What Is 1934 Montana Grizzlies football team

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Last updated: April 14, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1934 Montana Grizzlies football team represented the University of Montana during the 1934 college football season, finishing with a 3–4–1 record under head coach Clarence Spears, playing their home games at Dornblaser Field in Missoula.

Key Facts

The 1934 Montana Grizzlies football team had a final record of 3 wins, 4 losses, and 1 tie (3–4–1).
Clarence Spears was the head coach for the 1934 season, his fifth year leading the program.
The team played home games at Dornblaser Field, located in Missoula, Montana.
They were part of the Pacific Coast Conference (PCC) during the 1934 season.
The Grizzlies scored a total of 98 points while allowing 103 points across eight games.

Overview

The 1934 Montana Grizzlies football team represented the University of Montana in the 1934 college football season. Competing as a member of the Pacific Coast Conference (PCC), the team was led by head coach Clarence Spears in his fifth year at the helm. Based in Missoula, the Grizzlies played their home games at Dornblaser Field, a modest venue typical of regional college programs at the time.

This season reflected both the challenges and resilience of mid-tier college football programs during the Great Depression era. With limited resources and regional travel constraints, the Grizzlies faced a mix of conference opponents and independent teams. Despite a losing record, the season contributed to the long-term development of the program’s athletic identity.

Record: The team finished the season with a 3–4–1 overall record, indicating a slightly below-average performance for the era.
Head Coach: Clarence Spears, who coached from 1930 to 1934, completed his tenure after this season, finishing with a mixed legacy.
Home Field: Dornblaser Field served as the Grizzlies’ home stadium, named after former athletic director and coach Bernie Dornblaser.
Scoring: Montana scored 98 total points across eight games while surrendering 103, showing a nearly balanced offensive and defensive output.
Conference: As a PCC member, the Grizzlies competed against regional rivals including Washington State and Idaho, though conference play was limited.

Season Structure and Performance

The 1934 season followed a typical structure for college football at the time, with a short schedule of eight games played between September and November. Games were primarily against regional opponents, reflecting travel and financial limitations common during the 1930s.

Schedule Length: The Grizzlies played eight games, which was standard for the era, with no postseason bowl appearances.
Season Opener: Montana opened the season with a win against Gonzaga, setting a positive tone early in the campaign.
Conference Games: They played three PCC opponents, going 1–2, highlighting competitiveness but inconsistency.
Key Loss: A 20–0 defeat to Washington State underscored the gap between Montana and stronger PCC programs.
Final Game: The season concluded with a 13–13 tie against Idaho, a team they historically faced in the “Little Brown Stein” rivalry.
Player Development: Several players from this season later contributed to the program’s improvement in the late 1930s.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 1934 Grizzlies to adjacent seasons reveals trends in performance and coaching impact:

Season	Record (W-L-T)	Head Coach	Points For	Points Against
1932	3–4–1	Clarence Spears	98	103
1933	4–4–0	Clarence Spears	107	98
1934	3–4–1	Clarence Spears	98	103
1935	2–6–0	Sox Harrison	79	127
1936	1–7–0	Sox Harrison	49	148

The table shows a decline in performance following Spears’ departure after 1934. While the 1934 season was not exceptional, it maintained a level of competitiveness lost in subsequent years. The consistent point totals suggest stable offensive output despite defensive struggles. This season marked the end of an era before a downturn in program success.

Why It Matters

The 1934 season is a minor but meaningful chapter in the history of Montana football, reflecting broader trends in collegiate sports during the 1930s. It captures a transitional moment before coaching changes and external pressures reshaped the program.

Historical Record: The 1934 season is preserved in university archives, contributing to Montana’s official football history.
Coaching Legacy: Clarence Spears’ departure after 1934 marked the end of a five-year rebuilding effort.
Conference Play: Participation in the PCC helped establish Montana’s presence in regional collegiate athletics.
Player Development: The team laid groundwork for future talent pipelines despite limited national exposure.
Economic Context: The Great Depression influenced team funding, travel, and scheduling decisions during this period.
Rivalry Continuity: Games against Idaho and other regional teams helped sustain long-term rivalries still honored today.

Though not a standout season in wins and losses, the 1934 Montana Grizzlies football team played a role in the enduring tradition of collegiate football in the American Northwest. Their season exemplifies the perseverance of student-athletes during a difficult economic era.