By Jeff Bugher
For the Marquez family, the mantra has always been simple: "Just Be There." Michael and Cindi Marquez, parents to Jordan, Talia, and Ryan, embody this philosophy, making their presence felt at over 400 games and events throughout their children's sports-filled journeys.
Michael, a former running back for the CU Buffaloes with a brief stint in professional football, had once set out to write a book titled "Just Be There," offering insights into parenting athletes. Unfortunately, the project faced a setback when the hard drive crashed, erasing over 160 pages of valuable content. Despite this, the essence of those words remained ingrained in the Marquez family's approach to supporting their children in sports.
The Marquez family's athletic lineage runs deep. Michael's siblings were also accomplished athletes, with his sister earning a track scholarship to Montana State. Michael's own journey from a walk-on to a scholarship player at CU and later a stint with the Denver Broncos and European professional football shaped his understanding of the dedication required to succeed in sports.
The Marquez children, Jordan, Talia, and Ryan, inherited their parents' passion for sports. Jordan and Ryan followed in their father's footsteps, choosing to pursue collegiate football. However, each carved their unique path, with Ryan opting for Wyoming over CU, demonstrating the importance of individual choice and autonomy.
Michael and Cindi encouraged their children to explore various sports from an early age. Michael even took on the role of a little league coach, overseeing teams that included future standout athletes like Max Borghi and Brad Roberts. The emphasis was not solely on excelling in sports but on becoming the best versions of themselves, both academically and athletically.
Reflecting on his own experience as a college athlete, Michael recalls the profound impact of seeing his father in the stands during a game at Nebraska. That memory stuck with him and became the cornerstone of the Marquez family's commitment to attending every game, meet, or event their children participated in.
Talia's track meets at Kansas, Jordan's journey as a walk-on at CU, and Ryan's college football career at Wyoming—all of it was witnessed, celebrated, and supported by Michael and Cindi. Ryan, who transitioned from a walk-on to earning a full-ride scholarship in 2023, acknowledges his parents' influence: "My Dad pushed us to be the best version of ourselves in whatever we are doing, whether it is in school or sports." Ryan will play his last ever college football game on Saturday when Wyoming faces Toledo in the Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl.
In 62 total games and four bowl games, Michael and Cindi have been present at every Wyoming game since 2018. Their unwavering support extends beyond the sidelines, symbolizing a commitment to their children's dreams and aspirations.
Michael leaves valuable advice for parents navigating the intricate world of youth sports: "You don’t need to push them, you don’t need to coach them, you don’t need to critique them; you just need to be there." In a world where wins and losses often measure success, the Marquez family teaches us that the most impactful victories are found in being present for those we love.
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