Colorado State University values strong and competitive athletics, pro- viding our student-athletes a stage on which to shine and giving our fans both reason to cheer and rewards for their loyalty and confidence in CSU. As one of America’s leading research universities, we have a culture of strongly competitive academic excellence — and we strive for the same level of championship-caliber success in our athletic programs as well.

Our commitment to quality in both athletics and aca- demics is evident in our recent investments in people and new facilities. Athletic Director Paul Kowalczyk has set a high standard that’s reflected in the leader- ship of our coaches and the character and quality of our athletes on the field and off. Under the direction of Head Coach Steve Fairchild, former offensive coordi- nator for the and a Colorado State alum- nus, our football program surpassed all expectations in 2008 — and in 2009, we expect Rams football to continue its emergence as a contender for the Moun- tain West Conference title and a Top 25 designation.

A critical element in achieving the success we expect at Colorado State is having outstanding facilities. In fall 2009, Colorado State will complete two new, state-of-the-art facilities dedicated to the development of both the mind and body. The new Aca- demic and Training Center is the centerpiece to recruit, educate, develop, and graduate our student-athletes. With expanded weight rooms, im- proved study environments and academic support services, and a new computer lab, the new Academic and Training Center will provide an en- hanced environment for both learning and conditioning.

The second significant addition to Colorado State athletics is the new, 66,267 square-foot indoor training facility. With a 70-yard synthetic turf field, four-lane track, basketball and volleyball courts, and hitting areas for softball and golf, this facility will allow our student-athletes to take ad- ditional training steps even during periods of cold Colorado weather.

Support from donors and Ram fams has helped to make these upgrades possible. And while these physical additions will help our student-athletes in their training and studies, it is the enthusiastic support from students and alumni, the passion of our fans, and CSU’s commitment to excellence that sets Ram athletics apart from the rest. Thanks to all of you!

Go Rams!!

This is COLORADO STATE Dr. Anthony A. Frank President, Colorado State University THE UNIVERSITY AT A GLANCE

Colorado State University is transforming lives, solving problems, cational possibilities at Col- supporting economic vitality, and targeting our world’s greatest chal- orado State. Along with out- lenges. Committed to the land-grant heritage of education, research, standing programs in the and outreach, Colorado State sets the standard as a 21st-century re- liberal and performing arts, search university characterized by a global reach, scholarly excellence, humanities and social sci- and an immediate impact on the world. And as a land-grant university, ences, Colorado State offers we’re particularly committed to creating access and opportunity for some of the top professional people in Colorado and around the world who can benefit from our spe- programs in the country in cial brand of hands-on, engaged learning. construction management, occupational therapy, psy- As a Carnegie Community Engagement University, Colorado State chology, communications and University leads the world in disciplines such as human and animal agriculture. health, clean energy and the environment, global and sustainable busi- ness, engineering, and climate research. Colorado State is also mak- ing investments in new facili- hallenging academic programs and world-changing research ties — $27 million has been Care hallmarks of Colorado State, and it is our special commit- committed for building a new ment to service, outreach, and transforming our world through indoor practice facility and a innovation that sets this university apart from other institutions. That new academic and training commitment is reflected in our classrooms, in the work of our faculty center dedicated to student- around the world, and in our groundbreaking commitment to move re- athletes. New residence halls, search breakthroughs rapidly from the laboratory to the marketplace. a parking garage, and both Even more important, it is reflected in the quality of our students and new and renovated academic graduates, who embody the university’s mission and go on from CSU buildings are just a few of the to make a significant impact on our world. projects under construction across campus. With more than 150 programs of study and 78 undergraduate degree We invite you to learn more about Colorado State, a university with programs offered in eight colleges and the graduate school, and a fac- vision, character, and a commitment to excellence. ulty-to-student ratio of 17:1, students have access to a wealth of edu-

4 NIVERSITY U HE T COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM and the BOARD OF GOVERNORS

The Board of Governors of the Colorado State University System represents the The Board of Governors sets a standard of excellence for Joe Blake people of Colorado, assuring effective management, accountability, and responsi- all the campuses that carry the Colorado State name, Chancellor ble leadership of all the CSU System campuses – Fort Collins, Pueblo and the new through the establishment of a bold vision, mission, and Colorado State online Global Campus. values coupled with ambitious stretch goals for each cam- University System Board members come from across the state and from many fields — business, pus, and strongly supports Colorado State athletics pro- public service, agriculture — and share a strong commitment to excellence, in- grams as a source of pride for students, alumni, and the novation, and student success. State of Colorado. The Board of Governors and the CSU System work to fur- ther the roles of its three universities to be integral contrib- Patrick McConathy Patrick Grant Douglas L. Jones Chairman of the Board Voting Member Voting Member utors to the economic development of the state. Work force education, research CEO, President & CEO, President & Owner, funding and new business and product development are some of the areas where Yarmony Energy National Western The Jones Realty Group the institutions are excelling. Stock Show Association

Bonifacio A. Cosyleon Ed Haselden Marguerite Salazar Secretary Vice Chairman Treasurer President, President & CEO, President & CEO, Byerly and Cosyleon Inc Haselden Construction Valley-Wide Health Systems, Inc.

Tom Farley John Ikard Joseph C. Zimlich Voting Member Voting Member Voting Member Regent, President & CEO, Chief Executive Officer, Santa Clara University FirstBank Holding Co. Bohemian Companies 5 T HE U NIVERSITY

www.csusystem.edu FORT COLLINS 6 T tion’s 25th-largest metro area. on the northern Front Range of majestic Rocky Mountains, city is within an hour’s drive of Denver, the na- One of Colorado’s to live, work and play. most vibrant cities, Fort Collins is the best place in country Located distance of Colorado State University’s campus. and includes the historic Old Town district with its restaurants, shops, and entertainment, all within walking his city of 137,200 residents basks in 300 days sunshine per year — more than San Diego and Florida THIS IS FORT COLLINS & COLORADO THIS IS FORT COLLINS & COLORADO

2009 RAMS FOOTBALL Since its founding as a military fort in 1864, Fort Collins has and biking, anchored northern Colorado’s rich heritage of academic, busi- and three golf ness and recreational pursuits. Hiking, mountain biking, kayak- courses. The Lincoln Center and the ing, river rafting and rock climbing are just a few popular University Center for the Arts, an- outdoor pursuits for students and residents. chored in Fort Collins, are northern The city maintains more than 600 acres of parks, 5,000 Colorado’s cultural arts centers. acres of natural areas, 20 miles of off-street trails for hiking

FORT COLLINS FACTS  No. 1 place to live in the United States (Money magazine, August 2006).  No. 1 Best Place to Live and Work for Young Professionals (population 100,000-200,000), Next Generation Consulting, March 2009.  No. 2 in Forbes magazine’s best United States cities for business and careers (March 2009); Denver ranked 14th and Boulder was 20th among five Colorado locations in the publication’s top 40.  One of the Top 20 Places to Thrive (Best Boomer Towns, February 2009).  Ranked 10th-best educated city in America (Forbes magazine, November 2008).  One of the Best Places to Raise Your Kids (BusinessWeek, November 2008).  Gold level Bicycle Friendly Community (League of American Bicyclists, September 2008).

7 F ORT C OLLINS ACADEMICS 8 T expected on the field and in classroom. average of 49 percent. ond in the MWC, graduating 68 percent of its student-athletes – again, well ahead the conference Colorado State University takes very seriously its role in educating student-athletes. Excellence is Colorado State University takes very ence’s overall student-athlete graduation rate of 57 percent. In football, Colorado State is sec- Conference in graduation rate for student-athletes at 66 percent – well ahead of the confer- he most recent NCAA academic statistics reveal that Colorado State leads the Mountain West

experience in the field. students hands-on giving experiential learning, in believes CSU strongly university offers 79 majors and 27 minors, many of its programs are ranked among the best in World Report State’s mission to provide a world-class education is at the core of academic success. for student-athletes, opens in August 2009. state-of-the-art Anderson Academic Center, which will greatly enhance the academic facilities available While the athletic department takes its role in the educational process very seriously,While the athletic department takes its role in educational process very Colorado Colorado State, however, is not resting on its reputation for graduating student-athletes. The ranked Colorado State in its top tier annual “America’s Best Colleges” report. The will be completed. ing Center, and the College of Business’ Rockwell Hall expansion soon ence buildings, and the Indoor Practice Facility, Academic and Train- the state-of-the-art University Center for Arts and Computer Sci- the best possible education. Construction recently was completed on the country. Colorado State continues to push forward in its mission to provide Colorado State continues to push forward

WORLD-CLASS ACADEMICS U.S. News and ACADEMICS 9 OOTBALL F AMS 2009 R “If graduating. of I’m confident here a guy stays and goes through the program, he’s have that. We helptoo much academic and our coaches caretoo much. If here comes to school a player and stays all the coach of Summitt, Pat what a degree. he's going to get I like four or five years, women's Tennessee's stay. they have team, said. She said who asterisk, with those a 99-percent graduation rate, basketball If he's going to get a degree.” someone chooses to go through this program at CSU, —Head Coach Steve Fairchild LEADING THE WAY Jeff Horinek set the standard for scholar-athletes at Colorado State. In where he logged 41 consec- addition to his outstanding play at linebacker, utive starts and helped the Rams to a win over Horinek graduated in May with a degree in health and State, Fresno carryingexercise science, one of 3.88 grade point average. a He was 15 – often called the Academic national finalists for the Draddy Trophy Heisman – and earned an $18,000 post-graduate scholarship from the Hall of and College Foundation National Football Fame. ranked CSU’s undergraduate College of Business program 67th (up undergraduate College ranked CSU’s CSU’s Veterinary Medicine program ranks second in the country Medicine program ranks second Veterinary is the national and CSU’s dollars. research leader in federal BusinessWeek all public schools and 14th The program ranks 30th among from 73rd in 2008). marketing and and Southwest. The and universities in the West among all colleges magazine. 10 by the Top were ranked in the nation’s business law programs degree and 200,000th its 150,000th bachelor’s In December 2008, CSU conferred overall degree. for student-athletes is higher graduation rate According to NCAA statistics, CSU’s 2008 Of the 17 seniors on CSU’s student body. than the graduation rate for the overall on to the NFL — all 17 will own a degree by the football roster — five of which went time the Rams kick off the ‘09 season. WORLD-CLASS ACADEMICS WORLD-CLASS     10 ACADEMIC SUPPORT Junior Adam Seymore framework for success, a launching pad successful future, whatever that future may hold. at other places. We offer personalized attention to help a student meet his/her particular needs. It provides campus, from staff members, administrators and faculty members. This is something you just don’t seem to find We on get feedback from students and student-athletes alike about personal attention they receive everyone What makes CSU different? ter opportunity to do both than what we offer at Colorado State. to become gainfully employed and qualified launch a successful career in chosen field. You cannot find a bet- coaching and advising. We want you to compete at the highest level of Division I football, but we also personal way,the NFL or not. At CSU, you get an outstanding education in a very with individual mentoring, the result of getting that degree at CSU is long-term dividends pay throughout one’s life, whether he plays in into a particular major unless we believe that they have the aptitude and capacity to complete their degree. And college. In that context, CSU wants student-athletes to succeed academically. That’s why they’re not admitted of players in the NFL, but stark reality is that your chances to continue playing career really diminish after There’s wants to get drafted, and CSU has a great history in this game. Everyone always the possibility of injury player, beyond the NFL? ing that, what does CSU offer future for the long-term of a prospective football According to the NFL, average professional playing career is 3.5 years. Know- the student-athlete from time they’re still in high school until they graduate here at Moby Arena. tion. The football staff engages faculty so they’re involved in all processes of recruiting and the development as mentors and educate student-athletes, in giving them a high-quality educa- nizes that we’re all here to serve The faculty and staff have an excellent connection with the athletic department. Both recog- What kind of relationship have with the faculty? does the athletic department tion, too. sen profession. They not only were successful here in college, but they went on to be after gradua- In engineering, for example, I had CSU teammates when was a student-athlete who now are leaders in their cho- them an opportunity not only to be the best in their sport, but also a chance chosen careers. dent-athlete here is no different in that they’re elite athletes and are pursuing their academic interests. CSU gives interests, and excel in many different ways. The stu- First of all, students in general at CSU have a lot varying characterizes them academically? Describe the bulk of student-athletes at CSU. What makes them different? What player gets an education, but also learns about life and how to be a leader in the community. ponents – is the chance to learn how grow as an individual under Steve and his staff. They’ll make sure of the things a player gets at CSU in addition to great on-field opportunity – competition against op- tations of them. Those players have a tremendous opportunity at CSU to learn from mentor such as him. One translates into the kind of staff he’s put together, and also communicates to his players that he has high expec- SUPPORT FOR THE STUDENT-ATHLETE has high expectations of himself. He’s a family man, real credit to his profession. That Well, first and foremost, Steve is an outstanding individual. He’s a man of high integrity. He commitment to the CSU student-athlete? From what you’ve seen so far, how has Steve Fairchild shown his his potential. ball staff. Both sides work together to help an individual student-athlete reach the zenith of dent-athletes. Plus, CSU expects them to graduate. CSU’s faculty meshes well with its foot- time commitment required by football, because CSU offers outstanding support for its stu- engineering. Colorado State is the best place to balance demands of your studies with football in a great conference, but also to get terrific education. Take my field for example, to tell prospective football players is that CSU a great place, not only play One thing I try about coming to Colorado State? What do you tell visiting high-school athletes who are thinking and a former Colorado State football letterman (1975-78) and team captain (1978) Colorado State football letterman and a former Engineering, Wade in CSU’s and economic development Troxell is associate dean for research College of Q&A WITH W ADE T ROXELL FACILITIES TO SUPPORT FUTURE SUCCESS THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO BE A RAM 2009 RAMS FOOTBALL

"This one's been in planning practically from Day 1 when I got here and pre- sented this information to the President. The Fum McGraw Center, named after the most prominent figure in With the President's reinforcement and Colorado State athletics history, was erected in 1999 reinvestment in athletics, we really want at a cost of $8.6 million to get this thing moving as fast as we can. It's a statement about our program and it means we care about ourselves and we're going to go out and recruit the best student-athletes we can and put Colorado State back on the map.”

—Director of Athletics Paul Kowalczyk, announcing in April 2008 CSU’s plans to build $20 million in new athletic facilities by Fall 2009

11 C OACHING S TAFF

Senior Shelley Smith 12 NEW FACILITIES championship performance. sportsmanship, entertains our constituents, and emphasizes ethical conduct, promotes respect for all individuals, teaches an environment that pursues excellence, values integrity and educate, develop, and graduate Rams student-athletes within CSU’s athletic program and support its mission to recruit, The Academic and Training Center will be a centerpiece for of them. to achieve the high standards of academic success expected environment is essential for the university’s student-athletes a quality learning tioning, and community service, dent-athletes through practice, travel, strength and condi- Because of the heavy time constraints placed on CSU stu- compete for top-quality recruits. panded student-athlete base, nor do they allow the Rams to project, but these facilities no longer meet the needs of its ex- an academic center as part of the McGraw Athletic Center In 1998, Colorado State enhanced its weight room and built    Features Location: Size: Cost: workspace and offices for CSU's academic staff. Includes a computer lab with 30 workstations, more rooms, large study areas and a spiral staircase. The fices, a nutrition center and restrooms. of-the-art weight room, strength and conditioning of- Training portion of the ground floor includes a state- Anderson Academic Center Southeast of the McGraw Athletic Center 17,000 square feet $7 million features five tutorial a $20 million leap toward future. a vivid forward,Colorado State is taking a major step h lsro n nteaeao competition of and in the arena the classroom nationally, to succeed at the highest levels its student-athletes an opportunity in enable CSU to offer twin — the Indoor Practice FacilityThe Academic and Training Center and its fraternal — will ACADEMIC & TRAINING CENTER O E HSFALL THIS PEN INDOOR PRACTICE FACILITY

OPEN THIS FALL 2009 RAMS FOOTBALL

Cost: $13 million Size: 66,267 square feet, including 48,125 dedicated to the football portion and 8,827 to the basketball/volleyball area "I researched athletics facilities in the Mountain Height: 65 feet at its tallest point Location: East of the Moby Pool and north of the Student Recreation Center West Conference during an internship with the President's office. CSU's new facility will place Features us at the top of indoor facilities in the MWC.  Contains a 70-yard synthetic-turf football field (including one end zone).  Features a four-lane, 70-meter track and a unique shoe-changing room adjacent to the The impact on our entire program will be football field. tremendous."  Gymnasium easily encloses a regulation basketball court and two half courts.  Volleyball configuration can accommodate two full-length courts.  Has flexibility to allow the softball team to set up batting cages on the football field. — 1,000-yard rusher Kyle Bell,  Will provide shelter for any student-athlete in each of the Rams' 16 varsity sports. now with Jacksonville Jaguars  Includes training room, equipment storage, lobby and trophy display case, and restrooms.  Uses an innovative air circulation system.

Quality Construction Partners Designed by Aller-Lingle Architects P.C., and RATIO Architects, Inc., the facilities will be built by Saunders Construction, Inc. Every CSU program will benefit from these facilities. The indoor practice facility will be used by each of the Rams’ 16 varsity sports, whether they Aller-Lingle, a local firm instrumental in several campus projects, including recent Hughes Sta- are in season or involved in offseason conditioning. dium renovations, served as the lead architect on both new buildings. The firm sought the assis- tance of Indianapolis-based RATIO because of its recent experience in the design of similar venues at BCS universities such as Illinois, Oregon, West Virginia and Indiana.

Saunders has played a significant role in the construction of several prominent Colorado projects, including the Paul D. Bowlen Memorial Broncos Centre in Dove Valley and the Broomfield Events Center. 13 N EW F ACILITIES 14 LOCKER ROOM eti h uueo the Rams." of vest in the future portunity, and this was a way family to in- for me and my college had that op- and the NFL. I am grateful for having playing in of dream to pursue my me with an opportunity ball player and a student-athlete. Coach Lubick provided special as a foot- State football. My time at CSU was very "I am excited this gift to Colorado to be able to provide the spring prior to leading the Pittsburgh Steelers to a the spring prior to leading Pittsburgh Steelers —All-Pro linebacker—All-Pro Joey Porter, Super Bowl XL championship THE JOEY PORTER LOCKER ROOM Junior Leonard Mason D EDICATED 2005 FIELD AT HUGHES STADIUM HOME OF THE RAMS 2009 RAMS FOOTBALL

The Aggie ‘A’ The prominent white “A” displayed on the foothills overlooking Sonny Lubick Field at Hughes Stadium turns 86 years old in 2009, making it the second oldest ongo- ing tradition associated with Colorado State University. CAM the Ram The “A” evolved after World War I when a trend began The official mascot of Colorado State is CAM the among colleges to display the school insignia on a hill Ram, whose name symbolizes CSU history — an near campus. At a special assembly on Dec. 4, 1923, the acronym for Colorado Agricultural and Mechanical students of State Agricultural College agreed it was time College, the institution’s former name. to erect such an emblem. A group of military volunteers All told, 17 live rams have served proudly on the formed the “A” Club and donated vehicles for transport- Hughes Stadium sidelines. The mascot has its own ing supplies, and female students provided food for the corps of student ‘Ram Handlers,’ as well as a travel- workers. ing trailer. The college declared Dec. 12 a special holiday, and students worked from that morning until mid-afternoon to form the “A.” One small detail was missing: The school didn’t own the land on which the insignia sat. The College and Ag Board members met with landowner R.G. Maxwell and negotiated a long-term lease for the sum of $1. The following September, students lengthened and widened the “A” to its present size of 450 feet from top to bot- tom, and 210 feet across at the bottom. For many years the freshman class carried out the annual tradition of white- washing the “A.” Today, the “A” is an official landmark. Each fall, members of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and new freshmen football players join forces to give the “A” a fresh coat of white paint as part of Homecoming activities.

21st-Century Renovations In 2003, the Bohemian Foundation contributed $15.2 million to the Colorado State athletic department. The major- ity of that gift was focused on improving the Rams’ home, Hughes Stadium.

Over a three-year period, the facility received a spectacular new west tower, containing a club seating area, luxury suites and press box. CSU also enclosed the north end zone, increasing stadium capacity to 34,400.

The foundation insisted that the venue’s playing surface receive a new name — Sonny Lubick Field, after the legendary head coach that spurred the most successful run of bowl games and conference championships in program history.

The final phase of renovation focused on that surface itself. The field underwent a $1.33 million makeover prior to the 2006 season, when Colorado State installed FieldTurf, the revolutionary, rubberized surface used by several NFL and major-college venues across the country. 15 S TADIUM

Junior Zac Pauga GAMEDAY IN FORT COLLINS SINCE 1893

The cannon Since 1920, military members from the institution have fired the deafening cannon — an intimidating exclamation point to opponents that just allowed a Rams touchdown, field goal or PAT. Fired today by CSU’s Army ROTC, the cannon is the oldest continu- ous tradition associated with CSU athletics.

Ram Walk Before every game, CSU’s players and coaches exit their buses and proceed through Ram Town and a tunnel created by the Rams’ cheerleaders and band, which plays the fight song.

16 AMEDAY G

Senior Klint Kubiak RICH TRADITION A PROUD PROGRAM WITH 116 YEARS OF HISTORY 2009 RAMS FOOTBALL Fight song Colorado State has sent nearly 200 players to the National Football Fight on you stalwart Ram Team, On to the goal! League, including Oscar Reed Tear the (Opponent's) line asunder, (right), who played in three Super As down the field we thunder. Bowls with the Min- Knights of the green and gold, nesota Vikings from Fight on with all your might! 1969-74. Fight on you stalwart Ram Team, Fight! Fight! Fight!

After every win, CSU’s players sing the fight song with intense pride in their locker room. They also sing it after home victories in front of the student section.

Jesse Nading (right) and the Rams in 2007 claimed the Bronze Boot, the coveted trophy that goes to the winner of the Every year, the Rams renew six heated rivalries that are more century-old Border War with Wyoming, the nation’s longest than 50 years old, including its oldest series — CU-Boulder. The continuous football series west of the Mississippi. winner each season takes home the Centennial Cup, won by Sonny Lubick (above) and the Rams three out of four years from 1999- 2002.

"Track record, No. 1. I was here when we did it before. There's a stretch of seven years there last decade that we won or tied for the conference five times and played in bowl games. That's a pretty good run. It can be bet- ter than that, yeah, and we're going to try and do it, but it's not like we're trying to go down some uncharted course here.”

—Head Coach Steve Fairchild, at his 2008 introductory press 17 H

conference, on why he believes the Rams can return to ISTORY Conference championships dominance CSU owns 15 conference championships, in- cluding its first, in 1915 (below), and its most re- & T cent, in 2002 (left). Legendary coaches Harry Fum McGraw Hughes (above) and Sonny Lubick each claimed The most recognized name in CSU annals is Thurman "Fum" McGraw (right). The university’s RADITION six league championships. first consensus football All-American (1948-49), he went on to an illustrious career in the NFL, where he helped the Detroit Lions to two world championships. McGraw devoted more than 40 years to the university he loved, including a decade as director of athletics (1976-86). His retired No. 48 jersey hangs in the locker room during every game, home and road. A passionate competitor, during his days as a Colorado A&M student and fraternity mem- ber, he sang a song directed at regional rivals. The ballad later became known as "Fum's Song."

I'll sing you a song of college days, and tell you where to go. Aggies, where your knowledge is, and Boulder to spend your dough. C.C. for your sissy boys, and Utah for your times, D.U. for your ministers, and drunkards School of Mines. Don't send my boy to Wyoming U. a dying mother said. Don't send him to old Brigham Young, I'd rather see him dead. But send him to our Aggies, it's better than Cornell. Before I'd see him in Boulder, I'd see my son in hell! 18 BOWL GAMES match that success over a four-year period. the league championship. To date, no other MWC school has been able to of ’s all or part first four seasons, captured the Rams the of Bowl. In three beating Deion Branch and Louisville in the Liberty Fairchild’s as head coach, by returning last year before with the university Colorado State put an exclamation point on a 10-2 season in 2000, Steve games, including the New Orleans Bowl. its last six of CSU that year five berth. won Bowl a third consecutive the first team to earn becoming made school history, The 2001 Rams Holiday Bowl to finish 02LbryBw e.3,20 iet ol epi,Tn.TUL, 17-3 L, 51-30 W, 22-17 W, 40-35 L, 35-21 TCU L, 23-17 Navy Boston College Fresno State Louisville W, 35-24 University Stadium; Albuquerque, N.M. Southern Miss W, 45-20 Qualcomm Stadium; San Diego, Calif. Liberty Bowl; Memphis, Tenn. W, 32-31 Dec. 20, 2008 Dec. 22, 2005 L, 24-14 L, 54-21 SBC Park; San Francisco, Calif. Dec. 31, 2002 2008 New Mexico Bowl North Texas Liberty Bowl; Memphis, Tenn. Missouri L, 21-20 2005 Poinsettia Bowl Dec. 31, 2003 Louisiana Superdome; New Orleans, La. Liberty Bowl; Memphis, Tenn. Dec. 29, 2000 Occidental College 2003 San Francisco Bowl Kansas State Qualcomm Stadium; San Diego, Calif. Dec. 18, 2001 Dec. 31, 1999 Oregon 2002 Liberty Bowl Michigan Jack Murphy Stadium; San Diego, Calif. Dec. 29, 1997 2001 New Orleans Bowl Jack Murphy Stadium; San Diego, Calif. Dec. 29, 1995 2000 Liberty Bowl Ratcliffe Stadium; Fresno, Calif. Anaheim Stadium; Anaheim, Calif. Dec. 30, 1994 1999 Liberty Bowl 1997 Holiday Bowl Dec. 29, 1990 Jan. 1, 1949 1995 Holiday Bowl 1994 Holiday Bowl 1990 Freedom Bowl 1949 Raisin Bowl Bo Colorado State’s 12 bowl games The Rams beat Mis- The Rams ranked 16th in the wl nation’s final poll. souri in the 1997 aeLocation Date Opp onent R S es XBW ETSTI DECADE THIS BERTHS BOWL IX ul t BOWL GAMES Raisin Bowl (below). Raisin the program’s first bowl, the ico Bowl triumph 60 years after (left) led the team to a New Mex- FairchildBowl (above), and Steve the 1990 Freedom won Rams and the addition, Sonny Lubick’s 15 seasons. In to nine bowl gamesCSU went in MOUNTAIN WEST FOOTBALL ABOVE THE REST 2009 RAMS FOOTBALL  The MWC finished the 2008 season with three teams ranked in the top  Colorado State’s Steve Fairchild improved his team’s 25, including two in the top 10. Utah was No. 2 in the Associated Press win total by four from the previous season. Among first-year poll and No. 4 in the USA Today coaches poll. TCU was No. 7 in both head coaches across the nation, only Mississippi’s Houston Nutt, whose polls, while BYU was No. 21 in the coaches’ poll and No. 25 in the AP. team should open ranked in the top 10 after beating Texas Tech, im-  Over the last two seasons, the MWC has posted the third-best win per- Only the Big 12 and SEC also had two teams in the top seven. proved more. CSU returned to the postseason for the first time since centage against automatic-qualifying BCS opponents. 2005. With with a dramatic win over Fresno State, fueled by Gartrell  The No. 2 ranking by Utah in the final AP poll is the highest for a team Johnson’s NCAA bowl-record 375 combined rushing and receiving  In their last 15 games against automatic-qualifying BCS opponents, Utah from a non-automatic-qualifying conference since BYU was ranked No. yards, Fairchild became the first coach in Colorado State history to lead is 12-3 and TCU is 11-4. 1 in 1984. his team to a bowl in his inaugural season. Fairchild’s seven wins were also more than any previous first-year coach at CSU.  The Mountain West sent five teams to bowl games in 2008, tying the ‘07  Utah’s No. 2 and TCU’s No. 7 ranking in the final polls marks the first time league record. The MWC has earned 36 bowl bids since 1999. that two teams from non-automatic-qualifying conferences have been  TCU is the first two-loss team from a non-automatic-qualifying confer- ranked in the top 10 since 1984 (No. 1 BYU and No. 8 SMU). ence to finish the regular season ranked inside the BCS AQ position of  The Mountain West Conference is one of two leagues (ACC) to win the 12. The team played four undefeated top 10 opponents in 2008. The Bowl Challenge Cup twice since its inception in 2002. The MWC claimed  The MWC is the first non-automatic-qualifying conference in the BCS Horned Frogs went 2-2 in those games with the losses coming to No. 4/2 the 2007 Cup with a 4-1 (.800) mark and registered a 2-1 record in 2004. era to have three teams ranked in the top 25 of the final Associated Press Utah and No. 5/5 Oklahoma. Then-11th ranked TCU defeated No. 9 Boise and USA Today Coaches polls. It’s also the first State, 17-16, in the San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl. The  Utah, TCU, BYU, Air Force and Colorado State were all bowl-eligible last time two teams have finished in the top 10. game featured the two remaining at-large teams in the BCS pool after the season, marking the fourth year in a row, and fifth overall, the MWC has 10-team selection, and the Broncos were undefeated (12-0). TCU’s No. boasted five bowl-eligible teams. Collectively, eight of the nine MWC  The MWC became THE first non-automatic- 7 ranking in the final AP and USA Today polls is its highest season-end- members have participated in a bowl game over the last 10 years, led by qualifying BCS conference to have three teams ing ranking since 1959 (also seventh) and its second top-11 finish in the TCU with nine appearances during that time. Utah has eight. ranked all eight weeks of the BCS standings, in last four years. In 2005, the Horned Frogs concluded the season ranked 2008. The MWC was one of three conferences ninth in the coaches and 11th in the AP polls. Since the BCS was estab- with at least three teams ranked in the top 16 (Big 12 - 4, SEC - 3) of the lished for the 1998 season, TCU (11-2) has the highest finish in the polls final poll. Utah (12-0) ranked No. 6, TCU (10-2) 11th and BYU (10-2) by a two-loss team from a non-automatic-qualifying conference. No. 16.  The Pac-10 captured the Bowl Challenge Cup in 2008 with a 5-0 record.  Three MWC teams ranked among the top 20 in the national polls for The MWC went 6-2 against the Pac-10 last season. eight consecutive weeks during the regular season. Entering the bowl season, Utah ranked No. 7 in the USA Today coaches, Associated Press  Over the past five seasons, the MWC owns the best win percentage in and Harris polls, while TCU was No. 11 the coaches’ and AP and 12th in bowl games among the 11 conferences (14-7, .667). The SEC is second the Harris. BYU was No. 16 in the coaches’ and Harris polls and No. 17 (24-13, .649), followed by the Pac-10 (18-10, .643). The MWC also is 7- in the AP. 3 against BCS automatic-qualifying conferences in bowls since 2004.  Utah (13-0) was the only undefeated Football Bowl Subdivision team in  The MWC concluded 2008 with a 28-13 non-conference record, includ- 19 2008 and currently holds the nation’s longest win streak at 14. Utah fin- ing a 22-12 mark against FBS opponents. Those 28 wins surpassed the

ished a season undefeated for the second time in five years (12-0 in MWC single-season record of 24 set in both 2003 and 2007. T

2004). The Utes were the first team in the BCS era to have two unde- HE feated seasons and the first from a non-automatic-qualifying conference  The MWC posted the best 2008 Football Bowl Subdivision mark against MWC television partners C

to win two BCS bowls. The team boasts the nation’s longest active bowl AQ-BCS conferences (10-6 mark, includes Notre Dame). Five of the nine ONFERENCE win streak (8) after defeating Alabama in the 2009 Sugar Bowl. The Utes MWC teams chalked up victories. defeated four ranked teams in 2008, including an Alabama team that spent five weeks ranked No. 1 in the BCS standings. Two of those victo- ries came against teams that finished in the top 10. Only Utah and BCS champion Florida defeated two foes that finished in the top 10. Utah is one of 12 teams that has made multiple trips to BCS bowls since 2005 (Florida, Georgia, LSU, Michigan, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Penn State, Texas, USC, Virginia Tech and West Virginia). MEDIA EXPOSURE MAKING COLORADO STATE VISIBLE

Colorado State’s Sept. 6 opener — against Colorado in the annual Rocky Mountain Showdown — will air on Fox Sports New press box Net. A primetime contest, it will be the only game in the na- Hughes Stadium’s 4-year-old press box, replaced with a portion of the athletic department’s $15.2 mil- tion (college or NFL) being played at the time, for the second lion gift in 2003, now can comfortably fit more than 200 season in a row. Last year, 11 of the Rams’ 13 games aired members of the electronic and print media for big on regional or national television (ESPN, the mtn., CBS Col- games. CSU’s athletic department in a given season is- lege Sports and FSN). Since the beginning of the 2000 sea- sues nearly 1,000 credentials. son, when CSU finished No. 14 in the final polls, networks have aired the Rams in 82 percent of their games, making Colorado State one of the nation’s most televised teams over this decade.

Daily coverage Colorado State is a nationally prominent brand, due in large part to the success of its athletic teams and the media coverage they receive.

The Rams are covered by five newspapers in addition to the Associated Press. What's more, eight area television stations, mostly from Denver (the nation’s No. 18 television market), and several radio outlets along the front range come to campus to interview and feature CSU's student-athletes and coaches.

And in 2006, with the launch of the mtn., the first television network dedicated to one conference, CSU and the rest of its MWC peers receive 24-7 coverage. The network 20 is available on the DIRECTV lineup to fans across the nation. XPOSURE E EDIA M

Senior Dion Morton CSU IN THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE PLAYING ON SUNDAYS 2009 RAMS FOOTBALL Active roster Arizona Cardinals SI featured Joey Porter on the cover of its 53 Clark Haggans, LB 2006 NFL preview after the All-Pro led the Steelers to a Super Bowl XL championship. Chicago Bears 12 , QB Gartrell Johnson and Joey Porter, whose Dolphins Cincinnati Bengals were in town to meet the Broncos the next day, 3 Billy Farris, QB shared a spontaneous chest bump following the Michael O'Neill/Sports Illustrated Detroit Lions back’s TD against BYU in 2008. 30 Dexter Wynn, CB

Denver Broncos 71 Clint Oldenburg, OL

Houston Texans 89 David Anderson, WR 65 Mike Brisiel, OL 85 Joel Dreessen, TE 72 Jesse Nading, DE 33 Cecil Sapp, RB

Jacksonville Jaguars 40 Kyle Bell, RB

Miami Dolphins 55 Joey Porter, LB

New York Giants Tommie Hill, DE

Oakland Raiders 72 Erik Pears, OL Johnson Haggans St. Louis Rams 31 Jason Craft, CB

San Diego Chargers 33 Gartrell Johnson, RB 21 47 Kory Sperry, TE CSU

Sperry

Craft THE IN NFL

Wynn

Hanie fensive line), Larry Kerr (assistant head coach/defensive Kerr line), Larry fensive Darrell Ballard (graduate assistant), Ballard (graduate assistant), Daren Darrell (), Greg Peterson (/re- Peterson(quarterbacks), Greg (offensive ceivers), Steve Fairchild Steve ceivers), (de- (head coach), Scott Brown ends), Pat line), Meyer game (run coordinator/offensive 22

COACHING STAFF Lubick (left to right): Marc (tight The 2009 staff coordinator/linebackers), Larry Lewis (special coordinator/linebackers), Larry o hes(ietro football operations), Tom of Ehlers (director teams/safeties), Tim Duffie (cornerbacks), (cornerbacks), Tim Duffie teams/safeties), Jason (graduate assistant). Gallimore Buffalo Bills in 2007. League, most recently with the coaching in the National Football Steve Fairchild spent seven years 0 Combined years in the coaching profession entering 2009 200 CSU coaches by the numbers 0Years of combined NFL coaching experience 10 All-America seasons produced by players coached 15 Combined years coaching under Sonny Lubick at CSU 27 NFL Draft picks coached in college, including the No. 1 overall selection 42 Bowl games, as a coach or player 70 Buck Buchanan award winner coached 1 Jim Thorpe award winner coached 1 Former college head coach 1 Former high school head coaches 2 Former Rams quarterbacks 3 Former professional football players 3 Former Colorado State student-athletes 7 Years of college head coaching experience 8 COLORADO STATE’S COACHING STAFF     succeed doing things the right way. a mandate to Honor our tradition and feel This is a special place. about each other and our program. Care Be grateful, be humble and be motivated. 200 — Framed pla ER FEXPERIENCE OF YEARS q ue in CSU’s staff meeting room , 70 OLGAMES BOWL CSU’S SPIRIT SQUADS UNWAVERING SUPPORT SINCE 1924 2009 RAMS FOOTBALL

2009 Golden Poms — First row: Amanda Dudek, Kelly McManus, Jenna Eyre, Caitlin Cassel, Patty Reimann, Kelsey Sturdevant, Brittney Griffen. Second row: Lorin O'Toole, Hayley Woerner, Abby Wyeno, Lauren Klimpkey, Cassie Cooper, Kate Holsteen, Lauren Hesse, Sarah Budden, Blair Anderson, Dawn Burton.

2009 cheerleaders — First row: Kaitlin Parascand, Courtney Kolin, Karizmine Sill, Ally Conrad, Katie Williams, Erica Doty, Katie Wilson. Second row: Katie Hoffner, Nicole Trojan, Lindsey Schimidt, John Igo, Courtney Rainey, John Gargaro, Katie Roley, Emily Natelborg, Taelore Fehr. 23 S PIRIT S QUADS THE MILE HIGH CITY THE NATION’S BEST SPORTS CITY

The Denver Metro Area, with a population of 2.4 million, is less than an hour’s drive from Fort Collins. A major- league metropolis, named by the Sporting News the best sports city in the United States, Denver is home to three teams that have competed for their respective world championships in the past 11 years — the Super Bowl XXXII and XXXIII champion Denver Broncos, the 1996 and 2001 Stanley Cup champion Colorado Avalanche, and the 2007 National League champion Colorado Rockies, who lost the World Series that season to the Boston Red Sox. The Denver Nuggets, meanwhile, just finished their most successful season in 24 years, going all the way to the NBA’s Western Confer- ence Finals before bowing out to the eventual world champion Lakers. Sports fans in Colorado are among the most passionate in the nation, and for good reason — their teams are winners.

24 ENVER D THE MILE HIGH CITY ONLY AN HOUR FROM FORT COLLINS 2009 RAMS FOOTBALL Denver has all the features of any big city, including great shopping and nightlife on the 16th Street Mall (Denver Pavilions, below), a one-of-a-kind concert venue in Red Rocks Amphitheatre (middle), an adrenaline-inducing amusement park in Elitch Gar- dens (far right), and the world’s 10th-busiest airport, Denver International (lower far right). Nicknamed the Mile High City because it is one mile above sea level, downtown Denver is home to the Colorado state capitol building, the 13th step of which is exactly one mile in elevation (right).

25 D ENVER 26 DISTINGUISHED ALUMI

Joey Porter, Miami Dolphins Erik Phillips, athletic trainer, Phoenix Suns Jason Smith, NBA player Milt Palacio, NBA player Mike Montgomery, basketball coach (currently head coach, Cal) Keli McGregor, president, Colorado Rockies Felix “Tippy” Martinez, former Kansas City Royals player Casey Malone, 2004 Olympian, sixth place in discus Mark Knudson, former Major League Baseball pitcher Floyd Kerr, director of athletics, Morgan State University Greg Jamison, president & CEO, San Jose Sharks Raymond Jackson, player development, Pittsburgh Steelers Becky Hammon, Olympian and current WNBA basketball player Clark Haggans, Arizona Cardinals Jack Christiansen, Pro Football Hall of Famer Less Browne, Canadian Football League Hall of Famer Sports James van Hoften, former NASA astronaut, Lt. Col. USAF Kent Rominger, deputy director, Flight Crew Operations, NASA Science Terry Slatic, Iraq veteran, U.S. Marine Corps Roy Romer, former Colorado Governor Bill Ritter, current Colorado Governor Ed Rhoades, former commander, U.S.S. Halyburton Peter Lemon, recipient of Congressional Medal Honor John Ensign, D.V.M., United States Senator Wayne Allard, D.V.M., United States Congressman Government/Military Robert A. Taylor, D.V.M., TV personality, Osberg, executive vice president, Gregory Yosef Komunyakaa, Pulitzer Prize winner, Neon Vernacular Baxter Black, American cowboy poet & humorist John Amos, actor, Entertainment/Communications James Smith, president & CEO, Smith Investments Inc. Kenneth Monfort, past board of directors member, ConAgra Edward Henney, past senior vice president, Safeway Stores Lindsay Gill, product development manager, Spyder Active Sports vice president, Lockheed Martin Donald DeGryse, Jeff Christmann, operations manager, GE Johnson Construction Thomas Bradbury, past director, National Western Stock Show Business Jim Sheeler, Pulitzer Prize winner, Hugh Ragin, jazz trumpet player Vicki Porter, two-time Pulitzer Prize winner, community reporting

The West Wing

Rocky Mountain News

Emergency Vets Newsweek Magazine advanced to the World Series in 2007. the club, which for the overall day-to-day operation of is responsible Major League Baseball’s Colorado Rockies on Oct. 18, 2001, and successful in business. of He was more named the President even Fame, has become 1997 inductee into the CSU Athletic Hall of McGregor, a retiring. anapolis Colts and Seattle Seahawks before the 1985 NFL Draft and played for the Broncos, Indi- of round in the fourth wasball. McGregor selected by the Denver Broncos foot- by playing professional with the Rams setting collegiate career Former a record- followed All-American tight end Keli McGregor DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI C OLORADO S TATE U NIVERSITY