Players, Fans and Colleagues Remember the Late Paul Roach

LARAMIE -- Paul Roach was only a head coach for four seasons of his three-plus decades in the game of football.

Those all came on the sidelines in Laramie.

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He led the Cowboys to back-to-back Western Athletic Conference Championships in 1987-88 and took Wyoming to three bowl games. He will forever be remembered as one of the best coaches -- and good guys -- to lead this program.

Roach died peacefully last Sunday with his wife Marge by his side. He was 95.

Fans, friends and colleagues shared their thoughts on the passing of a Wyoming legend on social media:

Tim Rounds (Facebook) He was a great coach and person! I feel privileged to have known him on a personal basis! I’ll never forget being invited into the coaches locker room before the the 1969 football game San Jose State and enjoyed being invited to watch the game on the sideline with the football team!

Jay Shapiro (Facebook) Had the privilege to play for Coach Roach during 66-68. A father to all of us Cowboys ! RIP CoachEd Goble (Facebook) So saddened to learn of the passing of Paul. He, along with Joe Dowler and Dan Viola hired me to manage the business operations of Cowboy athletics in 1990. Their support, guidance, knowledge, camaraderie and friendship were the foundation of my long career in collegiate athletics administration. Sadly, all three are gone but I can imagine the celebration in heaven! Thank you Paul, and rest well my dear friend!

Scott Winfield (Facebook) Sadly Coach could have been in Laramie sooner if not for Al Davis of the Raiders not granting permission for UW to speak to Coach after Coach Akers left. RIP Coach

William Lewis (Facebook) One of the finest human beings I've ever knows R.I.P. coach. Soar with Eagles!

Vince Proctor (Facebook) My favorite coach! Peace and love to his family.

Barbara Greaves (Facebook) One of the finest men, I enjoyed working in the UW Athletic Office with AD Coach Roach. My deepest condolences to his Family.

Chris-Beth Doyle (Facebook) Sad news. Paul comes from a wonderful family of successful coaches. He was a good man.

Dave Corpuz (Facebook) Took over a team that was struggling and set up the next decade of success for football. Thanks for all you gave. RIP coach.

Dennis Devlin (Facebook) Coach Roach recruited me and used to always relate the story of me at the Laramie airport, funny story if you heard it. R.I.P. Coach

Jeff Pearson (Facebook) Awesome coach and even better guy! So sorry to hear this. If Paul saw you walking down his hall he’d wave you in for a chat. Just loved the guy+++he was the best coach I can remember. R.I.P. coach Roach!

Paul James (Facebook) Thank you for all you did as you "Rode for the Brand"!!

Lewis Robbins (Facebook) "Too old" when he was hired by the brilliant AD (himself). I, then a UW undergrad, heard whispers about players' concerns about his health 30+ years ago. Thanks coach for all you did for and gave to UW.

Patrick McKillop (Facebook)

Well I know some day farther down the road

I'll come to the edge of the great unknown.

There'll stand a black horse riderless

And I wonder if I'm ready for this.

So I'll saddle him up and he'll switch his tail

And I'll tip my hat and bid fairwell

And lift my song into the air

That I learned at that dusty fair

"Sit tall in the saddle, Hold your head up high

Keep your eyes fixed where the trail meets the sky

And live like you ain't afraid to die

And don't be scared, just enjoy your ride"

Now don't be scared, just enjoy your ride

The Ride - Chris LeDoux

Good ride Cowboy, good ride.

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