DU’s Autumn academic quarter has not begun, and students aren’t even on campus yet. However, fall sports are well underway at University and Buchtel. Basketball just finished summer practices, and men’s (1-1) and women’s (1-0-3) soccer are in full swing. Volleyball begins play later this week. All this as questions swirl around the changes, challenges, and opportunities confronting Denver and collegiate athletics at large. Continue reading Fall Sports Begin Prior to the September 9th Academic Start
All posts by 5BWest
Denver Secures 2024-25 I-AAA Director’s Cup For the 12th Straight Time
It’s almost become ho-hum but it is an outstanding achievement by DU athletics. After reviewing the final season-ending rankings, the University of Denver has won the I-AAA (Division I, non-football schools) Director’s Cup once again for the 2024-25 season. This marks the 12th straight year and 16th out of the last 17 that DU has won the award. It’s getting hard to calculate and track how dominant Denver has been over the past couple of decades. Overall, DU finished 56th in the final 2024-25 Learfield Directors’ Cup standings. Continue reading Denver Secures 2024-25 I-AAA Director’s Cup For the 12th Straight Time
University of Denver & The NCAA Face Brave New World Post House Settlement
The House v. NCAA settlement was officially ratified on Friday, clearing the way for universities to directly pay student-athletes starting in 2025. The University of Denver announced months ago that as a non-power conference member, it will opt in and abide by the settlement terms, which take effect on July 1, 2025. What will this mean for DU, mid-majors, and the Power Four conference members (Big 10, Big 12, SEC, ACC)? Continue reading University of Denver & The NCAA Face Brave New World Post House Settlement
Goddard Unearths Boone Treasure in Stunning Quirk of Fate
The story is finally ready to tell. Most LetsGoDU readers will think this is satire but every word is true. The original 1960’s Denver Boone mascot has been found and is now in the hands of LetsGoDU staff. The original Denver Boone mascot is no worse for wear despite relocation and eventual rediscovery after 50+ years in the hands of unknown individuals. Continue reading Goddard Unearths Boone Treasure in Stunning Quirk of Fate
University of Denver Feeling Impact of Federal Cuts
We’ve all read and heard of the Federal Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and the ostensible effort to reduce government spending. Regardless of your point of view, these initiatives are impacting DU. However, Colorado public universities will be more directly impacted by cuts from the Feds. Moody’s Investors Service recently downgraded its outlook for the higher education sector from stable to negative, citing the potential negative impact of federal policy changes on the operating environment for colleges and universities. Continue reading University of Denver Feeling Impact of Federal Cuts
Portal Update – Basketball and Gymnastics Take Hits
When taking a look at DU’s major sports teams, the transfer portal has had a mixed impact. Basketball is undergoing the biggest transformation, and gymnastics has taken a big hit, losing its biggest star. Hockey and soccer remain stable, and it is a wait-and-see for lacrosse. Continue reading Portal Update – Basketball and Gymnastics Take Hits
Independent Hockey Teams Offer Useful Model for Private University Tournaments
Could a recently announced independent college hockey tournament serve as a model for Division I private university tournaments in other sports? Continue reading Independent Hockey Teams Offer Useful Model for Private University Tournaments
Stanford Ends Denver’s Season with Dominant Second Half, 10-4
Denver (14-6, 5-1) traveled to face the Stanford Cardinal Friday in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in Gainsville, Florida. The first-round game was a rematch following a Denver win, 14-9, April 13th in Stanford, California. In the first 30 minutes, it was a back-and-forth match that was dominated by defense. In the second half, it was a dominant Stanford offense and dormant Denver offense that propelled Stanford past DU, 10-4. Continue reading Stanford Ends Denver’s Season with Dominant Second Half, 10-4
STEM Horizons Project Construction Begins Along Wesley Avenue
In January of 2024, we broke the news of a major project along Wesley Avenue on the south end of the DU campus. The project will create a dedicated area for STEM (science, technology, engineering and math). The $100M project includes a major new research laboratory building (featured image) and renovations that will transform the Seeley G. Mudd Science Building, built in 1982 as well as some work in the Boettcher Sciences. Unlike the rest of campus, the area has been long neglected and out of sight to most campus visitors. Continue reading STEM Horizons Project Construction Begins Along Wesley Avenue
BIG EAST Five-Peat for DU Women’s Lacrosse
#1 seed Denver women’s lacrosse [21/27] boat-raced through the Big EAST Tournament Championships with a decisive finals win over #2 seed Villanova 14-9. The Pioneers are headed into the NCAA Tournament and they will be a handful for any unprepared seeded side. Denver has reeled off six consecutive wins.