What Is 1988 Wyoming Cowboys football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1988 Wyoming Cowboys football team represented the University of Wyoming during the 1988 NCAA Division I-A football season, finishing with a 3–8 record under head coach Dave Christensen. They competed in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) and played their home games at War Memorial Stadium in Laramie.

Key Facts

The 1988 Wyoming Cowboys finished the season with a 3–8 overall record
They were 2–6 in Western Athletic Conference (WAC) play
Head coach Dave Christensen led the team in his second season
The Cowboys played home games at War Memorial Stadium in Laramie
Quarterback Greg Hill was the team's leading passer with 1,722 yards

Overview

The 1988 Wyoming Cowboys football team represented the University of Wyoming during the 1988 NCAA Division I-A football season. Competing in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC), the team struggled to find consistency, finishing with a 3–8 overall record and a 2–6 mark in conference play.

Playing under head coach Dave Christensen in his second year at the helm, the Cowboys faced a challenging schedule that included several strong programs. Despite flashes of potential, the team failed to achieve a winning season, reflecting broader struggles during that era of Wyoming football.

Record: The Cowboys finished the season with a 3–8 overall record, marking one of the more difficult campaigns in program history during the late 1980s.
Conference performance: In the Western Athletic Conference, they went 2–6, placing them near the bottom of the WAC standings for the year.
Head coach: Dave Christensen led the team in his second season, compiling a 3–8 record that raised questions about the program's long-term direction.
Home stadium: All home games were played at War Memorial Stadium in Laramie, a high-altitude venue known for its challenging conditions for visiting teams.
Key player: Quarterback Greg Hill emerged as the offensive leader, throwing for 1,722 yards and 10 touchdowns despite the team’s overall struggles.

How It Works

The structure and operations of a college football team like the 1988 Wyoming Cowboys involve coaching decisions, player development, scheduling, and conference alignment. Each component plays a role in shaping the team's season and long-term success.

Roster Management: The coaching staff selected 85 scholarship players within NCAA limits, balancing experienced returners with incoming freshmen to build team depth.
Game Strategy: Offensive and defensive schemes were tailored weekly based on opponent tendencies, with adjustments made during practice and film review sessions.
Practice Schedule: The team followed a rigorous regimen, including two-a-day practices during preseason and weekday sessions during the regular season.
Conference Play: As a WAC member, Wyoming faced teams like BYU, Utah, and Colorado State, which influenced recruiting and scheduling priorities.
Player Eligibility: All athletes met NCAA academic and amateurism standards, ensuring they remained eligible to compete throughout the season.
Recruiting Pipeline: Christensen’s staff focused on in-state talent and junior college transfers to bolster the roster amid limited national exposure.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 1988 Cowboys compared to other WAC teams and recent Wyoming seasons:

Team	Overall Record	WAC Record	Head Coach	Key Stat
1988 Wyoming Cowboys	3–8	2–6	Dave Christensen	1,722 passing yards (Greg Hill)
1987 Wyoming Cowboys	4–7	3–5	Dave Christensen	1,510 passing yards (Greg Hill)
1989 Wyoming Cowboys	3–8	2–6	Dave Christensen	1,408 passing yards (Greg Hill)
1988 BYU Cougars	8–4	6–2	LaVell Edwards	Won Holiday Bowl
1988 Utah Utes	6–5	5–3	Ron McBride	First season under new coach

The table shows that Wyoming consistently underperformed compared to rivals like BYU and Utah during this period. While other WAC teams improved or remained competitive, the Cowboys remained near the bottom of the conference, reflecting challenges in coaching stability and player development. The lack of a winning season from 1987 to 1989 highlighted systemic issues that would eventually lead to changes in leadership.

Why It Matters

Though the 1988 season was forgettable in terms of wins and losses, it provides insight into the challenges faced by mid-major programs in maintaining competitiveness.

Program Development: The struggles of the late 1980s led to eventual coaching changes and a reevaluation of Wyoming’s football strategy in the 1990s.
Player Development: Greg Hill’s performance laid groundwork for future quarterbacks, showing potential even in losing seasons.
Conference Realignment: The WAC’s evolving membership during this era impacted scheduling and competitive balance for teams like Wyoming.
Recruiting Challenges: Limited resources and geographic isolation made it difficult to attract top-tier talent compared to larger programs.
Historical Context: This season is part of a broader narrative of rebuilding that eventually led to Wyoming’s resurgence in the 1996 season.
Fandom and Support: Despite poor records, loyal fans continued to support the team, highlighting the cultural importance of college football in Wyoming.

Understanding the 1988 season helps contextualize the resilience required in college athletics, where long-term success often follows periods of adversity.