We recently completed a successful 2008-09 academic year and are working hard to prepare for 2009-10. Rather than answer specific email questions, I thought I would provide an update to our great fans on broad topics that are sent to me via email or asked of me while traveling. I will try to limit these topics to areas that I think are of special importance for UW. Check back periodically for updates...

Budget Reduction

As many of you have heard through multiple media sources, the University has been requested by the Governor to reduce our budgets by 10 percent. This creates great challenges for the entire campus and intercollegiate athletics. The Athletics department has developed a plan to reduce our budget by $600,000 in Fiscal Year 2010 and an additional $550,000 for Fiscal Year 2011. As you can imagine, reducing our budget by nearly $1.2 million over two years is very difficult. Challenging decisions have already been made and many more will occur next year. We have reduced our operational budgets, as well as reduced our work force slightly. We will do more with less and will not make excuses.

Fan Support

During difficult economic times, the support of our fans and alumni is even more important for our future. We cannot sustain a quality intercollegiate athletics program without increasing our revenues from annual contributions (Cowboy Joe Club), ticket sales and corporate sponsorships. Staying status quo is not an option. I am extremely optimistic about the future of this great university, because I believe Wyoming people are best when faced with challenges. We are loyal to our communities, state and university.

Football Ticket Sales

As I am traveling around Wyoming for fundraising events, I get numerous opportunities to talk with people from Hulett to Green River and everywhere in between. The spirit and enthusiasm about Cowboy football is excellent and that is evident by our ticket sales. As of June 9, 2009, we have sold nearly 7,200 season tickets. That is an amazing feat considering just three years back we sold less than 6,500. We will surpass all season-ticket sales records ever recorded at UW prior to the start of the 2009 kickoff.

The State of Wyoming

The summer season in Wyoming is special (even if it takes forever to arrive) and as I travel around this great state attending golf tournaments and Cowboy Joe Club events it reminds me why I love Wyoming. This is a place about people and landscape!

Fall Schedules

The beginning of the fall schedule will be here before we know it, and I am genuinely excited about our programs and where they are heading. I am confident you will see an exciting brand of football, volleyball, soccer and cross country this fall. Take a minute to go online and review the schedules for all our fall sports and try to come to Laramie and catch more than just Cowboy Football. Remember to mark your calendars for November 13-14 as War Memorial Stadium will be hosting all five Wyoming High School State Football Championships. The weekend will also include the annual Cowboy Open Wrestling Tournament as well as a Cowboy Basketball game on Saturday night and a Cowgirl Basketball game on Sunday - wow will we be busy!