What Is 1933 Tulsa Golden Hurricane football

Overview

The 1933 Tulsa Golden Hurricane football team represented the University of Tulsa during the 1933 college football season. Competing as an independent, the team was led by head coach Homer Woodson Hargiss and played its home games at Skelly Field. This season marked a continuation of Tulsa's growing football program in the early 20th century.

The Golden Hurricane demonstrated consistent offensive strength throughout the season, finishing with a 6–2–1 record. They faced a mix of regional collegiate opponents and junior colleges, showcasing their competitive edge in non-conference matchups. Despite no bowl game appearance, the team’s performance laid groundwork for future success.

• Record: The team finished the 1933 season with a 6–2–1 win-loss-tie record, reflecting strong but inconsistent performance across nine games.
• Head coach:Homer Woodson Hargiss served as head coach in 1933, bringing prior experience from his tenure at Kansas Wesleyan.
• Scoring: Tulsa scored a total of 152 points across the season, averaging 16.9 points per game, a solid output for the era.
• Opponents: The schedule included regional teams such as Oklahoma City University, Saint Louis University, and Northeastern State.
• Home field: Games were played at Skelly Field, which had been Tulsa’s home venue since 1930 and held approximately 20,000 fans.

Season Performance

The 1933 campaign featured a balanced mix of victories, losses, and one tie, highlighting both strengths and areas for improvement. Tulsa’s offense was the team’s driving force, while the defense occasionally struggled against stronger opponents.

• September 30: Opened the season with a 34–0 win over Oklahoma City University, establishing early dominance.
• October 7: Lost 7–13 to Saint Louis University, marking their first defeat and exposing defensive vulnerabilities.
• October 14: Responded with a 20–7 victory over Northeastern State, regaining offensive momentum.
• October 28: Suffered a close 13–19 loss to Arkansas, indicating competitiveness against regional powers.
• November 11: Played to a 6–6 tie with Centenary College, a result that kept their record intact but raised questions about finishing ability.
• November 25: Closed the season with a 19–7 win over Southwestern, finishing on a positive note.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 1933 Golden Hurricane season compares to other independent teams of the era:

The table shows that Tulsa outperformed most of its scheduled opponents in both win-loss record and scoring margin. Their 152 points scored ranked high among regional independents, and their defense allowed only 84 points, a respectable total for the time. The tie with Centenary and losses to Saint Louis and Arkansas were narrow, suggesting the team was competitive in nearly every outing.

Why It Matters

The 1933 season was a building block in the history of Tulsa football, contributing to the program’s growing reputation. Though not a national powerhouse yet, the Golden Hurricane demonstrated consistency and offensive capability that would foreshadow future success.

• Program development: The 1933 season helped solidify Tulsa’s identity as a competitive independent program in the Southwest.
• Coaching legacy: Homer Woodson Hargiss’s leadership contributed to a foundation later expanded by future coaches.
• Historical continuity: This season is part of Tulsa’s long football history, which includes multiple conference titles in later decades.
• Player development: Athletes from this era gained experience that helped elevate the talent level in subsequent years.
• Regional impact: Strong performances against in-state and nearby teams boosted local fan support.
• Statistical record: The 6–2–1 record remains documented in NCAA archives and Tulsa’s official athletics history.

While overshadowed by more decorated seasons, the 1933 campaign remains a significant chapter in the evolution of Tulsa Golden Hurricane football, reflecting the team’s resilience and potential during a formative era.