In the sparsely populated basins of snowy Laramie, cowboys roam. More specifically, they roam the sports fields of the University of Wyoming, where the Wyoming Cowboys (and Cowgirls) have built a rich sports history dating all the way back to the 1800s. Let’s check- What Sports Does The University Of Wyoming Offer?
University of Wyoming
The University of Wyoming is made up of 17 NCAA-sanctioned teams across a wide variety of competitions. These include men’s and women’s basketball, cross country, golf, swimming & diving, and indoor and outdoor track & field. Men’s exclusive sports include football and wrestling, while women’s exclusive sports are tennis, soccer, and volleyball.
The Athletic Programs of The University of Wyoming
The University of Wyoming’s 17 NCAA-sanctioned sports teams are split across multiple conferences, depending upon the sport. The majority of the teams are members of the Mountain West Conference and compete in NCAA Division I. The sports not offered by the Mountain West Conference are the men’s wrestling team, which competes in the Big 12 conference, and the men’s swimming and diving team, which participates in the Western Athletic Conference.
Cowboys Football
The Wyoming Cowboys football team is perhaps one of its most notable programs, having produced many successful coaches (such as the innovative Joe Tiller) and players (such as hall of famer and five-time Pro Bowler Jay Novacek). The team plays its home games at War Memorial Stadium.
The Cowboys football team has won 14 conference championships between 1949 and 1993 across two different conferences— the Mountain West Conference and the Western Athletic Conference.
Men’s and Women’s Basketball
Both of UW’s basketball teams have had notable success during their history—the likes of which not only scored them championships, but also helped define basketball strategies still used by professional teams today.
The Cowboys basketball team has won two conference titles since joining the Mountain West Conference in 1999. They have appeared in the NCAA Tournament a staggering 16 times, and were national champions in 1943—largely thanks to star guard Ken Sailors, who invented the jump shot.
The Cowgirls basketball program, founded in 1973, have also scored big tournament wins. They are the 2007 WNIT tournament champions, as well as the 2021 Mountain West conference champions.
Cowboys Wrestling
UW’s Wrestling team has demonstrated extraordinary dominance since their formation in 1931. They’ve captured 22 conference championships in total across 4 different conferences. Current head coach Mark Branch was brought on in 2009, and earned the Coach of the Year award in 2018 for the Big 12 conference.
Does The University of Wyoming Offer Club Sports?
Yes, the university does offer several club sports! There are 21 active clubs at the University of Wyoming, with a number of those being student-run organizations.
The current list of active clubs on campus are:
- Baseball
- Cycling
- Equestrian
- Esports
- Fencing
- Men’s Ice Hockey
- Men’s Lacrosse
- Men’s Rugby
- Men’s Soccer
- Racquetball
- Shotgun Sports
- Club Swimming
- Club Tennis
- Triathlon
- Water Polo
- Women’s Ice Hockey
- Women’s Lacrosse
- Women’s Rugby
- Women’s Soccer
- Women’s Softball
- Women’s Volleyball
Of particular note among the many club sports offered on campus, the men’s rugby team has had considerable success. In 2016 and 2017, they represented the Rocky Mountain Conference at nationals. Wyoming’s rugby team is considered one of its most successful programs on campus.
Due to the nature of club sports, not all active sports belong to conferences or divisions.
Does The University of Wyoming offer Intramural Sports?
Yes! The University offers intramural sports—sports competition contained and organized solely within the campus—for a large variety of competitions.
Examples of offered Intramural Sports include:
- Indoor Flag Football
- Archery Tag
- Badminton
- Billiards
- Curling
- Dodgeball
- Pickleball
- Spikeball
- Table Tennis
- Ultimate Frisbee
Intramural Sports can be registered for via IMLeagues, and is open to all UW students, faculty, staff, and spouses of UW members with a WyoOne ID card and Campus Recreation membership. All interested parties are encouraged to read the Intramural Sports Handbook obtainable at the Recreational Sports Office, or at the Intramural Sports website.
The Cowboys Play Everything
Between NCAA sponsored events, clubs, and intramural sports, there’s bound to be something for everyone. Under the guidance of athletic director Tom Burman since 2006, The University of Wyoming’s wide array of competitions are deeply entrenched in the traditions and spirit of the school. And it’s that same spirit that is woven into the land and its people—a spirit so important to the locals that its location is written into the state’s constitution!
Conclusion
Whether you’re dreaming of making it in the big leagues, or just looking to refine yourself through physical competition, there’s plenty of sports to choose from at UW. Any of the several camps, clinics, or clubs offered at the University of Wyoming can help you obtain your sporting goals—all you have to do is reach out to the appropriate offices and follow the processes outlined above to get started. Let’s go, Cowboys!
Frequently Asked Questions
When do the camps, clinics, and tryouts for The University of Wyoming’s teams open?
The camps and clinics themselves are not controlled by The University of Wyoming, but rather by coaches and clubs independent of the school. Because of this, camps go live at the discretion and availability of the school and sports program. Since the start of the pandemic, many camps and clinics have been put on indefinite hiatus, such as coach Craig Bohl’s football camps.
Information pertaining to the current or future summer camps/clinics are posted as soon as they are available on UM’s sports schedule website. Further camp/clinic information is best obtained from the individual camp contact, depending upon the sport.
Does The University of Wyoming have Athletic Training Services?
Yes! Athletic Training—or the medical treatment and prevention of injuries—is offered on site. UM has qualified trainers full time in the Campus Recreation Wellness Center, and can be accessed via scheduled appointment. All students have access to the Wellness Center regardless of credit hours.
How Do I Start a New Club?
Don’t see the sport that you want to play in any of the current offerings? There’s a process for starting new club sports at UM, and it’s waiting for you! Complete the interest form on Collegiate Link and get in contact with the Recreational Sports Coordinator. This process will involve the Consumer Advisory Council, who will assess your sport’s risk, needs, and space allocation. Consult the Club Sports Handbook, obtainable via your Recreational Sports Office, for detailed and up-to-date regulatory information. You can also refer to the Club Sports website.
How do I contact the Recreational Sports Office?
You can reach the UM’s Recreational Sports Office at (307) 766-4175, or via its email address at clubsports@uwyo.edu.
