What Is 1932 Tulsa Golden Hurricane football

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Last updated: April 14, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1932 Tulsa Golden Hurricane football team represented the University of Tulsa during the 1932 college football season, finishing with a 4–4–1 record under head coach Gus Henderson. They competed as an independent team and played their home games at Skelly Field.

Key Facts

The 1932 Tulsa Golden Hurricane finished the season with a 4–4–1 overall record
Gus Henderson was the head coach for the 1932 season, his 10th year leading the program
Tulsa played as an independent and did not belong to a conference in 1932
The team played home games at Skelly Field, named after oilman Waite Phillips’ father-in-law
Tulsa’s 1932 schedule included opponents such as Oklahoma A&M and Arkansas

Overview

The 1932 Tulsa Golden Hurricane football team represented the University of Tulsa during the 1932 college football season. Competing as an independent, the team was led by head coach Gus Henderson, who was in his tenth season at the helm. The Golden Hurricane played their home games at Skelly Field, a stadium that had become a central venue for Tulsa athletics since its opening in 1930.

During the 1932 season, the team faced a challenging schedule that included regional rivals and emerging programs across the South Central United States. While the season was marked by inconsistency, the Golden Hurricane managed to secure four wins, four losses, and one tie. This performance reflected both the team’s resilience and the competitive nature of independent college football at the time.

Record: The team finished the 1932 season with a 4–4–1 overall record, reflecting a balanced but unspectacular campaign.
Coach: Gus Henderson, in his 10th year as head coach, continued to build Tulsa’s football identity despite limited resources.
Home Field: Skelly Field, named after oilman E. M. Skelly, served as the team’s home and held over 15,000 fans by the early 1930s.
Conference Status: Tulsa competed as an independent in 1932, meaning it was not affiliated with any formal athletic conference.
Notable Opponent: The team faced Oklahoma A&M (now Oklahoma State), a key regional rival, in a hard-fought contest that ended in a loss.

Season Performance

The 1932 season showcased Tulsa’s evolving football program amid the challenges of the Great Depression. Despite financial constraints and limited national exposure, the Golden Hurricane remained competitive in most games. The team’s performance reflected both offensive flashes and defensive vulnerabilities.

Season Opener: Tulsa opened the season with a win over Northeastern State, setting a positive tone with a 20–7 victory.
Key Loss: A 13–0 defeat to Arkansas highlighted Tulsa’s struggles against stronger southern programs.
Tie Game: The team tied Southwestern Presbyterian 7–7, a rare outcome that underscored the season’s unpredictability.
Offensive Output: The Golden Hurricane scored 98 total points across nine games, averaging about 10.9 points per game.
Defensive Record: Tulsa allowed 88 points for the season, indicating a relatively balanced but inconsistent defense.
Season Finale: The team closed the year with a win over Phillips University, finishing on a positive note.

Comparison at a Glance

Here is how the 1932 Tulsa Golden Hurricane compared to other regional teams in terms of record, scoring, and overall performance:

Team	Record (W-L-T)	Points For	Points Against	Key Result
Tulsa Golden Hurricane	4–4–1	98	88	Defeated Phillips, 19–0
Oklahoma A&M	5–4–1	107	89	Beat Tulsa, 13–7
Arkansas	7–2–1	139	56	Shut out Tulsa, 13–0
Oklahoma	3–5–2	98	102	Lost to Texas, 14–0
Baylor	8–3	175	83	Won Dixie Classic

The table illustrates that while Tulsa was not among the elite teams in the region, it remained competitive. Their scoring output matched that of Oklahoma, and their defense was slightly better than average. However, losses to stronger programs like Arkansas and Oklahoma A&M revealed gaps in consistency and depth.

Why It Matters

The 1932 season holds historical significance as part of Tulsa’s long-standing football tradition. Though not a championship year, it contributed to the program’s development during a formative era. These seasons laid the foundation for future success in the decades to come.

Program Growth: The 1932 season helped solidify Tulsa as a consistent presence in regional college football.
Coaching Legacy: Gus Henderson’s decade-long tenure established stability and continuity in the program.
Facility Investment: Skelly Field’s use signaled Tulsa’s commitment to modernizing its athletic infrastructure.
Independent Status: Playing without a conference allowed scheduling flexibility and broader geographic exposure.
Historical Record: The season is preserved in NCAA archives, contributing to Tulsa’s all-time win-loss record.
Community Support: Local fans continued to support the team despite economic hardships of the Depression era.

Ultimately, the 1932 Tulsa Golden Hurricane football season represents a snapshot of college football during a transformative period in American history. It reflects the challenges and triumphs of mid-tier programs striving for recognition and respect.