University of New Mexico. Athletics Dept.

During the latter part of the nineteenth century and the first half of the twentieth century, the University of New Mexico reflected a record of athletic growth and development which was of prominent importance in the evolution of the social history of both the City of Albuquerque and the Territory and State of New Mexico. During the years of the University's infancy, only one sport, football, was participated in on the intercollegiate level, while the others faced competition with high schools in the area. In 1911 the University hired it's first professional coach for all sports, Athletic Director Ralph L. "Hutch" Hutchinson. Intercollegiate athletics made great strides during 1912-1919 but World War I caused a setback in both lack of available athletes and public attendence. Roy Johnson was appointed head coach in 1920 and athletics began it's post-war revival. UNM Athletics provided a much needed community outlet during the Depression and athletic facilities were improved. Athletics was curtailed during World War II but the post war era saw an expansion of programs which had a positive effect on the entire State. Football and basketball gained great popularity with the community of Albuquerque and the first 5 years of the 1960's were thought to be the golden age of UNM athletics. In the fall of 1963, the football team beat the University of Arizona for the second of three conference championships and, Adolph Plummer set a world record in the 440-yard dash. In the spring of 1964, the basketball team tied Arizona State University for the first-ever conference crown and was runner-up in the National Invitational Tournament finals. Bob King was hired as basketball coach and the "PIT" was built as well as a new UNM championship golf course. During the 1970's the focus of the community changed from the practice of athletics to athletic program leadership and violations of rules which culminated in Lobogate. The Lobogate investigation brought out an assortment of accounting frauds, fake grades, and material goods given to prime players and a vast network of improper sports gambling. The scandal rippled through the University community and was a particular low period for the Dept. of Athletics. Aside from Lobogate the Athletics Dept. Women's athletics took a giant step forward in 1973-74, Title IX, the federal law mandating equal opportunity for women in sports raised the budget to $35,000, up from $4,300 the year before. In August 1998, Bill Gordon signed the official letters withdrawing the university from the Western Athletic Conference. UNM joined several other universities, including Colorado State University, to create the Mountain West Conference. The UNM Athletic Dept. has become one of the most progressive, rapid growing and distinguished programs in the Western United States with such prominant figures as Don Perkins, Ira Harge, Norm Elenberger, John Baker, Cathy Carr West, Tow Diehm, Rocky Long, Robin Cole, Mike Prokopiak, Walt Arnold and many others. The tradition of growth and progress continues to the present.

From the description of University of New Mexico Athletics Department records, 1890-2010. (University of New Mexico-Main Campus). WorldCat record id: 74496090

During the latter part of the nineteenth century and the first half of the twentieth century, the University of New Mexico reflected a record of athletic growth and development which was of prominent importance in the evolution of the social history of both the City of Albuquerque and the Territory and State of New Mexico. During the years of the University's infancy, only one sport, football, was participated in on the intercollegiate level, while the others faced competition with high schools in the area. In 1911 the University hired it's first professional coach for all sports, Athletic Director Ralph L. "Hutch" Hutchinson.

Intercollegiate athletics made great strides during 1912-1919 but World War I caused a setback in both lack of available athletes and public attendence. Roy Johnson was appointed head coach in 1920 and athletics began it's post-war revival. UNM Athletics provided a much needed community outlet during the Depression and athletic facilities were improved. Athletics was curtailed during World War II but the post war era saw an expansion of programs which had a positive effect on the entire State.

Football and basketball gained great popularity with the community of Albuquerque and the first 5 years of the 1960's were thought to be the golden age of UNM athletics. In the fall of 1963, the football team beat the University of Arizona for the second of three conference championships and, Adolph Plummer set a world record in the 440-yard dash. In the spring of 1964, the basketball team tied Arizona State University for the first-ever conference crown and was runner-up in the National Invitational Tournament finals. Bob King was hired as basketball coach and the "PIT" was built as well as a new UNM championship golf course.

During the 1970's the focus of the community changed from the practice of athletics to athletic program leadership and violations of rules which culminated in Lobogate. The Lobogate investigation brought out an assortment of accounting frauds, fake grades, and material goods given to prime players and a vast network of improper sports gambling. The scandal rippled through the University community and was a particular low period for the Dept. of Athletics.

Aside from Lobogate the Athletics Dept. Women's athletics took a giant step forward in 1973-74, Title IX, the federal law mandating equal opportunity for women in sports raised the budget to $35,000, up from $4,300 the year before. In August 1998, Bill Gordon signed the official letters withdrawing the university from the Western Athletic Conference. UNM joined several other universities, including Colorado State University, to create the Mountain West Conference.

The UNM Athletic Dept. has become one of the most progressive, rapid growing and distinguished programs in the Western United States with such prominant figures as Don Perkins, Ira Harge, Norm Elenberger, John Baker, Cathy Carr West, Tow Diehm, Rocky Long, Robin Cole, Mike Prokopiak, Walt Arnold and many others. The tradition of growth and progress continues to the present.

From the guide to the University of New Mexico Athletics Department records, 1890-2010, (University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research)