The Wyo 100 — Wyoming’s top 100 high school football players of the past 100 years

by ⋅ 2 Comments

As part of the fun extra material I put together for “A Century of Fridays,” the book I put out last winter about Wyoming high school football, I chose the “Wyo 100.”

The book and the “Wyo 100” were released to roughly coincide with the 100th birthday of Wyoming high school football. The 1921 season represented the first real statewide effort at having football statewide. Wyoming went from seven high school football programs in 1920 to 18 in 1921. By the end of the 1920s, the number was in the mid-30s. With 100 years of play behind us heading into 2021, now seemed like a perfect time to tackle a project like this.

This list contains the top 100 Wyoming high school football players of the past 100 years. The list was formed with the help of fans across the state, who made their nominations to the wyoming-football.com Facebook page, to @wyomingfootball on Twitter and to the blog here on wyoming-football.com.

Nearly 200 players were informally nominated via social media and blog comments. However, the list contains both players who were and who were not officially nominated by readers.

The list represents a variety of schools, positions and eras. The list originally ran in “A Century of Fridays” upon its release in January.

Years listed below are the player’s final calendar year of play, not their graduation year. The table below is sortable on each column and searchable.

Wyo 100

PlayerSchoolFinal seasonNotes
Jack AstleCheyenne Central1923Two-way tackle was Wyoming's first three-time all-state selection.
Ralph CottrellWorland1925Diverse threat on both sides later became head coach at his alma mater.
Buster LongBuffalo1925A halfback for the Bison, Long later started at quarterback at Nebraska.
Vince SmithCheyenne Central1925Outstanding lineman was a three-time all-state player for the Indians.
Carl DirWorland1928Speedy back led Warriors to two state titles; later coached in the state.
Taft HarrisNatrona1928Two-time all-state end later became a part of the basketball team at UW.
Verle HarlowNatrona1929Tackle was Natrona's only three-time all-state selection of the 20th century.
Lee KizzireGreybull1932Played both fullback and linebacker at UW before joining the Detroit Lions; killed during WWII.
Pete SedarNatrona1934Twice all-state, the guard found success playing with St. Mary's in California.
Johnny WinterhollerLovell1934Bulldogs' all-around star made it big at UW; championed wheelchair sports after WWII.
Lucien MonciniSheridan1935Running back helped Sheridan to a title as a junior; starred in some lean years at UW.
Walter CookNatrona1937RB led Natrona to state title as a senior; was a contributor at Purdue as both an RB and DB.
Fred MarbleCheyenne Central1939One of only a handful of two-time all-staters in the 1930s; helped found KOA Kampgrounds.
Vic NiethammerNatrona1939Twice all-state and state champion; had a short college career due to WWII but played at Notre Dame.
Fred TaucherRock Springs1942A two-time all-state lineman, he became an all-conference center at UW.
Bob WildermuthRock Springs1942Guard was state player of the year as a senior; died of drowning at age 19.
Babe NomuraHeart Mountain1943Internment camp resident later became a valuable player at San Jose State.
Keith BloomPowell1944Was one of the last three-sport lettermen at UW; had a long career as a coach and AD.
Dick CampbellSheridan1944A QB in high school, he was captain of UW's undefeated 1950 Gator Bowl team as HB/DB.
Bill RoneyPowell1944A two-time all-stater, he was all-conference and team MVP at Montana State on the DL.
Ray HobbsSheridan1946Played FB at Washington State; later became a successful coach in Washington.
Dewey McConnellLaramie1947End blossomed into an all-America choice at UW; drafted by the LA Rams and played for Pittsburgh.
George BozanicLander1948After leading the Tigers to a state title, he played admirably for Southern Cal.
Jerry CampbellRawlins1950Two-time all-state running back (and 1950 POY) was a coach and AD in Buffalo for decades.
Jim CrawfordGreybull1952Led the NCAA in rushing in 1956 for UW; Greybull's field is named for him.
Homer ScottSheridan1952Broncs' backfield star, injured in college, became a business behemoth in Sheridan.
Larry ZowadaSheridan1953Helped Broncs win back-to-back state titles; became an all-conference QB for UW.
Howard CookWorland1954RB was an all-American as a senior; played for Colorado in college.
Boyd DowlerCheyenne Central1954Had a long NFL career, and won two Super Bowls, as a WR with the Packers after college at Colorado.
Jerry HillLingle1956Running back starred for UW and played for 10 years with the Colts.
Bud SpicerDouglas1957Bearcats star later played at UW and saw some time with the San Diego Chargers, BC Lions.
Mack BallsStar Valley1959Became a team captain and all-WAC end while playing at UW.
Tom WilkinsonGreybull1960Parlayed success at Wyoming into a long and illustrious career as a QB in the CFL.
Mel OlsonStar Valley1962A fullback in high school, he went on to be an all-WAC center for BYU.
Jim HouseLaramie1964An all-state halfback, House became a star linebacker and later a coach at UW.
Lew RoneyLaramie19651965 player of the year is regarded as one of the state's top all-around athletes; played end at Yale.
Dennis HavigPowell1966After CU, played six years as an offensive lineman in the NFL; made the 1972 all-rookie team.
Nick BeboutShoshoni1967Really took off at UW on the offensive line; spent eight years with three NFL teams.
Frosty FranklinPowell1967Running back helped Powell win two titles, became a record-setter while at Wyoming.
Jerry GadlinCheyenne Central1967Twice all-state at QB and state POY in 1967, Gadlin moved to wideout at UW.
Steve CockrehamLusk1968Tigers' do-it-all QB later led the wishbone attack and was a team captain at UW.
Keith NateCokeville1969Earned all-America honors as a senior; helped Panthers to an unbeaten season.
Don WestbrookCheyenne Central1969Halfback at Central converted to wide receiver; played at Nebraska and five seasons in NFL.
John KormyloThermopolis1971Wyoming's only ever Parade all-America selection played OL at both Colorado and BYU.
Gerry GeldienKelly Walsh1972Running back/defensive back started at SS at Arizona State as a freshman.
Kelly SittnerTorrington1972Two-time all-stater worked his way into the starting offensive line at UW.
Dirk BushRiverton1974Star running back played at Nebraska, but injury limited college career.
Steve DoverKemmerer1974Wyoming's first 2,000-yard back played for high-powered Notre Dame in college.
Mike McLeodCheyenne East1974Played DB for Montana State; won three Grey Cups in CFL and played two seasons with the Packers.
Chuck WilsonNatrona1974Twice all-state, he started at linebacker at Wyoming despite several injuries.
Jesse JohnsonCheyenne East1975Highly recruited out of East as a RB/DB, he played DB at Colorado and in four seasons with the Jets.
Jim EliopulosCheyenne Central1976A lineman at Central, he walked on at UW, became an all-WAC linebacker, and played in the NFL.
Mike MeesCody1977Recruited to play QB at BYU after stellar HS career, he became the Cougars’ punter.
Gil WintersPinedale1977Two-time all-stater worked his way into the starting lineup as a linebacker at UW.
Don BrackenThermopolis1979All-state DE found his calling as a punter at Michigan and in the NFL.
Allyn GriffinKelly Walsh1980WR helped lead KW to two titles; a big part of the passing game at UW; drafted by Detroit.
Steve HarshmanMidwest1980Helped Oilers win 17 consecutive games; a four-year starter, team captain at C at Black Hills St.
Bruce MowryKemmerer1980Two-time all-stater for the Rangers became a captain at UW while playing linebacker.
Rock MirichMoorcroft1982Dominant senior season as QB/LB earned him a spot at UW; started at LB for the Cowboys.
John McDougallCody1985QB was a three-time all-state choice for the Broncs.
Ty MumaTorrington1986Made big plays from the QB spot; grew into a solid DB at Wyoming before a knee injury.
Mike RooksJackson1986Three-time all-state, Gatorade POY RB/LB led Jackson to championship.
Terry JacksonKelly Walsh1987KW's first two-time all-state pick was the state's player of the year as a senior.
John GodinaCheyenne Central1989Olympian in throws (silver and bronze medalist in shot put) was a star lineman in high school.
Troy DumasCheyenne East1990Running back at East developed into an NFL-caliber LB at Nebraska.
Blaine PhillipsSheridan1991Quarterbacked the Broncs to back-to-back state titles; Milward Simpson Award winner.
Kyle SmithTorrington1991Started for Colorado's offensive line and led the way for a Heisman winner.
Je'Ney JacksonGuernsey-Sunrise1992Vikings' Mr. Everything was a return dynamo and DB while at UW.
Jim TalichPine Bluffs1992Twice an all-state selection, he grew into an all-conference linebacker at UW.
Lee VaughnCheyenne East1992Thunderbirds' DB/KR excelled at UW in similar roles.
Kevin HomerNatrona1993One of the best LBs in Chadron St. history; played in NFL Europe.
Ben PhillipsSheridan1993Two-time 4A Back of the Year quarterbacked Broncs to back-to-back titles; drafted by the Yankees.
Jason SandersonStar Valley1993Defensive back and punt returner started for three years at Air Force.
Mike FackrellEvanston1994Two-time Super 25 RB is part of the Chadron St. athletics hall of fame despite injury.
Corte McGuffeyRiverton1994QB helped lead Northern Colorado to two Division II national titles.
Brett KeiselGreybull1996DL played for a decade with the Steelers; Super Bowl champion.
Brady PoppingaEvanston1997Linebacker enjoyed a long NFL career after playing at BYU.
Casey BramletWheatland1998Was a star QB and longtime starter at UW; still has several Cowboy records.
Ryan McGuffeyRiverton1998WR led Riverton to two state titles and later broke out at UW.
John ChickGillette2000Starred in the CFL for years and also had a stint with the Jaguars.
Casey FosherLusk2000The only three-time Super 25 selection walked on at Nebraska, played at Chadron St.
Scott MuirRawlins2000Simpson Award winner, two-time all-stater led Rawlins to undefeated season as a senior.
Mike VomhofGillette2000Unanimous 4A back of the year for unbeaten Camels, he played at CSU before injury slowed him.
Clint OldenburgGillette2001A tight end in high school, he started on the OL at CSU and played briefly in the NFL.
John WendlingRock Springs2001Defensive back was a star at UW and played for Buffalo and Detroit in the NFL.
Erick PauleyGreen River2004Two-time Super 25 OL/DL was the last lineman to win Gatorade POY honors.
Chris ProsinskiBuffalo2005Bison star went from safety at UW to a seven-year NFL career.
Tom EarlNatrona2008Mustangs' featured back had numerous big-yardage games; opted for basketball in college.
Austin WoodwardSheridan2009Broncs' do-everything quarterback was a handful under center; won Milward Simpson Award.
Jordan RobertsGillette/Sheridan2011Holds the state 11-man record for rushing yards in a season (2,688).
Taven BryanNatrona2013DL left Florida early to enter NFL; was a first-round draft pick of Jacksonville.
Austin FortGillette2013Converted from QB in high school to TE in college; on the roster for Denver despite injury.
Tevis BartlettCheyenne East2014Dual threat quarterback/linebacker was a starter at Washington.
Logan WilsonNatrona2014LB blossomed at UW and became a third-round draft pick of Cincinnati in 2020.
Theo DawsonJackson2015Had 2,283 rushing yards as a senior; has been on the roster for both UW and BYU.
Logan HarrisTorrington2016Offensive lineman (and shot putting dynamo) went on to start at UW.
Garrett CoonSheridan2019Sheridan's only three-time all-state selection was also the Gatorade POY.
Jeydon CoxJackson2019RB rewrote the record books as Wyoming’s only two-time 2,000-yard season rusher.
Graedyn BuellCheyenne East2020QB overcame injury as a sophomore to have two high-yardage passing seasons.
Andrew JohnsonCheyenne Central2020First Wyoming WR to break 1,000 yard barrier in two seasons in a high school career.

‘A Century of Fridays: Wyoming High School Football, 1894-2020’ is now available for purchase!

by ⋅ Leave a Comment

“A Century of Fridays,” the definitive book on Wyoming high school football covering from 1894 to 2020, is now available for purchase from the publisher’s website.

Between 1894 and 2020, 103 Wyoming high school football programs have played more than 25,000 football games. The results of those games are all recorded in “A Century of Fridays,” together.

Follow along as we track the evolution of high school football, decade by decade, as it evolved from a confusing novelty to a staple of autumn Fridays in communities statewide.

This book also includes:

  • All-state teams dating back to 1920
  • Single-game and single-season individual records
  • Shrine Bowl history
  • Series records
  • Annual standings
  • Stadiums
  • Postseason records
  • Coaches for every school and season
  • Coaching records
  • And more!

It’s 589 pages, so you’re definitely getting your money’s worth. If you like what you see at wyoming-football.com and want to support what I do, purchasing “A Century of Fridays: Wyoming High School Football, 1894-2020” is a great way to do just that. All profit goes back into the site to make it better, deeper and more thorough.

–patrick

Sign up for a release day alert for “A Century of Fridays”

by ⋅ 2 Comments
Cover for the book "A Century of Fridays: Wyoming High School Football, 1894-2020," which will be out soon!
“A Century of Fridays: Wyoming High School Football, 1894-2020,” will be out soon!

“A Century of Fridays: Wyoming High School Football, 1894-2020,” my book all about the history of Wyoming football from its inception to today, will be out soon.

The book is in the final stages of proofing. I hope to have it out in the next few weeks.

If you want to be the first to know when the book is ready for purchase, share your email address with me and I’ll give you a heads up before anyone else. The people on the list will have an exclusive window of opportunity to buy the book (potentially at a lower price) than anyone else. Your email address won’t be sold or shared with anyone else.

Be the first to know — all it takes is a few seconds. You can sign up by clicking here.

Thanks for supporting this adventure.

–patrick

‘A Century of Fridays’ photo contest

by ⋅ Leave a Comment

An updated version of my 2011 book, “A Century of Fridays,” will be complete in the next month.

And I’m looking for a cover photo.

In case you missed it, after the 2011 season, I wrote and published the book “A Century of Fridays,” chronicling high school football in Wyoming from 1894 to the end of the 2011 season. It looked like this:

I’ve since decided to overhaul and update the book, which is now almost 10 years old. The second edition’s release also falls in line with the 100th anniversary of what I regard as Wyoming’s first full statewide high school football season, 1921.

While I love the photo on the cover of the first edition (my wife Charlynn took the photo at a game we attended together in Big Horn), it’s time for something new. However, since I no longer live in Wyoming, I need some help.

That’s where you come in.

I’m looking for a new cover photo for the second edition, and I’d like you, dear reader, to submit one for consideration.

Photos should be emailed to me directly at pschmiedt@yahoo.com with the subject line “A Century of Fridays.” You must be the creator of any photos you submit — if somebody else took the photo, you shouldn’t submit it. The deadline for submissions is the end of the day Tuesday, Nov. 17.

I’m looking for a clean, sharp action photo without a distracting background. Don’t submit posed photos, portraits, Photoshop projects or photos with excessive blur or fuzziness.

I also have room inside for 4-5 more photos, so entries that don’t make the cover could be placed inside the book, as well.

Email me at pschmiedt@yahoo.com with any questions, and THANK YOU in advance for your submissions!

Also, keep an eye on this space for details about ordering the new edition of the book. Christmas is just around the corner, and I hope to have the book done in time for that.

–patrick

Future plans for wyoming-football.com

by ⋅ 4 Comments

Lately, I’ve been wondering if, now that I’ve moved out of Wyoming, I should keep this blog going.

Every week for the past seven years — four at the Casper Star-Tribune, three here — I’ve picked winners and losers of every varsity game in the state. I’ve always attempted to keep it lighthearted. This was supposed to be fun. After all, everything I’ve compiled here is simply a record of children playing games. That’s all.

The real truth is much more complicated than that.

High school football is community identity and community overemphasis. It’s discipline and creativity. It’s hero worship and hero destruction. It’s glue and divisiveness. It’s pride and shame. It’s growing up and staying young. It’s over-masculine and emasculating.

It’s never as simple as we think it is. That’s why I’ve tried so hard here to expose bits and pieces of the history of Wyoming high school football. This game in many ways exposes who we are both as individual communities and as a state: what we value, what we despise, what we celebrate, what we ignore and what we reject.

In many ways, the blog has been a blessing. I’ve met some fantastic people and had fantastic conversations that I would not have otherwise had. My love for this sport and this state has been reciprocated tenfold.

But I think it would be foolhardy to think I could serve the players, coaches and fans in Wyoming as well as I possibly can from my current geographic location. There is only so much I can do from Fargo, and I know it’s not enough to do everything I’ve tried to do in the past.

So, for now, my plan is this: I’ll still do my picks, albeit in a truncated form, and I’ll still ruminate here on a (mostly) weekly basis throughout the season. But I can’t — and shouldn’t — devote the amount of time I have in the past. I will never completely abandon this site, but it’s unreasonable for me to think I can do what I’ve done with this blog in previous years now that I’m living in North Dakota.

My plan now is to immerse myself a bit in the North Dakota/Minnesota football scene; if you’re curious, you can check out my (hopefully) weekly ruminations here.

Thanks for everything the past seven years, and please keep coming back as I work on the next 70.

++++++

Additionally, if you like what I’ve done the past seven years, please consider showing as much by purchasing my book, A Century of Fridays. Your purchase will help keep the site afloat — and in exchange, you get a book that is worth way more than the purchase price, in terms of time and sacrifice. It’s 596 pages for a reason.

I’ve been giving it up for free for seven years. I don’t think asking for about $30 — in return for seven years, plus your access to an awesome high school football reference that may just have your name in it, or the name of your father, or brother, or son — is too much.

Thanks for considering my little sales pitch….

–patrick

“A Century of Fridays” is now available!

by ⋅ 2 Comments

It’s finally done! “A Century of Fridays: Wyoming High School Football, 1894-2011,” is now available for purchase through the book’s publisher at lulu.com.

At 596 pages, the book is an exhaustive look at high school football in the Equality State. With results of more than 22,000 games, several thousand names of all-state players dating back to 1920, and a look back at the events, people and games that helped shape the game, this book covers everything about the sport in Wyoming.

In addition to the results and listings, the book also provides information about former Wyoming high school players who have reached the NFL; the records of the 100 most victorious coaches in state history; details about deaths that have occurred from players in the state; and records and results from the Shrine Bowl.

The book also includes contributions from numerous coaches, players and media members, who picked out their favorite players, teams and moments from more than a century’s worth of games. Contributors include:

Harold Bailey, head coach, Shoshoni 1975-2001
Bob Bonnar, associate publisher, Newcastle News Letter Journal
Brick Cegelski, head coach, Cheyenne Central 1996-present
Steve Core, KUGR radio, Green River
Kay Fackrell, head coach, Goshen Hole 1974, Lyman 1976-79, Evanston 1980-97
Robert Gagliardi, sports editor, Wyoming Tribune-Eagle
John Gabrielsen, editor, wyopreps.com
Cory Griffith, sports writer, Lusk Herald
Steve Harshman, head coach, Natrona 1991-2011
Jerry Hart, head coach, Green River 1967-68, Star Valley 1969-81
Art Hill, head coach, Glenrock 1952-55, Riverton 1957-58, Natrona 1965-83
Jeremiah Johnke, sports writer, Wyoming Tribune-Eagle
George Kay, former sportscaster, K2 Television
Bill Landen, former sports editor, Casper Star-Tribune
Pat Lynch, head coach, Buffalo 1998-2011
John McDougall, head coach, Dubois 1968-73, Cody 1974-98
Jack Nowlin, sports writer, Casper Star-Tribune
Clint Oldenburg, Gillette Class of 2001; Washington Redskins 2007
Steven Peck, publisher, Riverton Ranger
Lew Roney, 1965 AP state player of the year; head coach, Cheyenne Central 1990-95
Carl Selmer, head coach, Worland 1947-57
Sally Ann Shurmur, former sports writer and current community news editor, Casper Star-Tribune
Ben Smith, head coach, Rocky Mountain 1988-2002
Kent Smith, KYCN/KZEW radio, Wheatland
“Smokey” Mark Stenson, KYDT radio, Sundance/Upton

Order your copy today; I’ve listed it at 10 percent off for a short time.

Thanks again to everyone who made this book possible!

–patrick

Progress on ‘A Century of Fridays’

by ⋅ 4 Comments

I have received several emails in the past couple weeks asking about my new book, “A Century of Fridays,” which covers high school football in Wyoming from the first game in 1894 to the 2011 state championships last November.

The book, unfortunately, will not be available in time for Christmas. You CAN still give the book for Christmas by having your gift receiver proceed to this page; then, when the book comes out, you can hook them up for realsies.

The book is in the final stages of production and should be available in roughly 6-8 weeks. I’m doing everything I can to keep the price as low as possible. Mostly, that means chopping my share of the profits down to basically nothing. I’m trying to keep the actual price of the book as close to the cost of the production as I can.

I have several excuses as to why the book was not ready before now, but they’re all excuses. The bottom line is that the book is still coming out, just about a month or two later than I would have hoped, and if your friends are really good friends they’ll understand why you’re giving them a web page for Christmas and not a book.

–patrick

fridays

A Century of Fridays cover. Book by Patrick Schmiedt.

Championship Humble Pie: A busy week. A busy seven years.

by ⋅ 21 Comments

Want to know what I was up to this weekend? Click here and here and here and here….

The final weekend of the high school football season was highlighted by a pair of blowouts (Snake River over Dubois and Sheridan over Cheyenne East), a pair of hard-fought victories (Lovell over Lyman and Cokeville over Southeast) and what may have been the best high school football game I have ever seen (Powell over Douglas).

First, the blowouts. Dubois and Cheyenne East were both decided underdogs going into their games, and although both teams tried to keep their games close early, their chances slipped away late — East’s under a steady stream of Jordan Roberts’ running, Dubois thanks to Snake River’s slow-down second half.

Second, the hard-fought victories. Lovell built a 21-0 lead and then survived as Lyman came back; the Eagles may have won if high school quarters were 15 minutes long instead of 12. Cokeville produced a solid defensive effort to hold down Southeast and win its second consecutive 1A 11-man championship, beating an undefeated team from the East Conference in Laramie for the second consecutive year.

Finally, the game of the weekend. With a score like 15-14, you would think the excitement of this game was reserved for just a few key moments. Nope. This game was full of exciting, dramatic plays at every step of the way. Douglas out-gained Powell 420-332 and the Bearcats’ Tanner Miller ran for 280 yards, but most of the yards went for naught. Powell stopped Douglas at the 4-yard line on the Bearcats’ first drive, establishing the theme of the game: Douglas also came away without points on drives that ended at Powell’s 22-yard line, Powell’s 31-yard line and Powell’s 1-yard line. In the crunch, Powell always had the upper hand on Douglas. Of course, never was that clearer than with 15 seconds to go, when Douglas, down 15-14 after a touchdown catch by Braidy Parks on fourth down, elected to go for the two-point conversion and the victory. However, Powell’s Olie Olson stepped in front of a Luke Andrews pass on the conversion try to seal the Panthers’ victory in one of the most dramatic finishes to a state championship game.

snowglobe

Snow at War Memorial Stadium, Laramie.

The weekend was capped by — what else? — snow. I made the mistake of trying to drive home Saturday night; not long after I left Laramie for Casper via Cheyenne, Interstate 80 closed on me. I only went in the ditch once (drove off the road because I couldn’t see the road, literally) and it only took me an hour and 40 minutes to get from Laramie to Cheyenne (and then another almost four hours from Cheyenne to Casper while fighting the wind), but I arrived home safe. Frazzled, but safe. Quite an end to the season….

And, maybe, quite an end to what I do here. I recently accepted a position teaching journalism at North Dakota State University in Fargo, and my wife and I will move up to that area in December. What I will do with the blog and the rest of the site remains uncertain. What is certain is that my book on Wyoming high school football — now officially titled “A Century of Fridays: Wyoming High School Football, 1894-2011” — will be available for purchase here as soon as it is completed. Hopefully that’s soon.

fridays

A Century of Fridays cover. Book by Patrick Schmiedt.

Thanks to everyone who has embraced what I have done the past seven years. An even bigger thanks to those who have shared what I’ve been doing with others. And a big rochambeau kick to those who have used the information I have provided on this site without crediting me (I know who you are).

This week: 5-0 (100 percent). This season: 254-50 (84 percent — my new best one-season mark!). Seven-year total: 1,596-448 (78 percent)

–patrick

Word is getting around… I’m writing a book

by ⋅ 2 Comments

I recently conducted an interview with K2 Radio on the upcoming release of my book. The book, still untitled, will be more reference than narrative, but will string together pieces of storytelling as i try to dissect how we as a state reached the point where high school football is at today.

Click here to see the story, and check this blog for more updates on the book, including its release (hopefully soon after the completion of the 2011 season).

–patrick

Mythical champions poll standings

by ⋅ 13 Comments

After some time, scores of championship games take on a life of their own.

The score gives us a definitive marking of which team is superior — and by what sort of margin.

Of course, from 1962-68 for every classification and from 1969-74 in the smaller school divisions, we didn’t have championship games in Wyoming. Instead, we had polls decide champions. Those are just as definitive, but much less legendary — most are forgotten.

That’s why I’m posting these today. These are the final statewide polls for the championship “dead era” from 1962-74. Most are UPI or AP polls, although I have also included the Casper Star-Tribune’s final polls when they have conducted them as well, for added reference.

Take a look and take a trip back to remember some of the state’s most anonymous champions.

1974 UPI polls
Class AA
1. Cheyenne East, 9-1, 50 points
2. Rawlins, 9-1, 38 points
3. Natrona, 7-2, 32 points
4. Worland, 7-1, 20 points
5. Riverton, 5-3, 10 points
Class A
1. Torrington, 9-0, 48 points
2. Kemmerer, 8-0, 40 points
3. Lovell, 7-1, 26 points
4. Jackson, 5-4, 10 points
5. Glenrock, 5-3, 8 points
Class B
1. Tongue River, 9-0, 48 points
2. Saratoga, 8-0, 40 points
3. Cokeville, 7-0-1, 18 points
4. Basin, 6-1-1, 10 points
5. Deaver-Frannie, 8-0, 8 points

1974 Casper Star-Tribune polls
Class A
1t. Torrington, 9-0-0, 54 points
1t. Kemmerer, 9-0-0, 54 points
3. Lovell, 7-1-0, 43 points
4. Glenrock, 5-3-0, 35 points
5t. Newcastle, 5-4-0, 33 points
5t. Star Valley, 4-4-0, 33 points
Class B
1t. Saratoga, 8-0-0, 61 points
1t. Tongue River, 9-0-0, 61 points
3. Cokeville, 9-0-1, 57 points
4. Basin, 7-1-1, 55 points
5. Guernsey-Sunrise, 7-2-0, 49 points
Eight-man
1. Deaver-Frannie, 9-0-0, 39 points
2. Cowley, 8-1-0, 34 points

1973 UPI polls
Class AA
1. Laramie, 9-1, 50 points
2. Riverton, 7-3, 35 points
3. Natrona, 6-3, 22 points
4. Cheyenne East, 6-2-1, 14 points
5. Worland, 6-2-1, 12 points
Class A
1. Green River, 8-1, 56 points
2. Buffalo, 8-1, 46 points
3. Kemmerer, 8-2, 42 points
4. Torrington, 7-2, 16 points
5. Lovell, 6-2, 14 points
Class B-C
1. Tongue River, 9-0, 50 points
2. Byron, 9-0, 46 points
3. Cowley, 9-0, 40 points
4. Pinedale, 7-2, 25 points
5. Upton, 7-1-1, 14 points

1973 Casper Star-Tribune polls
Class A
1t. Buffalo (3), 8-1, 78 points
1t. Green River (3), 8-1, 78 points
3. Kemmerer (1), 8-2, 74 points
4. Torrington, 7-2, 59 points
5. Lovell, 5-2, 58 points
Class B-C
1. Tongue River (4), 9-0, 87 points
2. Cowley (2), 9-0, 85 points
3. Byron (1), 9-0, 84 points
4. Guernsey-Sunrise, 7-2, 70 points
5. Pinedale, 7-2, 68 points

1972 UPI polls
Class A
1. Star Valley (8-1-1)
2. Torrington (8-1)
3. Kemmerer (6-2-1)
4. Buffalo (5-2-2)
5. Thermopolis (5-4)
Class B-C
1. St. Mary’s (10-0)
2. Glenrock (9-0)
3. Tongue River (8-1)
4. Basin (9-0)
5. Cokeville (8-1)

1972 Casper Star-Tribune polls
Class AA
1. Torrington (7-1)
2. Star Valley (8-1-1)
3t. Kemmerer (6-2-1)
3t. Buffalo (5-2-2)
5. Thermopolis (5-4)
6. Green River (7-3)
7t. Wheatland (4-4)
7t. Douglas (4-5)
9. Lovell (3-5)
10. Evanston (2-7)
Class B-C
1. Glenrock (9-0)
2. St. Mary’s (10-0)
3. Tongue River (8-1)
4t. Pinedale (8-1)
4t. Cokeville (8-1)
6. Basin (9-0)
7. Upton (7-2)
8. Cowley (8-1)
9t. Lingle (6-3)
9t. Dubois (7-2)

1971 UPI polls
Class AA-A
1. Natrona, 90 points
2. Laramie, 88 points
3. Rock Springs, 82 points
4. Cheyenne East, 63 points
5. Sheridan
6. Torrington, 43 points (unbeaten)
7. Cheyenne Central, 37 points
8. Star Valley, 27 points
9. Powell, 22 points
10t. Buffalo, 18 points
10t. Riverton, 18 points
Class B-C
1. Glenrock, 90 points (unbeaten)
2. Upton, 78 points (unbeaten)
3. Deaver-Frannie, 72 points (unbeaten)
4. Mountain View, 54 points (unbeaten)
5. Midwest, 51 points
6. Pine Bluffs, 48 points
7. Tongue River, 34 points
8. Byron, 32 points
9. Dubois, 24 points
10. Guernsey-Sunrise, 7 points

1970 UPI polls
Class AA-A (taken before state title game)
1. Cheyenne East, 7-2, 96 points
2. Thermopolis, 9-0, 90 points
3. Natrona County, 7-2, 79 points
4. Buffalo, 8-0, 72 points
5. Star Valley, 8-1, 64 points
6. Laramie, 8-1, 62 points
7. Cheyenne Central, 4-5, 53 points
8. Sheridan, 6-3, 48 points
9. Kelly Walsh, 5-3-1, 38 points
10. Gillette, 6-3, 35 points
Class B
1. Pinedale, 8-0-1, 96 points
2. Byron, 9-0, 93 points
3. Glenrock, 8-1, 85 points
4. Upton, 7-1-1, 73 points
5. Lingle, 7-2, 64 points
6. Mountain View, 7-1-1, 51 points
7. Pine Bluffs, 6-2, 47 points
8. Deaver, 7-1-1, 40 points
9. Moorcroft, 6-3, 38 points
10. Cowley, 5-3-1, 36 points

1969 UPI polls
Class AA-A (taken before state title game)
1. Laramie, 8-0-1, 80 points
2. Worland, 9-0-1, 73 points
3. Torrington, 8-0, 61 points
4. Sheridan, 6-2-1, 53 points
5. Cheyenne East, 6-2-1, 49 points
6. Cheyenne Central, 6-2-1, 42 points
7. Star Valley, 8-1, 41 points
8. Powell, 6-3, 33 points
9. Kelly Walsh, 6-3-1, 31 points
10. Thermopolis, 5-4, 20 points
Class B
1. Cokeville, 8-0, 80 points
2. Lingle, 9-0-1, 73 points
3. Basin, 7-0-1, 64 points
4. Upton, 7-2, 54 points
5. Glenrock, 7-1-1, 52 points
6. Sundance, 8-1, 37 points
7. Pinedale, 5-2-1, 31 points
8. Byron, 7-2, 30 points
9. Pine Bluffs, 8-2, 29 points
10. Glendo, 6-3, 23 points

1968 UPI polls
Class AA-A (taken before state title game)
1. Laramie, 9-1, 36 points
2. Worland, 8-1, 31 points
3. Riverton, 8-1, 30 points
4. Cheyenne Central, 8-1, 23 points
5. Lusk, 6-3, 17 points
6. Powell, 7-1, 14 points
7. Gillette, 9-2, 10 points
8t. Evanston, 7-2, 9 points
8t. Sheridan, 7-3, 9 points
Class B-C
1t. Byron, 9-0, 36 points
1t. Glenrock, 9-0, 36 points
3. Cokeville, 7-1, 34 points
4. Basin, 7-2, 23 points
5. Big Piney 8-1, 20 points
6. Lingle, 8-1, 15 points
7. Sundance, 8-1, 14 points
8t. Goshen Hole, 7-2, 13 points
8t. Burlington, 7-2, 13 points
10. Midwest, 6-2, 8 points

1968 Casper Star-Tribune rankings
Class AA: 1. Laramie; 2. Worland; 3. Riverton; 4. Cheyenne Central; 5. Natrona County.
Class A: 1t. Gillette, Lusk; 3. Evanston; 4. Star Valley; 5. Torrington.
Class B: 1. Glenrock; 2. Sundance; 3t. Goshen Hole, Lingle; 5. Midwest.
Eight-man: 1. Byron; 2. Cokeville; 3. Basin; 4. Burlington; 5t. Big Piney, Pinedale.

1967 UPI polls
Class AA-A
1. Powell (5), 9-0, 68 points
2. Star Valley (3), 10-0, 61 points
3. Cody, 7-2, 53 points
4. Cheyenne Central, 6-4, 42 points
5. Lusk, 8-1, 41 points
6t. Laramie, 7-3, 35 points
6t. Cheyenne East, record unknown, 35 points
8. Natrona County, 6-4, 21 points
9. Sheridan, 6-4, 11 points
10. Gillette, record unknown, 7 points
Class B-C
1. Tongue River (6), 10-0, 60 points
2. Byron, 7-0-1, 47 points
3. Cokeville, 8-0, 42 points
4t. Glenrock, 9-0, 40 points
4t. Basin, 7-2, 40 points
6. Hanna, 8-1, 31 points
7. Mountain View, 7-1, 27 points
8t. Sundance, 6-3, 20 points
8t. Pine Bluffs, 6-3, 20 points
10. Hulett, 5-4, 6 points

1966 UPI polls
Class AA-A
1. Powell, 8-1-1, 94 points
2. Cody, 8-1, 92 points
3. Cheyenne Central, 8-2, 84 points
4. Star Valley, 8-0, 68 points
5. Riverton, 7-1, 56 points
6. Rawlins, 8-2, 54 points
7. Wheatland, 8-1, 36 points
8. Torrington, 7-2, 24 points
9. Kelly Walsh, 6-4, 18 points
10. Worland, 6-3, 10 points
Class B-C
1. Tongue River, 8-1, 98 points
2. Mountain View, 8-0, 88 points
3. Basin, 7-1, 83 points
4. Byron, 7-1, 66 points
5. Glenrock, 8-1, 59 points
6. Big Piney, 5-3, 43 points
7. Cowley, 7-2, 29 points
8. Midwest, 3-4, 18 points
9. Pine Bluffs, 5-4, 16 points
10. Upton, 4-5, 15 points

1965 UPI polls
Class AA-A
1. Cheyenne Central, 9-0-1, 97 points
2. Worland, 9-0, 88 points
3. Laramie, 7-1, 83 points
4. Powell, 8-2, 67 points
5. Star Valley, 8-0-1, 57 points
6. Lander, 5-4, 51 points
7. Cheyenne East, 5-4, 45 points
8. Thermopolis, 5-3-1, 24 points
9. Cody, 4-4-1, 15 points
10t. Riverton, 4-3-2, 10 points
10t. Rock Springs, 4-5, 10 points
Class B
1. Byron, 7-1, 98 points
2. Midwest, 7-1, 84 points
3. Morton, 5-1-1, 73 points
4. Hanna, 51, 70 points
5. Glenrock, 6-2, 54 points
6. Cowley, record unknown, points unknown
7. Mountain View, 6-1, 50 points
8. Saratoga, 52, 24 points
9. Deaver, 6-2, 18 points
10. Tongue River, 7-2, 14 points

1964 UPI poll
Class AA-A (no B-C poll)
1. Laramie, 9-0, 100 points
2. Sheridan, 6-3, 77 points
3. Gillette, 9-0, 75 points
4. Natrona, 8-2, 64 points
5. Evanston, 9-0, 62 points
6. Cody, 7-1, 51 points
7t. Lander, 6-2, 38 points
7t. Cheyenne Central, 6-4, 38 points
9. Cheyenne East, 3-6, 17 points
10. Buffalo, 6-2-1, 14 points

1964 Casper Tribune rankings
Class AA-A
1. Laramie, 9-0
2. Gillette, 9-0
3. Sheridan, 5-3
4. Natrona, 7-2
5. Lander, 6-2
6. Evanston, 9-0
7. Cody, 7-1
8. Cheyenne Central, 5-4
9. Lusk, 5-2
10. Buffalo, 6-2-1
Class B-C
1. Byron, 7-1
2. Glenrock, 7-1-1
3. Huntley, 6-2
4. Morton, 6-2
5. Mountain View, 6-0-1
6. Pavillion, 6-1-1
7. Tongue River, NA
8. Upton, 6-4
9. Deaver, 6-2
10. Lingle, 5-2-2

1963 UPI poll
Class AA-A (no B-C poll)
1. Natrona, 9-0, 99 points
2. Riverton, 8-0-1 75 points
3. Laramie, 7-2, 69 points
4. Lander, 7-1-1, 60 points
5. Cheyenne Central, 6-2, 59 points
6. Green River, 10-0, 54 points
7. Cheyenne East, 5-4, 47 points
8. Lusk, 9-0-1, 30 points
9. Rock Springs, 4-3-1, 21 points
10. Torrington, 4-5, 9 points

1963 Casper Tribune rankings
Class AA-A (no B-C rankings)
1. Natrona, 9-0
2. Green River, 10-0
3. Laramie, 7-2
4. Riverton, 8-0-1
5. Lander, 7-1-1
6. Cheyenne Central, 7-2
7. Lusk, 8-0-1
8. Cheyenne East, 5-5
9. Star Valley, 5-4-1
10. Rock Springs, 3-3-2

1962 AP poll
Class AA-A (no B-C poll)
1. Laramie, 9-0, 97 points
2. Greybull, 8-0, 91 points
3. Natrona, 7-1-1, 73 points
4. Star Valley, 9-0, 71 points
5. Lusk, 9-0, 51 points
6. Powell, 5-4, 42 points
7. Sheridan, 5-4-1, 36 points
8. Riverton, 6-3-1, 32 points
9. Thermopolis, 6-3, 20 points
10. Cheyenne East, 4-5, 16 points

Post Navigation

← Older Posts