The University of Wyoming Army ROTC Cowboy Battalion will be participating in a long-standing tradition that contributes to the tradition of the Border War between the Wyoming Cowboys and the CSU (Colorado State University) Rams. Not only will it be the 110th meeting in the series between the two border rivals, but for the 51st consecutive year, the two teams will battle for the Bronze Boot traveling trophy.
The Wyoming Cowboys hold a 26-24 lead in the Bronze Boot portion of the series that began in 1968. The two teams will be playing for the 73rd consecutive season as the series has been played annually without interruption since the 1946 season. The Cowboys have won 41 of the last 72 consecutive meetings, with CSU winning 31 times since 1946. The Rams lead the overall series 58-46-5.
The Bronze Boot, a travelling trophy between the two schools, started in 1968. The boot was worn by Vietnam Veteran and Colorado State alumni, Jeff Romero Sr. The idea of the bronze boot was conceived by Major Vic Fernandez who felt nothing was more appropriate for a border war than a battle tested combat boot. Romero was deployed to Vietnam between 1966 and 1967. Romero had the boot bronzed and mounted on a walnut base and gave the universities the trophy.
The Bronze Boot Trophy will be located on the Wyoming sideline of Canvas stadium during Friday’s game for the winning team to grab as soon as the game ends.
The Cowboy Battalion cadets will be running the game ball and the Battalion guidon all 26 miles to the border along highway 287, where a brief ceremony will take place. The Ram Battalion cadets will then take the game ball and their Battalion guidon and run them to the CSU campus.
The ceremony will take place at 12:00 noon on Thursday, October 25, 2018, the day before the historic Border War Football Game. The head coaches, cheerleaders, mascots, and battalions from each school will be present.
The Cowboy Battalion is run by Professor of Military Science, LTC Thomas Haas. The Ram Battalion is run by LTC Troy Thomas.
Despite the bitter rivalry between these two teams, there are great traditions carried out that show great sportsmanship and courtesy. Wyoming fans and CSU fans all know that getting along isn’t possible especially on game day, but with symbolic ceremony and good sportsmanship, all the bitterness seems to go away.
The passing of the game ball and guidon is a very special moment that is beyond wins or losses, and win-streaks or records. This represents respect and honor between the young men in our military that shows we are united in sport and patriotism. What a great way to start off such a historic event.
