Had a chance to watch both football and men’s basketball practice today.

If you think Wyoming is happy to be in a bowl game, you’re right. But if you think they’re just happy to be there and don’t care about winning, you’re wrong.

Thursday’s practice was similar to most of the ones during the regular-season: Fast-paced, upbeat and intense. When someone messed up, the coaches let them know.

That doesn’t mean the Cowboys beat Fresno State, but if they don’t it won’t be because they’re just happy to be in a bowl game.

UW practiced in its indoor facility and probably will until it leaves for the bowl game on Wednesday. The snow on Jonah Field at War Memorial Stadium has not even been cleared at this point.

And also, it’s still REALLY COLD over here.

One of the funniest plays of the practice came when senior backup quarterback Karsten Sween threw a touchdown pass to senior defensive lineman Mitch Unrein on a “fire drill” on a field-goal attempt.

Unrein caught a nice pass from Sween and then did a little dance in the end zone. It wasn’t long and it wasn’t much. I shouldn’t say anything because I’m as rhythmically challenged as anyone when it comes to dancing, but Unrein’s moves left something to be desired and it garnered a few laughs and chuckles from his teammates and coaches.

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Sophomore forward Afam Muojeke looked pretty good in practice for the basketball team. He moved around pretty well, the best I’ve seen him move since he injured his left knee Nov. 25 against Denver. Coach Heath Schroyer said Thursday morning Muojeke would play but wasn’t sure if he would start Saturday against Northern Colorado in the Wyoming Shootout in Casper. I would be surprised if he didn’t start.

UW sent out a brief news release late Thursday afternoon that sophomore wing Thomas Manzano left the program for personal reasons. Schroyer wouldn’t comment any further on the matter, but I understand Manzano didn’t leave because of poor grades or because of any trouble. All indications are he wasn’t happy with his role and/or playing time.

Manzano played in all eight of the Cowboys’ games, and started one when Muojeke was injured. He averaged seven points and 2.3 rebounds per game.

UW gets sophomore guard Arthur  Bouedo back at the start of conference play in early January, and he will be a welcomed addition because he can shoot the 3 and is a pretty crafty player. He may be the perimeter shooter this team desperately needs.

Bouedo has had to sit out to satisfy NCAA rules regarding his amateurism.

True freshman forward Amath M’Baye is in the same boat in terms of sitting out and UW still hasn’t heard anything on his status, but he can help this team right now with his athleticism.

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See Friday’s paper for more on the New Mexico Bowl coaches for both UW and Fresno State were in Albuquerque for a welcoming luncheon.

I will be in Casper for the Wyoming Shootout men’s and women’s doubleheader and hope to live blog during both. games For the link, go to http://wyomingcowboysblog.com/2009/12/09/blue-cross-blue-shield-shootout-live-blog-doubleheader/