What Is 2009 Weber State Wildcats football

Overview

The 2009 Weber State Wildcats football team represented Weber State University in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) during the 2009 season. Competing as a member of the Big Sky Conference, the team was led by head coach Ron McBride, who was in his seventh year at the helm.

The Wildcats played their home games at Stewart Stadium in Ogden, Utah, and finished the season with a 6–5 overall record, including a 4–4 mark in conference play. While they did not qualify for the FCS playoffs, the season showed signs of improvement under McBride’s leadership after several rebuilding years.

• Overall record: The team finished 6–5, marking a modest improvement from their 5–6 record in 2008, showing progress in competitiveness.
• Conference standing: Weber State went 4–4 in Big Sky Conference play, tying for sixth place in the nine-team league.
• Head coach: Ron McBride served as head coach for the seventh consecutive season, maintaining a steady but rebuilding program.
• Home stadium: All home games were played at Stewart Stadium, which has a capacity of approximately 17,500 and is located on campus in Ogden.
• Quarterback performance: Senior Matt Hammer started most games, throwing for 1,854 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions on the season.

How It Works

The structure of college football at the FCS level determines scheduling, eligibility, and postseason qualification, all of which shaped the 2009 Weber State season.

• Division I FCS: The Football Championship Subdivision is the second-highest level of college football, where teams compete for a national title via a 24-team playoff.
• Big Sky Conference: Weber State has been a member since 1963; in 2009, the conference included nine teams, all competing for playoff berths.
• Schedule format: The Wildcats played 11 games: seven against conference opponents and four non-conference matchups against FCS and FBS teams.
• Eligibility rules: Players had five years to play four seasons of eligibility; several Weber State athletes in 2009 were redshirt juniors or seniors.
• Recruiting: The team relied heavily on in-state talent from Utah and junior college transfers to fill key positions on both offense and defense.
• Postseason access: Only conference champions or at-large selections qualify for the FCS playoffs; Weber State did not qualify in 2009 due to their 4–4 record.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2009 season can be better understood by comparing Weber State’s performance to other Big Sky teams and recent seasons.

Compared to peers, Weber State matched UC Davis in overall wins but fell short in conference play. Montana dominated the league and advanced deep into the playoffs, highlighting the competitive gap within the Big Sky. Weber State’s defense allowed 27.6 points per game, ranking seventh in the conference, while their offense averaged 23.8 points per game.

Why It Matters

The 2009 season was a transitional year that laid groundwork for future improvements in Weber State’s football program.

• Program development: The 6–5 record signaled progress after three consecutive losing seasons, boosting morale and recruiting momentum.
• Leadership continuity: Ron McBride’s continued presence provided stability, though he would retire after the 2011 season.
• Player development: Several underclassmen gained starting experience, including future standout running back T.J. Schenkel.
• Conference competitiveness: The near-.500 conference record showed Weber State could compete with top Big Sky teams.
• Recruiting impact: Improved performance helped attract higher-rated recruits in subsequent years, especially from Utah and Idaho.
• Foundation for success: The 2009 season preceded a more successful 2010 campaign, where the Wildcats improved to 6–4 and nearly made the playoffs.

While not a breakout year, the 2009 Weber State Wildcats football season was a critical step in the program’s gradual ascent, setting the stage for future competitiveness in the FCS landscape.