The Border War: The Bronze Boot Rivalry

The Border War series between CSU and Wyoming is defined by one of the more unique traveling trophies in sports. The universities, separated by only 65 miles, have battled on the gridiron in three centuries for the iconic Bronze Boot, which was an actual combat boot worn by a military member in Vietnam.

This book covers the rivalry, from its controversial beginning in 1899 through the snowy battle for the boot in 2017. The Border War combatants agree to disagree on the all-time series ledger; both sides have enjoyed their share of legendary coaches, players and victories over the decades.

The Border War classics are chronicled in this must-own book for all fans of the Rams, Cowboys and college football history.

Thorburn is currently a reporter for The Register-Guard (Eugene, Oregon) covering Oregon Ducks football. He was named the national beat writer of the year by the APSE for 2017. He previously covered the Denver Broncos and Colorado Buffaloes for The Boulder Camera and authored three Wyoming-based books - The Black 14, Lost Cowboys and Cowboy Up.

Gagliardi is a senior sports editor for WyoSports.net who has covered Wyoming football and basketball for 25 years. He has helped guide the Wyoming Tribune-Eagle to four consecutive "Grand Slams" - Associated Press Sports Editors top-10 recognition for daily, Sunday, special section and website. He also has helped the Laramie Boomerang win back-to-back Triple Crown honors from APSE in 2016-17.