Wyoming Cowboys

2006 Year in Review

January 4, 2007

Season Report Posted: June 02, 2010 04:08  

LARAMIE, Wyoming - At a scheduled press conference yesterday, Wyoming Cowboys head coach Joe Glenn shared with reporters his thoughts on the 2006 season. A full transcript is printed below.

On the whole, I was pleased by the performances this team turned in this year. As with any group, there were moments of frustration, and I wondered at times where our defense was hiding, but we managed to pull out most of the close games thanks primarily to the arm of Kenneth Wingate and his favorite receivers. It is hard to argue with an 11-2 season, so I won't. We won a couple games we were not expected to, and battled the toughest teams hard. I was proud of the way this group bounced back from that heartbreaking loss to Nebraska in the second game of the season to win six straight, in the process making this one of the best years Wyoming fans have ever seen.

It was an exciting year for fans of Wyoming football, and perhaps the most exciting part is just how young this team is, and how much potential we have for continued growth. I can assure you that you can look forward to more of the same, because as long as I am at Wyoming, I intend to field a competitive, success-hungry team.

Awards

Offensive MVP
Though the running game continues to improve, our success this year, as in years past, came primarily from the passing game. We have three young wide receivers (Kirkpatrick, Wesley and Johnson), all of whom played well this year and finished with over 1000 yards receiving. However, it all starts with the quarterback, and the young man delivering the ball to these guys all year was Kenneth Wingate. He led the team game in and game out, set school records left and right, and finished with an NCAA record quarterback rating of 191.0. For that, he deserves the award for offensive Player of the Year.

Also Considered: Kirkpatrick, Wesley, Johnson

Defensive MVP
We got much improved play out of our cornerbacks this year, but the unquestioned leader on defense was middle linebacker David Boyer. He finished with team highs in tackles (68) and tackles for loss (21), and tied for first in sacks (5). Boyer got very little attention for his effort, but his presence on the field was a huge factor in our success this year.

Also Considered: Jordan

Special Teams MVP
As the returner on both kickoffs and punts, Andre Kirkpatrick finished the season with over 1000 return yards, which helped the offense by consistently giving them a shorter field to work with.

Newcomer of the Year
Freshman cornerback Javon Jordan impressed not only our coaching staff, but All-American voters as well, as he was voted onto both the freshman All-American team, and the 1st Team All-American team. He finished with 52 tackles (fifth on the team) and a team-high seven interceptions.

Unsung Heros
For the second year in a row, the unsung hero award goes to two guys who share one position, and share it well, halfbacks Terrence Billings and Johnny Connor. Without the other, neither would be nearly as effective on the field, as their running styles complement each other perfectly. More importantly, without both, our team would not have had anywhere near as much success, both running and passing the ball. They don't get the attention Wingate and his receivers do, but they make everything they do possible.

Cowboys Finish Season Ranked 17th

January 4, 2007

Season Report Posted: June 02, 2010 04:07  

LARAMIE, Wyoming - Final editions of the Coaches' and Media college football polls were released yesterday, and the Wyoming Cowboys finished the year ranked 17th in both, the highest season-ending ranking for the Cowboys in 40 years. Head coach Joe Glenn was pleased with the recognition.

"It is always nice to be recognized for your accomplishments, and for that reason, I am thrilled that the University of Wyoming received such accolades on a national stage. More importantly, however, I am excited by what that recognition symbolizes about our program and the tradition of success that we are building here."

Glenn Declines Offer From Ducks

December 31, 2006

Season Report Posted: June 02, 2010 04:06  

LARAMIE, Wyoming - Less than a week after the Wyoming Cowboys and head coach Joe Glenn defeated the Oregon Ducks in the Las Vegas Bowl, the fifth place team from the Pac-10 offered Glenn the vacant head coaching position.

In a statement released by the Wyoming athletic department, Glenn explained his decision.

"The head coaching position at the University of Oregon is one of the elite positions in the country. Their facilities are second to none, and everyone I've spoken to has said that Eugene is one of the best places in the country to live. While I must admit that I was tempted by the offer, I informed the University this morning that I would withdraw my name from consideration of the position.

"When I was hired here at Wyoming four years ago, I told the athletic department and my players that I was committed to being here at least until we won a conference championship, or I was asked to step down, and I remain committed to that promise. While we have made great strides towards that goal, it is still that, a goal. Until then, I am thrilled to call the University of Wyoming home."

Wingate Sets School Passing Records

December 29, 2006

Season Report Posted: June 02, 2010 04:06  

LARAMIE, Wyoming - As a three year starter, junior quarterback Kenneth Wingate has had many opportunities to throw the football. He has made the most of those opportunities, setting three school passing records this year. Earlier in the season, he set the record for the most passing yards in a career, and finished 2006 with 10920 career yards.

In 2006, Wingate also set records for passing touchdowns in a season, with 39, and passing touchdowns in a career, with 91.

Though he still has one year of college eligibility remaining, there has been speculation among followers of Wyoming football that the 6'0", 188 pound junior will declare early for the NFL draft. Neither Wingate nor head coach Joe Glenn has been willing to comment. The deadline to declare for the draft is February 24th.

Three Cowboys Recognized

December 3, 2006

Season Report Posted: June 02, 2010 03:52  

NEW YORK - Despite having three finalists in the running for post-season awards, the University of Wyoming was shut out Sunday, as quarterback Kenneth Wingate finished second in the Davey O'Brien balloting and receivers Andre Kirkpatrick and Raheem Wesley finished second and third, respectively, in the Biletnikoff voting.

Not that it was a complete loss. Three Cowboys were recognized with All-American honors, including two freshmen. Sophomore Andre Kirkpatrick made the first team as a wide receiver and kick and punt returner. He finished the regular season with 1031 receiving yards, 928 return yards and 16 touchdowns. Redshirt freshman receiver Raheem Wesley made the second team, and was also selected to the Freshman All-American team. He finished with 1095 receiving yards, 693 return yards and 15 touchdowns.

Both were joined by standout freshman cornerback Javon Jordan, who finished the year with 48 tackles, 7 interceptions and 10 pass deflections. Jordan was selected to both the first team All-American squad and the Freshman All-American team.

Inexplicably, Wingate, who finished with 3423 yards and 39 touchdowns, was left off both lists.