Pokes Pulse: Now Is the Time to Create a “Wall of Honor” at War Memorial

Jeff Bugher
Sep 15
3 min read

Time for a “Wall of Honor” at War Memorial Stadium?

The new press box at War Memorial Stadium. Photo by Jeff Bugher, PokesNews.com

I’ve had the chance to travel to stadiums across the western United States. One of the things I always look forward to seeing is a “Ring of Honor” or “Wall of Honor.” Usually, it’s up on the press box or stretching across the façade of the stadium. Whenever I spot those names, I find myself stopping to read them. It’s a moment of nostalgia…”I didn’t realize Tedy Bruschi played here,” like stepping back into the history of the program while still being fully present for today’s game.

University of Arizona in Tucson. Photo by Jeff Bugher, PokesNews.com

Wyoming does a tremendous job honoring our past through the University of Wyoming Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame, located in the Arena-Auditorium concourse. Diane Dodson, Assistant Director for Operations - Athletics Communications, and the University of Wyoming Intercollegiate Hall of Fame Coordinator, does an amazing job. Diane is the glue that holds so many things together behind the scenes, and she does it all with a smile. I joked with her that she’s never allowed to retire!

Yet, I can’t help but wonder… Wouldn’t it be something to see former Wyoming football greats honored at War Memorial Stadium itself?

A “Wall of Honor” in War Memorial would complement the HoF. It could provide some flexibility for honoring those who’ve made an impact on Wyoming football, as some may not meet the Hall of Fame criteria. Maybe it’s a player whose professional career brought UW pride. Maybe it’s a coach who shaped an era. Or maybe it’s simply a name that holds special meaning for Cowboy fans.

Think about names like:

Jay Novacek (TE, 1982–1984)
Marcus Harris (WR, 1993–1996)
Jim Kiick (RB, 1965–1967)
Conrad Dobler (OL, 1969–1971)
#17 Josh Allen (QB, 2015–2017, # will be retired 2025)
Jerry Hill (RB, 1958–1960)
Mitch Donahue (DE, 1987–1990)
Aaron Kyle (CB, 1972–1975)
Ryan Yarborough (WR, 1990–1993)
Malcom Floyd (WR, 2000–2003)
Logan Wilson (LB, 2015–2019)
Jovon Bouknight (WR, 2002–2005)
Joe Tiller (Coach, 1991–1996)

And that’s just scratching the surface.

For example, when was the last time you heard Malcom Floyd’s name mentioned at War Memorial? He has a plaque in the HPAC, sure - but most fans will never see it. Imagine the electricity of having him back for a game with his family, his name unveiled on the stadium wall at halftime. Those are moments that connect generations of fans, players, and history.

So where should it go? The forward-facing portion of the new press box seems like just the right place. It would tie the stadium’s look to its history.

University of New Mexico. Photo by Jeff Bugher, PokesNews.com

With the retirement of Josh Allen’s iconic #17, it feels like now is the perfect time to get the ball rolling for a “Wall of Honor” at War Memorial Stadium. Let’s celebrate the history of Wyoming football and give fans a visible, lasting connection to the legends who helped build the program.