Archive for December 17th, 2009

Countdown to kickoff

December 17th, 2009

Both Wyoming and Fresno State held their first and only real big practices prior to Saturday’s New Mexico Bowl here in Albuquerque Thursday.

Fresno State practiced first in the morning, and even though it was sunny it was chilly so the Bulldogs practiced inside the University of New Mexico’s indoor facility. I think it was colder in there than outside. New Mexico’s facility isn’t heated. It draws heat from the sun and then the air circulates from there. I hear it’s pretty expensive to heat and cool such facilities that are so big.

Anyway, media was not allowed to watch the main portion of Fresno State’s practice so nothing significant to report from there.

Wyoming practiced after that in nearly perfect conditions outside. The fields were a bit wet and slick, but coach Dave Christensen seemed pleased with the session, which lasted about 90 minutes.

UW players seem ready, and more and more I get the impression that Fresno State doesn’t think Wyoming can hang with it in this game. Players are not saying that outright, but that’s the feel and even UW players are feeling it.

“I sense that a little bit. I sensed that a little bit (Wednesday) night and it made me want to win even more,” senior center Russ Arnold said. “We’ve dealt with that all year, and like coach (Dave Christensen) said at the start of the year if you want that you have to go out and earn it.”

The odd-makers think so, too, as UW remains an 11-point underdog.

Both teams had another dinner/function during Thursday night at the Santa Ana Star Resort. They had a Family Feud game show-like competition and a bowling contest. UW won both so in terms of the score in the off-the-field events among the two teams the score is tied at 2-2.

Friday will feature a press conference and luncheon with both players and select players. Also, there is a lot of UW functions, including a big fan rally at Coaches Sports Bar here. UW radio voices Dave Walsh and Kevin McKinney hosted a show there Thursday night and if that was any indication, Friday’s event will be epic.

See Friday’s paper for more on the game, and be sure to check out the live blog of Saturday’s game beginning at about 1:30 p.m. The link is http://wyomingcowboysblog.com/2009/12/15/wyoming-vs-fresno-state-live-blog/

Reception dinner and talent show photos

December 17th, 2009

I managed to convince Robert and Mike to send along some photos while they are down in Albuquerque, so those of us not there can see what’s going on.  So here’s the first three I got. All from Thursday evenings reception dinner and talent show!

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Poke Profile: Alvester Alexander

December 17th, 2009

alvester-alexanderGet to know Wyoming true freshman Alvester Alexander:

Position: Running back

Height/weight: 5-11, 200

Hometown: Houston, Texas

Major: Sociology

Favorite Music: Rap and R&B

Favorite TV show: Family Guy

Favorite Movie: The 40-Year-Old Virgin

Favorite Food: Seafood

Dream Date: Lauren London

Most Memorable Football Moment: “My first game and first carry in my college career when I scored a touchdown (on a 44-yard run) and the crowd went crazy.”

Most Embarrassing Football Moment: “The fumble at the goal line at San Diego State.”

Player you model your game after: Walter Payton

Role Model: My dad

Something few people know about me: “I play the piano and I sing.”