Watch Pete, Alan, and Colin Simpson Share about Milward Simpson

The legacy of Milward Simpson lives on through the annual Milward Simpson Award is given out each year in Cody, WY.

This prestigious award is presented annually to the outstanding male and female high school senior in Wyoming. It is considered the highest honor a prep student-athlete can earn in this state.

The Simpson family is proud to be part of this great tradition. Pete and Senator Alan Simpson were the sons of the late Milward Simpson. Both addressed the attendees of the 2023 awards luncheon, along with Milward’s grandson, Colin Simpson. In the video above, you get to hear some of the unique stories surrounding their dad and grandfather.

Named for one of Wyoming’s greatest athletes, Milward Simpson was a team captain at the University of Wyoming for the football, basketball, and baseball teams and earned varsity letters in each sport from 1917-1921. As a halfback in football, he became the first Wyoming native to earn All-America honors. He turned down a professional baseball contract to attend Harvard Law School.

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Simpson devoted his life to public service as an administrator and politician. He was President of the University of Wyoming Board of Trustees. He served as the Governor of Wyoming from 1954-1958 and as a U.S. Senator from 1962-1967.

Born in Jackson, Wyoming in 1897, Simpson came from one of the true pioneer Wyoming families. His grandparents moved to the state in 1865 following the Civil War.

Cody High School swept this year’s awards. Kennedi Niemann was the female winner, and Luke Talich was the male winner.