LARAMIE, Wyo. (9/27/22) – University of Wyoming swimming & diving head coach Dave Denniston knows what it takes to capture a Western Athletic Conference championship. His Cowboys accomplished that impressive feat during the 2017-18 season.

Denniston believes the 2022-23 squad has the composition to reach similar heights.

"Our team is looking the strongest it has been since I've been here," Denniston said. "The expectation these guys have set for themselves is to bring home another conference championship. Every year is different across the board. Teams are getting more speed and depth across our conference, but we are matching everybody toe to toe this year."

And while a conference crown is on the mind of the Cowboys, that remains six months away. In the meantime, they have set benchmarks they'd like to reach.

"Big milestones they're setting up are beating Air Force for the first time in four years and being in a position to beat UNLV – that's always a big feather in our cap," Denniston said. "The cohesiveness and the culture of the team is beaming with success, and it's a lot of fun."

The Cowboys boasted a dozen All-WAC recipients that compiled 21 All-WAC performances in 2021-22. Of those, Wyoming returns seven student-athletes and 11 All-WAC marks.

Those seven include seniors David Mihalic, Payton Lee, Andrew Rodriguez and Grant Sloan, juniors Harry Tjaden and Luke Walker and sophomore Gavin Smith. The septet finished in the top-eight in the WAC in nine different swimming events and two of the three diving competitions.

That grouping's output played a large role in the Cowboys finishing third at the WAC championships. If the Pokes are to improve on that, it will likely involve one area.

"We have a ton of talent, and when you really look at it, it comes down to every swimmer's third event," Denniston said. "When you look at people scoring, it's not just top eight in two events but in three events. That's the difference maker, and I think we have guys that are capable of doing that."

But as stated, the championships are still quite far down the road. So, in the meantime, Denniston and his coaching staff will enjoy the work being put in for the men to be in position to chase a WAC title. 

"There's just a lot of energy, comradery and focus among the men's team," Denniston said. "It has been a lot of fun, and we're excited to see what they'll do."

The 2022-23 season begins this week. The Cowboys will take part in the annual Brown and Gold Meet on Saturday , which includes a Brown, Gold & Old Meet on Friday at 5 p.m. at Corbett Pool.