# 1961 Nevada Wolf Pack football team

The 1961 Nevada Wolf Pack football team was an American football team that represented the University of Nevada as a member of the Far Western Conference (FWC) during the 1961 college football season. In their third year head under coach Dick Trachok, the Wolf Pack compiled a 5–4 record (2–3 in conference games), tied for fourth place in the FWC, and were outscored by a total of 179 to 153.
The team's statistical leaders included quarterback Jack Renwick (724 rushing yards, 53 points scored), halfback Bobby Herron (444 rushing yards), and end Jim Whitaker (294 receiving yards). Three Nevada players received first-team all-conference honors: end Jim Whitaker; defensive tackle Larry Moss; and linebacker Max Culp.
The team played its home games at Mackay Stadium in Reno, Nevada.

## Schedule

| Date | Opponent | Site | Result | Attendance |
| September 23 | at Redlands* | Redlands StadiumRedlands, CA | L 0–25 | 3,000 |
| September 30 | Portland State* | Mackay StadiumReno, NV | W 41–20 | 4,000 |
| October 7 | Chico State | Mackay StadiumReno, NV | W 27–6 | 3,350 |
| October 14 | UC Davis | Mackay StadiumReno, NV | L 12–36 | 4,500–4,600 |
| October 21 | at San Francisco State | Cox StadiumSan Francisco, CA | L 0–48 | 4,500 |
| October 28 | Cal Poly Pomona* | Mackay StadiumReno, NV | W 28–20 | 4,500–4,600 |
| November 4 | at Sacramento State | Charles C. Hughes StadiumSacramento, CA | W 14–8 | 6,500 |
| November 11 | at Humboldt State | Redwood BowlArcata, CA | L 14–16 | 7,400–7,500 |
| November 18 | Colorado State–Greeley* | Mackay StadiumReno, NV | W 17–0 | 2,250 |
| *Non-conference gameHomecoming ||||||

## Statistics

The team tallied 2,055 yards of total offense (228.3 per game) consisting of 1,186 rushing yards (131.8 per game) and 869 passing yards (96.5 per game). On defense, they allowed opponents to gain 2,566 yards (285.1 per game) including 1,233 rushing yards (137.0 per game) and 1,333 passing yards (148.1 per game).
QuarterbackJack Renwick led the team in passing, total offense, and scoring. He completed 52 of 111 passes for 724 yards with seven touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He also gained 110 rushing yards to boost his total offense to 834 yards. He scored 53 points on six touchdowns, 14 extra point kicks, and one field goal.
The team's rushing leaders were halfbacks Bobby Herron (444 yards, 96 carries) and Cal Campbell (241 yards, 65 carries). Campbell also ranked second in scoring with 42 yards on seven touchdowns.
The team's receiving leaders were end Jim Whitaker (21 receptions, 294 yards, one touchdown) and halfback Cal Campbell (11 receptions, 130 yards, three touchdowns).
Backup quarterback Bob Alfred handled punting, averaging 39.9 yards on 48 punts. Alfred also completed 13 of 27 passes for 129 yards with three interceptions.

## Awards and honors

Three Nevada players received first-team honors on the 1961 All-Far Western Conference football team: end Jim Whitaker (first-team offense, second-team defense); defensive tackle Larry Moss; and linebacker Max Culp. Five others received second-team honors: quarterback Jack Renwick; tackle Tony Klenakis; defensive end Gary Busch; and defensive tackle Tom McKerras.