New Campaign Is An Investment Into Wyoming Athletic Programs

In Wyoming, we take pride in being fans of the University of Wyoming's athletic teams, especially the Cowboys football program. Thousands of fans show up in Laramie to root for the Cowboys during the football season, and even if we can't make it to the game in person, watch parties and gameday celebrations happen all over the state.

Over the last few years, the college athletics world has changed quite a bit, especially regarding the amount of money players can receive for being at a particular school. College sports fans have differing opinions on the NIL (Name, Image, Likeness), which gives players the right to earn money from their personal brands.

This new change has come to Wyoming, too. Wyoming is engaging in revenue sharing with athletes in multiple sports to help support the University of Wyoming and the Athletics Department by using their Name, Image, and Likeness to broaden the appeal to other athletes who may be considering Wyoming as the school they choose to continue their education and athletic careers.

UW's new Step Forward Campaign was kicked off last month with a $125,000 donation from Cowboy football coach Jay Sawvel to get the ball rolling on building the fundraising program that will benefit the revenue-sharing efforts. Coach's donation was immediately matched by an anonymous donor, giving the initiative $250,000 toward the $500,000 goal by the end of spring football practice on April 25.

Now, Pokes alumn Frank Crum, former UW offensive lineman and current Denver Bronco, is giving his support to the program in an effort to help give back to the program that built him, and helped launch his NFL career.

Anyone who is a fan of UW athletics, and wants to see the athletic programs continue to shine, with bright talented athletes and top-notch facilities can contribute to the Step Forward Program with a financial donation.