LARAMIE, Wyo. (Oct. 7, 2025) – The University of Wyoming and the Wyoming Mining Association announced Tuesday a partnership that will make the Border War contest against Colorado State a Cowboys and Coal game. UW athletics will honor the State of Wyoming's rich coal mining history both pregame and in-game.
The contest is slated for a 5:30 p.m. kick on October 25. Prior to the contest fans are encouraged to visit the Coal Country Village inside the Pepsi Pregame Zone, as authentic mining tools, helmets and memorabilia will be showcased along with a Meet a Miner meet-and-greet.
Uniformed miners will lead the Cowboys onto the field and during the contest all current and former miners and those associated with the mining industry will be recognized. Also, a premium giveaway for fans will also be featured.
"The partnership with the Wyoming Mining Association is something that is special, as the coal mining industry is such an important part of the culture of Wyoming," UW Director of Athletics
Tom Burman said. "We are honored to celebrate the great men and women of the coal industry and have the opportunity to show how Cowboy Tough is a way of life and not just a saying."
The Wyoming Mining Association and 20 partners played an instrumental role in putting together the Cowboys and Coal contest. Partners include American Coal Council, Black Butte Coal, Black Hills Energy, Buckskin Mining Company, Bridger Coal Company, Core Resources, Dyno Nobel, Eagle Summit Resources, Kemmerer Operations, Liebherr, Komatsu, Mining Association of Wyoming, National Mining Association, Navajo Transitional Energy Company, Nelson Brothers, Peabody, SLS West, Wyoming Machinery, Wyodak Resources, Western Fuels
"The Wyoming Mining Association is proud to partner with the Wyoming Cowboys to recognize and honor the hard-working men and women of our state's vital coal industry," executive director of the Wyoming Mining Association Travis Deti said. "Coal has been there for Wyoming from the beginning, building our state, communities, highways and roads, schools and community colleges, and the University of Wyoming. We are One Wyoming. Go Pokes!"
About The Wyoming Mining Association
Founded in 1956, the Wyoming Mining Association (WMA) is a statewide trade organization that represents and advocates for 34 mining company members producing bentonite, coal, trona (natural soda ash), uranium, and lignite, as well as companies developing gold, copper, lithium, rare earths and critical mineral deposits. WMA also represents over 100 associate member companies, one electricity co-op, and two advanced nuclear power companies. WMA promotes the mining industry by communicating with elected officials, regulators, educators, and the public in a credible way that encourages trust and confidence and earns respect as a reliable and credible source of information on issues pertinent to the industry.
