Laramie is a long way from No. 1 nationally, but in the state of Wyoming, the Gem City is top dog.
Of course, if you're from Casper, Cheyenne or Gillette, right now you are scoffing at that notion. As a Laramie resident who works in Cheyenne and being in Casper enough, I know exactly what most residents in the state's two largest communities think of Laramie.
Maybe the green-eyed monster is involved. Why? Because Laramie has the University of Wyoming and they don't.
With that said, that is why Laramie is No. 1 in the state of Wyoming and No. 121 in the country (and Canada) -- as a sports town, according to The Sporting News.
The Sporting News ranked the top 402 sports towns in the country (and Canada) recently and listed Chicago as No. 1 (Yakima, Wash., is No. 402).
The rankings were from summer 2009 to summer 2010 and based on point values assigned to various categories, including but not limited to won-lost records, postseason appearances, applicable power ratings, number of teams and attendance.
Denver is ranked ninth to lead the way in the rocky Mountain region. For all of you UW sports fans, yes, Colorado State and Fort Collins beat us again -- barely. Fort Collins is ranked 120th. Maybe that can flip-flop by this time next year with just a little better sports season.
Other area cities to make the listing were Lincoln, Neb. (63), Colorado Springs, Colo. (103), Missoula, Mont. (145), Greeley, Colo. (160), Fargo, N.D. (217), Bismarck, N.D. (296), Grand Forks, N.D. (346), Great Falls, Mont. (386), Helena, Mont. (396), Casper (397) and Billings, Mont. (401).
As you can see, college towns are the common denominator. Evidently, junior college towns aren't quite cutting it, although Casper barely made the list, likely thanks to the Casper Ghosts minor league baseball team. Sorry Cheyenne and LCCC, better luck next time.
Here's the complete list if you really want to know: best sports cities
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