Written by Walter Hines The success of sports at New Mexico A&M
in the pre-World War II years can in some ways be traced to none
other than Abraham Lincoln. Under the Morrill Act signed into
law by President Lincoln in 1862, a land grant institution like
NM A&M was intended to serve the children of the "industrious
classes." The "industrious classes" were, quite simply, the
working families of America. They manned the factories, the
farms, the ranches, and the small businesses. Their sons and
daughters needed a fair break at getting an education. And in
athletic endeavors, these sturdy young men and women would prove
to be more than the equal of those at the larger, more urban
colleges. In 1893, soon after the founding of New Mexico College
of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts, an ‘Athletic Association’ was
formed to promote sports and “physical culture.” Later-to-be-
famous agriculturist, Fabian Garcia, was a founding student
member. Association members were chosen by vote of faculty and
students. The Association