UW Athletics, CJC Surpass $500,000 Goal For Football Campaign
LARAMIE -- The University of Wyoming Athletics Department and the Cowboy Joe Club have officially surpassed the initial $500,000 fundraising goal for the Step Forward for Football campaign, marking a powerful moment of belief, momentum, and shared commitment to the future of Cowboy football.
Launched Feb. 5, 2026, the campaign was built on a defining act of leadership and belief - a $125,000 personal contribution from Head Football Coach Jay Sawvel, matched by a $125,000 anonymous donor. In the short time since, more than $250,000 in additional private gifts have been generously funded from supporters who chose to step forward.
“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 the initial goal has been achieved, the message moving forward is clear: we’re not done.
Just like in football, one score is never the finish line.
The Step Forward for Football campaign will remain active, continuing to provide an opportunity for those who want to be part of helping usher in a new era of Wyoming Football. Every additional dollar raised directly supports revenue-sharing efforts, enhancing Wyoming’s ability to recruit, retain, and develop student-athletes at the highest level.
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Sawvel emphasized his appreciation and the continued importance of building on this momentum.
“I couldn’t be prouder of how our fans and supporters responded to this campaign,” Sawvel said. “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 would like to remind fans and supporters who have not yet stepped forward that there is still time to join the movement. Every investment moves us closer to our goal of becoming consistent championship contenders in the new Mountain West Conference.
At the same time, Wyoming Athletics is seeing strong early momentum with the launch of the Step Forward for Basketball campaign. Designed to build on one of the most exciting seasons in recent program history, the initiative is already gaining traction with supporters who believe in what’s ahead for Cowboy Basketball.
Fans and supporters are encouraged to explore both opportunities to make an impact.
Every great moment starts with those willing to step forward.
For more information or to contribute to the Step Forward campaigns, visit GoWyo.com/StepForward.