“I’ve Loved It”: Wyoming Long Snapper Carson York Reflects on Career Ahead of Senior Day

Jeff Bugher
1 day ago
4 min read

Carson York. Photo courtesy of UW Athletics

LARAMIE, Wyo. - Long snapper Carson York has lived in the shadows, but plays a critical role. He will walk onto Jonah Field at War Memorial Stadium one final time on Saturday. He will experience nerves, but likely not the same kind that he felt during his first game.

“I mean, I remember when I first got here, I was terrified,” York said. “So nervous, scared of going in, going onto the field and playing in front of all these people and experiencing something that was completely different than anything I've ever experienced before in high school.”

His very first game came on the road in Big Ten country.

“I remember my very first game at Illinois. That was Big Ten Stadium and just massive. And I'm just overwhelmed by the fact of it,” he said. “But most nerve-wracking game I've ever actually played in was my freshman year against Tulsa when we went into second overtime.”

Those moments taught him lessons he never expected. “You expect so much and then you expect all these different things and all these really cool games… but at the same time, you get a lot more that you would never expect, like the nerves,” York said. “Another great thing that I've pulled out of college ball is the family that you get and all the friends that I've made up here.”

One of those friendships, perhaps the most pivotal of his career, is with former Wyoming kicker John Hoyland, who is the all-time leading scorer for Wyoming.

“Me and him are amazing friends. We still talk,” York said. “He's helped me just grow up… kept me close to the ground. He's kept me grounded.”

Hoyland’s support has been unwavering, showing up in person at the game in San Diego a few weeks ago, checking in, giving guidance.

“He's always there for me whenever I need him,” York added. “He's always happy to help me out and give me some advice.”

Memories That Will Last Forever

When York looks back, three moments stand above all the rest.

“The first time that we played CSU and ran across the field and grabbed the boot… everyone jumping up and down, having fun singing, all that kind of stuff,” he said. “Doesn’t matter which time—every time has been amazing.”

Another unforgettable chapter came in 2023.

“We played Texas Tech then and we beat them in second overtime by completing the two-point conversion. And then all the fans rushed the field… amazing experience.”

But one stadium tops them all.

“Playing at the University of Texas in Austin—that was surreal, to say the least,” York said. “Even though we lost that game… being there and being part of that was one of the coolest experiences I've ever had in my life… because I'm from Texas and always kind of dreamed of playing in a stadium like that.”

A Football Family

Carson isn’t the only Football player in the York family. His brother Kade York, a kicker drafted in the fourth round out of LSU in the 2022 NFL draft, is carving out his own professional path.

“I've been to, I think, two or three of his games,” York said. “I would love to have gone to more, but my football schedule doesn't really line up very well with his.”

Early on, York’s older brother offered advice about the transition to college football, but they’ve largely allowed each other space to grow.

“The only time he really gave me tips… was whenever I first got here,” York said. “Since then we both kind of do things on our own.”

Life After Wyoming

York wants to pursue his NFL dream.

“I would love to have that opportunity to go to the next level,” he said. “But at the same time, I also understand that it is a very cutthroat business… It's not the end all be all.”

Other leagues? “To be honest, no, not much,” he said. “I have a lot of other things that I want to do in life.”

Those plans include a career far from stadium lights.

“I really want to be a mechanic. I love working on cars and motorcycles,” York said. He’ll spend next semester training for Pro Day while working at a local motorcycle dealership. “Try to be an apprentice mechanic there… just kind of see where it takes me.”

The Gratitude Runs Deep

Above all, York says it’s the relationships that he’s gained at Wyoming that he will carry with him as he moves beyond Wyoming, especially the Hoyland family.

“Oh, I love John Hoyland’s family,” York said. “If I don't get anything else out of this place, then that is something that I will truly cherish forever.”

As Senior Day ticks by, the nerves of that freshman in Champaign are long gone. What remains is gratitude.

His thoughts as he make heads out for his final ride at War Memorial?

“Honestly, I've loved it,” York said. “I’ve loved all of it.”