What Is 1935 Richmond Spiders football team

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Last updated: April 14, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1935 Richmond Spiders football team represented the University of Richmond during the 1935 college football season, finishing with a 4–5 record under head coach Glenn Thistlethwaite, who was in his fifth year leading the program.

Key Facts

The 1935 Richmond Spiders football team had a final record of 4 wins and 5 losses
Glenn Thistlethwaite was the head coach for the fifth consecutive season in 1935
The team played as an independent and was not part of a conference
Home games were held at City Stadium in Richmond, Virginia
The Spiders were shut out in two games during the 1935 season

Overview

The 1935 Richmond Spiders football team represented the University of Richmond during the 1935 college football season. Competing as an independent, the team was led by head coach Glenn Thistlethwaite, who was in his fifth year at the helm and tasked with building consistency in a transitional era for college football.

This season reflected the challenges faced by smaller programs during the Great Depression, as limited resources and travel constraints shaped scheduling and performance. Despite these hurdles, the Spiders managed to field a competitive team that played a balanced schedule against regional opponents.

Record: The team finished the season with a 4–5 overall record, indicating a slightly below-average performance compared to previous years under Thistlethwaite.
Head Coach: Glenn Thistlethwaite, in his fifth season, emphasized discipline and fundamentals, though results showed inconsistency across matchups.
Home Field: The Spiders played their home games at City Stadium in Richmond, Virginia, a venue that hosted both college and high school football events.
Opponents: The schedule included regional teams such as William & Mary, Washington & Lee, and West Virginia, all of which were competitive independents.
Scoring: The team was shut out in two games, highlighting offensive struggles, while managing to score in five of their nine contests.

Season Performance

The 1935 campaign was marked by narrow losses and hard-fought wins, reflecting a team capable of competing but lacking the depth to sustain momentum. Games were typically low-scoring affairs, consistent with the defensive style of football prevalent in the era.

Early Season: The Spiders opened with a loss to Washington & Lee, 7–0, setting a tone of defensive battles and tight margins.
Key Win: A 13–7 victory over West Virginia stood out as the team’s most significant win, showcasing improved offensive execution.
Mid-Season Struggles: Three consecutive losses in October, including a 14–0 defeat to William & Mary, derailed playoff aspirations.
Offensive Output: The team averaged approximately 10.3 points per game, a modest figure reflecting limited scoring opportunities.
Defensive Effort: The defense allowed an average of 12.8 points per game, indicating resilience despite the losing record.
Season Finale: The final game, a 6–0 loss to VMI, underscored the team’s difficulty in closing out tight games.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares the 1935 Richmond Spiders to nearby seasons in terms of record, coaching, and key statistics:

Season	Record	Head Coach	Home Stadium	Key Opponent
1933	5–4–1	Glenn Thistlethwaite	City Stadium	William & Mary
1934	4–5	Glenn Thistlethwaite	City Stadium	West Virginia
1935	4–5	Glenn Thistlethwaite	City Stadium	West Virginia
1936	5–4	Glenn Thistlethwaite	City Stadium	Washington & Lee
1937	2–7	Glenn Thistlethwaite	City Stadium	VMI

The data shows that the 1935 season was consistent with the program’s performance in surrounding years, with no major shifts in coaching or infrastructure. The team remained competitive within its regional footprint but failed to achieve a winning record. This continuity highlights the stability of Thistlethwaite’s tenure, even as results fluctuated.

Why It Matters

While not a standout season in college football history, the 1935 Richmond Spiders campaign offers insight into the development of mid-tier programs during a formative period. Historical records from this era help document the evolution of college football beyond powerhouse institutions.

Historical Context: The 1935 season occurred during the Great Depression, affecting team budgets, travel, and player recruitment nationwide.
Program Legacy: The Spiders’ consistent scheduling against regional rivals helped build long-term rivalries still relevant today.
Coaching Tenure: Glenn Thistlethwaite’s five-year run provided rare stability for the era, influencing future coaching hires.
Statistical Record: Detailed box scores and season summaries from 1935 are preserved in university archives and historical databases.
Evolution of Play: The low-scoring games reflect the conservative, run-heavy strategies typical of 1930s football.
Modern Relevance: The University of Richmond now competes in the FCS, and historical seasons like 1935 are part of its athletic heritage.

Understanding teams like the 1935 Spiders enriches the narrative of college football’s growth, illustrating how smaller programs contributed to the sport’s national expansion.