What Is 1947 Wyoming Cowboys football team

Overview

The 1947 Wyoming Cowboys football team represented the University of Wyoming in the NCAA college football season, marking the second year under head coach Burleigh Willard. Competing in the Mountain States Conference (MSC), the team struggled to find consistency, finishing with a 3–5–1 overall record and a 2–3–1 mark in conference play.

The Cowboys played their home games at War Memorial Stadium in Laramie, a venue that has hosted Wyoming football since 1950—though in 1947, they played at a predecessor field on campus. Despite limited success on the field, the season contributed to the long-term development of the program, which would later see greater achievements in the 1950s and beyond.

• 3–5–1 record: The team won three games, lost five, and tied one during the 1947 season, reflecting a below-average performance for the era.
• Burleigh Willard: In his second season as head coach, Willard struggled to elevate the program, compiling a 3–5–1 record before departing after the season.
• Mountain States Conference: The Cowboys competed in the MSC, a regional league that included teams like Colorado State, Utah, and New Mexico.
• Home field: Games were played on campus in Laramie, though the current War Memorial Stadium was not yet built—construction began in 1949.
• Rivalry games: The team faced in-state rival Colorado State, losing 13–7, and also lost to Utah 20–7, highlighting competitive challenges.

Season Performance

The 1947 campaign was defined by narrow losses and missed opportunities, with several games decided by one score. The Cowboys showed flashes of potential but lacked the depth and consistency needed to compete at a high level in the Mountain States Conference.

• September 27: Opened the season with a 13–0 win over Denver, marking a promising start under Willard’s leadership.
• October 4: Lost 13–7 to Colorado State, a close contest that demonstrated rivalry intensity and competitive parity.
• October 11: Suffered a 20–7 defeat to Utah, exposing defensive vulnerabilities against stronger conference opponents.
• October 25: Secured a 7–0 win over New Mexico, improving their conference record to 1–2 with a solid defensive performance.
• November 1: Tied Air Force 7–7 in a hard-fought game, one of the few bright spots in an otherwise challenging season.
• November 8: Lost 26–0 to Utah State, a lopsided defeat that underscored offensive struggles throughout the year.

Comparison at a Glance

The 1947 season can be better understood by comparing it to adjacent years in Wyoming football history, particularly the more successful 1949 and 1950 seasons. Below is a performance comparison across key metrics:

The data shows a clear upward trajectory in the years following 1947, especially after Phil Dickens took over as head coach in 1949. The 1947 season, while underwhelming, served as a transitional phase before Wyoming’s rise in the late 1940s and 1950s.

Why It Matters

Though the 1947 Wyoming Cowboys did not achieve significant success, the season is a historical marker in the evolution of the football program. It reflects a period of instability that preceded a major turnaround, offering context for future achievements.

• Coaching transition: Burleigh Willard’s departure after 1948 opened the door for Phil Dickens, who revitalized the program.
• Program development: The struggles of 1947 highlighted the need for better recruitment and strategic planning.
• Conference context: Competing in the MSC kept Wyoming visible in regional college football despite losing records.
• Stadium evolution: The team’s home games preceded the construction of War Memorial Stadium, which opened in 1950.
• Rivalry continuity: Games against Colorado State and Utah maintained key regional rivalries still active today.
• Historical baseline: The 1947 season serves as a benchmark for measuring future improvements in Wyoming football.

Understanding the 1947 season helps contextualize Wyoming’s eventual rise to prominence, including their undefeated 1956 team and multiple bowl appearances in the 1960s. It underscores how even modest seasons contribute to long-term athletic development.