What Is 1959 Montana Grizzlies football team

Overview

The 1959 Montana Grizzlies football team represented the University of Montana during the 1959 NCAA College Division football season. Competing as a member of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC), the team was led by fourth-year head coach Ray Jenkins and played its home games at Dornblaser Field in Missoula.

The Grizzlies struggled to find consistency, finishing the season with a 3–5 overall record and a 2–3 mark in conference play. Despite the losing record, the team showed moments of promise, particularly on offense, where they managed to score 117 total points across eight games.

• Season record: The team finished with a 3–5 overall record, reflecting inconsistent performance throughout the season.
• Conference affiliation: Montana competed in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC), a competitive league for smaller colleges at the time.
• Head coach: Ray Jenkins was in his fourth season as head coach, overseeing player development and game strategy.
• Home stadium: Dornblaser Field served as the team's home venue, located on the University of Montana campus in Missoula.
• Scoring output: The Grizzlies scored 117 total points in eight games, averaging 14.6 points per game for the season.

Season Performance and Game Results

The 1959 campaign included a mix of conference and non-conference matchups, with games against regional rivals and emerging programs in the western United States. The Grizzlies opened the season with a loss but managed to secure three wins against competitive opponents.

• September 26: Lost to Northern Arizona 7–13 in a season-opening road game that set a defensive tone for the year.
• October 3: Defeated Western Montana College 20–6 in a home game that showcased improved offensive execution.
• October 10: Fell to Montana State 7–14 in the annual Brawl of the Wild, a key rivalry game with regional pride on the line.
• October 17: Beat Adams State 21–13, marking their second win and first conference victory of the season.
• October 24: Lost to Colorado State Teachers College 13–20 in a tightly contested away matchup.
• October 31: Secured a 27–7 win over Eastern Washington, their highest-scoring game of the season.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 1959 season to other years in Montana football history highlights its middling performance and transitional nature.

The 1959 season marked a downturn after the previous year’s 5–4 record. While the team remained competitive in most games, they failed to build momentum, ultimately finishing with fewer wins than in 1958. This period reflected a transitional phase before Montana moved toward greater athletic independence in the 1960s.

Why It Matters

Though not a standout season in terms of wins, the 1959 Montana Grizzlies football team holds historical significance in the evolution of the program. It reflects a period of adjustment during the late 1950s when college football structures were shifting, especially for smaller programs in the western U.S.

• Program development: The 1959 season contributed to long-term growth under Ray Jenkins, who laid groundwork for future success.
• Conference dynamics: Competing in the RMAC highlighted Montana’s regional ties before moving to independent status.
• Player development: Several players from this era became key contributors in subsequent seasons.
• Historical context: The season occurred during a transitional era in NCAA football, with evolving divisions and classifications.
• Fan engagement: Home games at Dornblaser Field helped maintain local support despite a losing record.
• Legacy value: Records from 1959 are preserved in university archives, contributing to Montana’s football heritage.

The 1959 season, while modest, remains a documented chapter in the University of Montana’s athletic history, illustrating the challenges and perseverance inherent in collegiate sports during the mid-20th century.