The University of Wyoming is about to close the books on another school year, and with that comes the end of almost all of the athletic events from the 2012-2013 season.
Except for teams such as the men’s and women’s track and field squads, who will continue their season well into May, no more Cowboy and Cowgirl athletes will step on their respective playing surface this year.
So now is the time to look back at the most memorable moments that shaped this year for the University of Wyoming athletic teams. There were extreme highs and extreme lows, but all have been talking points both locally and nationally.
Photo: Courtesy of UW Media Relations
Shaun Wick evades a Colorado State University player during the Border War game against the Rams at War Memorial Stadium on Nov. 3, 2012. The Cowboys earned the right to keep the bronze boot trophy for a fourth consecutive year with their win over CSU.
November 3, 2012: UW Football handles CSU
What is better than beating your biggest rival in your home stadium?
The Cowboys did just that in a 45-31 victory over the Rams in the 2012 Border War, which gave the Cowboys their fourth straight win over their bitter rivals.
Sophomore quarterback Brett Smith had a big game, with four touchdown passes and 235 yards passing. Also, sophomore corner back Blair Burns had a 99-yard interception return for a touchdown in an exciting performance by the Cowboys.
They were up 45-17 at one point in the fourth quarter, but CSU scored two touchdowns to make the score look respectable. But make no mistake; this was a dominant performance from the Cowboys, who probably cannot wait to try for a fifth straight Bronze Boot.
Photo: Elizabeth Holder
Cowboy Leonard Washington makes a layup in the Dec. 1, 2012 game against CU.
December 1, 2012: Cowboys basketball knocks off ranked opponent
Expectations were not all that high for the Cowboys coming into the season. But the team rattled off six-straight wins to start the season, and was looking to make it seven against the then 19th ranked Colorado Buffaloes.
The underdogs came through on the night, as UW gave CU its first loss of the season by a score of 76-69. Senior Leonard Washington scored 22 points and seven rebounds to lead the Cowboys to the upset.
They would carry that momentum all the way until a January 9 home-loss to the Boise State Broncos, and the season started to go downhill from that point. But Cowboys fans will remember that CU game for a while, and the chants of “overrated” that rained down on the Buffalo players that night.
December 30, 2012: Bar fight
A promising season was all but ruined when senior and second-leading scorer Luke Martinez was suspended from the team because of his role in a bar fight that also saw him charged with aggravated assault.
You would have to be living under a rock to not hear about the details of the incident, so I will not go into specifics. What I will say is that the loss of Martinez is just as memorable for the way it affected the Cowboys.
At the time of his suspension, the Pokes were sitting at 14-1, and national ranking was almost a reality. Then Martinez goes out, and with him goes the best three-point and free throw shooter on the roster. Key pieces gone, just like that.
The Cowboys would go on to lose 11 of their remaining 16 regular season games, destroying what could have been the best season in Cowboys basketball for decades.
Photo: Elizabeth Holder
Cowboys Leonard Washington and Luke Martinez watch as Derrious Gilmore attempts a free throw in the game against CU on Dec. 1, 2012.
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