Coby Haas Realizes Lifelong Dream

Surrounded by his family, on Wednesday Sidney Red Raider senior Coby Haas signed a letter of intent to play football for the University of Wyoming Cowboys in Laramie next season.

Haas signed as a preferred walk-on, which means although he isn't getting a scholarship, he was recruited to be on the team.

"It's always been my dream to play for the (Wyoming) Cowboys", the 6-2,180 pound Haas said.

"I was contacted by many other schools, about 20 in all, but to play Division 1 football for Wyoming-it's fantastic", he said.

When asked how he liked his visit to the campus, Haas replied "It felt like home to me".

The Haas family has roots in Wyoming, with a number of members being alumni of the University.

Haas, who had been a standout for the Red Raiders, had to overcome a major obstacle to to get to this point when he was injured during junior year. He followed a rigorous rehabilitation regimen and was able to get back to top form, and continue to play football.

Coby tried to hold back tears when he spoke about that time, saying "I worked so hard to get back...football is my life."

Now his life will change. With his family, friends, and coaches all supporting him, he will go off to Laramie and join one of the best football programs in the country-his reward for all of the hard work and perseverance over the years is coming to fruition.

Coby thanked his family, while the family gave a lot of credit to Sidney football head coach Chris Koozer, for not only coaching him the right way, but for being there for Coby through every step of the rehabilitation process after his injury.

When coach Koozer was asked how Coby ranks with other players he's coached that have gone on to play for Division 1 schools he said, "Coby is among a handful of players I've coached through the years talent-wise, plus he knows the game so well and has tremendous leadership skills. Wyoming is getting not only a great player but a really hard working young man."

Coby is known to be a smart, tough player with excellent speed and football instincts. When asked what the Wyoming coaching staff told him to focus on before joining the team in the summer, he said "Gaining weight," to the laughter of all in attendance.

Haas plans on playing Free Safety for the Cowboys, while majoring in Wildlife Management and Criminal Justice.