What Is 1964 New Mexico Lobos football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1964 New Mexico Lobos football team represented the University of New Mexico during the 1964 NCAA University Division season, finishing with a 4–6 record under head coach Norm Ellenberger. They competed in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) and played home games at University Stadium in Albuquerque.

Key Facts

The team had a 4–6 overall record in the 1964 season
Norm Ellenberger was the head coach in his first year
They played home games at University Stadium in Albuquerque
The Lobos were members of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC)
They won 2 of their 5 conference games in 1964

Overview

The 1964 New Mexico Lobos football team represented the University of New Mexico during the 1964 NCAA University Division football season. Led by first-year head coach Norm Ellenberger, the team competed as a member of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) and played its home games at University Stadium in Albuquerque.

The season marked a transitional period for the program, as the Lobos adjusted to new leadership and a competitive conference environment. Despite finishing with a losing record, the team laid groundwork for future development within the WAC and showed moments of promise throughout the year.

Record: The Lobos finished the 1964 season with a 4–6 overall record, including a 2–4 mark in conference play.
Head Coach: Norm Ellenberger took over as head coach in 1964, beginning his tenure with limited resources and a rebuilding roster.
Home Stadium: All home games were played at University Stadium, which opened in 1960 and had a capacity of approximately 30,000.
Conference: As a member of the Western Athletic Conference, the Lobos faced teams like Arizona, Arizona State, and Utah.
Notable Game: One highlight was a 27–14 victory over in-state rival New Mexico State, though the team lost the rematch the following year.

How It Works

College football teams like the 1964 New Mexico Lobos operate within a structured NCAA framework that governs scheduling, eligibility, and competition rules. Each season follows a defined timeline from training camp to the final game, with teams preparing weekly for opponents through practice, film study, and strategy development.

Season Structure: The 1964 season consisted of a 10-game schedule, typical for NCAA University Division teams at the time, with no postseason bowl appearance.
Recruiting: Players were recruited regionally, with a focus on talent from New Mexico, Texas, and surrounding states to build team depth.
Coaching System: Norm Ellenberger implemented a balanced offensive approach, emphasizing both running and passing plays to adapt to WAC opponents.
Player Eligibility: NCAA rules required student-athletes to maintain academic standards and remain amateur, with no professional contracts allowed.
Game Preparation: The team held daily practices and film sessions to analyze opponents, focusing on the strengths of WAC rivals like Arizona State’s offense.
Home Field Advantage: Playing in Albuquerque’s high altitude (about 5,300 feet) sometimes challenged visiting teams unaccustomed to thinner air.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 1964 New Mexico Lobos compared to other WAC teams and national leaders in key performance categories:

Team	Overall Record	Conference Record	Head Coach	Notable Result
New Mexico Lobos	4–6	2–4	Norm Ellenberger	Won 27–14 vs. New Mexico State
Arizona State	7–3	4–2	Frank Kush	Won WAC title, defeated North Carolina in bowl
Utah	4–6	3–3	Ray Nagel	Beat Colorado State 28–14
Arizona	2–8	1–5	Jim LaRue	Lost all conference road games
UCLA	7–4	3–4	Bill Barnes	Lost to Alabama in 1965 Liberty Bowl

The table illustrates that while the Lobos were near the bottom of the WAC standings, they performed comparably to Utah and Arizona. Arizona State dominated the conference, highlighting the competitive gap within the league. The Lobos’ .400 winning percentage placed them in the lower half of the 12-team national landscape, but their performance reflected typical mid-tier team dynamics of the era.

Why It Matters

The 1964 season is a notable chapter in the history of New Mexico athletics, reflecting the challenges and growth of a program adapting to major college football. Though not a championship year, it contributed to the long-term development of the football program and provided valuable experience for future seasons.

Program Foundation: The season helped establish coaching systems under Ellenberger, who later returned as athletic director.
Conference Identity: Competing in the WAC elevated the Lobos’ visibility and strengthened regional rivalries.
Recruiting Impact: Exposure from conference play improved the team’s ability to attract talent from Texas and California.
Historical Record: The 4–6 record is preserved in official NCAA and university archives for historical continuity.
Fan Engagement: Games at University Stadium drew consistent local support, boosting school spirit and attendance trends.
Legacy: Players and coaches from 1964 contributed to the culture and traditions still celebrated by Lobo fans today.

Understanding the 1964 season provides context for the evolution of New Mexico football, showing how early struggles paved the way for future success in the decades to come.