A Century of Gridiron Glory: The History of New Hampshire Wildcats Football
The New Hampshire Wildcats football program represents the University of New Hampshire in intercollegiate American football. As members of the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA), the Wildcats compete in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). With a history spanning over a century, the program has become an integral part of the university's athletic identity.
Program Origins and Early Years (1893-1922)
The school has fielded a varsity football team annually since 1893, with the exception of one year during World War I and two years during World War II. In their formative years, the Wildcats faced a variety of opponents, including high school teams. For example, the 1895 team did not face any college teams in its six-game schedule. The team had its first formal head coach, John Scannell, during the 1902 season. Prior to the 1923 season, the school was not a member of any conference.
Stadium Evolution: From Memorial Field to Wildcat Stadium
The Wildcats have played their home football games at several venues in Durham. From 1921 through 1935, the team played its home games on Memorial Field. The team's last game at Memorial Field was November 9, 1935, vs. Tufts.
The current stadium, Wildcat Stadium, has been in use since 1936. The first game was September 26, 1936, vs. Maine. The stadium was dedicated October 10, 1936, vs. Maine.
Notable Coaches and Leaders
Throughout its history, the New Hampshire football program has been guided by a number of head coaches, each leaving their mark on the team. The below table lists the win-loss record for head coaches throughout program history. Some notable coaches include:
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- John Scannell, the team's first formal head coach, during the 1902 season.
- Ray B. Thomas, who returned as coach.
- Sean Goldrich, current head coach. 1st season, 0-0 (-).
Conference Championships and Postseason Appearances
The Wildcats have a rich history of success, with 15 conference championships to their name. The team has appeared in the Division I-AA/FCS Playoffs 19 times, playing 34 postseason games. In the 1975 NCAA Division II postseason, the Wildcats defeated Lehigh in the first round, 35-21. The Wildcats also played in one Division II playoff game that was known, for historical reasons, by a bowl name.
Rivalries: Maine, UMass, and Dartmouth
Rivalries are an essential part of college football, and the New Hampshire Wildcats have cultivated some intense rivalries over the years.
University of Maine
The football programs of New Hampshire and the Maine Black Bears first met in 1903 and have met annually since 1922, except for two seasons during World War II and during the 2020 season due to impact from the COVID-19 pandemic. Since 1948, the winning team gets possession of an antique musket until the next season's game.
University of Massachusetts
The football programs of New Hampshire and the UMass Minutemen first met in 1897 and most recently in 2011, which was their 74th meeting. Since 1986, the most outstanding player of the matchup has been awarded the Bill Knight Trophy.
Dartmouth College
Dartmouth is also among the Wildcats' rivalries.
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Facilities and Resources
The Wildcats' home stadium, Wildcat Stadium, provides a dedicated venue for the team and its fans. In 2015, a $4 million donation to the University included $1 million for a new video scoreboard for the football stadium.
The Modern Era
Under the leadership of head coach Sean Goldrich, the New Hampshire Wildcats continue to build upon their storied tradition. With a commitment to excellence on and off the field, the program strives to compete at the highest level of FCS football. The 2025 New Hampshire Wildcats football team will be Goldrich's first season.
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