1960s
Football Program Cover
Touchdown! Weber College vs Cal State University, 1961
1968 Football Schedule
In 1963, Weber State College became a founding member of the Big Sky Athletic Conference. This conference included schools from the Intermountain West. In 1965 and 1968, Weber State became conference champions. During the decade, 13 Weber football players were drafted to the NFL. Coaches during this decade include: Wally Nalder (1956-1964) & Sark Arslanian (1965-1972).
From 1963-1969 a “Game Train” was rented for the purpose of taking students and fans up to Pocatello for the football game against Idaho State University. On opposite years, the Bengals would take a train down to Ogden. Each year approximately 500 students would board the train.
In 1964 the “Wildcats secured an old locomotive bell made of solid brass which ‘rings like the dickens’ to symbolize the growing tradition and rivalry between the two railroad towns, Ogden, Utah and Pocatello, Idaho. The bell will be a traveling trophy, going to the winner of the annual football game between the two schools” (Signpost, October 23, 1964). The victory bell was unveiled during the 1964 pre-homecoming activities to be used for future homecoming games between Idaho State University and Weber State College. The bell was passed back and forth until 1973, where it ended up in Weber’s possession.
A very muddy Weber State College vs Western States College, 1964