What Is 1963 Montana Grizzlies football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1963 Montana Grizzlies football team represented the University of Montana in the 1963 NCAA College Division football season, finishing with a 4–5 overall record under head coach Ray Jenkins.

Key Facts

The 1963 Montana Grizzlies football team had a 4–5 overall record.
They competed in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) and posted a 2–3 conference record.
Head coach Ray Jenkins was in his fourth season leading the program.
Home games were played at Dornblaser Field in Missoula, Montana.
The team scored 127 total points and allowed 151 points over nine games.

Overview

The 1963 Montana Grizzlies football team represented the University of Montana during the 1963 NCAA College Division football season. Competing in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC), the team was led by head coach Ray Jenkins in his fourth year at the helm.

The Grizzlies finished the season with a 4–5 overall record and a 2–3 mark in conference play. Despite not achieving a winning season, the team demonstrated resilience throughout a challenging schedule that included regional rivals and strong defensive matchups.

Season Record: The Grizzlies posted a 4–5 overall record, reflecting a slightly below-average performance for the era, with three of their losses coming by less than a touchdown.
Conference Standing: As members of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, they finished with a 2–3 record, placing them in the middle of the conference standings.
Head Coach: Ray Jenkins, in his fourth season, continued to rebuild the program with an emphasis on disciplined play and balanced offensive schemes.
Home Field: The team played its home games at Dornblaser Field, a modest on-campus venue in Missoula that hosted Griz football from 1930 to 1967.
Scoring Output: Montana scored 127 total points across nine games, averaging 14.1 points per game, while allowing 151 points (16.8 per game).

Season Performance

The 1963 campaign featured a mix of close contests and decisive outcomes, highlighting both the team’s potential and areas needing improvement. The offense struggled at times to maintain consistency, but key players emerged during mid-season matchups.

Offensive Strategy: The Grizzlies relied on a run-heavy attack, typical of the era, with quarterback John Erickson leading a ground-oriented offense that averaged 138 rushing yards per game.
Defensive Challenges: The defense allowed more than 16 points per game, with particular struggles against high-powered offenses like Western State and Northern Colorado.
Key Victory: A 20–14 win over conference rival Western New Mexico was a highlight, showcasing improved red-zone efficiency and fourth-quarter execution.
Notable Loss: A 33–7 defeat to Northern Arizona underscored offensive limitations, as the Griz managed only 127 total yards in the game.
Player Development: Several underclassmen gained valuable experience, laying the foundation for future seasons under Jenkins’ leadership.
Season Schedule: The team played nine games, including five against RMAC opponents and four non-conference matchups, primarily against regional programs.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 1963 season to adjacent years reveals trends in performance and coaching impact:

Season	Overall Record	Conference Record	Head Coach	Points For	Points Against
1961	3–6	2–3	Ray Jenkins	102	158
1962	5–4	3–2	Ray Jenkins	136	114
1963	4–5	2–3	Ray Jenkins	127	151
1964	3–6	1–4	Ray Jenkins	107	149
1965	2–7	1–4	Ray Jenkins	98	167

The table shows that while 1963 was not a low point statistically, it marked the beginning of a gradual decline in performance under Jenkins, who resigned after the 1967 season. The team’s scoring output remained relatively stable, but defensive lapses became more frequent in later years.

Why It Matters

Though not a championship season, the 1963 campaign is part of the broader narrative of Montana football’s development during the mid-20th century. It reflects the challenges of building a competitive program amid limited resources and regional competition.

Historical Context: The 1963 season occurred before Montana’s rise to national prominence in the 1970s and 1980s, serving as a transitional phase in program history.
Coaching Legacy: Ray Jenkins’ tenure laid groundwork for future success, even as win totals fluctuated during his later years.
Conference Realignment: The RMAC eventually dissolved for football, prompting Montana to seek new affiliations that led to Big Sky Conference membership in 1963 (though football joined later).
Player Development: Several athletes from this era contributed to improved teams later in the decade, including key starters in 1966 and 1967.
Fan Engagement: Despite modest records, home games at Dornblaser Field maintained strong local support in Missoula.
Evolution of Strategy: The run-heavy approach of 1963 gradually gave way to more balanced offenses as coaching evolved in subsequent years.

The 1963 Montana Grizzlies may not be remembered for trophies or records, but they represent a steady chapter in a long football tradition that would eventually achieve national recognition.