Lou Cullen

In a 1946 UNM Daily Lobo article, Lou Cullen was described as “a cross between a gazelle and a Brahma bull.” Cullen’s speed and 6-foot-1, 220-pound frame also earned him nicknames “Meadville Meteor” and “The Bruiser.”

Cullen ran the 100-yard dash in 9.6 seconds – the world record was 9.4. He played fullback from 1945-48, and was described in newspaper articles as “twisting, crashing, plowing, leaping, lugging and grabbing his way to touchdowns.” He was first team all-Border Conference in 1946, was also a great punter and played in three bowl games.

Born in Meadville, Pa., Cullen set his sights on playing college football and began his career at Western Kentucky State in 1941. In 1942, he was drafted into service for World War II, but never served overseas. He eventually landed at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque. Cullen and his bride, Joan, like the Southwest and stayed in the Albuquerque where he attended UNM on the GI Bill.

Cullen earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from UNM. He was head football and track coach at Farmington from 1948-54; assistant football coach at UNM from 1954-1959 under Bob Titchenal, Dick Clausen and Marv Levy; and assistant coach under Levy at California from 1960-63. He was the coach at Ft. Lewis College in Durango, Colo., from 1963-70.

Cullen passed away on January 3, 2000.