Tradition is the foundation of college athletics. At Wyoming, we embrace and cherish ours like any other institution.
This Saturday in the Arena-Auditorium, we will experience one of those traditions that has become a cherished piece of the Cowgirl basketball tapestry. For years, the Cowgirls have set aside one game as a special testimony to cancer victims. It is a day to recognize those who have passed because of it, those who are currently fighting it, and those who have won the battle.
It's been called by various names through the years, but its focus is always on the hated disease.
This year's "Bounce Cancer" game is set for Saturday when the Cowgirls host New Mexico at 2 p.m. at the Arena-Auditorium. The fund-raising walk, which precedes the game, will begin at noon.
You may register on-line at gowyo.com/bounce cancer, or you may sign up at the Grand Entrance of the Double A, near the Kenny Sailors statue. The walk will begin at high noon.
Prior to the walk itself, Cowgirl Head Coach Gerald Mattinson will speak to the group. Gerald is in his first year as head coach, but was an assistant here for 16 seasons. He understands the importance of the "Bounce Cancer" initiative, and is proud to have his Cowgirl program continue the tradition.
The registration fee for the walk is $25, and all proceeds will be directed to the Meredith and Jeannie Ray Cancer Center, which is the cancer wing of Laramie's Ivinson Memorial Hospital. As a bonus for taking part, each walker will receive a t-shirt commemorating the day as well as a free ticket to the game.
Those who are unable to participate in the walk, but are going to the game, may still take part in supporting the Cowgirls' effort by donating at various locations set up around the concourse. For your donation you will receive the commemorative t-shirt.
At halftime of the game, Gerald will present a check from the fund-raiser to cancer center medical staff members.
This day is so much more than a basketball game. It is the Cowgirls' way of saying how much they care. As a matter of fact, the team, along with the Wyoming Spirit Squad, spent time at the cancer center recently to visit with patients and tour the facility.
The Cowgirls are playing well at home, and enter the New Mexico game with a 7-5 league mark.
Along with the Cowgirls' special day, the Wyoming wrestling team hosts an event five hours later that is quickly becoming a tradition. . .playing a big-time opponent in the Arena-Auditorium, rather than in their accustomed UniWyo venue.
This year's Double A event will feature a Big 12 matchup with Oklahoma State, one of the premier wrestling programs in the country. The match is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.
The UW ticket office has a special "combo" price for the two events of $20. For the wrestling match only, tickets are priced at $15.
"This is the highlight of our home season," says Branch. We really want to get a huge crowd in the Double A. It's important to our program, and to our team to have our fans support us for events like this. Oklahoma State is wrestling exceptionally well of late, so we're going to have to wrestle our very best." OSU is ranked 11th in the country.
Oklahoma State will be the second of two home duals for the Pokes this week. Thursday they host Fresno State in another Big 12 shootout. Both the Cowboys and Bulldogs entered Thursday 3-1 in conference dual action.
"We're excited to be home for two straight duals and to showcase our team to our fans," Branch says.
The first 1,000 fans for the wrestling match will receive a t-shirt the same color as the Cowboys' singlets.
There also will be a food give-away for UW students at the wrestling match, courtesy of Chick-fil-A.
The Cowboys' Montorie Bridges is ranked 8th in the country at 133 pounds. He has three top-25 victories to his credit thus far.
Wyoming has won three straight duals heading into this weekend.
Saturday should be a special day indeed. I think it will be well worth your time to be a part of both. You'll be helping a great cause while seeing two exceptional events.
