The football rivalry between Colorado State University and Wyoming dates back to 1899 when CSU was called Colorado Agricultural. CSU leads the series 59-49-5 in what is commonly known as The Border War.
In 1968, upon returning from duty in the Vietnam War, Army Captain and Military Science Professor Daniel J. Romero donated the boot he wore in combat to CSU. That boot became the Bronze Boot trophy that is awarded to the winning team after each year’s contest. It honors soldiers who have sacrificed their lives serving their country.
Every year the visiting team’s ROTC detachment runs a relay via U.S. Highway 287 with the coveted trophy to the border between Colorado and Wyoming. After a ceremony paying homage to the fallen, an exchange is made to the opposing team’s ROTC and it is run the rest of the way into the home team’s stadium. This year’s transporting of the Bronze Boot happened to be on Veterans Day and was especially meaningful.
With a 2-7 record, it has been a challenging year for the CSU Rams. They showed signs of life last week behind a solid offensive output in a 28-16 loss against San Jose State. The Rams were predicted to lose by 23 1/2 points. The Wyoming Cowboys, on the other hand, have a strong running attack this season and were in second place in the Mountain West Conference vying for the title. They entered the game 8 1/2 point favorites.
The day after the running of the Bronze Boot, on Saturday, November 12, the rivalry resumed. The newly restored trophy sat gleaming on the sidelines guarded by cadets of last year’s winner (Wyoming). Heard before they were seen, two Army helicopters flew low over Canvas Stadium heralding the start of the game.
After going 3-and-out, the Cowboys punted. Receiving the ball at his own 28-yard line, wide receiver and return man extraordinaire Tory Horton weaved down the field for a CSU touchdown. In the second quarter Rams kicker Michael Boyle added a 40-yard field goal, taking the score to 10-0 in favor of the Rams. Another scoring opportunity slipped away on a CSU drive that was intercepted at the goal line. Wyoming capped a drive of their own with a 14-yard rushing touchdown to end the half. Score: CSU 10, Wyoming 7.
Defense dominated the third quarter with neither team scoring. In the fourth, the Rams made a 23-yard field goal to go up 13-7. A muffed punt was recovered by Wyoming at CSU’s 17-yard line. Following an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty against the Cowboys, they stuck paydirt with a 32-yard pass play and extra point. The Rams’ best chance at retaking the lead came at 4:48 remaining in the contest when they missed a 37-yard field goal attempt. Final score: CSU 13, Wyoming 14.
Rushing the table on the sidelines where the Bronze Boot was sitting, Jubilant Wyoming players seized control of the trophy, held it high in the air, and ran it toward the end zone where most of the Cowboys fans were seated. Everyone, including many fans, got a hand on it and players posed for pictures.
For one more year the Bronze Boot trophy will remain in Laramie, Wyoming. The Rams intend on bringing it back home when they play there next year.
