The Marcus Dawson Story

[coachdubs]

December 8, 2023
The Dawson Residence--Laramie, Wyoming

The Dawson family eagerly packed their bags, excited for a sun-soaked basketball weekend as the Wyoming Cowboys geared up for the Sunshine Shootout in Daytona Beach, Florida. Marcus, accompanied by his wife Sarah and their children Lily and Jake, looked forward to both the competitive games and a bit of family time away from the basketball court.

As they settled into their hotel near the beach, the anticipation for the tournament's opener against Georgia Tech buzzed throughout the family. Sarah and Lily couldn't wait to explore the boardwalk, while Jake, a budding basketball fan, couldn't wait to go with his dad to the arena so he could hang out with the team.

The Cowboys' schedule promised the potential for intense matchups against formidable opponents like Kentucky, Illinois, Wichita State, Buffalo, and Utah Valley State. Marcus Dawson was optimistic about his team's chances in the multi-team event, seeing it as an opportunity to test their mettle against diverse playing styles.

Amidst the excitement of the tournament, the Dawson looked forward to the chance to escape the Laramie winter and unwind on the sun-soaked beaches of Daytona, taking in the warm Florida sun and enjoying quality time together away from the basketball courts. The tournament was not just about basketball for the Dawsons but a chance to make memories amid the vibrant ambiance of Daytona Beach.

With the promise of competitive games ahead and the prospect of family adventures by the beach, the Dawsons embarked on their Sunshine Shootout journey, ready to embrace both the thrill of the games and the warmth of the Florida coast.

[coachdubs]

December 9, 2023
Cowboys Defeated Georgia Tech 81-61; Will Face Kentucky in the Semi-Finals Tomorrow
Brendan Moody and James Milles both scored 15 points and Clifton Tahid and Marcus Morris added 13 a piece. Germain Fields stuffed the stat sheet with six points, six rebounds, seven assists, and four steals.

As the final buzzer sounded, marking the Wyoming Cowboys' resounding victory over Georgia Tech, the Dawson family basked in the joy of the win. Sarah beamed with pride while Lily and Jake, sporting their Wyoming gear, cheered their dad and his team on, thrilled by the team's performance.

"Great game, Dad! Did you see that block James had?" Jake's eyes sparkled with excitement as he recounted the highlight-reel play by the freshman sensation.

"He was fantastic out there!" Marcus chuckled, ruffling Jake's hair. "I'm glad you caught that, bud."

With the victory securing the Cowboys' spot in the semifinals against Kentucky, the family decided to celebrate with a stroll along the Daytona Beach boardwalk. The air was warm and festive, the colorful lights and sounds of the beachfront attractions setting a lively backdrop for their evening.

"Mom, can we try that roller coaster over there?" Lily pointed excitedly to a brightly lit ride.

Sarah laughed, glancing at the twisting tracks. "Sure, but I might just watch this time."

As the night progressed, they indulged in classic beachside treats, sampling cotton candy and sipping on cold lemonades while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. The dazzling lights from the rides and games painted the beach skyline, creating a magical backdrop for their post-game celebration.

Back at the hotel, they reminisced about the game, with Jake animatedly recounting his favorite plays while Marcus shared his thoughts on the teams' performance.

"The boys played really well today, didn't they?" Marcus grinned at Sarah, who nodded in agreement.

"Yeah, they were impressive. It's nice to see them play with such confidence," Sarah added, pride evident in her voice.

With the win behind them and the semifinal game against Kentucky looming, the Dawsons retired to their rooms, excited for what the next day of the tournament would bring for both the Cowboys and their family.

[coachdubs]

December 10, 2023
Sunshine Shootout Semi-Final Wyoming vs Kentucky

Bob Davis: What a smooth move by Mekeli Knox, the standout freshman for Kentucky, to finish at the rim.

Ryan Darrow: Excellent finish over James Mills who couldn't really do anything with four fouls. He just had to let him finish the shot, and not contest it. The score is Kentucky 72 and Wyoming 71 with 23.8 seconds left in regulation. We have a timeout on the floor by Wyoming, called by Coach Marcus Dawson.

Bob Davis: Coach Dawson has done a tremendous job coaching the Cowboys in this game and keeping them within striking distance of the Wildcats. He has to be drawing something up to get a quality look to try and win this game.

Ryan Dorrow: He's got to try and get something going at the rim and to try and draw a foul. The Cowboys have shot excellent today from the line 21-24 for 88%.

Bob Davis: Wyoming inbounds the ball and Brendan Moody the point guard brings the ball across the time line as the clock winds down. He has the ball on a string near the top of the key, surveying his options looking for a gap to attack.

Ryan Dorrow: That's right Bob, Moody's been the maestro all game, controlling the tempo for Wyoming. He's eyeing up the defense, looking for an opening. Knox guarding him man-to-man.

Bob Davis: There's a small opening in the defense and Moody squeezes through to get to the paint. But the Wildcat defense is there to help stop. Moody dishes it out to Bryant, who's been lurking in the corner!

Ryan Dorrow: Time is ticking down less than five seconds to go.

Bob Davis: Bryant is wide open, he catches and lets a shot fly--a deep three-pointer from the left corner!

Ryan Dorrow: It's in the air! The buzzer sounds--oh, my goodness!

Bob Davis: It's good! Perry Bryant nails the three at the buzzer! Wyoming upsets #5 Kentucky 74-72!

Ryan Dorrow: What a clutch shot by the freshman! Moody drove the lane, drew the defenders, and found Bryant all alone in the corner. And he didn't hesitate!

Bob Davis: That's the stuff dreams are made of! The Cowboys celebrate in jubilation as Byrant's shot finds the bottom of the net, securing a thrilling victory here in Daytona Beach!
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After the game meeting with Coach Calipari shaking hands.
Marcus: Coach Cal, what an honor to compete against you.

John Calipari: Marcus, your team played a great game. Your guys are tough competitors. Great play you drew up at the end, and your guys executed it to perfection.

Marcus: Appreciate that, Coach. You've got a heck of a squad there. Best of luck the rest of the season.

John Calipari: Likewise, Marcus. Keep up the good work with your Cowboys.

Marcus: Will do. Safe travels back to Kentucky, Coach.
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Back at the hotel, the Dawson family, still caught up in the euphoria of the win, shared their thoughts on the game. Marcus, beaming with pride, reflected on the team's hard work and resilience. "That was an incredible finish. Perry's shot, what a moment!"

Sarah nodded in agreement, thoroughly thrilled by the game. "The boys really pulled it off! What a way to end the game."

Lily and Jake, wide-eyed with excitement, chattered animatedly about their favorite moments. "Did you see that shot, Mom? Perry is amazing!" Lily exclaimed, her excitement contagious.

After reliving the thrilling victory, the family settled into a cozy evening together, recounting the game's highlights and enjoying a peaceful night. They had one more game, the title game against a tough Big Ten opponent in Illinois.

[coachdubs]

December 11, 2023
Final Day of the Sunshine Shootout

The final horn sounded in the Sunshine Shootout Championship game with the scoreboard reading a final score of Wyoming 64 Illinois 56. The Cowboys had strung together three excellent days of basketball defeating three teams from the ACC, the SEC, and the Big Ten in succession to win the Sunshine Shootout title.
As the team gathered at center court after the game for the presentation of the tournament trophy, Marcus's wife and children beamed with pride from the sidelines. The tournament organizer gave a brief speech which Marcus couldn't even remember as he soaked in the atmosphere around him. He stepped up and shook the tournament organizer's hand and received the trophy which he passed to the people who deserved it the most, the players who performed at a high level and played, perhaps, the best three games of basketball Marcus had seen.
Several hours later as the team was loading the bus to head to the airport for their flight back home, the Dawson family stood outside the team bus, soaking in what was left of the warm Florida sun.
"That was quite the tournament, wasn't it?" Asked Marcus with a broad smile on his face.
Sarah nodded, her eyes reflecting pride. "Sure was. The boys played great, especially in that last game!"
"Yeah Clifton and James really stepped up," Marcus added recalling their standout performances which had netted both players all-tournament team recognition.
Jake, kicking a stray pebble across the parking lot, chimed in, "A Perry's buzzer-beater against Kentucky was the best!"
"It sure was, pal."
They shared a moment, watching the team load the bus for the short ride to the airport. Lily tugged at Marcus' sleeve. "Daddy, do you think you'll win more games?"
"I'm sure we have a few more wins left, sweetheart," Marcus replied, glancing at Sarah with a smile. "But right now, I can't wait to get home."

[coachdubs]

December 15, 2023
Cowboys Continue Winning Ways in Victory Over Eastern Kentucky
Wyoming Sports Magazine

Laramie, Wyoming--In a thrilling matchup at the Arena-Auditorium, the Wyoming Cowboys secured a hard-fought victory against Eastern Kentucky 83-75. James Mills dominated in the paint, leading all scorers with an impressive 23 points and grabbing seven rebounds while shooting 10-16 from the field.
Not to be outdone, Clifton Tahid contributed significantly to the Cowboys' success, adding 15 points to the scoreboard, while Perry Bryant scored 12 points. Germain Field continues to be an all-around asset for Coach Dawson, contributing nine points, six rebounds, five assists, and four steals, making his presence felt on both ends of the floor.
Despite a valiant effort by Eastern Kentucky's Mat Smith and Brian Rogers, who scored 18 and 14 points respectively, Wyoming's consistent performance and team effort secured the win.
Coach Marcus Dawson expressed satisfaction with the team's performance stating, "I'm proud of the all-around effort by our guys. They executed at a high rate, played hard, and showed great teamwork throughout the game. It's games like this that make us stronger as a team."
The Cowboys improve to 10-1 with a matchup against #8-ranked Xavier in Cincinnati looming next week before they close out their non-conference schedule with a game against SE Missouri State in Laramie

[coachdubs]

December 20, 2023
Jim Rome Radio Show

Jim Rome: My next guest came on last year a couple of times and was a great interview. He was the Mountain West Coach of the year and took his Wyoming Cowboys to the NCAA Tournament where they beat Portland State and lost to Ohio State. They are off to another great start this season with a 10-1 record, please welcome to the show, Marcus Dawson.
Coach Dawson, great to have you on the show again. Congrats on that Sunshine Shootout title. You guys upset the fifth-ranked Kentucky Wildcats. That's a huge win. How did the team feel after such a huge win?

Marcus Dawson: Thanks, Jim. I don't think I can overstate how much that win means to our program, it's certainly a signature win, a massive win for us, no doubt. The team was pretty fired up after that game. We went in knowing we were the underdogs, but our guys showed tremendous heart and grit to pull out that win. Then they came back the next day to knock off a solid Illinois team to win the tournament.

Jim Rome: Absolutely, and that loss to fourth-ranked UConn was a hard-fought one. How do you assess the team's performance against such a high-caliber opponent?

Marcus Dawson: UConn's a powerhouse, anytime you go against those types of Blue-Blood basketball schools like UConn and Kentucky you know it's going to be a battle all night long. We went to Storrs and came up short, but I saw a lot of positives. Our guys battled hard against an elite team. It's those kinds of games that help us learn and grow as a team.

Jim Rome: Looking ahead, you're facing #8 Zavier. What's the game plan against another top-10 opponent?

Marcus Dawson: Xavier is a tough team, no doubt about it, their back-court duo of Tim McKay and Chris Collier is going to give us fits. We've got to stay focused, play our game, and execute our strategies. Our guys are hungry and ready for the challenge. It's going to be a battle, but we're up for it.

Jim Rome: Your team's off to a strong start this season. What has been the key to your success so far?

Marcus Dawson: It's been about teamwork and consistency. The new guys are buying into our system, playing hard, and supporting each other on and off the court. To be honest I think we've arrived earlier than expected. We have two freshmen, James Mills and Perry Bryant, who have earned starting spots and they've been integral to our success. They both are mature beyond their years and have fit right into what we're doing, and our veterans are just going with the flow, leading and guiding them. It's been fun so far.

Jim Rome: Exactly, I saw Bryant hit that game-winning three against Kentucky, that young man has to have ice in his veins.

Marcus Dawson: Absolutely.

Jim Rome: Well, Coach, it's been great having you on the show. Best of luck against Xavier. Thanks for joining us.

Marcus Dawson: Thanks, Jim. Appreciate it. Merry Christmas!

Jim Rome: Merry Christmas. J-Stew, another great interview as we countdown to our last show of the year. Remember next week is a best of show as I'll be out on vacation with my family.

[coachdubs]

December 21, 2023
Heartbreak in Overtime: #25 Wyoming Falls to #8 Xavier, 89-82

Cincinnati, Ohio--In a thrilling matchup that went beyond regulation, the #25 Wyoming Cowboys battled fiercely against the #8 Xavier Musketeers, only to succumb to a heartbreaking defeat in overtime with a final score of 89-82.
Xavier came out strong, establishing a commanding 20-9 lead halfway through the first half. However, the Cowboys clawed their way back, tying the game at 35 with just over a minute left in the opening half. The Musketeers managed to hold a slim 38-37 lead at the half.
The second half brought a series of momentum swings. Xavier opened with a 10-3 run, building a 48-40 lead. Undeterred, Wyoming mounted a comeback led by the outstanding effort of freshman Perry Bryant. The Cowboys not only tied the game at 62 they also surged ahead to a 71-65 lead with just over two minutes left in regulation.
Xavier, known for their poise in pressure situations, responded emphatically in the final minutes, outscoring Wyoming 8-2 to tie the game as the horn sounded. The dramatic turn of events forced the game into overtime.
In the extra frame, Xavier outplayed Wyoming to secure a 16-9 advantage and seal the victory 89-82. Tim McKay, Xavier's exceptional sophomore guard, led all scorers with 23 points, while Chris Collier added 11.
For the Cowboys, Perry Bryant's standout performance included 20 points and 11 rebounds, with 12 of those points coming during Wyoming's second-half run. Marcus Morris contributed 15 points and 9 rebounds off the bench, while James Mills and Clifton Tahid added 13 and 10 points, respectively.
Despite the valiant effort, Brendan Moody's eight points, seven rebounds, and seven assists were marred by a couple of costly turnovers late in the game that allowed Xavier to tie the game forcing overtime. The Cowboys, while tasting the bitterness of defeat, showcased their resilience against a top-ranked opponent, leaving fans hopeful for a strong rebound in games to come.

[coachdubs]

December 21, 2023
Post-Game Interview on the Cowboys Radio Network

Kevin McKinney: Coach Dawson, a hard-fought game that unfortunately slipped away in overtime. What are your thoughts on the team's performance tonight?

Coach Dawson: Certainly a tough loss. They guys played their hearts out, and I'm proud of the resilience they showed against a talented Xavier team. We had our chances, but they made the big plays down the stretch.

Kevin McKinney: Perry Bryant had another solid game, especially in the second half. What did you see from him tonight?

Coach Dawson: Perry's a young player with a tremendous upside for us. He stepped up when we needed him most, contributing both offensively and on the boards. He led our comeback in the second half, I think he had 10-12 points during our run to take the lead. He's been improving every game, but tonight he showed how he can take over a game and carry us for several possessions.

Kevin McKinney: Xavier's Chris Collier had a relatively quieter game, but Tim McKay stood out and played well. What allowed your team to limit Collier and not so much McKay?

Coach Dawson: Collier and McKay are both exceptional players. We tried to apply as much pressure defensively on them both, we were more successful with Collier and were able to disrupt his rhythm. Unfortunately, McKay found his groove, and when players of his caliber get going, it's challenging to contain them. We knew going into this game that we weren't going to stop them both, it was kind of a pick-your-poison type of thing. That's certainly not the reason we lost the game.

Kevin McKinney: The game went to overtime, showing the team's grit and determination. What will take away from this challenging matchup?

Coach Dawson: Taking a top-ranked team to overtime on their home court is no small feat. We'll learn from this game, build on our strengths, and work on the areas that need improvement. It's a long season, and we'll use games like this to grow and come back stronger. We'll put this experience in our back pocket and use it the next time we get into a situation like this.

Kevin McKinney: Thanks, Coach. We'll talk to you later.

Coach Dawson: Thank you.

[coachdubs]

December 23, 2023
End of practice in the Arena-Auditorium

Coach Dawson: Bring in gentlemen. Great practice today, you all put in some serious work, and it's showing on the court. I want to say how proud I am of every one of you. We've faced some tough opponents, and we've shown the country that the Cowboys are a force to be reckoned with.
I know you've been putting in the extra hours of work, and it's paying off. Perry, fantastic job on the boards, James keep dominating in the paint; Perry, your defensive efforts haven't gone unnoticed. Brendan and Germain, you've been running our offense at a high efficiency and Clifton you're about as steady as they come. Marcus, you've given us some fantastic minutes off the bench. We are where we are right now because you're a TEAM.
Now, onto some holiday cheer. We've got a Christmas party tomorrow night in the High Altitude Performance Center. It's going to be a great time to relax, enjoy each other's company, and celebrate what we've accomplished so far this season. There'll be food, music, and a whole lot of camaraderie. I expect to see you all there.
Now, about the next few days, we've got our last non-conference game against SE Missouri State on the 28th. I want you all to take the next two days off, enjoy some downtime, and recharge those batteries. If anyone needs treatment or has specific concerns our staff will be available, but for the most part take this time to get ready for what's ahead.
Remember, we're a family, and this break is a chance to appreciate the ones we hold dear. Merry Christmas to you all, and I'll see you at the party tomorrow.

[coachdubs]

December 24 & 25, 2023
Dawson Family Christmas Festivities--Whitewater Christian Church and the Dawson Residence

Amid the waning daylight, the Dawson family, clad in their holiday best, headed to the candlelight Christmas Eve service. The church, softly illuminated by twinkling lights, filled with the harmonious melodies of classic carols.

Inside, Lily and Jake, bouncing with excitement, admired the flickering candlelight, waiting eagerly for the service to begin. "Dad do you remember the time I almost singed my hair?" giggled Lily, recalling a past Christmas Eve mishap.

Marcus chuckled at the memory. "Yes, that was quite an adventure."

After the service, they returned home, the frosty air outside adding to the cozy ambiance within. The living room glowed with the war, festive sparkle of lights and decorations. "Look at the tree, Mom! Can we open presents now?" Jake pleaded eagerly.

Patience, champ. Dinner first," Sarah reminded, smiling at his enthusiasm.

As the enticing aroma of roast turkey filled the house, stories and laughter filled the air. Marcus's parents, Robert and Rebecca, regaled the family with tales of Christmases past. "Remember when Dad tried to dress up as Sant?" Lily grinned, nudging her grandfather.

"Oh, I most certainly do! That was a sight," chuckled Robert, earning a playful eye roll from Rebecca.

Soon the savory aroma of the festive feast wafted through the air. "Pass the gravy, Dad," Marcus requested, adding with a grin, "Is this as good as your Christmas cooking, Mom?"
"No! It's better because I didn't have to make it, food always tastes better when you don't have to prepare it," Rebecca laughed.

The table echoed with laughter and shared memories, with Lily interjecting, "But Grandma's cookies are the best!"

The gift exchange ensued, accompanied by exclamations of joy and surprise. Laughter rippled through the room as Lily unwrapped a book she'd been longing for, while Jake celebrated a new set of Legos he'd wanted for a long time.

Amidst the merriment, Sarah's mother, Carol, leaned in to whisper, "I remember when your dad gave me that necklace." She gestured to the jewelry box gifted by Thomas, her husband.

As the evening waned, the fireplace crackled, casting a warm glow across the room. The joyous chatter of family, the laughter of children, and the embrace of cherished traditions created a Christmas memory woven with love and cherished moments.