jovon Bouknight (2002-05) and offensive lineman Adam Goldberg (1999-2002).

For more on the story, click below:
http://wyomingsportsfootball.blogspot.com/2008/07/bouknight-goldberg-on-all-decade-team.html

Preseason all-MWC team named

LAS VEGAS -- Three Wyoming Cowboys were named to the Mountain West Conference 2008 preseason all-conference team Monday as selected by members of the league's media.

For more on the story, click below:
http://wyomingsportsfootball.blogspot.com/2008/07/three-cowboys-picked-to-all-preseason.html

Media tabs UW fifth; BYU No. 1

By Wyoming Sports.org

LAS VEGAS – As expected, the Wyoming Cowboys were picked fifth in the Mountain West Conference media poll released on Monday. The Cowboys received 156 points in the voting that coincides with the annual preseason Media Days in Las Vegas.

Two-time defending Mountain West Conference football champion BYU was predicted to capture its third consecutive title in 2008. The Cougars made their second straight undefeated run in conference play in 2007, compiling an 8-0 mark against league opponents en route to an 11-2 overall record and a Top 20 ranking in the final USA Today Coaches (t-14), Associated Press (14) and Harris (18) polls.

For more on the story, click below:
http://wyomingsportsfootball.blogspot.com/2008/07/cowboys-picked-fifth-byu-no-1.html

Rangers A finish fourth at Klep Klassic

Round two goes to Green River.

After the Laramie Rangers A rallied on Saturday to down the Knights in the Kleppinger Klassic, it was AA Green River’s turn to dominate, stopping the Rangers 18-7 Sunday at Cowboy Field.

Green River (3-1) finished third in the tourney, with the Rangers (2-2) in fourth place. Sunday began much like Saturday’s game, as the Knights opened with three runs in the first inning and led 7-1 before Laramie battled back to make it a one-run game. On Saturday, Green River opened with a four-spot in the first inning in the 13-5 loss to the Rangers.

For more on the story, click below:
http://wyomingsportsyouth.blogspot.com/2008/07/knights-turn-tables-on-rangers.html

Rangers A bounces back

The Laramie Rangers A team bounced back from a 10-1 loss to Cheyenne early on Saturday and a 4-0 first-inning deficit against Green River later that night to down the Knights 13-5 in the Kleppinger Klassic at Cowboy Field.

For more on the game, click below: http://wyomingsportsyouth.blogspot.com/2008/07/rangers-rally-past-green-river.html

Rangers A photo gallery

Rangers A blank Rawlins

Richard Anderson photo
Laramie Rangers A batter Kyle Alexander looks for the sign Friday in the 10-0 win over Rawlins at Cowboy Field.

The Laramie Rangers A American Legion baseball team opened the Kleppinger Klassic with an easy 10-0 win over Rawlins Friday night at Cowboy Field. Lance McCartney picked up the pitching win, giving up just two hits.

For more on the story, click below:
http://wyomingsportsyouth.blogspot.com/2008/07/rangers-open-klep-klassic-with-win.html

Laramie Prep, Rawlins split

The Laramie Rangers Prep team and Rawlins split a pair of lop-sided American Legion baseball games on Thursday night, with Rawlins taking the opener 12-2 and Laramie the nightcap 16-6, Both games ended in the fifth inning because of the 10-run mercy rule.

For more on the story, lick below:
http://wyomingsportsyouth.blogspot.com/2008/07/laramie-prep-splits-with-rawlins.html

Rangers sweep Knights

The Laramie Rangers bounced back from a disappointing split against Sheridan by sweeping the Green River Knights at Cowboy Field on Thursday. Laramie won the first game 9-2 before bouncing Green River 17-3 in five innings in the second game.

For more on the story, click below:
http://wyomingsportsyouth.blogspot.com/2008/07/rangers-dominate-green-river.html

Rangers split with Sheridan

The Laramie Rangers split a doubleheader with the Sheridan Troopers Wednesday night at Cowboys Field, winning the first game 11-1 before falling in the nightcap 9-8 in eight innings.

For more on the story, click below:
http://wyomingsportsyouth.blogspot.com/2008/07/richard-anderson-photo-laramie-base.html

Rangers rotation shaping up

For the Laramie Rangers, it’s becoming as easy as one, two, three.

The AA Rangers American Legion baseball team is prepping for the conference and state tournament with what is looking like a strong three-man starting pitching rotation, led by ace Coleton Wilson, along with up and coming starters Srihari Sritharan and Max Schoen.

For more on the story, click here:

http://wyomingsportsyouth.blogspot.com/2008/07/richard-anderson-photo-laramie-rangers.html

Branch named new UW wrestling coach

by Wyoming Sports.org

University of Wyoming Athletics Director Tom Burman announced on Monday that Mark Branch has been selected as the new head wrestling coach for the Cowboys.

Branch comes to Wyoming from Oklahoma State University, where he was the associate head wrestling coach. He was a part of five NCAA team championships as a coach and student-athlete at OSU. As a college wrestler, Branch was a member of OSU’s 1994 NCAA Championship team, and served on the coaching staff for OSU’s 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005 NCAA titles.

Branch provided the Cowboys from Stillwater with personal and team instruction including technique training, weight training, conditioning and nutrition. He was instrumental in the recruiting of student-athletes to Stillwater, as well as organizing fundraising projects, promotional strategies and assisting in public relation functions with student-athletes. Branch replaces Steven Suder, who coached the Wyoming Cowboys from 1989-2008.

“The hiring of Mark is exciting for the future of Wyoming Cowboy wrestling,” Burman said. “We feel his experience and passion will enable us to become a national player in the wrestling community.”

Branch said that his hiring is the realization of his goal to become an NCAA head coach.

“I’m from a competitive background, and I was looking for a place where I could build a nationally-competitive program," Branch said. "I believe there is a great deal of support from the athletic department and the university as a whole at Wyoming. Wyoming is the right program for me and the right fit for me and my family. I appreciate the confidence that Tom Burman and Matt Whisenant (UW Senior Associate Athletics Director) have shown in me to get the job done.”

As a member of the OSU coaching staff, Branch was named the National Wrestling Coaches’ Association (NWCA) Assistant Coach of the Year in 2004. He helped coach OSU to seven Big XII Championships, four NCAA Championships and three Dual Team Championships. He was named the Associate Head Coach at OSU in 2002. He individually coached 31 All-Americans and nine NCAA Champions.

Branch has been a freestyle wrestling coach for the Gator Club in New Orleans, La., since 1997 where he provides personal instruction and training in freestyle wrestling. His teams have participated at various World Team training camps. He has coached at the U.S. Nationals and World/Olympic Team Trials.

As a student-athlete at OSU, Branch was a four-time NCAA All-American (1994-97), four-time NCAA National Finalist (1994-97), two-time NCAA National Champion at 167 pounds (1994 and ’97) and a two-time National Freestyle All-American (1998 and ’99). In 1997, he was named the Big XII Athlete of the Year, OSU Student-Athlete of the Year and the top graduating senior for OSU Wrestling. He was a four-time NWCA Academic All-American, received an NCAA Post-Graduate Scholarship Award and a Big XII Post-Graduate Scholarship Award.

Branch earned his bachelor of science degree in secondary education from Oklahoma State in 1997 and earned his master of science degree in athletic administration from OSU in 2000.

“I wouldn’t be in this position if it weren’t for the opportunities I was given at my alma mater, Oklahoma State,” said Branch. “John Smith (head wrestling coach at Oklahoma State) gave me the opportunity to learn from him. I consider him to be the greatest coach in college wrestling. I was fortunate to be a part of the greatest program in college wrestling as a student-athlete and assistant coach with the Oklahoma State Cowboys, now I’m excited to build on the great tradition of Wyoming Cowboy wrestling.”

A native of Newkirk, Okla., he and his wife Susan have a daughter, Maggie Belle, and a son, Mason Layne.

Three Cowboy golfers to play U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship

by Wyoming Sports.org

Three sophomore Cowboy golfers are representing the Wyoming golf program this week at the U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship (USAPLC) in Aurora, Colo.

Phil Henzlik, Gabe Maier and Zach Zaremba are competing in the 83rd Annual USAPLC, July Monday through Saturday at Murphy Creek Golf Course. Each UW golfer qualified through sectional events to compete in the tournament which is the top amateur, public course event in the nation annually.

“It is great that the Wyoming program will be represented by three individuals at this prestigious tournament,” said UW Director of Golf Joe Jensen. “Not many college programs can make that claim. This is a special group of young players and all three have worked very hard to put themselves in this situation.”

Henzlik qualified for the championship by carding a two-round score of 149 and winning the sectional qualifying tournament last month at Bell Nob Golf Course in Gillette. Maier and Zaremba both earned their spot at the same sectional qualifier, held at Murphy Creek in Aurora. Maier shot 142 and tied for second place, while Zaremba scored 143 and tied for fourth.

Maier led the Cowboys with a stroke average of 74.66 during the 2007-08 season and had Wyoming's best finish at the 2008 Mountain West Conference Championship by placing 18th. He was followed closely by Zaremba, who had an average of 75.74, all through their freshman year. Zaremba twice shot team-best rounds of four-under par during his first season of collegiate golf. Henzlik walked onto the Cowboy squad last fall, promptly qualified to travel and stayed there the majority of the season with a stroke average of 76.79. All three Cowboys contributed to the third-best single round score ever by a UW squad to close the fall season.

The first two days of each USAPLC consist of stroke play, with the field then reduced and the low 64 scorers moving on to four days of elimination match play. The championship culminates with 36 holes of match play.

The amateur public links events are open to amateur golfers who, since Jan. 1 of the calendar year, have been public course players and have not held privileges at any course that does not extend playing privileges to the general public.

The USAPLC has been a springboard for the likes of U.S. Open champions Ed Furgol, Tommy Bolt, and Ken Venturi; British Open champion Tony Lema; PGA champions Dave Marr and Bobby Nichols and Masters winner George Archer, as well as current PGA players Trevor Immelman (1998), Tim Clark (1997) and Billy Mayfair (1986).

Rangers win Scottsbluff tourney

By Richard Anderson Wyoming Sports.org

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. -- Finishing unbeaten was the Laramie Rangers final goal on Sunday to conclude the Scottsbluff Screen Printing Wood Bat Classic.

The Rangers came up short on their goal, but still came away with a nice 4-1 record for the three-day invitational, as they split their final two games, losing to Ogallala, Neb., 9-4, but rallying to edge the Buckley Bombers of Aurora, Colo., 7-6.

For more on the story, click here:
http://wyomingsportsyouth.blogspot.com/2008/07/rangers-finish-4-1-at-scottsbluff-win.html

Prep team falls to Scottsbluff

By Richard Anderson
Wyoming Sports.org

The Laramie Rangers Prep team, now in the thick of its American Legion schedule, knows the odds are stacked against it.

The 13- and 14-year-old Rangers -- in Legion play -- usually take on teams that are a year or two ahead of them, especially physically.

That was the case on Saturday as the Rangers Prep team (12-14) dropped a doubleheader to the WESTCO Express, a Legion junior varsity team out of Scottsbluff, Neb., 12-1 and 18-9. In the second game, the Rangers actually led 9-3 before the Express took off.

For more of the story, click here:
http://wyomingsportsyouth.blogspot.com/2008/07/rangers-prep-fall-to-scottsbluff.html

Rangers open with win

by Wyoming Sports.org

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. -- Coleton Wilson was spectacular once again.

The Laramie Rangers AA pitching ace blanked Denver Mullen on just three hits on Friday as the Rangers opened the Scottsbluff, Neb., tournament with a 2-0 victory.

For more on the story, click here:
http://wyomingsportsyouth.blogspot.com/2008/07/wilson-rangers-blank-mullen.html

UW announces staff promotions

From left to right, Phil Wille, Bill Hamilton, Molly Moore and Bill Sparks

by Wyoming Sports.org

University of Wyoming Athletics Director Tom Burman has announced four promotions within the UW Athletics Department. Bill Sparks has been promoted to Senior Associate Athletics Director for Business Operations, Molly Moore to Associate Athletics Director for Internal Operations and Senior Women’s Administrator, Bill Hamilton to Associate Athletics Director for Event Management/Ticket Operations and Phil Wille to Assistant Athletics Director for Compliance and Olympic Sports.

Sparks has been a member of the UW Athletics staff for the past 10 years, beginning as the department’s Executive Business Manager in the fall of 1998. He also held previous positions with the Knoxville, Tennessee Sports Corporation and University of Kentucky Athletics Department. He was an assistant in the business operations and marketing areas within Kentucky Athletics.

Moore came to Wyoming in the fall of 2007 as the Assistant Athletics Director for Internal Operations. In her new position, she will add Senior Women’s Administrator duties. She began her college athletic administrative career in 1999 as a graduate assistant in athletics at her alma mater, Washington State University. Immediately prior to coming to Wyoming a year ago, Moore served as the Senior Associate Athletics Director at Portland State University.

Hamilton came to Wyoming as Assistant Athletics Director and Ticket Manager in the fall of 2005. Before coming to Wyoming, he worked for Major League Baseball’s Baltimore Orioles. Hamilton’s new position will add the coordination of game management duties for all of Wyoming’s 17 sports. He will continue to oversee ticket operations within UW Athletics.

Wille is in his third year as a member of the UW Athletics administrative staff. He began as the Eligibility and Compliance Specialist at UW before taking over as Director of Compliance. Wille will continue in his compliance role but will also assume oversight for the sports of cross country, track and field and women’s tennis. Wille earned a law degree from Valparaiso University before entering a career in athletics administration.

“These four individuals have all proven themselves through the years to be very effective administrators,” said Burman. “When we were looking to reorganize some of our administrative areas this past spring and summer, I felt fortunate to have people currently on staff who I knew could take on additional responsibilities. Each of these four are very deserving of being rewarded for their hard work and dedication to making Cowboy and Cowgirl Athletics the best they can be.”

The promotions all became effective with the beginning of the new fiscal year on July 1.

Rangers earn split

by Wyoming Sports.org

FORT MORGAN, Colo. -- The Laramie Rangers bounced back from a tough eighth-inning loss to earn a split against Fort Morgan in an American Legion baseball doubleheader Wednesday night.

Fort Morgan took the opener 4-3 only to see the AA Rangers roll in the nightcap, 10-0 in five innings. With the split, Laramie is now 14-20 on the season.

For more on the story, click below:

http://wyomingsportsyouth.blogspot.com/2008/07/rangers-split-at-fort-morgan.html

Morgan making his move

By Richard Anderson
Wyoming Sports.org

During a spring practice, Wyoming junior wide receiver Donate Morgan beat speedy freshman cornerback Ryan Handford on a deep ball. He also dropped a short stationary sideline pass and later made a spectacular diving catch in traffic.

Blessed with arguably as much speed as anyone on the team and maybe in the league, Morgan is going through the transition trials and tribulations of a redshirt walk-on to a probable starter in one season. He takes praise and constructive criticism in stride, nearly as easy as his fleetness on the field.

Morgan is a young man who has lofty goals in his athletic and personal life and knows that it will take fortitude and hard work to achieve them. Not happy with his role at Division II St. Joseph's College in Rensselaer, Ind., Morgan came west on his own dime for another opportunity.

For more on the story, click below:
http://wyomingsportsfootball.blogspot.com/2008/07/morgan-making-move.html

Evers at home at tight end

By Richard Anderson
Wyoming Sports.org

Most young football players dream of being the quarterback. As it turned out, Joe Evers was a quarterback who dreamed of being a tight end.

Evers is getting his wish as a sophomore tight end for the Wyoming Cowboys and will go into fall camp as one of four talented players in that position.

A quarterback at Sheridan High School, Evers was a second-team all-state selection his senior season. But admittedly not possessing a great amount of talent at quarterback, Evers wanted to play Division I football and he wanted to play for the Cowboys.

For more on the story, click on below:
http://wyomingsportsfootball.blogspot.com/2008/07/evers-at-home-at-tight-end.html

Rangers stop WESTCO

by Wyoming Sports.org

The Laramie Rangers continued their strong play, winning their third game in their last four tries, stopping WESTCO (Scottsbluff, Neb.) 10-7 Thursday night to conclude the first day of the annual Firecracker Invitational at Cowboy Field.

For more on the story, click here

http://wyomingsportsyouth.blogspot.com/2008/07/blog-post.html

Olympic Trials end for UW swimmers

by Wyoming Sports.org

OMAHA, Neb. -- The University of Wyoming swimming program’s journey in the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials came to a close on Thursday night at the Qwest Center with the conclusion of the men’s 200-meter breaststroke.

Three swimmers with Wyoming ties competed in the 200-meter breaststroke in former Cowboy All-American Scott Usher, senior Alex Larkin and Brandon Fischer, an incoming freshman who will join the Cowboys this fall.

“This was a great experience for our four athletes as well as our entire program. It was really special to be at the Olympic Trials and see people in the crowd wearing the bucking horse,” said UW head coach Tom Johnson. “It was nice to have a strong number of Wyoming swimmers in this meet and hopefully this experience will inspire our program and we can continue to become more and more visible in the national swimming scene.”

Scott Usher, who made the Olympic team in 2004, missed qualifying for his second Olympics by just one qualifying spot. Usher finished third with a time of 2 minutes, 11 seconds and missed qualifying by just .64 seconds. Usher finished ahead of Brendan Hansen, who held the World Record until recently, for the first time in his career. Scott Spann won the event with a time of 2:09.97 and Eric Shanteau placed second in 2:10.36.

“It was a bittersweet night for Scott and I feel for him,” said Johnson. “He beat the former world record holder in Brendan Hansen for the first time in his career, but missed the ultimate prize by just six tenths of a second. Third is the toughest place to finish because you know how close you were to qualifying. I am very proud of Scott and his effort.”

Brandon Fischer, a high school signee from Livermore, Calif., who will join the Cowboys in the fall, had a very solid showing in his first Olympic Trials. The freshman to be placed 45th in the 200 breaststroke with a time of 2:19.56. In all, the top 65 swimmers in the nation competed in the event.

Alex Larkin, a native of Bend, Ore., finished just behind Fischer. He closed out his first Olympic Trials experience by swimming to a 51st place finish with a time of 2:21.81.

“Having three Cowboys in one race at the Olympic Trials was something special and I am very proud of all three of them,” added Johnson. “Hopefully Alex and Brandon can use this experience of their first trials as a stepping stone for next season. The future at Wyoming is very bright and we are looking forward to the 2008-09 season and getting these guys to the top of the MWC and to the NCAA’s

Luster to transfer to Wyoming

By Wyoming Sports.org

University of Wyoming head basketball coach Heath Schroyer announced on Wednesday that JayDee Luster has signed a scholarship offer and will transfer to UW from New Mexico State. Luster must sit out of competition during the 2008-09 season to satisfy NCAA transfer rules. He will be eligible to compete as a redshirt sophomore during the 2009-10 season.

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