Seniors prep for emotional finale at ‘The War’

LARAMIE -- Logan Wilson said he will spend some extra time on the field after the game, soaking it all in.

Cassh Maluia started thinking about the moment as he was walking off the field in Logan, Utah, last week.

Josh Harshman called it "bittersweet." He hopes he can keep his emotions in check.

Cooper Rothe can't believe this is it.

Senior night brings all types of emotions with it. The fact that the Cowboys are lining up across from Border War rivals, Colorado State, just adds to the scene that will take place Friday night under the lights and winter chill of War Memorial Stadium.

This class of seniors came to Laramie in Craig Bohl's first true recruiting class. During their first season, all four of these guys stood and watched from the sideline as the Pokes hit rock bottom at 2-10.

They all talked about those bad times. It's much easier to stomach now.

Since this group has been in Laramie, the Cowboys have played in a Mountain West Championship game, played in two bowl games and have swept the series with Front Range rivals, CSU and Air Force, to this point.

Sometimes, admittedly, it doesn't seem real, according to Wilson, who will leave Wyoming one of the most decorated players in the program history.

"It will hit me Friday night when I'm walking out," Wilson said. "I'll be fine during the game, but after, I'll hang out on the field for a little bit and relish that moment one last time. This has been such a big part of my life."

Rothe, Wyoming's placekicker, who was a semifinalist for the Lou Groza Award in the 2018, thinks that last journey through the High Altitude Performance Center before kickoff will also come with emotion.

"It's coming up faster than I imagined," Rothe said with a smile. "I think it will be a pretty cool experience. It's senior night, the last time in The War, and we're playing Colorado State. It doesn't get much better than that. We just have to win now."

Maluia said he will be nervous when his name gets called. Wyoming players don't get introduced over the loudspeaker. This will be his first -- and last.

"One more time," Maluia paused. "I just get to play with my brothers here one last time in The War.

"It hurts to even say that."

Harshman was granted an extra year of eligibility after suffering a knee injury. He said he's been blessed to have an additional season. The tight end "escaped" the reality of a final moment in this stadium last year.

"I never thought this day would come," he said. "I'm sure when I walk out there some emotions are going to come up on me. I'll probably think about the memories. Like where this program was and what it's become.

"I just hope I can keep it all together because we have a game to play."

Wyoming seniors who will be playing their last home game in Laramie:
Logan Wilson
Cassh Maluia
Tyler Hall
Josh Harshman
Cooper Rothe
Alijah Halliburton
Austin Conway
Raghib Ismail Jr.
John Okwoli
Ryan Galovich
Josiah Hall
Nick Szpor
Jaylon Watson
Ben Wisdorf