What Is 1939 New Mexico Lobos football team

Overview

The 1939 New Mexico Lobos football team represented the University of New Mexico during the 1939 college football season. Competing in the NCAA's Border Conference, the team was led by head coach Ted Shipkey, who was in his fifth year at the helm and striving to build consistency in the program.

The Lobos finished the season with a 3–4 overall record and a 2–2 mark in conference play, placing them in the middle tier of the Border Conference standings. Despite modest results, the season contributed to the long-term development of the football program at the university.

• Final record: The 1939 New Mexico Lobos finished with a 3–4 overall record, indicating a slightly losing season but showing competitiveness in several games.
• Conference performance: They achieved a 2–2 record in the Border Conference, demonstrating balanced results against key regional rivals.
• Head coach:Ted Shipkey led the team in his fifth consecutive season, having taken over in 1935 and overseeing gradual program development.
• Scoring totals: The Lobos scored 97 points across the season while allowing 104 points, reflecting a relatively close point differential.
• Home field: Games were played at Zimmerman Field in Albuquerque, the team's home stadium during that era.

Season Performance

The 1939 campaign featured a mix of wins and losses against regional opponents, with the Lobos showing flashes of potential but struggling to maintain consistency throughout the season. Several games were closely contested, indicating that the team was competitive despite its losing record.

• September 30, 1939: The season opened with a 13–0 victory over New Mexico A&M, setting a positive tone early.
• October 7, 1939: A tough 19–0 loss to Utah State revealed defensive vulnerabilities against stronger opponents.
• October 21, 1939: The Lobos bounced back with a 20–13 win over Arizona, a key Border Conference matchup.
• November 4, 1939: A narrow 7–6 loss to Hardin–Simmons showed the team could compete in tight games.
• November 11, 1939: A decisive 20–0 win over West Texas State highlighted defensive strength in one game.
• November 18, 1939: The season concluded with a 27–13 loss to Arizona State, ending on a down note.

Comparison at a Glance

Here is how the 1939 season compares to other Border Conference teams in key statistical categories:

The Lobos’ performance placed them in the middle of the conference pack. While not dominant, they were competitive with several teams and showed improvement potential compared to previous years. Their point differential was close, indicating that many games were decided by small margins.

Why It Matters

The 1939 season is a notable chapter in the history of University of New Mexico athletics, reflecting the challenges and growth of college football in the Southwest during the pre-World War II era. Though not a championship season, it contributed to the foundation of the modern Lobos program.

• Historical continuity: The 1939 season is part of the documented lineage of UNM football, helping trace the evolution of the team.
• Coach development:Ted Shipkey’s tenure, including 1939, laid groundwork for future coaching hires and program structure.
• Regional rivalries: Games against Arizona, Arizona State, and New Mexico A&M helped solidify longstanding in-state and regional rivalries.
• Stadium legacy: Playing at Zimmerman Field connects the team to early 20th-century college football infrastructure.
• Pre-war era context: The season occurred just before WWII, a time when college sports were gaining popularity in the U.S.
• Statistical record: The documented scores and records from 1939 contribute to comprehensive sports databases and historical research.

While the 1939 New Mexico Lobos did not achieve national prominence, their season remains a valuable part of collegiate sports history in the American Southwest, offering insight into the development of mid-tier programs during a formative era.