LARAMIE – Cort Roberson, one of the revered “Blue-collar Boys” from the 2022 NCAA Tournament team, set the standard for Wyoming walk-on players.
 
“To do a thankless job for four years, well now I have a chance to thank him,” UW head coach Sundance Wicks said after surprising Roberson last season with a scholarship for his final semester. “That was a special moment to me because I know how much this place means to him, I know how much sacrifice he has put into this. And he’s seen the best and the worst of it here, but that’s what makes him a real guy because we never get out of this thing unscarred.
 
“Cort Roberson will forever be a foxhole guy for me.”
 
Talan Taylor, a freshman walk-on Wicks added to complete the Cowboys’ 2025-26 roster, has had conversations with Roberson and aspires to earn respect from his coaches and teammates while doing the dirty work to get the program back into the spotlight.
 
The 6-foot-4 guard grew up in Idaho Falls, Idaho, dreaming of playing in the Arena-Auditorium because his father and other family members are proud UW graduates.
 
“Getting the opportunity to be a walk-on here just knowing Sundance, I felt like I couldn’t pass that up because I love the University of Wyoming and the opportunity to wear the brown and gold has always been a special thing in my life,” Taylor said. “My dad grew up in Star Valley and I have family throughout the whole state. He raised me to love Wyoming and going to sporting events, so I’ve always just loved the Pokes.”
 
Former UW head coach Jeff Linder, who recruited Roberson, contacted Taylor before leaving for Texas Tech. During a visit to campus last season, Wicks told him to think about walking on with the Cowboys instead of pursing opportunities to play in junior college.
 
“I wanted a walk-on who has a deep-seeded love for the Cowboys more than anything else,” Wicks said. “Somebody who has got a past here. His dad and his uncle both got two degrees from the University of Wyoming. Talan has pictures of himself with Larry Nance Jr. He loves the Cowboys, and I wanted that to be in our locker room, just a love for Wyoming.”
 
Admittedly, Taylor was not feeling the love during the grueling eight weeks of summer workouts Wicks and his staff put the team through. He was injured during the early portion of the sessions and was still catching his breath long after the final sets of sprints at 7,220 feet.
 
Adjusting to the Mountain West level of play is an ongoing process for Taylor and other newcomers coming up from high school, junior college and Division II ranks.
 
“I’m doing everything with the team, and I feel just as much a part of it as everybody else. Sundance has made that clear and talked about how I have the same opportunity as everybody else. I’m just trying to prove myself like everybody else,” Taylor said. “I definitely have to improve level wise. (Last week) we did a running competition, and I need to be in better shape if I want the opportunity to show everything I’ve got. It’s a step up and these eight weeks have shown that, but I felt I’ve improved.”
 
Taylor averaged 14.0 points and 4.3 rebounds while leading Hillcrest High School to the Idaho state tournament title game. He recorded over 100 made 3-pointers in his final two high school seasons and shot 41 percent from behind the arc as a junior with 60 makes.
 
“You can always have an idea in your mind what it’s like, but until you get in the trenches it’s like Mike Tyson, everybody’s got a plan until I punch you in the face,” Wicks said of Taylor’s early transition from high school to UW. “I think this summer kind of punched Talan in the face a little bit and that’s a good thing because you learn how to handle hard. …
 
“One thing I know, if you have a deep seeded love for something it’s going to be really hard for you to hang those sneakers up. He’s got a real chance to be a Cort Roberson type in the future.”
 
(Editor’s note: This is the 10th in a 12-part series introducing fans to UW’s new men’s basketball players. Next up: Simm-Marten Saadi).
 
If you are interested in learning more about NIL (Name, Image and Likeness) or would like to support our student-athletes, please visit 1wyo.org. 1WYO was created out of Wyoming’s culture of neighbor helping neighbor. The mission is to promote and strengthen local charitable organizations and develop Wyoming student athletes. 
 
Follow Ryan for more stories on Wyoming athletics on X at @By_RyanThorburn on Facebook at Wyoming Athletics and Instagram at wyoathletics. Also follow him at Pokes Insider at Gowyo.com/pokesinsider.

Aug. 12, 2025 – Northwest Mississippi Community College (NWCC) President Dr. Michael Heindl says the college is growing, expanding its programs, and deepening its role as an economic driver for the region. Speaking Tuesday to the Hernando Main Street Chamber of Commerce’s Quarterly Luncheon, Heindl detailed new facilities, rising enrollment, and the school’s continued success in academics, athletics, and workforce training.

Serving 11 counties and 7,800 credit students last year, NWCC is the third-largest community college in Mississippi. The college is aiming to enroll at least 8,000 students this year — continuing a streak of 11 consecutive semesters of enrollment growth.

Scholarships and University Partnerships

NWCC offers scholarships starting at an ACT score of 20, with full tuition awarded for scores of 24 to 27 and full tuition plus room and board for 28 and above. The school maintains strong transfer partnerships with universities including Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Delta State, Jackson State, and the University of Southern Mississippi.

New Ranger Center in DeSoto County

One of the biggest developments is the new Ranger Center on Church Road in Southaven, home to the Registered Nursing program, Practical Nursing program, and a new Commercial Electrical program. The center also provides flexible workforce training space, a regional testing center, and a community meeting facility.

Academic and Career Programs

Popular academic programs include general college studies, business, and education, while career and technical tracks such as industrial electrical, precision manufacturing, and health sciences are seeing strong demand. NWCC awarded 2,226 degrees last year, with 84% of graduates staying in Mississippi to work or continue their education.

Economic Impact

A statewide study found Mississippi’s community colleges generate $2 billion in total economic impact. For every dollar invested by taxpayers, NWCC returns three dollars in income to the state economy.

Athletics and Student Achievement

NWCC competes in 14 intercollegiate sports and has seen national success in cheer, dance, women’s soccer, and rodeo. The women’s soccer team won its first-ever national championship last year, and the football team posted the highest GPA in the nation among community college football programs.

Heindl said NWCC’s mission remains focused on transforming students’ lives, enriching communities, and preparing a skilled workforce.

“It’s an exciting time to be a Northwest Ranger,” he told attendees. “We’re growing, innovating, and making a difference right here in our community.”

Poll: How Would You Grade the Job GM Pat Verbeek has Done so Far?Pat Verbeek was hired as the <a href=”https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/anaheim-ducks”>Anaheim Ducks</a> general manager on Feb. 3, 2022. He’s now helmed four trade deadlines, four drafts, four free agency periods, and has hired two head coaches.

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