Joseph J. Mastrogiovanni
Football, Baseball, 1953-55
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Also know as “Mastro” or “Joe the Toe,” Joe Mastrogiovanni would come to be one of the most memorable and flamboyant football players in Wyoming history. A two-way player, who came to Wyoming as a halfback, Mastrogiovanni would become Wyoming’s first throwing quarterback. Joe was in all aspects a leader on his teams, leading the Pokes in passing for three years, total offense and scoring for two years, and in punting and interceptions for one year each. Twice selected to the All-Skyline first-team and once a second-team selection, Mastrogiovanni led the nation in rushing the first eight weeks of the 1955 season, before finishing second nationally and earning honorable mention All-American honors from AP and UPI. The Cowboys were 19-11-1 from 1953-55, and in 1955 Joe led a talented Cowboy team to the Sun Bowl. Unfortunately, he was injured in the last regular-season game and could not play in the bowl game. A gifted athlete, Mastrogiovanni served at times as the Cowboys’ placekicker and was responsible for three game-winning field goals in the 1954 season. Joe also competed for the Wyoming swimming team and was a letterman on the 1955 Cowboy baseball team as a catcher. Inducted September 25, 1998 Honors and Awards
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