Riley Davis. (Photo by UW Media Relations)
Published February 05, 2025
By Micaela Myers
Wrestler Riley Davis and kicker Erik Sandvik plan to harness their UW entrepreneurship education to start their own businesses.
The culture of entrepreneurship at the University of Wyoming touches all corners of the state and campus, including the football field and wrestling mat, where you’ll find two future entrepreneurs.
Wrestler Riley Davis
“I chose UW because it was a perfect fit for the desires I have,” says Davis, a sophomore majoring in business management and marketing from Amarillo, Texas. “It was a great place for me to succeed in school and wrestling.”
Davis is enjoying his early marketing coursework, learning how products are marketed and what makes them a success.
“It’s really interesting to me to get a jump on things in that field and knowing what to put out there,” Davis says. “In the future, I want to start my own medical device sales business and be my own boss.”
He balances academics and athletics by getting his coursework done early, especially during competition season.
As a redshirt freshman on the wrestling team last year, Davis made his first career start at CSU – Bakersfield and won via pin. He compiled a record of 7–6 at 174 pounds before sustaining a season-ending injury. His hope for this season is to become an NCAA qualifier and All-American.
“The team is made up of really cool guys who are very close,” Davis says. “All the coaches are great too, and they always want what’s best for you.”
Erik Sandvik. (Photo by John Durgee)
Kicker Erik Sandvik
Growing up in Steamboat Springs, Colo., Sandvik played football and soccer. When it came time for college, he chose UW, joining the football team as a backup kicker and majoring in entrepreneurship.
“One day I hope to start my own business and work for myself,” says Sandvik, who comes from a family of entrepreneurs. “I think UW offers a great opportunity to try to achieve that.”
Like Davis, he’s especially enjoying his marketing coursework.
“I’m really interested in how you connect with your customers, and I think that plays a huge role in owning your own business and creating those relationships,” Sandvik says.
Knowing UW has an outstanding business school and competitive football team made the choice to attend UW easy.
“As a member of the Wyoming football team, I have honed valuable skills such as leadership and teamwork and the ability to perform under pressure,” Sandvik says, adding that the athletics department provides excellent resources to help student-athletes succeed.