Curt and Marian Rochelle are honored for their tremendous generosity in the special achievement category. The Rochelles donated an historic $4.2 million gift to the University of Wyoming Athletic department and made the dream of a new student-athlete center a reality. Their gift is the largest in the UW’s history and this new student athlete center will be appropriately named the Curtis and Marian Rochelle Athletics Center, also know as the RAC. Curt Rochelle is a UW graduate and a former trustee. Marian is a graduate of Stephens College in Columbia, Mo., and Colorado College, in Colorado Springs, Co. The Rochelle’s have given much more to the University than just the $4.2 million contribution to the student-athlete center. In 1992, the Rochelles established the Curtis and Marian Rochelle Professorship in Animal Science in memory of John Hill, Curt’s advisor and college dean when he majored in animal science from 1937-1941. The Rochelles have also been honored as Outstanding Donors to the College of Agriculture. Including the contribution to the student-athlete center, the Rochelles have donated over $5.5 million dollars to the University of Wyoming.
Inducted September 15, 2000
Fondly known as “Bo,” Larry Nels became one of the most feared defensive linemen in Wyoming history as he terrorized opponents from 1967 to 1969. Nels was a key component as the Cowboys earned a bid to the 1968 Sugar Bowl, and was instrumental in a cowboy defense that was best in the nation. Nels was well known for his quickness, toughness, and blocking ability. He had 511 total tackles in his career. Nels was an All-American candidate and as a member of the nation’s number one defense let the cowboys to their second WAC Championship. Nels also earned All-WAC honors in 1969. Following his career at Wyoming, Nels went on to play with the New York Giants and the British Columbia Lions of the Canadian League. Nels will be remembered as one of the best defensive players in Cowboy Football history.
Inducted September 15, 2000
One of the great athletes in Wyoming pre-war history Captain Lee Kizzire was a four-sport letterman for the Cowboys in football, wrestling, track and basketball. Kizzire was a Wyoming native and was most decorated for his outstanding efforts in football and wrestling. An All-American football player from 1933-1937, Kizzire was also All-Conference and went on to play professionally. Kizzire, a fullback on the football team, also was a talented wrestler. He was named the rocky Mountain wrestling champion. His athleticism was such that he excelled in all he did. In addition to his football and wrestling career, Kizzire also lettered on the varsity track and basketball teams. Following his award-winning career at the Wyoming, he went on to play professional football, and later to coach at Riverton High School. In 1941, kizzire entered the United States Air Corp and was commissioned as an officer in 1942. In November 1943, he was shot down on a mission near the island of Wewak in the Pacific , and was never found.
Inducted September 15, 2000
The finest hitter ever to play for the University of Wyoming, Bill Ewing set the national home run record in 1976 with 23. That same year, Ewing was named to both the College Baseball Coaches All-American Team, and the Sporting News All-American Team. This Wyoming great was the first Cowboy baseball player in twenty years to be named to an All-American team and twice earned All-WAC honors,. In addition to this All-Conference and All-American awards, Ewing was also named to the All-District VII Team. For the 1975-76 season, Ewing received the Admiral Emory S. Land award for Outstanding University of Wyoming Athlete. Bill Ewing will remain in the memories of Wyoming fans for years to come.
Inducted September 15, 2000
One of the greatest players ever to come through the Cowgirl Basketball program, Amy Burnett was both an outstanding athlete and student. In 1995, Burnett was one of five women nationwide named to the GTE Academic All-American Team for women’s basketball with a 3.83 grade point average with a double major in Special Education and Elementary Education. Amy was an Academic All-WAC honoree and was awarded an NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship in 1995. In addition to her success academically, Burnett dominated on the court. She was twice named the WAC player of the year and was All-WAC first team in 1993, 1994, and 1995. Burnett set many records during her career at Wyoming, including most points scored in a single game, most points scored in a season, and most free throws made in a season. Her career records include most free throws in a career, and most free throws attempted. Burnett’s hard work and determination rank her among the top in Cowgirl Athletics’ history.
Inducted September 15, 2000
Three time WAC Coach of the Year, Jim Brandenburg came to the University of Wyoming in 1978 and turned the men’s basketball program around. Brandenburg’s Cowboy teams led the WAC in total defense six times and appeared in post-season tournaments four times. In 1987, his team advanced to the sweet sixteen and in 1986 the Cowboys placed second in the NIT under his leadership. Brandenburg’s Cowboys captured three WAC Championships during his career in Laramie. Cowboy fans saw four of Brandenburg’s players go in the first round of the draft: Charles Bradley, Bill Garnett, Eric Leckner, and Fennis Dembo. This coach was honored as the Eastman Kodak NCAA Division I District 13 Coach of the year in 1986 and he coached the West Team to a Gold Medal at the 1981 National Sports Festival. Among the accomplishments of this distinguished coach accomplishments of this distinguished coach, a lasting legacy was left as the Arena Auditorium was built during his tenure.
Inducted September 15, 2000
One of the greatest football teams in school history, the 1956 team was only one of three Cowboy teams in the modern era to go undefeated, putting together a phenomenal 10-0 season. Head Coach Phil Dickens Cowboys pounded opponents throughout the season, giving up just 19 points in their last three games. Captained by Ova Stapleton, the team boasted of an All-American in Jim Crawford who became the school’s first 1,000-yard rusher. The Cowboys came out of the chute rolling by beating Western State 40-13 and a tough Arizona team 26-20, to open the season. They shutout Denver University, 27-0, in game three. The running game proved to be important to the Cowboys as they picked up three more wins against conference opponents Colorado A&M, New Mexico and Utah. The Cowoys came from behind to beat Kansas State and narrowly defeated Brigham Young 7-6, in the final regular-season game of the year. Wyoming was one of the only three undefeated teams in the country, and finished ranked 16th in the nation by United Press International. The team was invited to the Sun Bowl for the second straight season, but voted not to go in anticipation of another invitation to either the Gator or Sugar Bowl. That invitation never came because of a coaching staff change. That, however, did not diminish the tremendous accomplishments of this, one of Wyoming’s all-time great teams.
Inducted September 28, 2001
Her loyalty, dedication, work ethic and passion for Cowboy athletics as a senior administrative assistant in the athletic department has earned her recognition that is much deserved. The Laramie native attended the University of Wyoming before logging in almost thirty-seven years as an employee working for five Athleitcs’ Direcotrs through her career. Beloved by athletes and coaches alike, her contributions to athletics over the years were invaluable as she tirelessly worked to make the department better. “She has touched so many lives in such a positive way,” said former Athletic Director Gary Cunningham. She was particularly helpful to athletes who needed assistance while away from home. Her kindness and work ethic was imcomparable. She had the respect of everyone with whom she came in contact.
Inducted September 28, 2001
One of the greatest forwards in Cowboy Basketball history, he was a four-year starter during his career at Wyoming. A rugged competitor with great ability, Garnett was a major force in the Western Athletic Conference. He helped carry the Cowboys to two NCAA tournaments. In the 1981-82 season, he was instrumental in helping the Pokes win the WAC title and advance to the second round of the NCAA tournament. As a senior he was team captain and was selected as the WAC Player of the Year. He was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks in the 1982 NBA draft as the fourth overall pick, the highest of any University of Wyoming player ever. He was one of the most consistent players on the team and is still listed in the top ten of eight career statistical categories. He is among the top five in blocked shots (97) and rebounds (840).
Inducted September 28, 2001
Arguably the greatest track and field performer in University of Wyoming history is Mickey Dunn. Dunn came to Wyoming from Johnstown, Colo., averaging 15.5 points per competition to reach a phenomenal total of 574.5 points in his three seasons of eligibility. In the 1951 Skyline Conference championship, he walked away as the 220 yard low hurdle and 220 yard dash champion. He was runner-up in the high hurdles, 100 yard dash, broad jump, high jump and placed in other events. Incredibly, Dunn still holds Wyoming’s record in the 400 meter dash at :47.84 seconds set in May of 1951 and the 200 meter dash with :20.76 seconds which was one of the best track and field marks in the world that year. Dunn passed up the opportunity to develop his talents at a national level to ensure Wyoming was competitive in the conference. In 1952, he received the Robert E. Russell Memorial Award for the outstanding Amateur Athlete of the Year. Mickey Dunn, sometimes called Wyoming’s “one man track team” was truly one of Wyoming’s greatest athletes of all time.
Inducted September 28, 2001
