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LARAMIE, Wyo. – The College of Idaho men's basketball team opened its exhibition slate Saturday night, falling to NCAA Division I University of Wyoming, 76-61, in the third annual Jae Foundation Game at Arena-Auditorium.
The exhibition once again highlighted the partnership between the two programs and the Jae Foundation, an organization dedicated to promoting mental health awareness, meaningful conversations and suicide prevention.
"We are honored to be part of the third annual Jae Foundation Game with the University of Wyoming," said The College of Idaho head coach Colby Blaine. "Both programs have been positively impacted by the foundation, and we are thankful to be able to showcase our partnership through this exhibition game. We strive to help our student-athletes understand they are bigger than basketball. We also strive to ensure others know they are valued, they are seen and they are needed here. It comes with great pride that we can use our platform to share such an important and impactful message."
The Jae Foundation serves as the official jersey sponsor of The College of Idaho men's basketball program and was founded by Jason Vickrey in honor of his friend, Jae. Through its signature "Boot-Check" program, the foundation gifts specially branded "Jae Boots" to encourage honest conversations about mental health and create opportunities to check in on family members, friends and teammates.
The concept behind the Boot-Check initiative is simple: slow down, connect with those around you and create meaningful conversations that remind people they are valued and never alone. Recipients of Jae Boots are encouraged to continue those conversations and serve as advocates for mental health awareness in their communities.
Vickrey, a longtime friend of Blaine and a lifelong supporter of Wyoming athletics, envisioned the annual exhibition as a way to expand the foundation's message. The partnership has grown into a meaningful preseason tradition that promotes a cause far greater than basketball.
On the court, the Yotes used the opportunity to test themselves against a Mountain West opponent and gain valuable experience ahead of the 2026-27 season. The exhibition marked another step in preparation for a College of Idaho squad that enters the year with high expectations following its selection atop the Cascade Collegiate Conference preseason poll.
The Yotes return to action next week as they continue preparations for the start of the regular season.
