John Corbett's Legacy

John Corbett was born in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1869. From 1890 to 1893, he attended Harvard University and lettered in basketball and football. In 1914, he came to the University of Wyoming and forever changed its athletic program during his 25-year career. Corbett coached many sports at UWyo, and his success and dedication in coaching eventually landed him a position as Director of UWyo Athletics and Physical Education. He was eventually dubbed the “Grand Old Man” of Wyoming athletics. His coaching philosophy and approach emphasized not just winning, but connecting with people through sports and athletic education. Additionally, Corbett oversaw the construction of Half Acre Gym in 1925, as well as the later construction of Corbett Field. These were some of UWyo’s first dedicated athletic facilities. These structures represented an investment in the future identity of UWyo and a transformation from a young university to an institution with dreams of serious collegiate competition in the country. 

The John Corbett building was completed in 1975 and was dedicated to Corbett due to his success and achievements as an educator and coach at UWyo. His legacy continues to pulse through Laramie on game days, acting as a lasting heartbeat of unity that will forever connect generations of Cowboys.

Contributed by McCall Moore