LARAMIE, Wyo. (Nov. 27, 2024)-- From Chickamauga, Georgia, a one-stoplight town just about ten minutes south of Chattanooga, college student Andrew Sizemore found an unexpected home in Wyoming Cowboy football—1,400 miles away. His journey to becoming a fan of the Pokes will certainly surprise you. You could say fandom just "clicked."
A Random Button, A Favorite Team
"I really wanted to get into college football, but I didn’t have a team to root for," Sizemore recalls of his freshman year in high school six years ago. Using an old version of EA Sports NCAA football video game to guide his choice, he utilized the random team feature. "I hit the random team button. It landed on Wyoming, and I decided that was going to be my favorite team."
This “random team button” would spark a connection for Sizemore to the University of Wyoming and its football program.
A Commitment from Day One
"The second I picked Wyoming, I actually ordered a jersey," he said. His first game as a fan on TV turned out to be a memorable one: Wyoming's upset of Missouri in 2019. "I haven’t missed a game since," Sizemore added.
Although Sizemore lives far from Laramie, he made it to his first in-person game this season when the Pokes faced San Diego State in October. He also attended last Saturday’s close battle against Boise State in War Memorial Stadium.
Favorite Players and Moments
When asked about his favorite player, Sizemore had a unique pick: "John Hoyland, our kicker. I really like the red shoes that he used to wear, and that just kind of stuck with me." Another standout for him was quarterback Andrew Peasley, whom he enjoyed watching during the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
The Boise State rivalry holds special significance for Sizemore. "Over the years, I’ve really developed... I wouldn’t say a hatred, but Boise State games are always usually bigger to me," he said. Recalling a close loss to the Broncos in 2022, he told us those matchups add extra excitement.
Experiencing Laramie
Sizemore’s first trip to Laramie didn’t disappoint. He soaked in the tailgate atmosphere, explored the practice facility, and enjoyed a prime viewing spot near the end zone. While visiting tailgates, he crossed paths with fellow fans, including Scott Gyllenborg, whose son, John Michael, is a tight end for the Cowboys. During his most recent trip last weekend, he met even more fans and got to meet John Michael Gyllenborg after the game.
"The fans were super nice," Sizemore said. "Everyone was welcoming."
There's no doubt that Sizemore is hooked, and he will certainly return to Laramie to take in more games in the future. The education major is the son of a retired school administrator (father) and a elementary teacher (mother), and Wyoming just might be in his future plans...at least we hope so!
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