CSU Fans Out-Text CU to Win Qwest Rocky Mountain Showdown Off-Field Competition

DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The University of Colorado (CU) squared off with Colorado State University (CSU) on the field for the 80^th time this weekend in the Qwest Rocky Mountain Showdown, giving the Buffaloes a 38-17 win over the Rams in the season opener. Off the field the CU vs. CSU rivalry ascended to new heights – from football to text messaging – to raise money for local Boys and Girls Clubs. More than 70,000 fans from both schools gave back to the community in an innovative way with the Qwest Rocky Mountain Showdown text-messaging competition from Qwest Communications (NYSE: Q).

“We are thrilled that more than 70,000 dedicated University of Colorado and Colorado State University fans participated in this worthy text competition. Giving back to the community is a priority for Qwest; thanks to everyone’s participation, the local Boys and Girls Clubs in Denver, Boulder and Fort Collins benefited.”

CU and CSU fans were challenged to show their school pride and loyalty by texting for a cause. CSU fans sent 36,287 text messages, or 51.3 percent, winning the $5,000 contribution for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Ft. Collins. CU came in a close second at 48.7 percent with 34,461 text messages, securing a $3,000 gift for the Boys and Girls Club of Boulder. Qwest also awarded the Boys and Girls Club of Denver with a $2,000 gift.

“In Qwest’s book, everyone’s a winner,” said Chuck Ward, Qwest’s president for Colorado. “We are thrilled that more than 70,000 dedicated University of Colorado and Colorado State University fans participated in this worthy text competition. Giving back to the community is a priority for Qwest; thanks to everyone’s participation, the local Boys and Girls Clubs in Denver, Boulder and Fort Collins benefited.”

Qwest’s $10,000 challenge proceeds were presented to the Boys and Girls Club between the 3^rd and 4^th quarters at the 2008 Qwest Rocky Mountain Showdown.

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