Rams, Cowboys Come Together To Restore The Bronze Boot
The Bronze Boot has been restored, and it's as stunning as ever before.
For 53 years, the highly-coveted trophy has served as the ultimate prize for winning the Border War - the annual, highly-anticipated football game played between the Colorado State Rams and the Wyoming Cowboys
After the Rams reclaimed the Boot in the 2020 Border War game, Colorado State Rams Athletic Director, Joe Parker finally got a look at the condition of the trophy - and the decision was made to restore 'the boot' to its previous glory.
And, in an effort to make it a joint effort, Colorado State officials called on their friends up north at Wyoming to assist in the restoration process.
“The Bronze Boot is one of, if not the most coveted trophies in all of college football, and we both knew this was an undertaking that needed to occur to protect the trophy for the next half-century of competition,” Parker said in a news release.
“Over the years, both teams have had hard-earned celebrations handling the Boot, and that wear-and-tear was really beginning to take hold. We’re thankful to Wyoming for their partnership, and for the team of individuals who were able to restore and protect the Bronze Boot for years to come.”
According to the Denver Post, the history of The Bronze Boot goes back to an American soldier, captain Dan Romero, who wore it while serving in the Vietnam War.
The original bronzing on the boat had cracked and was reportedly separating from the sole. Aside from the actual boot, the wood base of the trophy was also restored, thanks to Alpine Cabinets in Timnath.
“I know both schools are extremely proud and passionate about the rivalry we share, and the Bronze Boot has been symbolic of that rivalry since 1968,” Wyoming athletics director Tom Burman said in a release.
“More than that, it is truly one of the greatest traveling trophies in all of college sports."
Fans will be able to check out the newly restored Boot this coming fall, when the Cowboys and Rams play their 54th Border War game in Laramie on Saturday, Nov. 6 at 1:30 p.m.
Learn more about The Bronze Boot and the restoration process by watching the video below, via Colorado State Football:
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