Wilford Moore, American football player and coach (b. 1919)

Wilford Harve Moore (November 20, 1919 – January 21, 2014) was a highly respected and influential American football coach, leaving an indelible mark on collegiate and high school athletics, particularly in Texas. His storied career is celebrated through numerous accolades, including having McMurry University's football stadium named in his honor, a testament to his profound impact on the institution's football program.

Early Life, Education, and Military Service

A native of Littlefield, Texas, Wilford Moore's journey in football began early. He distinguished himself at Hardin–Simmons University, where he earned a physical education degree in 1941. During his time as a player at Hardin-Simmons, Moore showcased his talent alongside future football legend Clyde "Bulldog" Turner, who would go on to achieve Pro Football Hall of Fame status as a star center and linebacker for the Chicago Bears in the National Football League (NFL).

Moore's nascent coaching career began as an assistant coach at Abilene High School in the fall of 1941. However, his path took a significant turn shortly thereafter. Demonstrating profound patriotism, he joined the United States Army Air Corps on December 9, 1941, just two days after the devastating attack on Pearl Harbor thrust the United States into World War II. His military service underscored a period of global conflict and national unity, showcasing a commitment beyond the football field.

Coaching Legacy at McMurry University

Upon his return from dedicated service in World War II, Moore resumed his coaching career, initially serving as an assistant coach at McMurry University in 1946. His leadership qualities and strategic acumen quickly became apparent, leading to his promotion as head coach the very next year. Moore's tenure as head coach for the McMurry Indians spanned from 1947 to 1954, a period marked by unprecedented success for the program. He solidified his legacy as the highest-winning coach in McMurry Indians football history, guiding the team to an impressive overall record of 49 wins, 29 losses, and 5 ties.

A significant highlight of his time at McMurry was leading the Indians to the 1949 Oleander Bowl. This historic postseason appearance, played in Galveston, Texas, marked a pinnacle for the program under his guidance, showcasing his ability to elevate the team to regional prominence. Moore's coaching prowess extended to developing exceptional talent, mentoring future football stalwarts such as Les Cowan, Brad Rowland, and notably, Grant Teaff. Teaff would later achieve national recognition as a highly successful head coach at Baylor University and served for many years as the esteemed Executive Director of the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA).

Post-Collegiate Coaching and Return to Abilene

After his impactful tenure at McMurry, Moore continued to contribute significantly to football through his high school coaching career. He held head coaching positions at prominent Texas high schools, including Lubbock High School, Port Neches-Groves High School (a program with a rich football tradition), and Cleburne High School. His dedication to developing young athletes and strong football programs persisted throughout these roles. In 1972, Moore returned to Abilene, Texas, the city that had been central to much of his early life and coaching success. He resided there for the remainder of his life, maintaining a deep connection to the community and the institutions he served.

Unique Honors and Enduring Legacy

Wilford Moore stands alone in a remarkable achievement: he is the only individual to be inducted into the athletic halls of fame at both Hardin–Simmons University and McMurry University. This rare distinction underscores his extraordinary impact and dual legacy as both a distinguished athlete and an influential coach across two rival institutions. Recognizing his unique connection and contributions to both Abilene universities, Hardin-Simmons and McMurry jointly established a special trophy in his honor for their annual crosstown rivalry football game. This perpetual award, known as the Wilford Moore Trophy, symbolizes his unifying presence and enduring spirit within Abilene's vibrant collegiate sports landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wilford Harve Moore
Who was Wilford Harve Moore?
Wilford Harve Moore was a highly successful American football coach, best known for his record-setting tenure at McMurry University and his impactful contributions to both collegiate and high school football in Texas.
What was Wilford Moore's coaching record at McMurry University?
As the head coach for the McMurry Indians from 1947 to 1954, Moore achieved an impressive overall record of 49 wins, 29 losses, and 5 ties, making him the highest-winning coach in the program's history.
What notable achievements did Moore have at McMurry?
Beyond his win-loss record, Moore led the McMurry Indians to the 1949 Oleander Bowl and coached significant players, including future Pro Football Hall of Famer Clyde "Bulldog" Turner (from his playing days at Hardin-Simmons) and renowned college coach Grant Teaff.
Why is Wilford Moore Stadium named after him?
The McMurry University football stadium was named in Wilford Moore's honor due to his exceptional coaching success, his status as the winningest coach in program history, and his lasting legacy at the university.
What unique distinction does Wilford Moore hold regarding his alma maters?
Wilford Moore is the only individual to be inducted into the athletic halls of fame at both Hardin–Simmons University (his alma mater as a player) and McMurry University (where he was a highly successful coach). Additionally, both universities co-created the Wilford Moore Trophy for their annual rivalry game, celebrating his dual connection.