There will be 65 Cowboy and Cowgirl student-athletes graduating from the University of Wyoming on Saturday.
That's an impressive number.
Look inside that number and the real "wow" hits home. What these young men and women are all about is what makes one proud to have been associated with them; to have cheered them on; to have watched them improve; to have watched them succeed.
This is graduation weekend, that time when all the emotions of college life culminate into a whole new set of emotions about what the future holds.
This year's graduating class shares the uniqueness of the times. It will probably be remembered most for what it wasn't allowed to do because of the pandemic.
Unfortunately these graduates won't be able to experience all of the excitement this weekend historically brings. . .the Cowboy Joe Stole Ceremony, putting on the cap and gown; walking across the stage in front of their classmates, friends and family, and receiving their diploma. This weekend is the validation and culmination of hard work, sacrifice and memories that will last a lifetime.
But the pandemic has taken away their weekend of celebration, and, for many, their final season of competition in the sport they love. They had to finish their careers in front of a computer screen rather than a classroom, learning the best they could. Their graduation will be virtual as well.
But COVID-19 cannot take away the sense of pride in the accomplishment.
These young people are truly remarkable. We see them compete and are amazed at their athletic gifts. But we rarely have a chance to see them utilize their academic gifts.
Be amazed Wyoming at what your Cowboys and Cowgirls are all about away from the court, the field, the pool.
This senior class is graduating in 28 different majors, disciplines like Physiology, Civil Engineering, Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Anthropology, Agricultural Business, Chemistry, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Chemical Engineering, Nursing, Mechanical Engineering, American Indian Studies, Criminal Justice, Elementary and Secondary Education, Sociology, Finance, Economics and Kinesiology to name a few.
These graduates have a combined grade-point-average (GPA) of 3.42! Three of these seniors are graduating with a perfect 4.0 GPA. Three are leaving their school with a 3.9 GPA, four with a 3.8, and 23 with a 3.5 or better.
Folks, these young men and women are STUDENTS, then athletes!
"It always makes me think how elite our student-athletes are," says Al Riser UW's Assistant Athletics Director for Academics who is one of seven individuals in the Office of Academic Support charged with guiding these young people to their goals. "They are good at everything they do, not just one thing."
Obviously this has been an unusual time presenting even more challenges to students than what most college seniors have had to experience.
"Not only were students taking classes remotely, we had some students on face-time and zoom sessions with tutors," Riser says. "It is a testament to their dedication. Not only were they asked to learn new information, but to learn it in a new way often in a non-focused environment. The principles of dedication and work ethic that they learned through their sport are the things that have gotten them through these tough times.
"I'm proud of each graduating class, but I'm especially proud of this one because of these challenges," Riser continues. "A lot of these students had senior lab classes. All of a sudden they had to go home and instead of participating in their labs, they had to watch someone else do the lab on a screen. That had to be extremely difficult.
"Wyoming prides itself in being tough, gritty," Riser continues. "These student-athletes learned that as well. It's a work ethic that doesn't stop when they leave the playing field, court or pool."
Riser's talented and dedicated staff offers the day-to-day academic support. Those who need it, are assigned tutors. His group helps the student-athletes plan their academic week. They monitor study halls. In short, they ensure that these student-athletes are traveling on the right path.
"Our primary function involves two main goals," Riser says, "make sure everyone graduates, and make sure they do so under NCAA rules. We help students plan for now, but also help them make plans for their long-term future. We want to make sure that every student-athlete has the opportunity to receive the best possible degree. This athletics department has dedicated a great deal of resources for this to happen. That gives Wyoming a heck of a recruiting advantage.
"Student-athletes are underappreciated for their academics," Riser says. "They are incredibly talented in their sport, while being among the very best students on the campus. They represent UW exceptionally well in everything they do. They will be excellent alums."
Cowboy linebacker Cassh Maluia has been one of those outstanding representatives of the school, and will be an appreciative alum. A native of Compton, Calif., he, of course, was selected by the New England Patriots during the most recent NFL draft.
"He is one of this year's most impressive graduates," says Riser. "When he first got here, Cash wasn't the best student. But with each semester he improved in the classroom, just like he did on the field. This spring, in his final semester, Cash earned straight A's, and most importantly, he's graduating from UW! Not only is he a New England Patriot, he's a UW graduate. What a great story, and a marvelous accomplishment."
As I alluded to earlier, another special aspect of graduating as a Cowboy or Cowgirl is the "Stole Ceremony" which is sponsored by the "W" Club through the auspices of the Cowboy Joe Club. After each winter and spring semester is completed, the graduating seniors are honored at a reception, prior to graduation. During the event, they are presented with a stole that they may wear during graduation identifying them as student-athletes. It's a big deal and has become very popular among the graduates. While the pandemic also robbed this class of that ceremony, the Cowboy Joe Club did the next best thing. It sent each senior a stole (note photos). Along with the stole the graduates received a complimentary one-year Cowboy Joe Club membership complete with benefits.
"We want to celebrate the graduates for their athletic and academic achievements," says Samie Freeman, Cowboy Joe Club Director of Development/Donor Relations. "The stole and membership have been a big part of the graduation experience while the reception has grown every year. Last May there were over 300 people at the reception including family and teammates. While they don't have the opportunity to experience that this year, the 2020 class members all received their stoles in the mail, and are wearing them at their homes on graduation day.
"We're hoping that as part of the 'W' Club weekend during Homecoming this fall we can honor as many members of the class as we can. We need to recognize this exceptional group."
It's an exceptional class alright. It's so exciting to think what these young people will accomplish in the future. We wish each and every one of them the very best. These Cowboys and Cowgirls have made us very proud.
