PUEBLO • The boys are back in town.

Colorado State University-Pueblo took the field for its first football game in 24 years in an electric atmosphere at the Neta and Eddie DeRose ThunderBowl.

A record crowd of 9,219 - some with standing-room-only tickets - welcomed their new team with a thunderous ovation.

The ThunderWolves sent their fans home happy Saturday, defeating Oklahoma Panhandle State 24-13.

Although the community came out to see what they hoped would be a win, the night was much more important than the result.

"We have worked so hard for this night, it is definitely a very special event," athletic director Joe Folda said. "This is awesome for the community, and having a football team will create a great boom for the university."

The university has been buzzing with excitement since the announcement of the ThunderWolves' return.

"The atmosphere on campus has been incredible this week," coach John Wristen said. "It really feels like a college campus now and the football team is a great thing for the campus life as a whole."

The students have been awaiting the return of football just as much, if not more, than the rest of the community.

"You can't imagine the amount of support and excitement the students have shown for this team," said Amy Maldonado, a senior cheerleader. "We've had an excellent turnout from the students for every preseason football event we've done."

The student section stood in unison the entire game and was equipped with thunder sticks to ensure the most possible noise would be made. Chants of C-S-U and "Let's go T-Wolves" could be heard all around the stadium.

"They cut the football program the year before I arrived at the school so I never got to see a football game here," said alumnus Mark Gregory, who played basketball for the T-Wolves from 1985 to 1989. "But this is such a special night and with the coaching staff and talent on this team, they should have a successful season."

As for the coaches and players, they have the hopes and expectations of the city and school on their shoulders.

"Our guys have been looking forward to this for a long time," Wristen said. "I told them to just go out there and have fun and enjoy it every chance they get."

Since these players never had played together in real game situations before Saturday night, it's hard to gauge how they will fare in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference.

Junior receiver Markus Turner made a good first impression, catching four passes for 66 yards and a touchdown and adding a 61-yard punt return for a score.

"We hope to have a good product on the field this year and for years to come," Folda said. "We have no idea what this season will bring, but we are very excited."