What Is 1933 Nevada Wolf Pack football

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Last updated: April 14, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1933 Nevada Wolf Pack football team represented the University of Nevada in the 1933 college football season, finishing with a 3–3–1 record under head coach Dick Trach. They played their home games at Mackay Field in Reno.

Key Facts

The 1933 Nevada Wolf Pack football team had a final record of 3 wins, 3 losses, and 1 tie (3–3–1).
Head coach Dick Trach led the team during his second season at the University of Nevada.
Home games were played at Mackay Field, located on the university's campus in Reno.
The team competed as an independent, not belonging to any conference in 1933.
Their season included notable games against teams such as Saint Mary’s and Nevada Southern.

Overview

The 1933 Nevada Wolf Pack football team represented the University of Nevada during the 1933 college football season. Competing as an independent, the team was led by head coach Dick Trach in his second year at the helm, striving to build consistency in a transitional era for collegiate athletics.

The Wolf Pack played their home games at Mackay Field in Reno, a venue that hosted Nevada football for decades. Despite a modest 3–3–1 overall record, the season reflected the challenges and growing pains typical of smaller programs during the Great Depression.

Head coach Dick Trach continued to shape the program in his second season, focusing on developing a competitive roster amid limited resources and regional travel constraints.
The team finished the season with 3 wins, 3 losses, and 1 tie, a balanced but unspectacular performance reflective of the era’s competitive parity among independents.
Games were played at Mackay Field, a multi-purpose athletic facility in Reno that lacked modern amenities but served as the heart of Nevada athletics for years.
As an independent program, the Wolf Pack did not belong to a formal conference, allowing scheduling flexibility but limiting postseason opportunities.
Notable opponents included Saint Mary’s College and Nevada Southern, both of which presented significant challenges due to stronger athletic funding and recruitment.

Season Structure and Opponents

The 1933 season followed a typical independent schedule, with matchups arranged regionally to minimize travel costs and maximize fan engagement. Each game was critical due to the small number of contests played.

September 30, 1933: Opened the season against the University of California, suffering a loss of 0–20 in a challenging road game against a stronger Pacific Coast Conference team.
October 7, 1933: Faced Saint Mary’s College, losing 7–19, highlighting the gap between Nevada and better-funded California programs.
October 21, 1933: Secured a 13–7 victory over Nevada Southern, a key win that boosted morale and showcased offensive improvement.
November 11, 1933: Tied with the University of Utah 7–7, marking a strong defensive performance against a future conference rival.
November 25, 1933: Closed the season with a 20–0 win over Sacramento State, demonstrating late-season momentum and improved team cohesion.

Comparison at a Glance

The 1933 Wolf Pack season can be better understood when compared to peer programs in terms of record, coaching tenure, and competition level.

Team	Record (W-L-T)	Head Coach	Conference	Notable Result
1933 Nevada Wolf Pack	3–3–1	Dick Trach	Independent	20–0 win vs. Sacramento State
1933 Saint Mary’s Gaels	5–3–1	Slip Madigan	Independent	Beat Nevada 19–7
1933 Utah Utes	7–1–1	Ike Armstrong	Rocky Mountain	Tied Nevada 7–7
1933 California Golden Bears	7–0–1	Stub Allison	PCC	Beat Nevada 20–0
1933 Sacramento State	2–5	Ray Newman	Independent	Lost to Nevada 0–20

This comparison shows that while Nevada was competitive against mid-tier teams like Utah and Sacramento State, they struggled against stronger programs such as California and Saint Mary’s. The Wolf Pack’s .500 record placed them in the middle of the pack among regional independents, reflecting both progress and room for growth under Trach’s leadership.

Why It Matters

The 1933 season is a snapshot of Nevada football during a formative period, illustrating the challenges of maintaining a competitive program with limited resources. It also highlights the early development of a team that would later become a staple of the Mountain West Conference.

The season contributed to the long-term legacy of Nevada football, helping establish traditions that would evolve over the next century.
Playing as an independent allowed scheduling flexibility, which was crucial for financial sustainability during the economically strained 1930s.
Coach Dick Trach’s leadership laid groundwork for future improvements, including recruiting strategies and player development systems.
Games against regional rivals like Utah and Saint Mary’s helped build intercollegiate relationships that later influenced conference realignment.
The use of Mackay Field emphasized the importance of on-campus venues in fostering school spirit and community support.
Historical records from 1933 are preserved in university archives, serving as valuable research material for sports historians and alumni.

Though not a championship season, 1933 remains a meaningful chapter in the evolution of the Nevada Wolf Pack, symbolizing perseverance and the early roots of a program now known nationwide.