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2011 Bowl Week Kicks Off Successfully

The Wyoming Cowboys and Temple Owls were thrown into Bowl Week Wednesday as the Gildan New Mexico Bowl events got underway.

The day started as both teams arrived at Cutter Aviation by charter plane. Each team was greeted by the Gildan New Mexico Bowl staff, member of the executive board, the media and a mariachi band.

"It's great (the reception)," said Temple head coach Steve Addazio. "I saw one of these at the Fiesta Bowl in Arizona one year and it's fun. It makes everyone feel special."

Temple took advantage of the free afternoon, hitting the University of New Mexico practice fields. As the sun was starting to set, the Owls broke huddle and loaded up on the buses for the next event of the evening.

The Albuquerque Museum of Art and History hosted the annual Welcome Dinner. The teams feasted on New Mexican cuisine catered by Cooperage and were entertained by local comedian Russ Rivas. Rivas interacted with both teams and poked fun at both schools with jokes like, "Wyoming has beautiful views in Laramie but I've been to Philly. All they have to look at is New Jersey."

The night capped with each team taking a trip through a gift suite in their hotels. The players had choices of items ranging from iPod docking stations, digital cameras, entertainment systems, iPods and much more.

Tomorrow's day begins with both teams practicing at UNM in the morning. Thursday night, Santa Ana Star Casino will host the sixth annual team dinner catered by Rudy's BBQ. The teams will play a friendly game similar to Family Feud, followed by bowling in the casino's Starlight lounge.

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