Laramie – The Wyoming Cowboys are adding a tasty twist to the upcoming Battle of the Basins rivalry with North Dakota State. Offensive linemen Josiah Petaia and Johnathan Bush were slated to face off in a chicken‑wing eating challenge at the Wing Shack on Grand Avenue, with a 5:30 p.m. kickoff for the contest.
Fans were eager to see which lineman could dominate the wing‑eating duel. Bush, a 310‑pound Texan known for his larger‑than‑life personality, quickly became the favorite. \”I’m taking Bush,\” said local bettor Ethan Stuhlsatz, noting Bush’s size and eccentric reputation.
Petaia, the 313‑pound Samoan, responded simply, \”we’ll see.\” However, a fast‑spreading flu‑like illness has sidelined Bush, who is one of 18 players currently battling the bug. Redshirt freshman Kalvin Janssen, weighing 307 pounds, is now expected to step in for the contest.
Wyoming wide receiver Deion DeBlanc, aware of both players’ appetites, backed Petaia, calling him \”a beast.\” The showdown will give local supporters a light‑hearted preview before the Cowboys travel to Fargo for the rivalry game.
Coach Sawvel’s Press Conference and Health Update
During his weekly press conference, third‑year head coach Jay Sawvel addressed media questions before abruptly noting he felt nauseated and would likely vomit soon. He asked reporters to wrap up quickly. Sawvel later told 7220sports.com that he feels better aside from lingering body aches. He added that most of the ill players he spoke with on Monday are recovering and should be ready to practice on Tuesday.
Coaching Connections Between Wyoming and NDSU
The rivalry is steeped in shared coaching history. Former Wyoming head coach Craig Bohl spent 11 seasons at North Dakota State, winning three national championships before taking the Wyoming job in 2014. His son, Aaron Bohl, now serves as Wyoming’s defensive coordinator and praised his father’s continued support.
Current NDSU head coach Tim Polasek was the Cowboys’ offensive play‑caller from 2021‑23 under Bohl. When Bohl retired after the 2023 season, Sawvel briefly considered retaining Polasek before the Bison offered him the top job, which he accepted eleven days later. Polasek’s move was described as a \”great opportunity at a place he loves.\”
Other ties include safeties coach Jason Petrino, who spent the 2023 season in Fargo under then‑head coach Matt Entz, and several graduate‑assistant alumni who have moved between the programs.
Battle of the Basins Tradition
The rivalry has been dubbed the \”Battle of the Basins,\” a nod to the booming oil industry in both states. While there is no official trophy, the name itself reflects regional pride. The teams will meet Saturday at 1:30 p.m. Mountain Time inside the Fargodome, with the game televised on The CW.
Wyoming’s road record under Sawvel remains a challenge, standing at 3‑11 overall and 0‑2 this fall after losses to Colorado State (35‑13) and Central Michigan (24‑10). Sawvel emphasized the need for resilience, comparing the situation to historic road trips by Texas and Oregon.
By contrast, Bohl’s Wyoming squads were 21‑43 on the road during his decade‑long tenure, with only the 2021 season posting a winning road record (4‑3). Both coaches acknowledge the difficulty of winning away games and see the upcoming contest as an opportunity to turn the tide.
Local Details
Fans can attend the wing‑eating bout tonight at the Wing Shack on Grand Avenue. The event offers a fun community gathering before the Cowboys head to Fargo. For those interested in staying updated on Wyoming sports, the Roaring Repeater Podcast, sponsored by Laramie Range Ford, will record Tuesday at 12:15 p.m. Mountain Time. Listeners can submit questions via social media or email [email protected].
Additional Wyoming football coverage is available through 7220sports, including stories on the Battle of the Basins tradition, player spotlights, and game recaps.
Original reporting: K2 Radio (Casper) — read the source article.
