McMurry University War Hawks Football: A Tradition of Excellence
Since its founding in 1923, McMurry University has upheld a tradition of academic excellence, fostering a nurturing environment where students thrive both intellectually and personally. At McMurry, students are part of a welcoming and supportive campus where personalized, interactive learning is at the forefront. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1, students enjoy intimate classroom experiences and individualized mentorship. With an enrollment of over 1,100 students, McMurry offers a nationally recognized liberal arts and sciences education that blends academic rigor with real-world relevance. Our graduates leave prepared not just for a career, but for leadership, service, and lifelong learning.
The McMurry War Hawks football team has a rich history, marked by significant achievements, passionate rivalries, and dedicated individuals who have shaped the program over the years. From its early beginnings to its current standing in the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC), the War Hawks have consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence both on and off the field.
The Foundation and Early Years
McMurry University, since its founding in 1923, has maintained a tradition of academic excellence, cultivating a supportive environment where students excel intellectually and personally. McMurry students are part of a welcoming and supportive campus where personalized, interactive learning is at the forefront.
The Aldridge Era and the 1980 Championship Team
The 1980 team will forever stand as the first McMurry University football team to go to the post-season playoffs, winning the Texas Intercollegiate Athletic Association championship and advancing to the NAIA Division II playoffs. The 1980 squad culminated a rebuilding process by head coach Spud Aldridge begun in 1976, when his first McMurry team went 3-8. Aldridge - who is already in the Hall of Honor as a coach and administrator at McMurry - now also is enshrined with his 1980 team that rolled up quality victories over Tarleton State, Austin college and two wins over Sul Ross State and is still the only McM team to post nine wins in the regular season (the 2011 team also had nine wins, with one coming in the post-season). The team still owns the school record for rushing yards in a season with 2,756. The 1980 McMurry team had 15 of its members named to the All-TIAA post-season teams. Four team members - Luke Taylor, Dudley Woodard, Ricky Nolly and LeRoy Duncan all received various All-American honors.
Rivalries
The program has cultivated intense rivalries with other institutions, adding another layer of excitement and tradition to the McMurry football experience.
Read also: Leadership at McMurry
The Crosstown Showdown: McMurry vs. Hardin-Simmons
The Hardin-Simmons-McMurry football rivalry is an American college football rivalry between the Hardin-Simmons Cowboys and McMurry War Hawks, with the rivalry referred to as the Crosstown Showdown, with both universities located approximately 10 minutes from each other in Abilene. The winner is given the Wilford Moore Trophy, named after Wilford Moore, who was a player at Hardin-Simmons and a coach at McMurry.
The Battle of I-20: McMurry vs. Sul Ross State
The Battle of I-20 is the name given to the McMurry-Sul Ross football rivalry. Going into the 2019 match-up McMurry led the all-time series 46-40-2; the Lobos would win that year's game 21-7. As of the 2023 season, the two teams have met 93 times with McMurry leading the series 48-43-2.
Facilities
Wilford Moore Stadium
Randolph M. Wilford Moore Stadium is a football stadium in Abilene, Texas, with a seating capacity of 3,550. The War Hawks play their home games at Wilford Moore Stadium in Abilene, Texas.
Conference Affiliations
The McMurry War Hawks football team represents McMurry University in college football in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) at the NCAA Division III level. The War Hawks are members of the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC), fielding its team in the SCAC since 2024. McMurry University unified intercollegiate athletics joining Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference in Fall 2024.
Read also: A Legacy on the Diamond
Read also: Leadership at McMurry University
tags: #mcmurry #university #football #history
