What Is 1911 Wyoming Cowboys football team

Overview

The 1911 Wyoming Cowboys football team represented the University of Wyoming during the 1911 college football season. Competing as an independent with no formal conference, the team was led by head coach John Corbett in his second year at the helm.

The Cowboys finished the season with a 2–3 record, scoring 51 points while allowing 48. Though not a dominant season by modern standards, it contributed to the early development of Wyoming’s football tradition.

• Season Record: The team posted a 2–3 overall record, marking modest improvement from prior years under Corbett’s leadership.
• Head Coach:John Corbett served as head coach for his second consecutive season, shaping the program’s foundational years.
• Scoring Output: The Cowboys tallied 51 total points across five games, averaging just over 10 points per game.
• Defensive Performance: They allowed 48 points, indicating a relatively balanced but inconsistent defensive effort.
• Independent Status: Wyoming competed as an independent, meaning they were not part of any athletic conference during the 1911 season.

Season Schedule and Results

The 1911 season featured a short five-game schedule, typical for college teams of that era. Games were primarily regional matchups, reflecting the logistical constraints of early 20th-century college football.

• September 30, 1911: Wyoming defeated Wyoming State 16–0 in a season-opening shutout victory.
• October 7, 1911: The Cowboys lost to Colorado Agricultural 13–6, marking their first defeat.
• October 14, 1911: They bounced back with a 14–6 win over Colorado College, showcasing offensive improvement.
• October 21, 1911: Wyoming fell to Colorado 19–0 in a tough road contest against a stronger opponent.
• November 4, 1911: The team closed the season with a decisive 15–0 win over Laramie High School, a non-collegiate opponent.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 1911 season to adjacent years highlights trends in program development and competitive performance.

The 1911 season sits between two losing campaigns, showing slight improvement in scoring and defense. While not a standout year, it was part of a gradual progression under Corbett, who remained coach through 1913. The team’s win over Laramie High School, though unusual by today’s standards, was not uncommon in that era when college teams often scheduled local high schools or clubs.

Why It Matters

Though the 1911 season was unremarkable in terms of national impact, it played a role in establishing Wyoming’s early football identity and continuity under a developing coaching staff.

• Program Development: The 1911 season contributed to the long-term growth of the University of Wyoming’s athletic program.
• Coaching Legacy:John Corbett became one of the earliest figures in Wyoming football history, coaching from 1910 to 1913.
• Historical Context: Early 20th-century football was formative, with teams like Wyoming laying groundwork for future success.
• Competitive Evolution: The 1911 season reflected incremental progress after a 1–3 record in 1910.
• Regional Rivalries: Games against Colorado and Colorado College helped establish regional competition patterns.
• Historical Records: Detailed season data from 1911 survives in university archives and historical databases, preserving early team efforts.

Understanding seasons like 1911 helps contextualize the trajectory of college football programs over time. For Wyoming, these early years were essential in building traditions that continue today.