What Is 1939 Montana Grizzlies football team

Overview

The 1939 Montana Grizzlies football team represented the University of Montana during the 1939 college football season. Competing as part of the Pacific Coast Conference (PCC), the team was led by head coach Doug Fessenden in his fifth year at the program. The Grizzlies played their home games at Dornblaser Field in Missoula, a venue that hosted Montana football for decades.

This season marked a period of modest performance for the program, as the Grizzlies finished with a 4–4–1 overall record. They faced a challenging schedule that included regional rivals and conference opponents. Despite not achieving a winning season, the team maintained competitive balance and laid groundwork for future developments in the program.

• Season record: The Grizzlies ended the year with a 4–4–1 win-loss-tie record, reflecting a balanced but inconsistent performance across nine games.
• Head coach:Doug Fessenden was in his fifth season as head coach, having taken over the program in 1935 and leading it through mid-level success.
• Home stadium: All home games were played at Dornblaser Field, a modest on-campus venue that served as the team's home until Washington-Grizzly Stadium opened in 1986.
• Conference affiliation: As a member of the Pacific Coast Conference, Montana competed against schools like Washington, Oregon, and USC, though not all played annually.
• Season highlight: A 7–7 tie against in-state rival Montana State on November 25, 1939, was a key moment in the annual Brawl of the Wild series.

How It Works

The structure and operations of the 1939 Montana Grizzlies football team reflected typical college football programs of the era, with limited resources, regional scheduling, and amateur athlete status. Here’s how key aspects of the team functioned during that season.

• Season Schedule: The Grizzlies played nine games in 1939, facing a mix of conference and independent opponents across the Northwest and California.
• Player Eligibility: Athletes were amateur students, adhering to NCAA rules that prohibited professional play and emphasized academic standing.
• Game Format: Each game followed standard 60-minute regulation with four 15-minute quarters, consistent with 1930s college football rules.
• Recruiting: The team relied heavily on in-state talent and regional scouting, with limited national recruitment due to budget and travel constraints.
• Coaching Staff: Doug Fessenden oversaw a small support staff, typical for the era, with minimal assistants compared to modern programs.
• Travel Logistics: Long-distance games required rail travel, which was standard for 1930s teams, especially when playing in California or Washington.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 1939 Montana Grizzlies to modern teams highlights significant changes in college football over 80 years.

The evolution from the 1939 season to today reflects massive changes in college athletics, including stadium size, media exposure, and scholarship availability. While the 1939 team played before small crowds with minimal funding, the modern Grizzlies are a dominant FCS program with national playoff appearances. The structure of competition, athlete support, and fan engagement has transformed dramatically.

Why It Matters

The 1939 season is a snapshot of college football during a transitional era, offering insight into the development of Montana’s athletic identity. Though not a championship year, it contributes to the long-standing tradition of Grizzly football.

• Historical continuity: The 1939 season is part of the over 120-year history of Montana football, linking past and present programs.
• Rivalry development: The tie with Montana State added to the legacy of the Brawl of the Wild, one of college football’s oldest rivalries.
• Coaching legacy: Doug Fessenden’s tenure helped stabilize the program before future coaches built on his foundation.
• Amateur roots: The team exemplified pre-World War II college sports, where athletic scholarships were limited and funding was minimal.
• Regional identity: Games reinforced school pride in a geographically isolated state with strong community support.
• Evolution of the sport: Studying 1939 highlights how rule changes, travel, and media have reshaped college football.

Understanding teams like the 1939 Grizzlies helps fans appreciate the growth of college athletics and the enduring passion behind Montana’s football tradition.