The University of Wyoming Athletics Department and the Cowboy Joe Club announced on April 28 that they have exceeded their initial $500,000 fundraising goal for the Step Forward for Football campaign.
The campaign began on Feb. 5 with a $125,000 personal donation from Head Football Coach Jay Sawvel, which was matched by an anonymous donor. Since then, supporters have contributed more than $250,000 in additional private gifts.
“This was never just about hitting a number,” said Director of Athletics Tom Burman. “It was about helping to educate the public about Wyoming’s approach to revenue sharing, building belief, and helping to create real momentum for Coach Sawvel and our football program. Crossing $500,000 is a significant milestone, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who made it happen.”
While reaching this milestone marks progress for the program’s future funding needs, organizers say the campaign will continue so that more supporters can contribute. The funds raised will support revenue-sharing efforts intended to help recruit and retain student-athletes at a high level.
Sawvel said he is proud of how fans responded: “I’ve always known that Wyoming is different than anywhere else because of the unbelievable support we have in every corner of our state and beyond, and successes like this prove it. On behalf of our entire program, thank you. We’re building something to make this state proud, and it only happens because people are willing to step forward and be part of it.”
The Cowboy Joe Club also encouraged those who have not yet participated in the initiative to consider joining as fundraising continues toward becoming consistent championship contenders in the new Mountain West Conference.
In addition to football fundraising efforts, Wyoming Athletics reported early momentum with its recently launched Step Forward for Basketball campaign following one of its most exciting seasons in recent history.
Supporters interested in learning more or contributing can visit GoWyo.com/StepForward.
