WLM | athletics
WLM | athletics
By Kati Hime • Images by Levi Hime See Table of Contents for Breakin ’ Through Image
Breakin ’ Through & Becoming a Wyoming Icon
The University of Wyoming ’ s Marian H . Rochelle Gateway Center , an impressive piece of architecture adjacent to War Memorial Stadium , molded a corner of Laramie into an impressive sight . Its equally impressive neighbor , D . Michael Thomas ’ s Breakin ’ Through , became an overnight social media sensation as fans , new students or the newly graduated and their parents , have gathered under it for quick pictures , hashtagged and floating in cyber space .
Mr . Thomas , a Wyoming native who resides in Buffalo , created the iconic life-andone-half monument of a determined cowgirl and her bucking bronc as they leap into an adventure left to the imagination of the viewer . Many are familiar with our bucking bronc emblem ; those also familiar with Wyoming ’ s history as The Equality State will find it not too shocking to see a cowgirl gracing this particular steed . Creating works of art symbolic to Wyoming ’ s history is one of Mr . Thomas ’ s specialties , having sculpted a monument depicting both sides of the Johnson County War in Buffalo , and the life-and-one-half monument of the late Chris LeDoux in Kaycee , Wyoming , Good Ride Cowboy . An alumnus of the University of Wyoming ( Class of 1977 ), with degrees in Animal Science and Pre- Veterinary Medicine , Mr . Thomas counts this creation as a one of his proudest moments .
“ This was a tremendous undertaking ; not only { with } my talents but also so many individuals , too many to mention in this article ,” Mr . Thomas says . “ I ’ m grateful for April Kunz and her mother , Marian Rochelle , for making this project possible .” Learn more about this talented Wyoming legend at dmichaelthomas . com .
Harmony Savoia , a construction manager on the project and the
StoneCoat supplier who oversaw the application of Wyoming weather-durable , hydraulically applied pure stone to Mr . Thomas ’ s creation , found inspiration in the artist ’ s choice of a cowgirl facing down the odds . Pushing against deadlines amidst Wyoming ’ s weather challenges left her soaked to the bone and working long hours . Contributing her tireless effort and energy , as a Wyoming native and woman , to a project that will continue to speak for Wyoming was a great source of pride and made those challenges worth it . “ It ’ s not about the stone or the metal , it ’ s about what it means ,” Harmony explains . “ Women have come so far in the last 100 years , but we have so much more work to do for equality . I hope the future generations of women coming through the University of Wyoming will see this statue and hold their heads up a little higher .”
On your way into War Memorial Stadium this season , stop and take a picture of Breakin ’ Through – and when you share it to Instagram , be sure to tag us @ wyolifestylemag so we can celebrate your moment . Wherever your challenges take you , we hope you ’ ll take Mr . Thomas ’ s hint and break right on through !
WLM
26 Wyoming Lifestyle Magazine | Late Summer / Fall 2016